Holy wow! Long time no see, my poor blog. I really neglected this place once my fall semester of college started back up...I'm kind of disappointed, but I guess it can't be helped. I keep going through a cycle of falling behind and catching up in my courses and it's kind of terrible. Hopefully I can get around to making some posts about my first few months back and visits from my best friends and more, at some point. But we shall see.

Anyway, this post isn't about my rants about school! It's about my 22nd birthday which occurred on October 5th! My wonderful boyfriend treated me out to dinner. Unfortunately, I was craving Mexican food and our favorite Mexican restaurant in town closed down...but! Luckily, a newer restaurant opened not too long ago! Also unfortunately the Greek restaurant that used to be in the building it's now occupying moved out, which is saddening because I wanted to try that place, too...

So the thing that stood out to me the most about Agave Mexican Restaurant was the service. In my opinion, it was A+ and more. My boyfriend and I never had to ask our server to do anything. He was on top of it all, and didn't need prompting. He did things of his own accord and he was very friendly, always asking us how we were doing and if we needed anything, and if we were enjoying ourselves. This was especially impressive considering the fact that the restaurant seemed a little short-staffed. I only noticed two servers working that night, and on top of it they each took a turn at the front podium to welcome and seat incoming guests. But both servers worked diligently and even answered some foreign customers' questions, which I thought was very kind of them to take the time to do such a thing.

We didn't have to wait long for our food, and the price is pretty affordable. I'm not going to say it's expensive, but it's not cheap either. Considering the large portions of food you get though I think it's very much worth it. Because you get a lot of food for your buck. I couldn't finish my entire burrito, there was so much to eat!

The restaurant itself is small but quaint, and the decor was very festive. We went around 7pm and it was just the end of dinner rush, so there was a bit of a louder noise level but it wasn't too bad.

The only real downside I found was that extra refills on chips and salsa weren't free, like at other restaurants. On one hand, I didn't like it because if you're in a large group it takes away from the appetizer aspect and munching while talking. However, considering how much food you get during your actual meal...I think paying extra for salsa and chips is worth it. It teaches you not to overeat on the appetizer and focus on the main course. Which, if you think about it, is actually pretty smart.

Overall Rating: 10/10
Overall Pricing: $11-30

To start off with, Jeremy and I both ordered a margarita. One of the reasons I wanted to go to a Mexican restaurant, besides craving Mexican food even though we eat it at home like it's going out of style, was because I was also craving a margarita. I'd never had one for myself, all to myself. Only ever shared. So I needed one.

I forget the name of Jeremy's margarita, but I do remember one thing: It had jalapenos in it! Despite the sound, it was actually quite good (I took a sip). There was a nice tang to it...except as time passed and he got to the bottom of the glass, it wasn't as tasty any longer. Even Jeremy got to the point where he couldn't finish it because it got too hot!

My margarita, I believe, was called a margarita loca. It was sweet compared to Jeremy's. But it wasn't overpoweringly sweet, which was something I liked most. Especially considering it was my first margarita I've had on my own without sharing. I really liked it. It complemented my food really well.

When people my age, or people who graduated high school the same year as me, or even friends or my boyfriend say they're graduating this year or next year, I'm overcome with a gripping amount of fear.

That should be me, too.

I was screwed over so badly by community college, though, and now I'm permanently stuck behind everyone in my age group—and maybe even stuck behind people who graduated high school a year after me and a year after that. I'm really far behind.

Transfer credits I was told, ensured, would transfer didn't. Transfer credits I checked multiple times to ensure they would transfer didn't transfer. The program they were a part of was cut the year I switched to university. No matter who I argued with or what I argued, they told me they wouldn't accept the credits. So I had to retake math over from the bottom. Yet again. Math is a prerequisite for many other classes needed. Me having to retake and even fail means that classes "standard" freshman take, I wasn't taking as a freshman.

I've also failed five classes so far total in my college career.

I don't let things like failing bother me anymore. I'm determined, and that's all that matters. If I can show people I can succeed because I'm willing to try again and not give up that should mean something. I don't learn the same as other people. College tests your memory skill and I obviously don't have the best memory. I'm not the type to always get things on the first try. I've accepted these things now and I've decided to push forward at my own pace.

But it's still terrifying to see others around me, my age, succeeding.

And here I am. Stuck. Unchanging.

Where am I going to be when my boyfriend succeeds and graduates? Where am I going to be when my friends graduate? How long will I actually be in college? Will I have to give up at some point—quit college to take a break and save money and come back later in life? Will I have to change my major just so I can graduate with a degree?

I'm scared.

On August 19th, 2015, myself, my mother, brother, and boyfriend all went to Slide Rock State Park. Jeremy is from California and has never experienced Oak Creek Canyon, and this was the perfect way to allow him to do just that.

In case you are unaware: Slide Rock State Park is a park located in Sedona, Arizona, in Oak Creek Canyon. Within Oak Creek itself there are natural slides carved out from the water movement of the rock. The water movement has smoothed the rock surface enough to create a slide in the creek, allowing for a ton of fun during the spring and summer seasons.

We explored further up Oak Creek. It was stunning. Clean, beautiful red rock, and no crowds like in the swimming area. We also found an abandoned house/building. Inside it looks as though it served as some sort of water collecting station. Above is my favorite picture of my boyfriend from the day.

Afterward, we went to the swimming hole area and the slides. We went to the slides, Jeremy and my brother Brandon jumped from the cliffs, and I swam. I excluded a picture of myself on the slide because I looked funny! Ha.

Anyway, it was a wonderful day of family, fun, and love. A good way to end summer with fall semester starting in two weeks. I'm also grateful Jeremy got to experience a huge part of my childhood, because I use to go to Slide Rock ever summer since I was eight years old.

Today's product collage promotion is going to be quick and simple on my part in order to allow you to instead just go browse the site-wide sale going on until August 24th. Really, instead of reading about it here you should be checking it out on your own! You can get 33% or 35% off depending on your total purchase amount!

Here are my quick top picks for this sale:

Blue Floral Crochet Striped Loose T-Shirt - I chose this shirt for he specific reason that I see it everywhere and it looks so cute and comfy. It's a simple shirt that can be worn with anything, depending on if you want to come off casual or professional. The crochet adds a nice flair to the shirt and makes it really cute. I also like that it's a "loose" t-shirt because those are obviously always comfy, and also that the sleeves appear almost mid-sleeve but act more as a regular shirt sleeve. I've seen many fashion bloggers do a review for this shirt and love it! Click HERE.

Grey Kimono Sleeve Striped Knit Cardigan - This is a personal favorite of mine and if I had the money right now it would be in my closet ASAP! I love this kimono cardigan. But I am also a huge fan of cardigans in general. I love that it's striped and that it's neutral colors so you can match it with anything you please if you prefer color coordination. According to reviews, it's very thin material so I'm guessing it's made more for the summer and early autumn months. But even so! It's cute and kimono cardigans are adorable when layered. Click HERE.

White Black Sleeveless Striped Dress - Stripes, although I don't own a lot of them, are kind of my favorite. They're really in style a lot lately and they look so great paired with (like in this picture) golden accessories or even super bright colors! There are a million ways to accentuate neutral striped clothing. I like this dress for that reason. I also like it because at the back there are adorable little buttons to add some personality to the dress. Click HERE.

Purple Dip Hem Sequined Top - I recently went on a shopping trip of my own to replace some clothes in my closet and dip hem tops were some of my top choice of clothing I purchased. That's why I chose this top. The color is perfect for autumn. It appears to be a deep maroon-purple and just really gives off that fall color feel. The sequined elbows add some adorable personality to the top, as well. Click HERE.

My choice for clothes this time was quick and to the point! But don't stop at what clothes I've picked! Take a look at the entire site-wide sale, and make sure you do so fast because it ends August 24th!

Today, despite being a bit busy and not really having time to myself and seeing the day flash before my eyes so quickly,

Anyway, I stayed up pretty late "last night" before going to sleep. As in, I didn't go to sleep until almost three in the morning. It's a normal occurrence, although I need to figure out how to make it a little manageable for when fall semester starts.

But back to my point, my day was really good because my boyfriend Jeremy isn't the sentimental type. I've stated it before but really he's not and I feel as though I have to stress that a lot. Yes he loves me. Yes he expresses he loves me, quite a lot. But in different ways. He has his own love language. He's just a very quiet person and that's okay. When we go to sleep, usually there's a routine. One of us says goodnight first. If it's him that says it first, I reply with, "Goodnight, I love you," and he tells me he loves me too. If it's me that says goodnight first, I wait for him to say it in reply and then tell him I love him and he says it back.

This morning, though, I said goodnight first and he immediately responded with, "Goodnight. Love you," and that seriously just made me so happy. I'm pretty sure I fell asleep faster than I have been lately (I've been having sleeping troubles) and it put me in a good mood for when I woke up around one in the afternoon. Even though all I did today was clean the apartment—like literally every single surface—and do some dishes, I had a great day because of those few simple words.

It's not that Jeremy doesn't say I love you often enough—like I said, he has his own love language. He's more of the type to express his love through actions rather than words. He does say I love you, though. To be honest, even if he didn't say it that often, I don't really mind either way. Yes I am the type to need just a little bit of reassurance but I'm learning to not rely on that as often. I really only express my love in words because a lot of the time, it's not that I want a reply back. I just want to remind him that he's awesome and that I'm here and that I care.

Treasure the small things with those you love, and always keep in mind people have different love languages and ways to express themselves. Sometimes Jeremy and I have our ups and downs because of this. We're still learning each other's language. We're still young, we've only been together a year and nine months. We only started living together after a year and a half. It's only natural there will be mix-ups and misunderstandings. But whether this happens a lot or not patience, compromise, and understanding is needed in any relationship. Jeremy and I have that, and that's why we keep growing. And that's why as time goes on and I learn more about him and the way he loves—even if I need reassurance, I also know that he loves me. So, I treasure the small moments like the one early this morning where he said he loved me first.

Okay so. I don't wear makeup. It's just not my thing. I feel really weighed down when I wear makeup and uncomfortable. The most I wear now anymore is mascara—but on very rare occasions—and this thing called Chapstick that doesn't really classify as "makeup" if you ask me.

But recently I got a gift from one of my best friends and in this package she sent, among other things, was Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Balm Stain.

Now, Lacey knows I don't wear lipstick. Or makeup. So she must have sent me this because she really absolutely loved it and wanted me to try it.

Today, I finally left the apartment to go grocery shopping. And I thought, hey I should probably try Lacey's gift out so I can tell her if I like it or not. And by God I really freaking love this lip stain!!!

As always, my favorite fashion site ever is having yet another sale. Seriously, SheIn always has a sale going on. If you're looking for quality clothing for cheap or decent prices, then SheIn is the place to go.

As of right now, they have a "Summer Further Markdown" sale going on. Meaning some items are as much as 28% off! If you spend a certain amount of money, you can also get an extra $5 or $10 off your total purchase. The details for that will be found at the end of this post. But even if you don't meet the requirements, you can still get cute and fashionable clothing for cheap with this sale.

Like always, I will be choosing some of my favorites from the sale and showing them off to you!

You can find more things such as clothing, shoes, and accessories on sale for SheIn's Summer Further Markdown by CLICKING HERE! Also keep in mind for this sale if you spend over $59, you get an extra $5 off; if you spend over $109, you can get an extra $10 off! The codes for that are found above.

Happy shopping, lovelies!