My Sister's Closet: All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten

                                               

                                           

Dress, Cardigan: Anthropologie; Tights: TJ Maxx; Boots: Vince Camuto via Nordstrom

Sometimes (usually when I'm tired and lacking better judgement) my inner kindergartner busts out an I-just-jumped-out-of-the-crayon-box-colored ensemble. Magenta, sunshiney yellow, hot pink, green—it's like my 5-year-old self's dream outfit. And I end up at work (in NYC mind you, where it's practically a sea of black and navy) getting a lot of "Oh, what a... bright outfit" and awkward side glances. So what if I dress like a kindergartner? After all, all I really need to know I learned in kindergarten. You know, like to take naps, share, flush, say sorry—that sort of thing.

Now you tell me, do you ever find yourself dressed like you're five—and loving it?

Winter Sophistication

Coat: Banana Republic, Gloves: T.J. Maxx, Pants: F21, Boots: Tory Burch

I love Audrey Hepburn. Her style is classic and timeless, something I always strive for. This is my mom's coat. I just love it – I think it's gorgeous. But, it's not exactly something I would just wear around campus. It is more like high tea at Kensington Palace material. Believe it or not, I have had high tea at Kensington Palace. I like to tell myself I'm legit. Unfortunately, I wasn't wearing this coat, but worn out Sperry Topsiders and a wrinkled skirt...the remains of a long study abroad. Until, the next time I have high tea at Kensington Palace, I'll just wear it around the front yard posing like a Greek statue. 

Polka Pantaloons

Shirt: J. Crew Factory, Pants, Belt: F21, Shoes: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack,

Watch: Michael Kors, Jewelry: Nordstrom Rack, F21

These pants are thrilling. They are funky, chic, and a bit wild. But more importantly, they are comfy. I sort of felt like I was wearing my P.J.'s to school. It was truly liberating. Not exactly acing my philosophy test was okay only because my pants were so comfy. I did get a few strange looks on campus, but I just grinned in return and thought to myself, "You wish your jammies were these cute suckas!"  

I Couldn't Ask For More

The title of this post sounds like a cheesy love song. Although it may be cheesy, it is not a song. I don't sing songs because if I did, I would shatter your ear drums. And then you would never want to be friends ever again. 

As much as I love clothes and fashion, it does not consume every second of everyday and it is not my deepest love. Surprising, I know. 

I want to talk about two things that I love oh so dearly: My Family and Dance.

My most likely last dance concert took place this weekend. I spent the whole week rehearsing with my best friends. Place a bunch of sweaty, tired, delirious girls together, and what do you get? Pure blissful, giggly, fun. No other words. Those long, hard rehearsal weeks are some of the best of my life. 

We hadn't seen the sun in a while

Andy was as cute and supportive as a man could be. I got in the car every morning to an encouraging note and a bucket o' treats. I might have diabetes from all of the sugar intake now, but it was worth it.

My family came to support me every night. They are the best.

This is what happens when I leave Andy with the camera unattended. My bum in tight, sequin leggings...awesome.

I had the biggest support group on Saturday night. I am so lucky for my own family and for the amazing family I married into.

I love that my Grandma came. I loved it so much I even cried.

It was so much fun, but a little sad at the same time. That was the last time I will ever dance in concert with my beautiful cougs. 

One of the best parts of this weekend was spending time with my sisters. Mike flew in from NYC and we hung out all day saturday. We all love each other so much. These two are my very best friends. And aren't they stunning?!

Before the last show, I shared this quote which perfectly describes the way I feel about dance, and what dance has done for me. 

"Back before time began, God developed a plan. He would create us, and we would worship Him. Psalm 149:3 tells us, "Let them praise his name with dancing."

And so it is with the Divine Dance. Before you are ever ready to dance for the Lord with the world watching, you must dance for the Lord's eyes alone. As you stand in the middle of God's classroom and wait for the music to start, He gives you only one command: "Worship me." He leaves you the freedom to let your creative juices flow. Don't be afraid to be bold; God made you. You don't need to impress Him, because He knows your heart. But He also knows your capabilities, so dance with all your might. As you dance from your soul for the God who created you, you will be consumed with the spirit. At last your heart will begin to beat with God's heart. You will hear a song written just for you, and you will dance the dance you have wanted to dance your whole life. He is the ever-patient Teacher. With each graceful movement you take toward God, you will find the dance becomes easier. Using your own gifts to serve God will give you a sense of purpose. So if I can offer you a piece of advice as you lace up your dancing shoes, let it be this: Dance unashamed. Rise up and shout that you are the beloved of God and that you are here to proclaim His name. Don't be quiet about it, and don't be timid. Praise His name with dancing. Give Him all the glory, and enjoy the performance--God will certainly enjoy it! As you dance, you will face hard times and tough practices but have fun. Let the music flow through you. Then, when you are ready, God will open the doors and lead you to the stage, where the world will be able to watch. What they see will amaze them, just as it amazed you when you caught your first glimpse of yourself dancing the Divine Dance. The woman who dances only for God will be different. She will be unlike anything the world has ever seen. She will be bold and daring, gentle and caring--all at the same time. She will be you, but she will be more than you. She will be God in you--for the entire world to see."

Shannon Kubiak Primicerio

It was such a wonderful weekend. I feel so blessed to be a part of my family and to have been so blessed to be able to do what I love! 

Bubblemint

Shirts, Necklace, Belt: J. Crew Factory, Skirt:H&M, Tights: T.J. Maxx Shoes: Seychelles via Nordstrom

Have you ever had Bubblemint gum? It looks so alluring in that sparkly package. And once it touches your taste buds you're like, "What is going on here?!" It's like a party in your mouth. It's sweet, it's fresh, it's tangy, it's minty – it can't decide what it wants to be. Kinda like my outfit... 

 Blazer: Nordstrom, Shirt: F21, Boots: Tory Burch

It has been a really busy week. I don't have much to say, except happy Friday! I hope you enjoy the weekend!

A Show You Don't Want to Miss

I have mentioned before that I am so lucky to be a part of the BYU Cougarettes, which is the dance team at my university. It takes up a rather large chunk of my life, but I wouldn't have it any other way. It is SO much fun. It gives me a chance to dance and express my passion, as well as spend countless hours with my best friends. Best friends who are outrageous dancers, beautiful girls, and the nicest people you will ever meet. One of my favorite things about Cougarettes is the fact that it merges two of the most important things to me: the gospel of Jesus Christ and Dance. Those two things have never  been connected for me, and it really is an amazing experience – a life changing experience. It brings a whole new light to being passionate about something. 

This weekend the Cougarettes are performing in concert. We only do one concert a year in which we perform hip hop, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, and pom routines. I'm not bragging up myself, but rather my teammates. The Cougarettes are 9 time National Champions and the reigning Hip Hop National Champions. The show really is an amazing one. So if you live in Utah and you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, come check out the BYU Cougarettes in concert. I promise you will enjoy it!

Ruffles and Polka Dots

Blouse, Sweater: J. Crew Factory, Skirt, Tights: T.J. Maxx, 

Shoes: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom Rack, Necklace: J. Crew, Glasses: Lookmatic

Polka Dots are really in right now, or so it seems. Maybe my sisters and I are just obsessed with them, maybe we always have been. And ruffles, are just ruffles. Cute, feminine, and fun. Sometimes I say to myself, "You can't wear polka dots or ruffles, you wore them yesterday." But they always seem to creep into my outfits someway or the other. But honestly, I'm not too upset about it. Oh, and it snowed – a lot. Hence, the driveway pictures. It was a "hurry lets take these pictures before I freeze my bum off" kind of moment. Thank heavens for a supportive and encouraging husband. Without him, these pictures wouldn't exist. 

Oh and Yes, my glasses are crooked...So what if I have a crooked nose?

A Girl's Best Friend

Shirt: H&M, Skirt: Nordstrom, Tights: F21, Shoes: Seychelles via Nordstrom, 

Jewelry: J. Crew, Nordstrom Rack

You know how it is always said that "diamonds are a girl's best friend?" Well, I'd like to argue against that. While diamonds are gorgeous, lovely, and oh so sparkly, do you go to your diamond for love, comfort, and instant happiness? If so, good for you. I, on the other hand, have a friend in Ben and Jerry's. Ben and Jerry's "Cinnamon Buns" to be exact. Caramel ice cream with cinnamon bun dough and cinnamon streusel swirl. It is life changing I tell you, LIFE CHANGING! 

Our friend Brooke came to stay with us for a day. We love it when Brooke comes to stay. She is an amazing ski racer, funny, nice, and so much fun to be around. We just really love her. A lot. I introduced her to the amazing creation that is Cinnamon Buns and she fell in love. So, if you're looking for love, or just instant happiness, go getcha some cinnamon lovin'!