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!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

It's OK ( I think!) Thursday!

Hellllloooo Ladies.. so sorry I've been skippin on the blog entries lately. I just have little to no inspiration, work is crazy, last weekend with daddy's bday & Valentines was crazy! EEESH! Stop this ride I want off! Seriously, I really need to do my blog about the bridal shower for Lynsey & making relish with my gma. Seriously. Like this weekend. Since it's suppose to rain.

Anyways, let's go over a few things that are OK since it's Thursday and all.... :)


Its Ok Thursdays


It's OK...

...that sometimes I think my blog is puny and needs a make over, yet I'm almost computer illiterate so I don't want to undo what is here so I just don't mess with it.

...that my Lilly Pulitzer wallpapers have returned to my rotating desktop wallpaper at work. Seriously the contrast of the bright Lilly against the drab gray cubicle walls helps! && it's almost spring so yea...

...that instead of listening to music at work this week I've been listening to nature sounds. Um, how about I LOVE a good thunderstorm soundtrack or waves crashing against a shore! Takes me to another world while I answer emails.. the babbling brook and chirping birds are all good until the phone rings and I jump out of my skin!

...that I've been overly moody this week. So much so Firefighter D commented called me out.
Ooopsie PMS.

...that I have yet again eaten a RIDICULOUS amount of sweets/candy this week. Um. Valentines. Duh. Legit excuse.

...that I'm baptist and have never participated in Lent, but this year I think it's going to be my motivator/someting to hold me accountable. Instead of giving something up I'm going to get back on track. So I'm going to "give up" eating bad and not exercising. For 40 days I need to be mindful of what I eat and how I treat my body. Afterall it's sinful to mistreat your body. I also want to do a daily devotional something I haven't ever really stuck with.

...that I start laundry and don't fold and put it away until like a week later. Thank goodness people don't come over to sit on my couch!

...that 3 MAJOR bills are due by the end of the month & I'm not entirely sure how my ends are going to meet. Don't think I'll have to worry about dieting since I won't have food in the pantry...
Ramen Noodles Anyone?

...that I have on a sweatshirt dress, leggings (which I ripped this morning getting them over the junk in the trunk), and suede boots & consequently I feel like I'm wearing PJs to work! Holla!

...that Firefighter D and I had a fun Valentines Date/Day off Monday & I took no pics! :/ Sorry.

...I have some MAJOR DVR catch-up to play. Hmmm can I multi-task & update the blog while watching my shows this weekend...???

...that I miss my best friend Katie, but I get to see her a WEEK from tomorrow! :D

... that TOMORROW is FRIDAY! Unfortunately, I work until 5... but weekend after that!

Have a Lovely Thursday Ladies! 

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day 2012

Hello Lovely Ladies! I hope you are all having a great Valentines Day! I celebrated with Firefighter D yesterday by going to Villa Tronco (same Italian place we went for our Christmas date) then we attempted to go to the state musuem, but it was closed, so we went on to see The Vow. It was great! A must see! :) He had the day off from both of his jobs and I took the day off so it was nice to spend a week day together!

Anyways, on with today's post! My pen pal (who I met through Leslie @ A Blonde Ambition) and now friend Rachel over at {simple.little.joys} wrote a note a year ago today to her future husband. It was just too cute and included SO many of the qualities I seek in a future husband. Read her post from today (a year later) and see the precious cutness of a boyfriend that God has blessed her with. Such a sweet story & great to see the difference a year can make! I just had to re-post her letter for all you single ladies to read. And although I'm lucky enough to have a Valentine this year, I still consider myself "single" (by all government standards I am) and I won't consider myself not single until there is a shiny piece of bling on my left ring finger. :) So, I hope this letter makes you smile and fills your heart with hope & joy.



Dear future husband,
Where in the heck are you? Kidding, kind of. It's Valentine's Day, 2011. And I'm thinking about you, hoping and wishing you'd come into my life soon. 

I'm finally settled in Jackson. I've been a college graduate for close to a year now, I've had a great job for almost 7 months, and I'm comfortable in the most perfect little house ever. Life is good. But there's still a longing in my heart, because I haven't found you yet. I don't know if we've already met in life, or if you're still out there looking for me like I'm looking for you, but I am thinking about you today.

Above all, I pray that you are a Godly man. I pray that your love for Christ is the biggest aspect of your life. I hope that His love fills you in a huge way, and that you have a heart for Him and for His service. I don't want you to be ashamed of your faith. I pray that you will be the strong, Godly leader of our family every.single.day. I pray that you encourage me in my faith, and press me to being a better woman in Christ. I also hope that you have a church home that you love, because that is really important to me, too. Daily fellowship with other believers is what keeps me going.

I wonder what you're doing in life at this point. I hope you have a job that you love--a job that doesn't feel like going to work every day. I hope you have great friends and have made amazing memories with them so far...friends are such a huge part of my life, and I hope they will be for you, too. This  may be a little shallow, but I hope you have a love for SEC sports like I do, because otherwise, our Saturdays in the fall may conflict a little bit

I really hope you love kids as much as I do. I would love nothing more than to have a big family, full of love and lots of laughter, like my family is. I can't wait for many holidays together, soaking in every minute of the time we are fortunate enough to spend with each other. Speaking of family--that's a huge thing to me, too. I hope you're close to yours and that your family is really high on the priority list of your life. That shows a lot about a man. 

I pray that you have a huge zest for life. Cheesy, I know. But I'm planning on spending the next 70 or so years with you living them to the fullest. I want to travel all over the world. I want to make memories with you and with our children on vacations every year. I want to experience new things on a daily basis, and try everything at least once. I don't ever want to be afraid to do things, so I hope you are a little more fearless than me. I hope you push me to experience life as big as it gets. And I hope you're up to going on that adventure with me. 

One of my biggest prayers is that God will give me a man that can put up with me. I'm nowhere near perfect, and I know that. I'm impatient, moody, and stubborn. I have a big heart, but that also makes me really sensitive at times. Remember those things--love me for me, hug me when I'm moody, and tell me you love me in spite of my shortcomings. I'm stubborn, but I'm passionate. I never do anything with just half of my heart. It's always full force, which can be a blessing and a curse. 

There are so many other things I want to tell you, but I can't even find the words to say right now. Too many thoughts going on at once, I suppose. My heart is full of emotions that I already have for you, with the many prayers that I've prayed for you over the years, and with all of the expectations I have for us for the many years to come. I love you already, and I am clinging to the promise that God created you for me and only me. That sweet day that we finally meet needs to come in a quick fashion :) See, I told you I wasn't patient. I'm trying, though, I promise!

I really hope that you're as ready to meet me as I am to meet you. I am counting down the days! And I hope that when I see you, I'll know. I hope that all of the heartache that I've been through will make sense when our eyes meet for the first time. I hope that you'll love me in spite of my faults, and that you'll think I'm beautiful on my worst days. I hope that you'll be by my side, holding me up when I think I can't go any further, by my side on our most joyous days (like our wedding day, or the birth of our first child), and I hope that you'll mean those vows when you say them. For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, til death do us part. 

Love you to the moon and back,
Rachel

"I believe in true love, I believe in love at first sight, I believe that love conquers all. That doesn't mean there aren't going to be hard days or difficult things to deal with because there will be--but finding that person who does it for you and knowing that that person loves you back no matter what makes everything so much easier" -One Tree Hill
_______________________________________________________________
Have a Great Day Ladies! I'm listening to some Whitney Houston on Pandora while I work today.. what a great voice that sang so many great love songs. RIP

Thursday, February 9, 2012

It's Ok Thursday!

Hellllooo Lovies!

It's Thurs-to-the-DAY! Holla! I have a 1/2 day tomorrow so today is my last FULL day of the week! Awesome! :) As I meantioned yesterday I decided not to complete the V-day challenge.. not completeting something I start isn't unusual, and I'm OK with that. So I thought I'd do It's OK Thursday which is by the same chick doing the V-day challege, so there's not technically a link up, but again, It's OK!


Its Ok Thursdays


It's Ok...

...that I didn't go to bed until 12:30 last night because I needed to stay up and watching Idol & some of the season finale of Teen Mom 2.

...that since I watched tv I didn't take a shower until this morning and my hair is a hot mess because I didn't put enough moouse in it to make it stiff curly, so it's just going to be frizzy curly. I'll look like BOZO by 3.

...that I haven't done laundry in a while. Well, I may have done it but I haven't folded it or put it away. I may be being taken over by clothes...I'll get on that ... tonight... maybe...

...that I haven't decorated for V-day. It's normally one of my favs to decorate my house for b/c my kitchen is RED & all the little red hearts and accents look so cute all over the house, but now I feel like once I drag it out I'll have to put it back to put out spring stuff, but the spring stuff doesn't look as cute b/c pastels don't go with a kitchen that's Fire engine red. :/

...that I've fallen off the "yogurt & cheerios for b-fast wagon," the past 2 mornings I've needed FOOD. Like something chewable. & tomorrow I get free Chic-fil-A.

...that I haven't been my usual blogger self this week. Just too busy and too tired at night to get it done. Not too much inspiration either, soooo if you have a topic/suggestion/questions I'll take 'em.

...that I was given a PowerPoint presentation to build for someone else at work & I am ecstatic about manipulating words on a slide... sad.

...that I need a PIN-tervention. I can't quit pinning!!!! It's like crack.

...that I've eaten a fair share of candy this week.

...that I'm kinda excited about V-day, but mostly just to have Monday off work to spend with Firefighter D.

...that I promise to have more interesting post in the coming days.. but maybe not. :)

...that I love you all & think of you often & get excited to read your blogs & what's OK with you!

Have a great Thursday! :)



Wednesday, February 8, 2012

OH How Pintersting! No, I'm not dead...

Hello Ladies! :)

Yes, I have been MIA, but NO I'm not dead! :) I just had a busy weekend and then I've had little to no blog inspiration this week! Ooopsie! I had orginally inteded to continue the Valentines Link-up, but the topics weren't striking me this week and I've just been to exhausted at night to even turn on my laptop.

Seriously, Monday night and Tuesday night I went to be at 8 and 9 (respectfully). I haven't been sick, but I just haven't been feeling great. So yea, no gym either, but it's not like I've divulged in TV either. Thankgoodness for the DVR and it's ability to record my shows since I have turned into an old lady and go to bed early I need my beauty sleep. :)

This weekend I helped throw a very successful bridal shower for my friend Lynsey. But it wore me SLAP out! :) I promise to do a blog post of the shower/decor mainly so I can link to Pinterest. :) It all turned out SO cute, I can't wait to share! Look for a post sometime before or during the weekend! I just have to get the pictures off my camera, which means finding a cord, and turning on the lap top and waiting for blogger not to be stupid to post pics etc. You know.

This upcoming weekend is my daddy's 60th Birthday. I can't believe it! :) Mom and I are planning some special stuff for him and a few surprises that we've been working on. My gma is coming into town to celebrate also and she and I are going to bond over making her famous hot pepper relish. I'll probably post about that sometime next week.

I have a half day of work on Friday and I have the day off Monday to spend with Firefighter D and celebrate Valentines day! Kinda excited since I haven't had a Valentine in 2 years! Single ladies I totally feel you. I don't hardly consider myself far removed for your emotional state during this dreaded holiday. I WILL NOT rub the valentine-ness in your face. Promise! Besides, it's a commerical holiday created by Hallmark. If someone loves you they should let you know throughout the year, on any day, for no reason inparticular. We aren't being mushy about it.. we are going to the SC State Musuem (b/c I have 2 free passes) and then dinner. Seriously, no big deal. It'll just be nice to spend most of a day together and be off work.

I guess I could be somewhat blog participatory and post a few Pintersting things that have caught my eye this week...

A Food Item
Totally having this next Sunday lunch I cook!


A Fashion Item or Two!
& How can you not love? Seriously!

Morganite is the stone. Therefore I must have. Clearly it was named after me!
Source: jtv.com via Morgan on Pinterest


Crafty Item
Coffee Filter flowers DIY! Too cute for spring in a colored vase! Must make!


FUTURE Wedding Item
Monogram on Wedding Bouquet. Duh.


Nifty Item
Hello resourseful Lilly!


HOT Item
It's almost Valentines day, I couldn't resist posting a hotty! :)

Ok, also I have noticed this trend... not sure I like it, but SEVERAL ladies in the office have been sporting it!

Boots w/ Capris?? Yay or Nay??
To me it just looks like you have on high waters....

Oh & PS. I had 50 follwers and today I get on and I've got 49! Who changes their mind about being a follower. Ouchy. Don't do that to people, just don't read their blog but don't unfollow them. :/ Hopefully the rest of you will stick around!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday Ladies!

Friday, February 3, 2012

V-Day Challenge #5: Love my Girlfriends


Happy Friday ALL! So glad it's almost the weekend! I hope you have something fun planned! I'm throwing a bridal shower for a friend on Saturday and then of course watching the Super Bowl or really the commercials. I'm sure I'll see Firefighter D at some point this weekend since he is actually off work and has a "normal" Sat/Sun weekend like the rest of the general public!
                       Anyways.. loved doing the Link up this week.. here's the 5th installment!

Valentine’s Day Challenge

Love My Girlfriends!
Carrie Bradshaw got it right when when she said, "No matter who broke your heart, or how long it takes to heal, you'll never get through it without your friends!"

Here are a few of my girl friends who (I'm pretty sure!) I couldn't get through life without!

This is me and Heather, we've been friends since I dated her brother 12 years ago (yes do the math I was 13 and she was 7/8) anyways she was, is and always will be the sister I never had! We even look alike so it works out nicely!


Next up are the college friends! I had 2 sets of friends in college the first were my sorority sisters! 
My BIG Jenilyn, Me, Aimee, Cheryl, Kendall, Kristen and Morganne.
The second group of college girl friends were the ones I lived with, hung out with, had several classes with and who will always be known as "my college friends."

Me, Sarah, April (pic taken at her wedding), Katie, Jessica & Erica.
While all of those girls are dear friends of mine, Katie is probably my bestest friend in the whole wide world. She has stuck with me through every guy, every situation and we talk on pretty much a weekly/bi-weekly basis. She always tells me how I really am (in a nice way) and is there for me NO matter what! I hate that we don't live in the same town, although if we did we probably wouldn't be as close!

This was at her wedding a couple years ago, but STILL our best picture together!

The next two lovely ladies are close friends from high school. All three of us were in marching band/colorguard, we were in youth group together at church and we at some point or another we all dated the same guy. :) Rebekah (one in green) and I grew up across the street from each other and Lynsey (the one I'm giving the shower for this weekend, with Rebekah) is an only child so we could relate on SO many levels! I was honored enough to be asked to be in each other weddings.. trust me they will probably be in mine, whenever that actually happens!


Finally, I have to mention that this is my OLDEST friend. Seriously, we were womb buddies! Our mommas were good friends and pregnant at the same time. Our birthdays are a week apart. We played together as toddlers and pre-schoolers. In the first grade Currie moved to Greenville, but we remained friends and only saw each other a couple times between elementary school and high school graduation. Last spring she asked me to be an honorary bridesmaid in her wedding. So sweet, that no matter how much time passes and how far apart you live you can always come back to where you left off!

Currie & I at her rehearsal dinner. (Spring 2011)

Last but certainly not least is my NEWEST friend, Lisa. We work together. She moved here from Connecticut about a year ago and got a job with the company I work for. Young people at my office are in the minority and as soon as I met her I knew we were going to be good friends. She never ceases to make me laugh at lunch and we enjoy hanging out outside of work. I'm teaching her how to be southern! :)

This was taken at a department event last July!
I'm so blessed to have such amazing girlfriends. I've never been the type to just associate with ONE close friend. I've always been a mingler and like to have various groups of friends full of different personalities and interests. I love each and every one of these ladies and I hope to meet a few of my blog friends and in a couple years be able to have a post about the friends I've met through blogging that have become great friends! Have a lovely weekend everyone!



Thursday, February 2, 2012

V-Day Challenge #4: Love Weddings

Annnnd it's finally Thursday! Praise BE! Kinda missing my normal link ups like "It's OK Thursday" but today's Link up MAY be my favorite thus far! Are you ready?

Valentine’s Day Challenge

Weddings!!
As some of you know I direct and coordinate events and weddings on the side/as a hobby. I have so many coming up! I love helping other people plan that most important day in their lives, but sometimes the single girl in me comes out and wonders when will it EVER be MY turn?!??? ;) WELL, the link up today is giving me the opportunity to post some pictures of ideas I'd LOVE to use in my future fairytale day! 

Now, I like the traditional and formal wedding style, like in a church, with perfect matchy dresses and tuxes with tails etc. but it's really NOT me! I want something that people haven't experienced before. I want people to say, "WOW! That was a fun, unique and beautiful celebration!" Currently I'm obsessed with Peacock feathers, mason jars, hay bails and outdoor spaces! Now, when it's actually my turn sometime in the next century (I hope!) I will have probably changed my mind 10,000 more times! But if I had to pick TODAY,  right this minute these are a few of the things I'd choose! Special thanks to Pinterest for allowing me to plan my non-existent wedding WAY in advance! ;)

The Dress

The Flowers


The Cake



The Toast

The Maids


In any of these colors...


The Setting




The Most Important Part...