MONTHLY LOVE | MARCH

Is it already almost April? How did that happen?! I hope everyone had an amazing holiday weekend. Whether you were eating chocolate or enjoying the beautiful weather, this past weekend was a perfect way to end the first month of Spring. So what have I been enjoying this month?

THINGS I'M LOVING

+ Jazz | A couple of months back Jon and I were wondering the streets of New Orleans when we came across a band set up on the street. Normal for New Orleans really. We were actually so impressed with this little street band that we bought a CD. The band's name was Tuba Skinny and they have since become a regular in my 2009 Mustang. I have found myself listening to jazz a lot more because of it! 

+ Costa Rica | Wow. I mean WOW. Costa Rica was one of the most beautiful tropical destinations I've ever been to. Only a 3 hour and 45 minute flight from Houston, it was quick, easy, and everyone was EXTREMELY friendly.


+ Rodeo Houston | So this isn't anything new, but the Houston Rodeo & Livestock Show pretty much takes over the city for the month of March. I only managed to get down there once this year, but it's always a blast.

+ Don't Look at Me | Aka, the most amazing face mask by Lush. Y'all know I am no stranger to Lush products, but for some reason I had never tried this particular mask! Think the scent of fruity pebbles in a moisturizing bright blue tub. Love it love it love it.

+ Google Flights | What are some of your favorite travel sites? I have recently discovered Google Flights and I'm hooked! I love the simplicity mixed with various searching options.

LOVELY LINKS

+ If you don't use Annie's wonderful to do lists, you totally should. They're organizing my life and I love it.

+ Planning a trip to Europe? Margo has got you covered! I am just loving her Escape Guides this month!

+ In case you missed it, I went to Costa Rica! We did a lot of amazing things, but the coolest was our Canyoneering Adventure! Make sure to check out the VLOG too!

+ Looking for someone to sponsor this April??? I've got a couple spots still available! You can find all the details are here.

LOVELY INSTAGRAM

Not my first rodeo. #Lategram #RodeoHouston

A photo posted by S a r a D a v i s (@sararosedavis) on Mar 18, 2016 at 12:57pm PDT

What are some of your monthly favorites?

MONTHLY LOVE | NOVEMBER

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Whether you are celebrating in America, abroad, or know nothing about the holiday whatsoever, I hope you have an amazing day! Lots of things have been happening this month, but my favorite by far was hearing the news Jon has booked his flight to America! That's right, the Brit will be invading the streets of Texas for a couple of weeks in January and I am beyond excited to show him around my home. From Houston to San Antonio and New Orleans, we have a lot planned! But for now, lets talk about how amazing November has been!

THINGS I'M LOVING 

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOOK | Although I enjoy nothing more than flipping through the pages of a new book, I was tossing around the idea of buying a Kindle or Nook. Since I am always traveling and am on the go 24/7, a tablet just made a little more sense. HOWEVER, I never got the chance to purchase my own. Instead, at my company's quarterly meeting, I was awarded Employee of the Quarter. My prize? A Samsung Galaxy Nook!

CHRISTMAS MUSIC | I don't' care what anyone says, the Michael Buble Christmas album is out and is playing on repeat in my household! 

PINE SCENTED CANDLES | I'm a candle hoarder. The first step is admitting your addiction, right? Well since the seasons are changing from fall to winter, I obviously had to buy a few more winter scented candles. Anything pine scented is my absolutely favorite at the moment!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING | This is the first Christmas I have had a 'big girl' job. I've always worked, as long as I can remember, but this year I actually have an income that allows me to give real presents. All my shopping is done, but I am beyond excited for my family to open up their presents on Christmas Day! 

LOVELY LINKS

+ With all of the horrible things going on to the world, I have found a father's words to his son to be one of the most moving videos to come out of Paris. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr "Darkness can not drive out darkness; only light can do that".
+ Looking for a good Christmas playlist? Zoe Sugg's Spotify playlist is PERFECTION. 

+ I've really been enjoying Helene's free webinars. If you are interested in growing your blog, I highly recommend taking her latest course, Build a Successful Blog!

MONTHLY LOVE | AUGUST

Okay, you've caught me. I've been neglecting the blog. There are a variety of contributing factors that have distracted me from blogging, but all in all I've just been really busy. This mini break has been lovely, but I'm ready to resume normal blogging activities… next week ;). In the meantime, here are a few things I've been loving this past month!

THINGS I'M LOVING

PINTEREST | I created my Pinterest account years ago, but I really was never a fan. I found it distracting and never really understood it's purpose. Recently I was in some desperate need of inspiration and decided to take a peek at Pinterest. Needless to say, I'm hooked.

CHRISLEY KNOWS BEST | I'm not a huge fan of reality TV. I feel my brain slowly turning into mush every time I come across an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashains. However, my sister introduced me to one show that I just can't get enough of. If you haven't met the Chrisley's, I think you should. A southern family, every word that comes out of the Chrisley's mouths is hilarious. Especially the eight year old, talk about a sassy child.

HAZELNUT COFFEE | I know it's not autumn yet, but I'm craving the season! I can't wait for pumpkin spiced everything, scarves, and sweaters. But for now, I'll curl up inside and just pretend it's my favorite season with my Hazelnut Coffee.

SHAKESPEARE | I read a handful of Shakespeare plays in high school, but as I have stated before being forced to read something in high school is a lot different than reading something on your own. I just started reading Richard III and I LOVE it! I feel like I appreciate the genius of Shakespeare way more now that I am older and understand literature.

LOVELY LINKS

+ 50 Things to Do In New Orleans, you can find my post under #1!
+ Buzzfeed's If Call Cneter Employees Were Honest is the most accurate video ever. Anyone who has answered phones as a job should watch.
+ Like I said earlier, I've been using Pinterest a lot more! Follow me at sararosedavis.

Happy Friday!!

xoxo

MONTHLY LOVE | JULY

Happy end of July! If you're anything like me you've probably been spending the entire month inside trying to avoid the sun. Yes, I did dip in the pool a few times this month but let's face it, July in Texas is not ideal. This month I've been doing a ton of working and a ton of reading. I managed to book a few up and coming trips for the fall so stayed tuned for that! As for my monthly favorites, let's get right to it!

THINGS I'M LOVING

Spin Class | When I first moved back to Texas it was Spring, and I found myself running outside. However, May came and the torrential downpour that lasted for weeks on end prevented me from going outside to workout. When the sun finally showed itself again it was June and it was too hot to even sit outside let alone run. I stumbled across Revolution Studios on Instagram and I decided to give this spin studio a go. I had signed up for spin in college but it turned out to be a huge waste of money as I barely went. After my first class at Revolution about a month ago I was hooked. The instructors are SO motivating and the atmosphere is amazing. Yay for spin class!


Bath & Body Works Candles | One of the best things about living in America is I can burn candles again. My candle collection is overflowing thanks to Bath & Body Works. Every time I step into this store there are at least 8 new candles on the selves I haven't tried. My favorites right now? Praline Pecan Cobbler and Amsterdam Tulips & Windmills (stereotypes smell good, okay?).

Smoothies | If you haven't noticed it is hot outside. Like, ridiculously HOT. I'm taking 102F/39C hot. My favorite way to cool down at the moment is to grab a smoothie. I still haven't mastered the art of creating my own delicious smoothie at home (I'm not the most skilled person in the kitchen) so I have found myself frequenting Jamba Juice this month.

LOVELY LINKS

+ Now until the end of August use the code AGOLDENSUMMER to receive 15% off all ads purchased on Of Golden Roses!

+ When bae asks if you can dance, aka the best video I've come across this month by far. 

+ I'm so thrilled with the support the ss Great Britain is getting for its new attraction. If you don't know what the ss Great Britain is, it's an living history attraction that I had the pleasure of working for while living in Bristol. 

+ Shout out to Elle who has been posting some dream worthy travel posts this month! 

What are some of your favorites this month??

Happy Thursday!

xoxo

MONTLY LOVE | MAY

THINGS I'M LOVING 

New Orleans | When I began planning a girls trip to New Orleans a couple months back I began feeling inspired by the Big Easy. I had been to New Orleans before but the city has always captivated my interest. From blues music to black dresses and fedora hats, this past month New Orleans has not been far from my mind. As you read this, I am actually packing for a trip to the bayous of Louisiana, and I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to tell.

Black | I know it's summer, but my obsession with the color black has taken off this year. I've always been a fan of a colorful wardrobe but something has drawn me to buying clothes in the timeless color of black this season. From black shoes to black rompers to black dresses, I've been the girl rocking the color black in the brutal Texas heat!

History Extra Podcasts | I'm entitled to one history related favorite a month, right? After all, I just spent the last year and a half working on a masters degree in history. I first met the editor of BBC History Magazine through a class at the University of Bristol. Public history has been a topic that has fascinated me since I began my history degrees. Being exposed to different platforms of history through this class really opened my mind to the variety of possibilities us as historians have to educated the general public. BBC History Magazine's History Extra podcast have become a favorite of mine and if I can just get one of my readers to get hooked on them like I have I'll be a happy blogger.

24 | I am officially 24! My birthday was yesterday and 24 feels pretty much like 23. So much has changed in the past year. 23 was by far my favorite year ever. Goodbye 23, hello 24!

LOVELY LINKS
+ The lovely Christina from Route Bliss has been hanging out on my sidebar this month. Check out Route Bliss here.
+ I know this cover is slightly old, but I've been listening to a lot of Fleetwood Mac lately. Best cover of Dreams ever.
+ Missed all my Nashville posts? Catch up here!
+ This is possibly the most adorable video ever. 

BLOGS I LOVE : Instagrams

@whitv
@margo.paige
@todayimbobbi
@rosielondoner
@ciderwithrosieblog

Happy end of May! Who else celebrated a birthday this month? I know there are so many May babies likes myself in the blogging world!
xoxo

MONTLY LOVE | APRIL

THINGS I'M LOVING

National Geographic History Magazine | I miss the days of living in Bristol, the public history media capital of the UK, where I had unlimited choices of history reading material. I'm not one to pick up a magazine with any sort of celebrity on the cover (unless it's Emma Watson) and history magazines are so hard to come by here in the states. So when I was grocery shopping earlier this month I was shocked to see a National Geographic History magazine. The first ever issue happened to be this month, and I have to say the content is outstanding.

Kate Spade | Since moving back to Houston I've been really loving decorating my home office. Blogging is such a big part of my life and having a beautiful space to write is key for inspiration. That's where Kate Spade comes in. From agendas to stationary, Kate Spade has been my go to brand for beautiful office materials.

Fall Out Boy | Everybody went through a punk/rock phase. Mine was when I was 13, and my obsession was Fall Out Boy. I had seen them in concert twice before, but when I heard they were coming to the rodeo last month I just HAD to go. After seeing them live again I immediately downloaded their new album. American Beauty/American Psycho brings out the teen in me and I love it. If you are looking for something new to listen to, I highly recommend it. 

Audio Books | As I have mentioned before, my only new years resolution for 2015 is to read 50 books. While I am a major fan of traditional paper books (I need to get on board with Kindle, my bookshelf is overflowing) I downloaded my first audio book this month to listen to in my car during my hour long commute to and from work. Let me just tell you, audio books are way more entertaining than listening to the radio.

LOVELY LINKS

+ This month the lovely Van from Snow in Tromso stopped by to share with you life in Scandinavia, which you can read here. I've been reading her blog for ages and I was so happy to have her on my sidebar this month!

+ My friend Bobbi, a fellow sorority sister and American living in Bristol, did publicity for a hilarious Youtube mini series called Supreme Tweeter. Each episode is only about 7 minutes long so if you have a few minutes to spare check it out here!

+ I'm so happy with the results of my 2015 reader survey! Check out everything I learned here. 

BLOGS I LOVE: EXPATS IN EUROPE
Unlocking Kiki 
Relokate
The Overseas Escape 
Snow in Tromso 

Eat, See, Do 
Gunters Abroad

MONTHLY LOVE | MARCH

I can't believe how quickly 2015 is going by! So many things have happened this month, but I'm going to fill you in on my biggest life update… I GOT A JOB! After moving back to the states I frantically applied for every job under the sun. Finally, after a month and a half of applications and interviews I can finally say I am employed. I know I don't want to stay in Houston permanently and it's not in the field I imagined for myself (I have two history degrees, how did I end up in the medical field???) but I'm happy to be back in the city I grew up in at the beginning of my career. I won't indulge much of my work life on the blog as I don't want to mix my hobby with my professional career, however I will say I almost fainted on the first day! Apparently I'm the kind of person who will faint at the sight of blood, who knew! But enough about that, here are the things I'm loving this month!

THINGS I'M LOVING

Future Weekend Trips | Gone are the days of my day-cations around England. I miss hopping on a train and going somewhere new. However my love of travel doesn't have to end now that I'm stateside. Up coming weekend trips include Nashville and New Orleans!

Pretty Little Liars | I used to watch PLL years ago, however I stopped keeping up with it halfway through season 3. I started rewatching it again when I moved back to Houston and I'm obsesssssssssed.

Seafood | Shrimp, oysters, crab, crawfish. You name it, I've been eating it this month. Gulf coast seafood is the best.

Running | During my unemployed month I knew I needed something to do to keep me busy. So I began running. I've never really run before and to be honest it feels great! I love seeing myself improve and would love to run a marathon (one day in the very faraway distance).

Maxi Dresses | Having lived in the UK up until fairly recently, my summer wardrobe is practically nonexistent. This past month of amazing Texas weather has only proved to me that this summer is going to be brutally hot. My new favorite warm weather clothing? Maxi dresses. I'm obsessed. The only problem is finding dresses for my height (being 5'1 makes it impossible to shop)!

Weddings | A couple of weeks ago I was asked to be a bridesmaid in a friends wedding! I'm super excited and can't wait to be a part of her special day!

LOVELY LINKS

+ Have you taken my reader survey? I'll be closing it on Friday, so if you haven't done it yet pleaseeeeee do! Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me by taking it, the results are really helping me understand YOU, my readers! :)

+ Of Golden Roses is now offering Sponsorships! Make sure to check out all the details if you're interested!

+ Catch up on all my Edinburgh posts! What a wonderful city.
+ The rodeo is a very Texan thing to do, so let me introduce you to a quick guide to Rodeo Houston!

BLOGS I LOVE: EXPATS IN THE UK

+ Rhyme & Ribbons

+ Chicadeedee

+ Found Love, Now What?

+ Team Starnes

Missed February? Catch up with my February favorites here!

What are some things you're loving this month?
xoxo