Tuesday, May 15, 2012

This Post is Brought to you by the letter "W"

Hello Lovely Ladies
I’m so sorry I have taken yet another blog hiatus. I have had a manic May!! The last 3 weekends were filled with directing a wedding, being in a wedding, and directing a wedding reception. But alas the wedding trilogy is over for a while.
I LOVE weddings, if you know anything about me you know that! But I tell ya.. I’m afraid I’ll get burned out before it’s my turn! So I’m kinda taking a step back from being involved in other people’s for awhile. With graduate school starting in August, I doubt that I will have much time after that to participate/work with weddings. Hate it because it’s great extra money, but I can’t juggle a full time job, school, babysitting, church, an amazing relationship, family time AND weddings… something has to go.
Anyways, I really have enjoyed my wedding weekends, especially with “W.” It’s been great to FINALLY have a DATE to functions after 4 years of NOT! And bonus that he actually LIKES dressing up in a suit and putting me on his arm! ;) Bless it. Last weekend, we made our relationship “Facebook Official” b/c goodness knows it’s not so until the internet says it is! ;)  I love our dating relationship. We spend most evenings together, most of the time being “boring” as we say. That generally consists of some type of dining (sometimes with the parental units), talking, watching TV and just laughing our heads off! This man can make me laugh when nobody else can, & he makes me laugh at myself. There is never a dull moment!
This past weekend I finally got to meet his mom, on Mother’s Day no less. We went to The Palmetto Club, which is a social club here in Columbia (kinda like a country club minus the pool and golf course). We had brunch, omelets, shrimp and grits and mimosas. How much more southern can you get than that? We had a great time, and his mom is just too sweet. Hopefully we will be seeing more of her and eventually, once my life slows down, I’ll get to meet his dad! We are with my parents a good bit, so it’s weird not to get to spend as much time with his, but I have a feeling there will be time! J
Ok, I guess I’ve talked enough about “W.” So hard not too! It’s the most exciting thing I’ve had going on in a while & I’m the happiest I’ve been. Ever.  It’s a great feeling! Here are a couple of pics from a wedding a mother’s day!



Other than weddings and “W,” not much is new. My mom did get me some Smashbox photo finish primer. That junk is the shiz. I highly recommend it, although I think I’m the last one to jump on the Smashbox train. Ulta (the Home Depot for women) has it.

Source: smashbox.com via Morgan on Pinterest

I would try to update on the fashion realms of my life, however, I have bought NO new clothes b/c the ones I had from last summer don’t fit b/c I have gained back all the weight I lost. I’m not happy with this, but “W” and I have had some heart to hearts about it & I know I need to make a change in my diet and exercise routine. He loves me just as I am, but he wants me to be healthy and since I am pre-diabetic, he wants me to make this change soon. He is also a pre-diabetic but controls it with diet and exercise. God must have known I needed help in this area. ;) SO, after Memorial Day (because who wants to be on a diet on a holiday weekend!) I will be in the gym after work for atleast 45min and there will be a major food overhaul.  I WILL be a size 4/6 by the time I start grad school!! Thankfully I have him to encourage me, push me, be there for me when I want a cupcake and praise me for my successes.
Alright ladies, have a great week. I’m in and out of the blog world. No worries, I am alive and well and living a happy life for the first time in a while. Life. Is. Good.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

12 things women should know & have by 30

Hello Lovelies!

I hope all is well in your blog world since I haven't done much catching up in the past week. I'll catch you in in a few sentences on my life. Busy. Lots of wedding directing, planning, attending, and enjoying! :) This weekend is the first of my wedding weekend trilogy! This is the one that I am just directing the ceremony at my church, but it means rehearsal Friday night and most of the day Saturday!

All is well with W. I have to say this is the HAPPIEST I have been in I can't tell you when. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and it's going to all be a dream! My parents seem to like him, he had them in stitches laughing so hard last night after dinner. :) It's a good feeling when "all is right."

Anyways, I was crusing the Today Show.com this morning and ran across this article!
I really want to read this book because let's face it come July I am on the downhill side of my 20s and inching oh so close to the big 3-0! YIKES! Anyways, there were a few fashion forwards in this article that struck my attention as must share and inform! I definately agree with ALL these items being staples in your closet!

1. Skinny black jeans. You need a pair. Dress them up for the office or down for day.
Source: loft.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

2. A crisp, white button-down shirt. It suggests clean, cool confidence in the workplace, but unbutton two buttons and it’s the ultimate in sex appeal for night.

3. A go-to dress. It doesn’t have to be a little black dress. It’s even better sometimes if it’s not, because color makes a bolder statement. But it should fit perfectly and make you feel beautiful.

4. A classic black pump. It has to have at least a four-inch heel to boost your height and confidence. (Okay, fine. A three-inch heel if you must.)

5. A bright mini. My own favorite is red with a flared hem. It’s great to have one that’s a really bright color because it makes you stand out in a crowd. You can wear it for day—just pair it with an oversize men’s white sweater—or nighttime, with a silk camisole.

6. A bold piece of jewelry. Think: necklace, bangle, large ring, large earrings. I have a big necklace that I keep in my drawer at work, and it dresses up any outfit. A statement piece allows your personal style to shine, especially if the rest of your outfit is conservative.

7. A fitted blazer. A great-fitting blazer is a girl’s most invaluable staple. Pop the collar, roll the sleeves, or add a cool brooch to make it your own.

8. A colorful clutch. This one’s especially crucial if you have a closet full of blacks or neutrals. A splash of color will liven up the simplest outfit—not to mention your mood.









9. Black opaque tights. They’re so warm and practical, and they instantly make a dress look professional.

10. A lace tank. Wear it underneath your V-neck during the day or peeking out from under a jacket in the evening.

11. Ballet flats. They’re feminine and comfortable, and you can wear them anywhere and always look pulled together. I personally love a blue ballet flat.

12. A soft, luxurious white T-shirt. It has to be a great-quality one that feels good on your skin. You can wear it with everything else in your wardrobe. And if you find one you really love, buy three.


Alright ladies, there are your 12 Closet Staples for LIFE! :) I have quiet a few to add to my wardrobe and some to replace! Hope this jumpstarts your summer shopping or helps you build your professional wardrobe! Have a terrific Tuesday! :)

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Food & Fashion! Oh, How Pintersting!

Well, now that I have officially returned to the blog realm (thanks for the welcome back) I guess I have to update at least a couple times a week! :)

Let's see, it's Wednesday so I guess I could link up with Oh, How Pinteresting! But first I must share! The new "interest," and I cooked dinner together last night. It was so much fun! We He made NY Strip, and I made the mashed taters (from scratch, not out of a bag! yay me!) and green beans (fresh not a can or frozen! yay me again!). I also made banana pudding but we were both too stuffed to eat it last night, but I don't worry that it WON'T get consummed! I've made 3 banana pudding's in the last month... addiction much? I blame it on an abundance of banana's laying around! ;)

Here is a pic of our dinner!


















Anyways, I was thinking that the new "interest" will probably be sticking around for a while so maybe I should give him a pseudo name on the blog. So let's go with 'W'! :) Original.. I know.

I thought I'd share my banana pudding recipe since I've gotton so good at making it! It's so simple and delish!

1 box of Fat Free/Sugar Free Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 can of Fat Free Eagle Brand (Condensed) Milk
1 Large tub of Fat Free or Sugar Free Cool Whip
1 1/2 Cups of Water
2Tbsp of Lemon juice
1 Box of Vanilla Wafers
3-4 Bananas

First mix the Pudding and water in bowl. Stir. Add in can of Condensed Milk. Stir. Chill for 5 min.
While that is chill'n cut up your bananas and place in a bowl with about 2tbsp of lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.
Next layer a 13x9 Pyrex dish with Vanilla wafers, covering the bottom. Now place banana's (doors & windows) with the Vanilla Wafers.
Take the pudding mixture out of the fridge and add in most of the container of cool whip. Save enough to cover the top when complete.
Now layer in the pudding mixture over banana's and wafers.
Make another layer of wafers and banana's and top with the rest of the pudding mixture.
Finally top with Cool whip & ENJOY! Yummy! It's a no fail! Promise! :)


Here are some things I'm finding Pintersting...

Cute summery dress that with a cardigan could totally slide in the office!

Love all the pastels & it's my 2 fav. colors!

I'd def. wear my Jack's not heels but LOVE the color combo! Those shorts are HOT!

This needs to become a part of my jewlery collection stat!

Too true. #lifestory

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Rejoice! For I have Returned! :)

Hello Ladies!!

I am BACK!! So sorry for the unexcused absense. #nevergetperfectattendance

Anyways, I hope life has been treating you all well. I've done a little catching up on a few of my favorite blogs, but still have a few to read up on! :)

My life has been CRAZY busy the last 3 weeks ish. Let me fill you in with the Clift Notes version!

First of all, 3 weeks ago my gma fell and broke her hip, she is 82. She had to have surgery and be in rehab for 2 weeks. All is well, she has recovered, but not completely bounced back! So, when she fell my mom went to Myrtle Beach to be with  her in the hospital/rehab etc. leaving me and my dad and the dog to fend for ourselves. We survived. :) But it was a lot of back and forth between my house and theirs, tending to the dog, attempting to make dinner, spending the night there some, etc. Craziness. Oh yea on top of working, babysitting, etc etc.

This past weekend, we went down to Myrtle to get my gma to her other residence in Greenville, SC. That is about a 5hr. drive if you don't have to stop every hour to let someone get up and walk around. Our drive would have been about 9hrs. from point A to B. However, we are lucky enough to have a gracious friend who offered to loan us his private plane and pilot to transport gma to Greenville. It was the scariest, coolest, most awesome adventure ever! :) We went from Myrtle, to Greenville, to Raleigh (guy who loaned us the plane had a buiness deal to do) and then back to Myrtle in about 5 hours! So crazy! Here are a few pics!


KingAire 90
 
Movie Star status? Yep.
  
My gma, me and my dad made the voyage!




















I held her hand on the take off and landing...I think she thought I needed to, but I was totally doing it for her!


Back at the Beach....


Pilot, our friend Bucky, me & my dad!





















It was a fun adventure and definately spoiled me... commerical airlines what? I don't think so! :) Definately a once in a lifetime opportunity.. unless you are buddy buddy with a pilot or millionaire. :)

So besides jet-setting and mainting a couple households I've been seeing someone new. We've been talking since the day my gma fell actually. So about 3 weeks. We've been on several dates and walked the dam a couple times. He's a great guy and I'm really enjoying getting to know him. I'm not to the point where I can create a pseudo name for him on the blog so at this point he shall remain annonymous. I'll let you know if and when something changes! :)

So I've made a couple Lilly purchases as of late.. a couple is STILL not enough! I'm craving it! I need to find some in a consignment store pronto before I go crazy! I REALLY want a new dress! I wish I was better at ebay and felt comfortable enough to purchase a few items from there. If any of you have tips on using ebay holla. 

This clutch, which I got as a "gift with purchase!"

Said Purchase.. new Wristlet!

I adore this coffee mug! My daily dose of crack... both coffee & Lilly! I have the matching phone cover too! :)


All that Lilly & I still do not have enough to satisfy! #intervention

Have a great Tuesday! Glad to be back!!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Hiatus

Hello Ladies!

It seems that I am on a bit of a blog Hiatus! I have not written or read in oh say about 2 weeks-ish. SO Sorry! Just been super super busy busy! Here are some highlights as of late:

- Obsessed with Carrie Underwood's "Good Girl" song & video! For reals. Now if some of my friends would take her advice..we'd have a winner! :)

- Been super busy working, babysitting and wedding consulting! HOLY MOLY! I have weddings April 28, May 5 & May 12. Do NOT come to me about wedding stuff after that, I will be fried!

- Last weekend went to a 5yr old bday party. It was a dress up diva party. I was slightly extremely envious!

- There may be exciting news after this weekend. Don't want to give away too much, in case it doesn't happen. It has nothing to do with a boy and it is not about me.

- I'm on a quest for some "gently used" Lilly Pulitzer items. Size 8 in most cases. If it's a dress it needs to have sleeves. Or atleast something I put a cardigan over to wear to the office. If you know where I can find some or have some you want to weed out of your closet, I'm interested! :)

- Anybody else going to watch the Pretty Little Liars season finale & Switched at Birth Season Finale next week? I'm obsessed.

- Also, still really into Idol. Love Skylar, Jessica and Colton. Apparently Jermaine had some sketch history and has been asked to leave the show.. that will be revealed tonight.

- I've started working with Middle Schoolers at church. Not sure if I've bitten off more than I can chew or not yet. They are mostly sweet though! :)

- No news on the boy front. Moving on...

- Don't forget to wear your green Friday (if you have to work) & Saturday! :D

Have a lovely day!! Miss you all dearly! :) I'll be back with more inspirational/motivational fluff in a few days.. or weeks.. or whenver! :)

Thursday, March 1, 2012

It's OK Thursday & Catching you up to speed!

Hellooooo Ladies! :) Long time no checking in! Sorry I went MIA for like a week.. oopsies. After being out of town all last weekend, I really haven't had a chance nor felt like updating. Lazy. Uninspired.

I had a great time in Rock Hill with BFF Katie and a few sorority sisters. Friday night, Katie, Erica, and me went to Red Bowl (Chinese). It was super crowded so they asked if we wanted to sit at the bar.. um yea we do, that's fine! :) However, neither of us got anything to drink other than water. Lame. In our defense their cocktails were $5 for like a tiny glass. No thanks. After dinner we went home and just chilled, talked and played with her precious new Lab/Boxer mix named Penelope or Penny for short. I have like 2 pictures from this night & she does not want her 4-legged child to go viral, so can't post a pic of her and the pic we took at dinner is blurry b/c the girl didn't know how to work the camera on the iPhone. Seriously! Ugh!

The part of the weekend with my sorority sisters was ok. I think a lot of the girls are really gung ho about this "alumni chapter" of our sorority. First off, our sorority is not Panhellenic. It was put together about 16 years ago by a group of girls who didn't want to rush but wanted a more Christ centered and volunteer based organization. It's called Alpha Omega. Great! It was fun, I met some of my best friends in it. But now that I've been removed from it for almost 4 years (eeeek!) I really don't care. Not to sound rude or mean, because I know atleast 2 of my sisters will read this, but I just have other things going on in my life that are WAY more important than attempting to get together with sisters (whom I may or may not have been in school with) in my area to eat dinner or hang out. It's great to see these people one or two times a year at alumni/sorority events but other than that it seems forced. Not to meantion that when you get a group of girls together there will enevitably be drama. I'm 25 and 1/2, not married and no kids, I'd appreciate as little drama in my life as possible. Thank you. I love all those girls dearly, but I'm just not into it anymore, mainly I guess b/c the whole premise of a sorority is to be a sisterhood that you see and hangout with ALL the time because your on a college campus, living together, eating together, going out together, etc. Now we are spread out all of the country and it just doesn't have the same ring to it! Ok, sorry to vent, but it had to get out.

Moving on.. quick prayer request. The recent school shooting in Chardon, OH is where a friend of mine is a sophomore. I babysat her and her younger sisters when I was in college. They adopted me into there family which meant so much me. They moved from SC to OH after I graduated. Please pray for her, her family, her school and community during this difficult time.

OK.. Finally. What is OK with me, but probably shouldn't be! ;)


Its Ok Thursdays


It's OK...

...that a guy that I had a crush on about a year ago & told me he didn't want a relationship anytime soon (like in the next 3-5yrs) just changed his relationship status on FB over the weekend.
...that another guy I could like and who knows me completely ignored me the other day when we made eye contact at the gas station. Really?

...that I still have feelings for Firefighter D. Not just the normal after a break-up still have feelings for, but the oops I shouldn't have done that still have feelings for. We are seeing each other for the first time in over 2 weeks tomorrow... I'll let you know how it goes.

...that I want to go shopping and buy cute spring clothes but my paycheck, tax refund and bonus are going to bills first. Poo on adulthood.

...that I want to go lay in a tanning bed 2-3 times a week but don't want to pay for it with money or with my health. :/ but I love to feel like a lizard under a heat lamp.

...that I put a shirt on backwards the other day. I instantly felt 4.

...that I haven't had my dog spade. She's 3. Her appointment is set for next Fri. March 9. I may chicken out for the 749,382,908 time. It's just not convient, but is it ever?

...that I hate running. But need to get back on it, like force myself to like it. Definately want to sign up for the Color Run in Charlotte in Oct. Girls weekend? yes please!

...thtat I'm ready for Carrie Underwood's new CD to drop on May 1. Need some more songs in my life.

...that I'm procrastinating right this very minute. Maybe I won't on this rainy Saturday that is suppose to happen and I will clean my house and organize and "spring clean." Maybe.

...that it's 80* outside and sunny today in SC! :) *side note* NOT OK that I'm stuck inside in a cubicle. :/

...that I need the weekend ASAP. Have a lovely Thursday evening! Tomorrow is Friday peeps!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Confessional Friday {Link UP}

Hello Ladies & Hellllllooooo Friday! :) This morning has been a complete whirlwind! I got up and got ready, finished packing a few last mintue things for my trip to see some of my AWESOME Sorority Sisters/Friends this weekend, loaded the car and went to work with the plan to leave at noon. Well, mother nature had other plans. It was seriously the stormyest I've seen it in a long time. Even if I could have left I would have gotten drenched, because dummy me left my raincoat AND umbrella in the car! So... I decided not to take a 1/2 day, but just leave an hour early and see if I can't get on the road after the torrential rains have slacked. Keep your fingers crossed!! I will get to Rock Hill tonight.. might take me 3 hours (normally takes about 90min) but.. I will get there! :)

Anyways.. it's time for Confessional Friday Link Up with Leslie over at A Blonde Ambition! So here we go!



First let's start with a few *new* American Idol contestants that I will "confess" my love for thus far!
Sadly, my co-worker's family friend did not make it past Vegas, so I can no longer cheer her on, but I have several more that I hope make it really far!!

Skylar-- there are 2 country girls this year.. she's the better one!


Phillip-- reminds me of Corey Smith/Will Hoge


Jessica-- She could just sing the phone book and give you "goosies" (goosebumps) as J-Lo says!


Jeremy-- I wasn't a fan until he sang Carrie Underwood's "I Know You Won't," I was an instant fan after that.


Heejun-- How can you just not love the awkward kid!?!


Elise-- not the best vocally, but she has my middle name and she's from Charleston, SC.


Colton-- gotta love the "bad boy" but he's relaly not that bad.. just edgy.



Ok, now that I've confessed a few of my favorite new idols.. let's move on to more serious confessions.... like....

  • Even though Firefighter D and I broke up/on a break, we've talked multiple times a day since Sunday. Can't help it.
  • I'm excited to spend time with some friends and sorority sisters this weekend, but it would also be a good weekend to stay around the house, get some "spring" cleaning done and watch my DVR.
  • The Oscars are Sunday & I'm excited to see some beautiful evening gowns and see if The Help gets the recognition it deserves!
  • My hair looks like one hot stinkin mess today. Glad the weather could accomodate it! :)
  • I actually packed enough clothes this weekend to last me a week. Complete with 5 pairs of shoes. Ridic. I packed 4 possible outfits for the main event tomorrow... have NO clue which one I'll end up with on.
  • There is a *new* Lilly Pulitzer store opening at South Park Mall in Charlotte this weekend. I will be 30mintures from it and more than likely not going... poo. Lack of time & money... double poo.
 Have a lovely weekend ladies.
 I'll be back Monday with a Weekend Update and some pictures with my sisters! :D

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Comic Relief

I know it's been a few days since a good posting. So readers beware this may be a long & lengthy & a bit ramdom of a post! Buckle your seatbelts Ladies! :)

{First}
Firefighter D & I have been extinguished.. ha like my pun. ;) Ok, really not trying to make light of it, but whatever it takes right? We are still friends, this was a mutual decision mainly because logistically making our relationship work between his two jobs, my job (that isn't the same hours as his), and our 45min commute to each others houses was just too much for right now. Also, we each have some things we need to work on if we want to make our relationship work. Like I've said from the beginning, I had no idea where this was going to go and I still don't. Only time will tell... 

{Second}
Can you just allow me to vent about my television shows.. briefly? Or maybe not so brief....
> Grey's Anatomy/Private Practice- I got caught up on my medical dramas over the weekend while I laid in the bed with a migraine wishing MD McDreamy was at my bedside. So how about the "What If" episode was CRAZY to look back and really think "what if." It was that weird episode of the season where it really had nothing to do with the current storylines. Anyways, I laughed out loud at the new resident (who was preggo) who's name was Morgan but Karev kept calling her Megan.. story of my life. The crossover episode with Private P was excellent. I'm really pulling for Cooper's kid's mom to be ok, but at the same time I love that the little boy is bringing Charlotte & Cooper closer and softening Charlotte's cold heart! haha
> Parenthood-How about this is my most favorite show EVER!! I've been hooked since Season 1 and we are now at the END of Season 3. I own seasons 1 & 2 on DVD and I'm not one to buy TV on DVD but I feel like one day I will make my kid sit down and watch an episode to learn a lesson. So many good moral, teachable moments in this show. Seriously, every episode makes me laugh and then 2 minutes later I'm bawling my eyes out and then 5 minutes later I'm laughing again! Next week is the season finale and I'm going to need a BOX of tissues! I can't wait to see Jasmine & Crosby tie the knot (FINALLY!) and see what happens with Zoe, the baby and Julia. That storyline is breaking my heart. Also, after last nights episode I think something is really wrong with Amber. How do I get so wrapped up in these character's!?!
>Teen Mom 2- So after I had already stayed up too late last night watching Parenthood I watched the Teen Mom 2 finale with Dr. Drew (pt.1). Can I just say I LOVE Dr. Drew. He's exactly what these girls need, and I like him SOOO much better than Dr. Phil. He's just so much more down to earth and less flashy I think. Anyways, poor Janelle & Kailyn. Glad to see Janelle working it out with Barbra & Kailyn really just needs to have better taste in men. Seriously. Can't wait to see what Dr. Drew says to Chealsea and to Leah. Leah's storyline really makes me sad and upset and angry!  Ok I digress...


{Third}
This is major y'all! Last night I was looking in my magnifying mirror, which is scary enough in itself, when I discovered.. dun dun dun.. A GRAY HAIR!!! OMG!! I've never had one in my LIFE! I'd made it a quarter of a century without one and now there is one!! It's just the start of the downhill slide to 30. EEEK! I guess the main reason I didn't know I had them was because I've been coloring my hair since oh I don't know approximately the 6th grade, so really only God knows my hair color! :) Guess it's time I go get another box and do a touch up! Can't afford my stylist currently to do a touch up plus I like my hair back to my "natural" color of light brown. However, the GRAY has GOT TO GO! EEESh!


Thanks for hanging in there on my crazy post! Hope the eCards gave you a good laugh or atleast made you smile! Happy Wednesday! A few days closer to the weekend & I'll be off to see my sorority sisters! :D

 

Monday, February 20, 2012

.:{Peacock Palooza}:.

A couple of weeks ago my mom and a friend of mine (who is also a bridesmaid) and I through a shower for one of my good friends who is getting married in May. My friend wanted to have a "tea party" but we still needed a color scheme. So when we were brainstorming we were trying to decide on colors to use for napkins, flowers, etc. and we knew the shower was going to be in February so we were tempted to use red and pink and white and go with the Valentines theme but that was SOOO cliche! Then mom randomly asked me what color our dresses were for the wedding and I said, a dark teal, which (David's Bridal) called Peacock! At the same time a light bulb went off and we were like OMG yes! Peacock feathers, teal, lime and purple accents etc. etc. So, below is a collection of pictures from the shower and a few of the ideas we came up with, mostly thanks to Pinterst! :)

Pinning on her flower + peacock feather!
white tulips & callalillies
Candy Bar
We had guests address envelopes for the bride to send thank you notes! Just a helpful touch!
Photo of the couple on the entrance table! How perfect is this frame??
Drink Table
THE best punch ever!! Seriously. Super easy to make! Bacardi Pina colada drink mix, pinapple orange drink mix, diet sprite, sonic ice an frozen rasberries!
Citrus tea-- Sweet tea & lemonade concentrate mixed!
Towel cake!
The spread of food!
Outside lantern, we had 2 others inside.
Most of the bridesmaids!
It was so easy to put together once we started gathering up peacock stuff! It's so easy to find right now, mainly because of Pinterest. Such an easy theme that the bride LOVED! & we loved throwing! Can't wait for the vows on May 5th!