While the boyfriend is away...

I wear his band's t-shirt (you should get one too, they're mega cute) and indulge in way too much McDonalds.

On second thought, I'm pretty sure I eat too much McDonalds every day...

Anyways. Mr. Blake is on his way to hop on a big boat to go on a cruise.

And I am in Springfield. In my apartment. Alone. Watching Sex and the City & eating ... McDonalds. I did, however, come up with a to do list for a week without Blake.

*Go back "home" to stay the night with Breighann, so we can watch the Bachelorette together.

*Chill out with my papa, talk him into finally getting some Krispy Kremes with me (I've been at it for about a week now. Apparently his diet is getting in the way. Bah).

*Watch the rest of Season 3 & possibly most of Season 4 of Sex & the City, and maybe even some Mad Men... (too much tv via the internet...)

*rearrange my bedroom (for the 3rd time in a month)

*paint my nails (of course)

*finish blogging my "Mr. Right" series over at After Your Heart

*go grocery shopping (I desperately need food in my home)

*write letters to a few key people I've been missing lately

*go to ArtWalk and see Anna's photography show at the Hub (Yay Anna!)

*get a smoothie

*get more smoothies

I have been on a huge smoothie kick lately. The new coffee shop downtown that I blogged about recently, Boca Mocha, has the most wonderful peach smoothie. Sadly, it's closed on Sunday's, so I resorted to the new mango/pineapple smoothie at McDonald's. Mostly because I had a $1 off coupon and today was the last day to use it. #imjustlikemymom

The upside to that, though, was getting a free redbox rental. So in the end, it's all good.

So, my week without Blake is starting today, and tomorrow afternoon, all communication ends until Friday or so. Blah, blah, blah. No bueno.

But I'll be fine! I've got Sex & the City and lots writing to finish up.

Be sure to check out After Your Heart - a lot happened this week!

And check out Breigh's blog, too! :)

xo Haley

Being Holly Golightly: A How-To Guide.

I don't know about you, but to me, Holly Golightly was the ultimate cool girl. She was a pseudo-sophisticate, hurt soul, and free spirit.

In short, Holly Golightly is every girl in the world.
As the somewhat heroin of Truman Capote's short story, Breakfast at Tiffany's (and the character that Audrey Hepburn so famously brought to life), Holly embodies what is inside all of us: a girl just trying to live. A girl that is fighting for the life she's never had, but has always thought she deserved. But there's something about Holly I think we could all learn from.

Holly uses a fake name & refuses to name her cat. This is what strikes me so beautiful about her. She doesn't give her own pet a name. She claims that her cat doesn't really belong to her, just as she doesn't belong to anyone. Holly is young, and hasn't yet found her place in the world - so attaching herself to one identity is a silly idea to her.

Holly can't find anything in her apartment. This, to me, tells the reader (or viewer, if you're watching the movie) that she's ready to leave if need be. She loves New York, but when her time there is done, she'll be ready to leave. Settling in one place is a good thing, everyone needs to feel at home somewhere, but Holly has a thing or two right about not unpacking. Keep a suitcase ready to go at any moment, you never know when a surprise trip will come up. :)

She parties like there's no tomorrow. I think it's safe to say that Holly can throw a darn good party. She knows the right people & they know all about partying. It's so funny to watch the party scene in the movie, because even when the police come to break up the party, she's seen leaving her own party & giving the police direction as to where it is. That's the free spirit in Holly that I love so much. I'm not suggesting you go out and drink until you pass out, but have a girls night, get prettied up, dress like you actually have somewhere to be, and have a good time with your friends.

She's stylish, classy, and always polite. Holly calls everyone 'darling,' and dresses simply, yet beautifully. Holly always reminds me that you can never go wrong with a little black dress and some pearls... no matter what decade it is. Next time you go out with the girls, or with your boyfriend, throw on the little black dress, and look effortlessly cool.

Holly was the ultimate "It" Girl. One of the most memorable things about Holly to her friends was that she was so mysterious; she could keep just about anyone interested in what she was doing, or what she had to say. That is what is so appealing about her character - the mystery that is Holly Golightly. So be mysterious! Go on dates and not tell your life story, go to a party and not talk about yourself the whole time. Ask questions & genuinely be interested.

Doing these things is not that hard, but here's some extra Holly Golightly inspired tips to being your own brand of an "It Girl"

• When you get the 'Mean Reds', hop in a cab and go to Tiffany's! The 'Mean Reds' are when you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Don't confuse the 'Mean Reds' with the 'Blues'.
• Never use slang.
• Drop all bad habits - except losing your downstairs apartment key. Buzz someone in your apartment building to get in, and keep your key for you actual apartment.
• Don't drive, take cabs everywhere.
• Be a free spirit.
• Write in cursive -when Holly sends Fred a letter it's in cursive, its very elegant.
• Keep extra perfume and lipstick in your mailbox for last minute touch ups.

"Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot." - Holly Golightly

xo Haley

Life in Instagrams

I don't have an iPhone.

Quite the opposite actually.

I used to have this cute little (non-smart phone) touch screen phone, that I liked a lot. And then the battery life on it decided to just..quit. So instead of making an investment and getting an iPhone... we downgraded, and got me a crappy little flip phone. I'm not sure why I'm telling you any of this.

But anyways, boyfriend upgraded a few months from a 5 year old Razr to a brand new white iPhone 4.... lucky. So it's not unheard of for me to steal it and log into my Instagram account...that I also keep logged into on both of my parent's iPhones. I mooch, what can I say.

So here's a recap of my birthday weekend!Not exactly from my birthday weekend, but from birthday week. Yes, I deserved a weeklong celebration ;)

Blake took me to see Fleet Foxes in St. Louis, and it was absolutely fantastic. Blake isn't really a fan of Fleet Foxes, but I have a feeling that this concert made a fan out of him...maybe. :) It was awesome. I want to see them again. Soon.
Blake took me out for a birthday breakfast at Aunt Martha's pancake house, where I ate way too much. It was so. good.
Best birthday present ever! I feel like such a grown up getting new bedding for my birthday and actually being excited about it. Blake got me all of the homey things I've been eyeing on UO for the past forevers. The duvet cover is reversible, so double win with that one, and the owl pillow cases are the cutest things ever. And the yellow pillow... my favorite. Friday night was spent relaxing after a long evening of partying at my parent's. Dad grilled steaks and made homemade ice cream for me, Blake & Breigh. We had so much fun - highlight of the evening was trying to perfect Teen Mom Farrah's cry face. On Saturday, Blake's band The Midwest Indies had a show at a local coffee shop, so we all went that, my parents included (it was their first time seeing them!), and immediately after was a surprise birthday party for me that my sweet boyfriend planned, and his sweet momma kiiiinda told me about a bit too early ;)Blake also got me these shoes, and some floral oxfords. We wear the cutest shoes.
I started on a painting for Mr. Kern. He gave me a list of words to help get me inspired for a type of painting he wants... but in the end, I decided to go with what I wanted to paint. Ha. Lucky best friend! :)
I love going out on little lunch dates with my dad! Especially when I don't get to see him as often anymore. It's always a treat.

Yesterday, my momma called me up and asked me to go to lunch with her and my little brother, so they picked me up and we went to the Bistro Market downtown, before they went to see a movie. I miss them lots!

Also something to mention - Blake and I have rented a plethora of movies from Redbox lately: No Strings Attached, Chain Letter, and Piranha. The last two were outrageously dumb. But No Strings Attached was pretty cute, if not predictable.

Don't forget to check out After Your Heart today! Breigh and I both blogged yesterday!

And speaking of Breigh, she just wrote a great blog about getting your heart & head on the same page! * Breighann, when I say my blog friends are better than my real life friends, obviously that doesn't mean you. Now that you have a blog, you're a blog friend too. Love your biffersss ♥

Anyways, thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes. Love you!

xo Haley

I am unbelievably excited to be able to *finally* share this with you all!

Claire and I originally planned to open up our new blog yesterday, but after my phone died, and not being able to charge it + get on the internet, we weren't able to actually post anything! So here it finally is!

After Your Heart is a combined effort between me, Claire & Breigh. We all share a huge passion for sharing God's word with others - specifically girls our age. So basically what you can expect from our new blog is a Bible study of sorts - a big mix of fun things from the Bible, our thoughts on it, and personal experience from each of us.

I could go on & on telling you what this new blog is about, but you can check it out for yourself (here).

If this is your sort of thing, then cool, follow our blog! but if not, that's cool too. We still love you!

xo Haley

BIRTHDAY TAKE OVER!!

IT'S HALEY'S BIRTHDAY!! SWAG 2 THA MAXXXX!!



Hi, blog world! This is Blake, Haley's boyfriend, and I am taking over this blog for just a moment. Haley doesn't know this, but I figured out her password and I totally jacked her blog. It's 2:30 in the morning and seeing that Haley is fast asleep, I just wanted to use this to surprise her and wish her a happy birthday on this special occasion! I'm going to do my best to not make this some sappy cheese-fest for you guys (or should I say ladies?), but I just wanted to take this time to tell you guys what all Haley means to me. And please bare with me on this. I'm not the world's greatest writer and I have a terrible time explaining myself, so if it get's a little rough at times I apologize in advance! You guys, the reader, are truly amazing! You have no idea the kind of impact you have on Haley's life. She's even stated at one point that her blog friends are better than her real friends. So I just wanted to thank you guys for having such an awesome impact in Haley's life.

Haley and I have been together for a little over 7 months now. 222 days to be exact. And I couldn't be more happier than I am right now. I knew from the first moment I saw Haley that she was the one meant for me. She looked at me with those intense, beautiful eyes and showed me that amazing smile and it completely rocked my world since that moment on. Nobody has ever shown me that kind of affection or made me feel like I truly matter to them in such a way that Haley has. I've never been the outgoing kind of guy. I used to spend all my time listening to music and going to see movies alone. Basically, being a loner. But Haley completely changed all that when she came into my life. She completely saw through everything that typically drove people away, and wanted to be closer to me. She made me feel like I was actually special, like I was something that was worth fighting for. I hadn't ever experienced that in my life until we started dating. Haley gives me purpose and a reason to strive for a great future. Besides music, Haley has been the biggest inspiration in my life. Everything she does from her paintings to her devote relationship with Jesus, to even her blog that you guys read every single week inspires me like you wouldn't even believe. I have the best friend in the entire world. Haley is someone I've completely given my heart to and my life is completely devoted to making her happy in everything that we do. The joy she brings into my life is so overwhelming. Nobody has ever made me smile more or given me such an intense purpose with my life. I know that everything I do in life, I was meant to do it all with Haley by my side. I couldn't get by through a single day without her. I love her more than anything in this world with my entire heart and more. I'm so incredibly lucky to be apart of her life every single day. Haley is the most unique, most gifted person I have ever met. She can take a completely ordinary thing and turn it into something all her own. It's incredible being able to see her thoughts and ideas come to life. I wish I had one ounce of that talent and creativity that she carries around. She's just an incredibly special person and I just want everyone to see that. I can't wait to spend my life with her. She makes me happier more than anything (as if you can't tell) and I'm excited to see what our lives together will be like in the next twenty years! I love you, Haley Tyson. You're the most important, most incredibly special person to me in my life. Don't go changing, pretty lady! No matter what anybody may tell you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me.
Happy birthday, cougar mama!

Here are some of my favorite pictures of us together throughout our relationship so far. But I think you guys have already seen them before:













Since I'm such a music nerd, I wanted to show you guys the top 5 songs that make me think of Haley:

1. The Knife - "Heartbeats (live)"



-- I remember the first time I played this song for Haley. She gave me the weirdest look and told me this song was so strange, and she doesn't know if she can like it. Weeks later, I come over and I'm creeping on her iTunes and low and behold, I find that she has downloaded not just this song, but this entire album by The Knife. This is what Haley does. I play her a song I think she'll like. She'll then act like she hates it. Then weeks later, she's in love with it. I've got my girl completely figured out. And if you're curious as to how much Haley likes this song. Well... it's going to be in our wedding someday and Haley wants to walk down the aisle to it. That's how much she likes it!

2. Beach House - "10 Mile Stereo"



-- I don't think Haley listens a band more than Beach House. It's constantly playing when I go to her house. CONSTANTLY. It's as if this is all she ever listens to. She has a freaking playlist made entirely out of her favorite Beach House songs. It's crazy. But I love Beach House as well, so I can't complain.

3. Smith Westerns - "Imagine, Pt. 3"



-- Smith Westerns was the first concert Haley and I went to together back in February in Kansas City. Besides two terrible opening bands and a really late start, it was an incredible show. I had already seen Smith Westerns the previous year, but I know Haley really enjoyed it. She has already told she wants to see them again. This makes me really happy because I do too. The drive home after sucked though. It started raining and on the way home I missed our turn off, so what was supposed to be a 2 and a half hour trip became a 4 hour drive because I drove us half way through the state to Joplin, and then back home. That was such a long night, but a truly fun one. It was completely worth it. That is something I will never forget.

4. Bonnie Tyler - "Total Eclipse of the Heart"



-- How could I not post this song? If you guys truly know Haley, then you will know this is her favorite song in the entire world. Besides maybe "Like A Prayer" by Madonna. BUT. She loves this song. And I do too. It's so freaking incredible! I can't ever get enough of it. So when Haley and I listen to it, we generally listen to it twice, just to get the full effect of how amazing it is!

5. Justin Bieber - "Never Say Never"



--Alright, I hate this kid. But seeing that it's Haley's birthday and all I had to post it. She's a belieber. She has bieber fever. She's just a freak. Just kidding! But I know how much Haley and her other (weirdo) blog friends love this kid, so I couldn't leave him out. It's just funny because I'm the one who started it by taking her to see his movie on Valentines Day. Before that she didn't have one care for him in the entire world. And now, she even has that she's a belieber in her Twitter bio (ridiculous). I have to hear about how in love with him she is along with what seems like every other dude in america right now, but whatevs. The kid can sing and is a pop idol. Mad props to him for getting Salena Gomez. GET OVER IT LADIES!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HALEY! I <3 YOU! Also, since I'm on here. You guys should follow my blog. I haven't posted anything in a few weeks, but just do it. Please? :)

On my last day of being a teenager..

Just fyi... this post is h u g e.

Tomorrow, I will turn 20 years old.

Not that 20 is the most exciting of ages, but this is a big deal to me.

I have been a teenager for so long - it's weird to think that I won't be one tomorrow.

I've decided to share a little timeline of sorts, just for fun.

And please know that I am sharing these pictures with you out of pure love for you guys... because some of these are embarrassing. Like the first picture below for example. Absolutely atrocious.

In 7th grade, little 13 year old Haley had brace + glasses + really bad curly hair + was a Jr. High cheerleader. I was one big awesome mess. *I'm sorry Breigh* .... 15 year old Haley lost the braces, found the wonders of a flat iron, but kept the glasses. Breigh and I were the best of friends that year...and in all honesty, have been ever since. We're quite inseparable. Colby and I became friends the summer I turned 16. I didn't know he was gay. We were both in our local production of The Music Man, and although we instantly click, we quickly became best friends.I spent almost every Monday night of my teenage years with my grandma. This will forever be one of my favorite memories of Jr. High & High School. I love my grandma so so much.I got my first tattoo. It took 7 minutes, and didn't hurt a bit. So for the people that ask me if tattoos actually hurt, I'm the worst person to ask.

I went to New York, and I never wanted to leave. Although, I'd never been on a plane before, so I was super stoked to get back on one to go home. That was pretty darn exciting. Also, I'm pretty sure I left the purse in the picture above in the closet of our hotel room. Lucky maid who found it - I really loved that purse.

My dad, Cassie, and I have been to every midnight showing of the Twilight series so far. We've also had a designated t-shirt making night the week before the movie, as well. We're so serious about Twilight. I got my license 3 months before turning 19. To say this was an accomplishment would be an understatement. I took the written permit test 9 times before finally passing, and then barely passed with 71 on the driving test. You need a 70 to pass. I got super lucky with that one. I went to my senior prom with my best friend. I graduated. Breigh and I stayed to go to school in Springfield, Cassie moved to St. Louis to go Lindenwood University & is studying film acting, and Alyssa moved to Kirksville to go to Truman University, where I believe she is pre-med. I'm so proud of my friends. :)
I met some the best women I'll ever know through this blog. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful role models in my life. *love you JanellyBean & Jamie!*

I have the most wonderful boyfriend ever, ever, ever! He's too good to me.

Over the past few years, I've learned so much, and got to do so many things.

I battled depression and cutting for 2 years; I lost a best friend, but gained so many new ones in turn; I snuck a boy into my house at 3 am, and thought I wouldn't get caught, but did; I went through relationship hell, but it taught me some of the greatest lessons I'll ever learn; I had the worst case of pink eye my eye doctor has ever seen (I had pink eye in both eyes and cuts on both corneas. I legitimately had to wear sunglasses indoors. at night. for reals); I went through the application process at Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau twice before deciding I shouldn't move away; I've wanted to be a Broadway actress, a journalist, a mortician & funeral director, a mommy, and a record store owner; I went to a My Chemical Romance + Green Day concert at the young age of 14...note to parents: never let your 8th grade daughter see those two bands live; I've gotten to see all three brothers grow into such handsome young men (with the exception of my 12 year old brother, Tucker, who acts like he's 5. but he's still cute); I was with my best friend when she was diagnosed with a kidney disease, a cried with her through brain tumors, and countless stupid boys, all in one year's time; I moved out of my parents home, and actually entered the stress of the real world; I've realized just how blessed I am.

I'm excited for the next 10 years.

And I'm sure that I'll be doing a blog just like this a decade from now recapping my 20's.

I'm thankful for everything I've been through, every breath I've been given, and every opportunity that has been handed to me.

I'm also quite thankful for all of you - I have the best readers in the world. You all are so fantastic & supportive. I'm so lucky to have fallen into the world of blogging. Without it, I wouldn't have made all of these great friends. I love you :)

Today, I'm spending my last day as a teenager reading Harry Potter, watching silly girly movies, and painting. I have an interview later to be a nanny for a sweet family in town *wish me luck* and then Blake is going to make mac & cheese, and we're going to wait for midnight to come, so I can say that I am officially 20 years old. :)

Have a wonderful day. ♥

xo Haley

It's my birthday week!

Finally!

I feel like I have been waiting for this week to come since my last birthday! On Friday, I will finally be out of my dreaded teen years, and be in my twenties. I've never been so excited! Of course, next year when I turn 21, I'll probably say the same exact thing. ;)

This week is so full of exciting things: tomorrow, Blake is taking me to St. Louis to see Fleet Foxes. I'm so, so excited! In addition to seeing Fleet Foxes, I get to see Mr. Max, the cutest little 2 year old ever - I think Blake is more excited about seeing him than going to the show. Haha, silly.

I know 20 isn't a huge deal, but I'm excited - I'm almost finally out of my teenage years. This is a big deal to me! I don't know what I want to do for my birthday though. All of my friends are too far away to do something with... except for Breigh. Breigh, let's hang out! (P.s. Breigh has a blog now!)

Have a good week, and happy birthday week to me! ;)

xo Haley

p.s. Claire and I have some finally planning to do (I promise I'll email you soon, Claire!), but we are going to finally unveil our secret plans very, very soon! Stay tuned for more information. ♥

Boca Mocha + Harry Potter

A few days ago, Blake and I tried a new coffee shop in downtown Springfield (as if it needed another one...). It's called Boca Mocha, and it took the place of my favorite coffee shop, Rendezvous. Walking in, I was so excited to see all the changes the new owners had made - the atmosphere was completely different and it's all so bright and airy! I absolutely can't wait for Colby to come back so he and I can go together. Rendezvous was our favorite to go to, so maybe this can be our new favorite!
I'm a coffee girl, but I got a peach smoothie (I'm on a smoothie kick lately, I got one today too!). It was so. yum.

I definitely wanted to go back today for my smoothie fix, but they're not open on Sundays. Sad face. Maybe next time!
Blake and I saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 last night.... and again this afternoon. We loved it! Blake is a huge Harry Potter fan, so obviously he loved it a bit more than I did, but I still enjoyed it. I've never read the books, but I've seen all of the movies. Earlier this year, I started reading the first book, but never finished. Maybe I'll start it again this week? Have any of you seen it yet??

xo Haley

p.s. I made this wreath for mine and Anna's home! What do you think? I'm pretty much in love with it.

Front Porch Creeping.

Last night the weather was so wonderful we decided to eat dinner on the front porch! It was a nice change of pace, since we're used to eating dinner on my bedroom floor. Plus, all week we've had heat advisories, so the cool(ish) weather was so great! Blake made us a yummy dinner of tortellini with alfredo sauce and crab. So. Good. This was actually the third time we've had this meal this week...
We also have this habit of spying on the neighbors across the street..... and then tweeting about it.

Today, I am finishing up some projects for the house (Anna is hosting a bachelorette party at the house, so we gotta make it look totes adorbs). On top of that, I met with a friend from school yesterday who recently got engaged and has commissioned me to do a painting for them! I'm so excited!

Tonight, Blake and I will probably go to Boca Mocha, the new coffee shop in the old location of my all time favorite coffee shop. Sad face. But I'm excited to try the new one!

Have a good Thursday, see you soon :)

xo Haley

p.s. Blake is silly...