Category: 11…

11…
A list of things, people, places, whosits, whatsit, and random things I write about on Mondays at 11:11.

11..., Lifestyle

11… Reasons I Take Sporadic Breaks from Social Media

RaeAnna
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I’ve been hiding from the world for a week and a half. Beau hasn’t complained.

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If I can’t see the world, that means I’m successfully hiding. Beau is not convinced. | Pajamas | Sweater | Hat | Sheets | Bed Frame |

Every once in awhile I basically disappear from social media. I don’t consciously decide to take a break; it just happens. I won’t post for a week or two. It doesn’t mean I’ve quit, I’m just having an accidental social media detox. This is the first post in a week and a half; I was kinda done with life and needed to disentangle myself.

  1. I have a life, and I get busy. When life is happening, I don’t have time to post. 
  2. Being present with my loved ones and all the people I choose to spend time with will always be more important to me than posting at a certain time. 
  3. PTSD is a bitch. When I’m in the throws of a bad day or a bad week or a bad month, being a successful blogger is on the back burner. I’m just trying to hold it all together and not be a human puddle. 
  4. Traveling sucks up my time. When I’m behind the wheel, I’m obviously not going to post. 
  5. Sickness. I hate working when I’m sick, so I don’t. 
  6. BURN OUT!!! It’s real. I’ve been dealing with some burn out lately. Not necessarily because of Instagram or social media. Just burnt out in general on a lot of things. When the burn out hits, though, I’m gonna take a break. It can strike at any time.   
  7. Migraines are horrible. I refuse to stare at a bright screen when my head feels like home to a mutiny.
  8. I’m lazy. 
  9. Work takes up way more of my time than I would like it to. When I’m busy, I literally can’t stop the word flow to post. It can be hard to hold onto thought streams as a writer, so I refuse to interrupt it. 
  10. There are periods of time where I lose all brain activity and have zero original thoughts. At least, it feels like that is true. It’s hard to be an enthusiastic content creator when I don’t feel like I’m creative. 
  11. I’m not in the mood to deal with the fucking algorithm. The algorithm sucks, and I don’t want to deal with it. Instagram hates me, and I don’t want to deal with the shitty, shitty interaction percentages because NO ONE sees what I post because Instagram withholds them because Instagram hates me. 

I’m never going to feel bad about not posting because it is my life and my feed. Being present is more important to me than having a plugged in and constantly curated social media existence. I love my job. I love being a blogger. I love connecting with everyone. I love sharing my life with each and every one of you. Sometimes, I need a vacation or mental break from being present all the time.  

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Hello, world. I’m blogging again after a small recess.
11..., Lifestyle

11… Things I’m Going to Do in 2020 for the Blog

RaeAnna
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Doing what I have to in order to get the picture in Des Moines. | Camera | Flannel | Sweater | Jeans | Scarf | Boots | Purse | Hat | 

I’m not much for resolutions or goals, but these aren’t resolutions. These are small things I’m going to do this year because I’m going to need a reminder of the things I thought about doing at one point when I’m bored and can’t remember what I want to do. These are all blog focused because I have loads of ideas, and then I forget about those ideas the moment I sit down to write anything at all. 

  1. Make a point to see more murals in Houston.
  2. Try new restaurants.
  3. Take better and more unique pictures.
  4. Be better about sticking to the schedule I set for myself.
  5. Create a list of my favorite coffee shops in Houston.
  6. Write about the things that are important to me.
  7. Go on more Blips for Trips (short, drivable day trips) in my spare time.
  8. Learn how to create a mailing list.
  9. Write about the Iowa Law Library. (finally) 
  10. See more of Texas. 
  11. Support as many wonderful women as I can. 

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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11..., Experiences, Lifestyle, Travel

11… Of My Home For A Midwestern Holidays Activities

RaeAnna

I went home for the holidays. Home is such a vague word because I consider home to be Houston and wherever my people are. Other than that, I was in Minnesota, Chicago, and Iowa. I got to spend time with most of the people that matter most to me in this world. 

  1. Three long road trips to Chicago to Ames to home [Houston] with my favorite man and being, aka my life pawtner aka my boyfriend and my dog.

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    Stopping at the World’s Largest Truck Stop in Davenport, Iowa. | Crop Sherpa Jacket | Yogas | Red Wellies | Stud Earrings | Glasses |
  2. I played with horses in Minnesota. Alex’s mom has a horse farm in the middle of nowhere Minnesota, and it’s one of my favorite places on Earth. The farm is surrounded by bluffs, and it’s just beautiful. I was only there for two days, but it was a great way to start my holiday trip.

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    I love horsie cuddles!!! | Wool Skirt | Sweater | Stud Earrings |
  3. Had a family Christmas in Effingham, where Mom and Dad are building their retirement lake home. While Mom was showing us the sight, we got the car stuck. None of us wore the right shoes, but we pushed anyways and made it back onto the road. Girl Power.

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    We were all visibly thrilled about the situation.
  4. I dressed up with my sisters and Beau on Christmas morning to be Santa and her elves because we don’t require Santa to be a man in our family. I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything as cute as Beau in a Santa costume. Made my entire year.

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    Elf Pajamas | Elf Hats | Santa Costume
  5. One of my Christmas presents was two tickets to The Second City for their Do You Believe in Madness? Show, critiquing the modern political climate and culture in general. Kelsey and I went and had an AMAZING time. I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed that much in a two hour period. (I probably have, but it was at myself, so it doesn’t count.) We had front row seats, and they served hot chocolate. I mean, it was made for me.

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    Enjoying Chicago. | OTK Boots | Coat | Hat | Purse | Scarf 
  6. I got to spend the evening with my brother and sister-in-law in Chicago, enjoying good food, yummy chocolates, and even better company.

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    Two of my favorite people!!! | Jeans | OTK Boots | Sweater | Scarf | Earrings |
  7. Beau got bit by my parents’ new rescue dog. Stay tuned for more on this week’s Blog + Dog for more details. She’s fine, but it was ruff. 
  8. I did some unnecessary shopping in downtown Ames with my mom, pawtner, and dad. I picked up very important things, like popover tins, tea, soap that smells like hot chocolate, and dog treats/toys/chewbones. Beau appreciates the fact we spend more money on her than ourselves.
  9. I took pictures in the Iowa Law Library. There will be a post about that in the future. It’s amazing. If you ever have the chance to go, do so. You won’t regret it.

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    Honestly, one of the most beautiful places ever. | Skirt | Sweater | Heels |
  10. The family went to the Iowa State Capitol Building and East Village in Des Moines to explore and have a fun afternoon on New Year’s Eve. I had never been with my dad, and my mom hadn’t been in two decades – since I went on a second grade field trip.
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    Posing with my Iowa baseball cap in front of the capitol. | Jeans | Sweater | Flannel | Boots | Scarf |

     

  11. I dressed up as a flapper for New Year’s Eve, took pictures in Beardshear Hall on Iowa State’s campus, and attended a concert in a speakeasy. It was a lot of fun. My parents had an amazing time, and Dylan and I got to dance together, which was a nice way to bring in the New Year.  
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    Flapper Dress | Satin Gloves| [Faux] Fur Cape | Heels | Purse | Pearl Necklace | Pearl Bracelet | Art Deco Earrings | Stud Earrings | Headpiece

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

 

11..., Lifestyle, Style

11… Holiday Outfits

RaeAnna

Happy Holiday Season and 11… 

I’m behind because the internet has sucked EVERYWHERE!!! I’ve also been disinclined to work. So here are 11… Holiday Outfits I Love. I wore them all this year. They’re cute and festive. 

1. Holly Jolly Pajamas
Okay… This Holly Jolly sweatshirt isn’t technically pajamas, but I love it! It looks so cute with the candy cane striped flannel shorts. Beau loves her jammies. And my socks kept me warm!

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2. Green Turtleneck Sweater Dress & Red Flannel
I love comfy yet festive. I do live in my pajamas, so sweater dresses feel like an extension of that. This cute green turtleneck sweater dress is amazing. I love tying a red flannel shirt at my waist. Over the knee black boots keep my legs warm, and a chunky hat keeps me cute and cozy. A sparkly touch is a cute pear shaped sapphire necklace and earrings.

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3. Vintage Burgundy Off-the-Shoulder Dress
I love this dress!!! It’s so cute and vintage. I’m always shocked when defined waist dresses actually fit me because I’m so tall. The green art deco earrings are gorgeous. Paired with silver heels and a rose gold watch, it’s perfectly simple yet classic and classy.

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4. Casual Green on Green
I am super obsessed with casual jersey dresses, flannel shirts, over the knee boots, and chunky knit hats. Obviously I combined them into a Christmas picture!

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5. Sparkly Candy Cane Dress
I LOVE THIS DRESS!!! Who doesn’t want a ridiculously sparkly candy cane dress for Christmas? Pair it with rose gold sparkle shoes to be extra disco bally. I love my new black glasses. A cute velvet bow and dangly earrings make it perfect.

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6. Backless Velvet Bodysuit & Taffeta Skirt
This was one of my favorite Christmas outfits last year. The burgundy velvet bodysuit is backless with black trim and it’s amazingly Christmassy!!! I also love the green taffeta skirt. Nude heels let the outfit shine. Pair with a cute rose gold watch.

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7. Cozy Statement Outfit
I love this outfit. It’s festive without being blaringly Christmas or New Year’s Evy. This purple satin skirt is so cute and comfy. I love pairing it with a chunky over sized sweater. Sparkly bootie heels are the perfect glam factor. My black glasses are nerd chic. An understated pink scarf and cute snowflake earrings tie it all together.

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8. Classic White
This is probably my favorite outfit ever. This white and black skirt is perfect, and it’s amazing to twirl in. I paired it with a simple white turtleneck. To make it festive and pop, red high heels.

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9. Vintage Green Dress
This is such a fun green, 50s style dress. It’s simple and comfortable. Paired with red high heels it’s very festive. Blue pear shaped earrings and necklace with a rose gold watch is elegant and cute.

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10. Buffalo Plaid
Buffalo plaid flannel shirts are so wintery. I love tying it at the waist with a black jersey dress. Over the knee boots and my smart watch make it a casual look for the winter season, while still being comfy and warm.

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11. Blue Tartan Wool Skirt
Wool skirts might be old fashioned, but they’re beautiful. I love this blue tartan wool skirt; it has pockets!!! A cute blue shirt, silver high heels, basic white earrings, and a silver watch make it wintery and festive without loud and obnoxious.

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bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

11..., Lifestyle

11… Christmas Songs I Can’t Live Without

RaeAnna

 

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Getting into the Christmas spirit with my playlist! | Hair Bow | Sweater | Pajamas | Reindeer  Slipper| Starbucks Mug  | Christmas Tree |

I love music, and nothing gets me into the holiday spirit like some great Christmas songs. My Spotify Christmas channel has been on repeat since November 1; I’m not ashamed of it! I’m picky about my music. Some remakes are better than the original, but there are a few originals you just can’t beat. The list could go on and on, honestly, but these are my absolute favorites!!!

    1. Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt
    2. Carol of the Bells 
    3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan 
    4. Sleigh Ride by Carpenters
    5. Peace On Earth/The Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby and David Bowie
    6. Happy Holidays by Andy Williams
    7. Man With The Bag by Jessi J
    8. O Holy Night
    9. Last Christmas by Wham!
    10. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
    11. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayle Peevey

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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11..., Lifestyle

11… Things She Really Wants for Christmas

RaeAnna
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I love Christmas and opening presents… | Santa socks | Mrs. Claus mug | Stocking | Green Pillow | Blue Pillow | Jingle Bells | Tree | Reindeer | Blanket |

‘Tis the season for giving gifts, so give her something she really wants!!!

  1. Money
  2. Money
  3. Money
  4. Money
  5. Money
  6. Money
  7. Money
  8. Money
  9. Money
  10. Money
  11. MONEY!!!!

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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