La Bella Vita

Meet Becka

2011-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hey friends!! I know Ive been MIA....mainly because Ive been so busy but today is an important day and I would not wanna miss out on introducing a very special lady. Im participating in Kelly's Show us your life!

This Fridays Show us your life is......SHOW US YOUR SINGLES!! So Im here to introduce one of my besties Becka aka Bex (as I like to call her). I may be biased but seriously this girl is a great catch however Im pretty sure God is molding her bc there is ONE special guy out there for her....so she patiently (or not so patiently) awaits his arrival. She is the one girlfriend we ALWAYS call for a good laugh. It doesnt matter where you are or what you are doing you are bound to be laughing if shes anywhere near.

Becka is................

Habitually single
Never a bride, never been a bridesmaid either for that matter

I kid...I kid.....

Honest and loyal
funny....NO....HILARIOUS is more like it
comes from a GREAT family
photographer
loves to travel/road warrior
GOD LOVING WOMAN
BEAUTIFUL inside/out

Becka lives in the Jackson MS area however she spends a huge majority of her time in the Memphis Tn area as well.....she comes to visit us up in Tn often and hopes to move back someday. She works full time as an Inventory Anaylst but her passion is photography...she is the photographer/owner of BlueGenes photograhy!!! Find her fan page on Facebook if you would like. Her website is in the process of being built.

If you like what you see or you are interested just leave a comment with info on how to get in touch and Ill pass it along.
FYI.....this was not her idea.....ALL MINE!!! :))

Where have I been?

2010-11-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

For almost the last year I have heard people mention the word Scentsy! I have several friends who have had Scentsy parties (which I skipped) and I have seen them in several of my friends homes. Im not sure where this wild hair came from but I decided several weeks ago to give this little burner a try. Keep in mind I LOVE candles! I burn them constantly. Well friends I made my first Scentsy purchase and that is when I fell in love.

I purchased a mid size burner in a yellow color (looks great in the Kitchen) and several scents. Right now my favorite scent is a vanilla one (sorry I cannot remember which one...there are several) I love how I can turn the burner on and since the vanilla is light enough I can still burn my favorite candles too. I am excited to try the Christmas scent I purchased.

This past weekend I was at a Christmas show with local vendors and stumbled across another Scentsy vendor so of course I had to add to my Scentsy stash. I bought this little guy for the bathroom.

I love it! So, if yall are skeptical like me and not sure about this, I promise......you WILL NOT be disappointed! I have already picked out a big burner that I want and Im ordering several for Christmas presents. Im funny about scents!! I do not like anything too sweet or floral like.....I DO NOT want a scent to give me a headache. However, like I said I have been extremely pleased and happy to say Scentsy won a new customer!

OOOHHHH....and if you have any FAVORITE SCENTS please share!!!! There are so many I get overwhelmed. Id love to know your favorites.

Happy Wednesday!
XOXO

Baby its Cold Outside

2010-11-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday and yes from the title Ive been singing Christmas songs. haha!! Im not sure where our Fall weather disappeared to but its feeling more like winter here. Brr....its cold. This weekend was pretty much a lazy relaxed GIRLS weekend. Saturday I ran all around shopping with several of my girlfriends and then we enjoyed lunch at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants!
Miss Haven had to go home and try on some of her new clothes

Think she likes them? hahah....really she did...she was just hungry. She looks cute in her boots....too grown up though for 11 weeks old. hehe...Im afraid she will grow up too fast. Yes that would be me in the background with the terrified look on my face. Who knows what I was doing or saying.

Yesterday I pulled out all my Christmas stuff! I love this time of year and could not wait any longer. I figure if I start now (it will take me a week or two) then once Thanksgiving is over Ill be able and ready to enjoy all my Christmas decor! So last night I fluffed EVERY branch on the tree (my hands are living proof...ouch) and dressed it! Im not finished but its definitely a start!

Whats been going on

2010-11-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

First Off THANK YALL so much for the warm welcome back!!! I got some pretty sweet comments and messages yesterday...how in the world did I stay away so long. :)
Secondly, HAPPY FRIDAY!

Okay so what have I been up to? Like I said yesterday...nothing much but here is what has happened since I blogged last. Lets see.....I pretty much spent most of my summer weekends with friends and family hanging out or relaxing on the lake. Aaahhh...I love the lake in the summer.

One of my bestest friends hubby started his tour with Lady Antebellum. Congrats David Nail. I love getting to see him perform.

A special guy in my life celebrated the big number "1". We celebrated Brooks Graier's first bday!!!

Lets see....in between all this I found time to paint! I know I have mentioned before how much I love painting....this is definitely my stress reliever....I love painting on paper, canvas, walls, furniture...you name it!!

We celebrated the arrival of my precious Niece.....one of my best friends little girl....Haven Elizabeth! Oh and was she worth the wait!!

And to finish up the summer...Aaron and I headed out to Vegas with my mom and her husband!

hahaha...no we didnt get hitched!! However it was fun! My first trip to Vegas and hopefully not my last!

Thanks Mama and Tim for having us join yall! Im ready to go back next year. haha!!

So there ya have it! Thats whats been going on. Promised yall it wasnt very exciting but hopefully now that we have caught up Ill get back to blogging my random daily posts!!

Have a FANTASTIC weekend!

Well Hello........

2010-11-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

.....My name is Leigh for those of you who may have forgotten. ha!! I believe it has been a good year since I have posted anything on blogger. Im sorry for my readers....even though I know my blog is not that interesting. :) Its still a fun way to keep friends and family up to date plus I have met some great ladies doing so. Im happy to say IM BACK!!! I guess I have alot to catch everyone up on (I promise nothing very exciting though)

This is my ALL TIME favorite part of the year. Did everyone have a great Halloween?!?! Its horrible...its only the beginning of November and Im soooo stinkin ready to decorate for Christmas. haha. I wont lie to you...I believe Christmas may be going up a little early this year. I usually wait until after Thanksgiving but I dont see that happening this year. :)

Okay Im working on updating this blog and I promise not to wait so long in between posts. Im going to leave yall with an introduction to a new "special" someone in my life. My bestest friend had a baby girl a few months ago (first girl born out of my friends....and my sister has 3 boys so shes my first neice) This is Haven or also knows as Miss Priss or doll (she reminds me of a baby doll). I LOVE this little one.

COHEN

2010-07-01T07:01:00.001-07:00

Molly Be Designs

2010-06-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

One of my dear friends has started her own business and I could not be more proud of her. Stephanie has always been one crafty and creative little bee. Not only is her stuff adorable she is definitely a PERFECTIONIST so you will never purchase anything from her that she would not pay or make for herself. I have watched her complete a project and then turn around and start all over because she was not pleased. Now, she DID NOT ask me to post this....actually she has no clue that I am but I wanted to share some of her things with yall because I have a few of her creations myself and have received many compliments on them so I definitely want to share them with yall incase anyone would like some for themselves. So here is a picture overload of a FEW things she does.

Adorable apron (she makes these in half sizes as well)

Everyone needs a cute dish towel for the kitchen and they are only $8.00!!! These are definitely one of my favorites! Very cute in the bathroom too!!

She has a HUGE variety of onesies and shirts....Boys & Girls

One of her newest projects are these adorable "Fabric Flowers". I wore a black and white zebra one on a black dress Saturday night and I cannot even begin to tell yall how many compliments I received!!! These flowers can be purchased with a hat or headband or you can even purchase the flower alone. You can pin it on a shirt, dress or even a necklace!!

Dont want a flower? How about a bow?!?! Cute huh?

This is only a sample of what she can do. She makes diaper cakes, banners, clothes, pillows, bedskirts.....yall get my point!! The girl has talent!

If you are interested or need a cute gift you can find her on Facebook at Molly Be Designs

Go find her and you can see all her designs! Dont see what you want....shoot her an email. Im pretty sure she would love to "create" with you!!

MollyBeDesigns@hotmail.com

2010-05-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday Yall!! Did you watch the Bachelorette last night? After last season I once again said I probably would not watch the show ever again but lets be real...who am I kidding?!!?! I could not wait to get home and tune in. I was absolutely starving when I got off work last night so I went and grabbed dinner before heading to the mall to look for a swimsuit. Ahemmmm...what in the world was I thinking? Better yet I wasnt. I have the hardest time finding swimsuits and after two different stores I finally found ONE that I liked-- it was different from any I have ever purchased. It was a pretty blue...almost a navy but not quite. Anywho I put it on and I must say I loved the color BUT I guess I couldnt get past the chicken sandwich and fries sitting in my mid section!! AHHH...why would I go scarf down all I did before trying on a swimsuit! Needless to say I left empty handed. I guess Ill try looking again later this week.

So after dinner and a wasted trip shopping I hurried home and plopped down at 7:59 exactly (perfect timing). I have to admitt Alli was not one of my favorites last season but Im still excited to see how her journey turns out. Some of the male contestants were pure goof balls! I noticed a few psychos as well. But hey the show would not be same without them right?!?! DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE YET?!?!? Of course I could change as time goes on but from first impressions---- Chris L (from Cape Cod) completely won me over. He was tugging on my heartstrings!! Any man who can put his life on hold and give up things he enjoys in life to move back to his hometown and in with his parents because his mama is ill just speaks volumes!! He said his mom passed a year ago but he didnt regret any decisions because he spent the last year with her and loving her! AAAHHHH......and you know what they say "boys that love their mamas...love their wives" or wait maybe thats not it...."boys who treat their mama's good treat their wives good"...anyways I dont know the saying but...he just seemed very genuine!

Yall have a great day!!

Hello Summer

2010-05-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

Looks as if Summer has arrived. Yikes it has been pretty hot here but more so HUMID!!! Let me mention that I am not a fan of humidity....nope not at all. One, I have curly hair and it seems like no matter how well I straighten each strand its still bound and determined to frizz up on me.....its also pointless to try and wear makeup--it literally melts off.....its hard to breath and your clothes stick to you. So now that I have made it clear that Im not a fan lets move along. :) Summer is here and minus the humidity in the air Im quite excited!!! Summer is always one of my favorite seasons. I love being outside and spending times with friends and well Summer is the perfect time for this.

This past weekend I spent most of my time outside. One of my besties came in town so Friday night a group of us headed out for Sushi then we headed off to a patio for many GREAT LAUGHS! Bex had 3 different photo shoots this weekend that I helped with...no complaints....we always have fun doing this....I love her creativity and seeing her passion for photography. I tried to get some sun while helping her. I am about as white as piece of paper. Im not really complaining because I have decided that SUPER DARK just isnt for me.....I just want a fresh clean color....sunkissed!! Saturday night we headed off for Mexican (imagine that...haha) with all our girls....well most of our girls.

Heather (black shirt) is preggers with Haven....we cant wait for her to get here!!

Well Monday has greeted us again and I hope that its a fast week!! Happy Monday!

Im Alive

2010-05-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

I know I have not posted in a while but trust me I have still been reading all of yalls posts daily! There has been so much going on between work and life---but that is another post in itself. I have even been tossing around the idea of shutting this blog down bc well as you can see it has been abandoned for weeks now. Its really just my daily ramblings in life.

Anyways with that being said...my blog is still up and running....just lacking a little attention from me. I wanted to be sure and share with yall though that if you have not purchased and read Angie Smith's book I Will Carry You please stop what you are doing....go to your local bookstore......and grab a copy!!! You WILL NOT be disappointed! I read this book in 2 days....I stayed up both nights until around 1am bc I refused to put it down. You can also visit Angies blog (Im sure you may already follow her) but I know some of my friends dont so incase you do not either stop by and pay her blog a visit!

Angie had her 5th baby girl last night---Charlotte! Im so happy for the Smith family.

Happy Thursday!

A Very Big Night

2010-04-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

Im so excited to be sharing this news but most importantly Im thrilled for David and Catherine!! As I have mentioned before one of my besties is married to David Nail {for those of you who listen to country music you may know him....if you dont like country...well he sings it} Anyways for you country fans out there {like me ;) } this Sunday at the ACM Awards David has been nominated for single of the year for Red Light!!! YAY!! This is his first nomination and I could not be more excited for him!!

{notice the PW on his guitar......GO HERE....to read more}

David has a huge heart....and VOICE might I add! He totally deserves this nomination and all the thrill that comes with it!!

His new single is out "Turning Home" great song....great video. David took the video back to his hometown of Kennett MO which is where he calls home. Yall check it out!!

Happy Friday and Have a great weekend!!

Fill In The Blank Friday

2010-04-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!! I dont know about yall but Im super excited that the weekend has greeted us! If yall wanna join Fill In the Blank Friday then go HERE and link up.....never hurts to let your blogging friends now more about you.

1) The first thing I do in the morning is hit the snooze button. Yes, I do this for about 30 minutes {Im not a morning person} I then get up use the bathroom and take Lola outside.

2) Every night before bed I wash my face....set my alarm and turn on my Tv until I cant keep my eyes open any longer.

3) My favorite thing to do when Im having a bad is well it really depends on the day and how bad. Lets see...somedays I may want to come home...crawl in the bed with my doggies and turn on my favorite movie. Sometimes I just want to paint or do something crafty. Other times I may want to go shopping with friends.....I guess it just depends on my mood but I usually do one of these.

4) Something that makes me cringe would be snakes and mice. Yikes....just the thought makes my toes curls. yuck yuck yuck!!!

5) Social Situations make me happy!! I love interacting with people!!

6) I like to collect cookbooks!! I also have a huge collection of pictures.....I love pictures!!!! I also have a huge collection of crosses.

7) Weekends are for doing whatever it is I want!! Sometimes I want to do nothing and flat out relax.....other times I want to work on projects or just get out and about.

Hope yall have a WONDERFUL weekend!!

Pink and Green Thursday

2010-04-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite bloggers joined in on PINK AND GREEN Thursday which can be found HERE. Thanks SSM for introducing me to this new blog. Yall hop on over and join in....especially if ya like pink and green.
I wasnt sure if I would blog today or not but hey....why not add a little pink and green to brighten up my blog. There are no rules so just have fun with it!!

For some reason I have been craving cupcakes ALL week long. Im proud to say that I have not given in to this temptation but I sure would love one....maybe a mini one like below.

I would also be tickled PINK if I received some of these

I have honestly never been a huge ROSE person. I dont know why...I like them and think they smell good but I guess it just seems so cliche that roses are the flower you receive so daisies or tulips....or anything different speaks volumes in my opinion. However, I just recently was introduced by a girl friend to green roses....I had no clue these existed but I LOVE them and think they are BEAUTIFUL. I believe they may be hard to find as well but they are out there!!

I would love to have a wall of plates just like this....ribbon and all.

Lastly how stinkin cute is this kitchen....so girlie and shabby chic like! I know not everyone likes this style but I adore it. I realize this kitchen is not "man friendly" but for a single girl it could definitely be pulled off.

Hope yall enjoyed!!

One Word--Procrastinatioin

2010-04-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Notice the big word in the title that starts with a "P"? Yep thats me....Im a Procrastinator!!! Well not all the time but often--Im not even going to lie. I dont know why I choose to wait until the last minute on things but I tend to do this often. I even find myself having crazy dreams that have to do with Procrastination.....like this one I have had several times---Its my wedding day and I dont have a dress, my hair is not fixed and zero makeup....Im walking down the aisle in jeans and a Tshirt. Aahhhhh....lets hope I would not wait until the last minute with such an important day. When I was in School I use to have dreams that I forgot to study for a huge test or complete a big project.....CLEARLY I worry myself with my procrastinating ways so I should just stop and get things done when I know about them or in the very beginning.

So, the reason for this topic today is..............Have yall filed your taxes?!?!?!!? Did you know today is the last day...they are due tomorrow?!?!!??!?!!? Guess who did hers at lunch? ME!!!!!! Yep, I waited until the last minute but thank goodness I got them filed. I cant believe I waited this late. I even remember thinking to myself that I needed to get it done. My moms accountant {who is her good friend} even called me a few weeks ago and said to just Fax my info and she would take care of it for me. hahah. Why did I wait? I honestly have no clue other than the fact that I have been reminded once again that I am a PROCRASTINATOR!

Taking Time

2010-04-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday during my lunch hour I decided to run to our local craft store to pick up some items for my paintings. I had some coupons so of course I had to use them. :) They sure know how to get you to spend money!!!
Anyways on my way--I was sitting at a red light waiting to turn and noticed something that completely warmed my heart and put my mind in motion. Let me back up a bit and fill yall in....the area of town I work in is pretty much surrounded by businesses and working people...the lunch hour is CRAZY around town. Everyday I see about 2 or 3 different men who appear to be homeless...standing on the corner with a sign asking for money. I know this is a sensitive subject with many people.....people get angry and shout out "bums"....many drive right by them but they are out there everyday. I DO NOT know the truth about these men....I dont know if they are homeless or just jobless.....I dont know if they are Chrisitans or not....I dont know if they have families.......drug dealers......theives.....alcoholics.....etc.....I do know that these men are Gods children though and we are to love them just as God does. I am very guilty of driving by these men daily.....I will not lie there! I have been known to give to pan handlers before--I figure they answer for it one day Im just taking care of a brother or sister....so judge me the way you wish. I just pray that the money is not used for drugs or beer.

Okay so back to what I saw yesterday. I have seen a man around a few times.....standing on the corner asking for money....this man literally has a concaved skull. I mean its pretty known that if you are missing half your brain then you are sure to have some mental problems....right?!?! I dont know Im not a Dr but whatever this mans situation is he begs for money often. So, yesterday as Im sitting at the red light I notice this man sitting on the curb {of a Starbucks and busy busy intersection} eating a McDonalds meal and a drink. Sitting beside this man is a lady in a black dress {which clearly appeared to be a lady that works in the area}. Now I do not know exactly what happened or even what she was doing sitting there but I will tell you what my mind started thinking. It appeared that this lady had bought this man lunch and instead of handing it to him and going on with her work day she TOOK A FEW MINUTES and sat with him. He was not alone....Im sure he is not use to a lady in work clothes....carrying her designer bag to sit down and have lunch with him. This may sound silly to you or you may be thinking "how did this warm your heart" but it just reminded me of the little things in life. Im so blessed to be able to buy food, go to work, have my mental health, live in a house......"By the grace of God there go I". I started to question myself....how often do I stop in my busy day and give someone less fotunate my time or even share the TRUTH of Jesus Christ. I know Im a girl and I have to be smart with the way I do things and who I approach but what if a GROUP invited this man on the corner into the nearest restraunt {walk...you dont have to put a stranger in your car} and fed him....share with him LOVE.

Romans 12:13 — “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

I started thinking--the place I live is not MY house but GODS house....its not MY money but GODS money...not MY food but GODS food. Yes I work hard for this stuff but God blesses me with it all!

Proverbs 19:17 — “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.”

I do realize that if you give to the poor bc you know its what God wants but its not what you want then it means very little if anything to God. He wants us to give from the love in our heart...not by what we let others see and know we are giving. Give generously but from your heart.....pray about where you can give and how. It may not be MONEY you give to someone--I didnt see the lady on the corner giving this man money...I saw her giving him her TIME!!! She was giving him a friend....a kind voice. I found myself praying at that moment--how amazing would it be if she was sharing Gods love with him....telling him he has a father that will provide as long as he allowed him in....how awsome is that!!

I know I find myself staying in my "comfort zone" but I also know that I rarely meet a stranger. I pray that I could start to use my outgoing personality and words to reach out to the less fortunate and I realized all this by a lady who took a few minutes to sit on the curb with this man I see often.

James 2:14-17 — “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Doggie Days

2010-04-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Two of my besties were in town this weekend so of course it made for a GREAT one.

The weather was BEAUTIFUL here....except late yesterday afternoon I noticed the pollen had started to set in and my allergies are not excited. Oh well!!! Saturday we decided to take the dogs to the park and let them play. We have a huge park where we live and so we loaded up and headed to the park--Me, Catherine and Stephanie took all of our babies....Ellie, Lola, Molly, Bebe, and Charlie. We had a great time but the dogs had an even better time. They ran and ran and ran. Of course Ellie played ball the entire time. My dog is obsessed with any ball....its all she can think about.

Ellie is so fast too....she would take off before I even threw the ball and trust me my throws never made it that far....she would have to turn around and come back for the ball. haha.

Good thing Aaron was golfing....Im sure he would be all over me about my pitches (Its the baseball player in him)

We even had some dogs swimming in the ponds

Sweet Molly girl loves the water!!!

Charlie girl decided to try out the water as well...Charlie is a goldendoodle {I want one some day for sure} she is still a puppy even though she looks big so this was her very first swim.....

Her mama was not thrilled that she decided to take a dip. Only bc they live in Nashville and were visiting her parents....and now she had to think about bathing her and cleaning her up. Oh well what can you do?!?! Catherine just laughed.

It was definitely a fun day and we had some exhausted dogs. Lola and Bebe were along for the fun but they both weigh about 4lbs so they were all over the place and rarely sit still so catching a picture of those silly girl is about near impossible.

There is Lola....she was running with Charlie. Lola may be small but she has a big personality....she is not even scared of big dogs--I mean if I were her and Charlie was running after me like that I would be high tailing it somewhere else. ha!! She loves being out there with all of the doggies.

So that was my Saturday! Saturday night we cooked out and called it an early night so we could all get up for church Sunday. After church we had lunch outside on her town square {It was lovely}. We stayed outside all day Sunday too. I helped one of my besties with some of her photo shoots. After a long day Sunday we ended the night with Mexican for dinner!! 10 of us loaded into our favorite mexican place and enjoyed dinner and many laughs!!

Hope Everyones weekend was wonderful and I hope you all have a great week!!!

Best Giveaway EVER!!

2010-04-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

This is by far the BEST giveaway experience I have ever seen on blogspot....or whatever you use to blog. Ladies, if you do not follow Mckmama's blog....aka Stellan's mom for some you please head that way. What are you waiting on.....go....go..... :)

Jennifer or Mckmama if you wish is holding a giveaway right now that will be up at Midnight tonight. You have the chance to win an IPAD. NO I'm not lying to yall {I would never do something like that} Jennifer purchased the new IPad with her very own $499.00 and she is not even keeping this for herself....nope....she is giving one of us lucky bloggers a chance to win this. So, here is what you have to do to be apart of this giveaway....Go HERE to Mckmamas blog {Go ahead and read what all she has to say} you will see several opportunities to click on a COMPASSION LINK....all you have to do is place a donation which I might add is a WONDERFUL opportunity to give. The minimum donation is $5.00 but you are free to donate what you wish. Every 5.00 donation will give you one entry...so you donate $10.00 you get 2 entries....you donate $1,000.00 you will get 1,000 entries. Compassion and Jennifer will pick one lucky winner tonight at midnight. Be sure to let Mckmama know you donated {dont tell her what you gave but that you did} she will be donating $1.00 for every single person who does.

Let me tell yall...I just read on her page that Compassion has already received $20,000 from people reading Mckmama's blog! HOW AMAZING!!!!!! If you are not familiar with Compassion Ministries please visit the website. Its truly amazing what all we can do to help others in need...especially young innocent children. If nothing more we can PRAY!!!

God Bless you all!!

BlueGenes Photography

2010-04-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies! Im so excited to announce that one of my bestest friends has found one of her passions in life! Photography!! I love a good photo....they capture so much! Im one of those girls that ALWAYS has my camera. I love capturing the little moments that you carry with you as time goes on. Anyways. Becka started a blog and I wanted to introduce yall to her. So head HERE to check out her work! She is seriously one of wittiest....most funny....beautiful....you name it people I know. Yall will certainly love her blog....she is just getting started so bare with her as she learns all the ropes of blogging.

About Becka {In her own words}

"For as long as I can remember, I had a creative side to me. Growing up I was into Art (the art you put onto a surface...canvas, paper, etc.) Working with my hands was always something I enjoyed when it came to art. I believe God is a wonderful artist. He places landscapes, people, animals, weather, and combines them to come up with something artist see as "beautiful". My definition of beauty probably differs from some...I see things differently and creatively. I am also a romantic so I love seeing people in love...holding hands, smiling at one another, kissing foreheads. Ah I could go on :) Hope you enjoy my photography and style. As for me, I am a Southern girl who has finally found her passion :) "

{copied from BlueGenes Photography blog}

The thing called LOVE

2010-03-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

One of my besties sent me an email this morning of a post she found on a blog....I just so happen to follow this blog as well and definitely wanted to be sure and share with everyone else. Juliana is amazing with words and if you do not read her blog-- "A blonde walks into a blog" then you are missing out. What are you waiting on!?!? Click Here to read her post on Love! I could not have said it better.....or needed to read it at a better time!

Dresses and Bows

2010-03-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

I am so HAPPY to say that one of my bestest friends found out today that she is 100% having a baby GIRL!

Congrats Heather and Nick! I cant wait for little Miss Haven to join us. Oh the fun we will have. I have 3 nephews and several little ones that I consider nephews so I am definitely beside myself to have a GIRL join the bunch. Dresses, bows, curls, pearls, nail polish oh this little one will be spoiled and I am so excited!!!

2010-03-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

This morning on my way to the office I was listening to KLove.....Lisa and Eric got my mind going in many directions this morning. TOPIC OF DISCUSSION-- what is/was the best thing or advice you have for roadtrips with children? Most of the people that called in mentioned DVD players or Nintendo DS. Dont get me wrong.....these are great and especially since they keep kiddos entertained for several hours. However I started thinking back on what my brother and I did as kids when going on road trips--lets face it we didnt have Tv's in the car or handheld nintendo's. Now let me just say that I do not travel well. As a child I always got carsick so the best thing I could do was take dramamine and go to sleep. BUT when I was awake we would play little games.....like....the alphabet game. We would start with A and find something that starts with A....then we would do B.......we would eventually do the entire alphabet. Or we would play some licsence plate game--we would try to see how many different states we could find. We had tons of random games we would play. I remember the first time we ever did a roadtrip with a Tv in the car {yall ready for this} it was my Tv from my bedroom. hahah! This tv was small and HEAVY but you could plug it into a cigarette lighter. We would plug it up and literally have to bolt it down...we would put our movies and watch for hours. {these were video tapes...not DVD's} Anyways its so fun to think back on how much times have changed and how kids today would think we were crazy for the way we did things growing up!

Remember your first cellphone? I do!! I had a Nokia {im not sure the model} this phone was probably one of the most reliable cell phones I have ever purchased...I do not remember ever having problems with that phone. Remember the Zack Morris phone--my mom had one. haha! {ring ring...PLEASE PICK UP YOUR BRICK} this phone was huge...its bigger than my house phone.

I also remember we had a "car phone" in a suburban we had. Get it "car" phone...not cell phone....this did not leave the car.

Now we have phones that fit right into the palm of our hands and they do as much as our home computers. Crazy?!?! Dont get me wrong....I LOVE my Iphone and would possibly be lost without it {yes Id survive but it does soooo much}

We can go roadtrips now and never even look at a map for directions. Why most people have a little voice in their car that tells them when and where to turn. {I know not everyone but most vehicles these day come with navigation}

I must say this morning's drive had me laughing and smiling inside....I love memories of my childhood. It gets me thinking about how much will change by the time my children are here and taking roadtrips. Fun memories!

Happy Monday

2010-03-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Monday! Did everyone have a wonderful weekend? Lets see....I would have to say this past weekend was pretty relaxing. Aaron and I ate leftovers on Friday and did not do a thing. We both had a busy week and I think by Friday we were plum exhausted.

Saturday night my moms boyfriends daughter {did you get all that...ha} was in her hometown pageant and WON!!! Yay Cayce! We are so proud of you and I know you will represent Olive Branch to the fullest! Cayce is one of those that is beautiful on the inside just as much as the outside. Well deserved girl. I think as soon as they announced she won I jumped up out of my seat screaming.......hahah....Im just so proud of her! Aaron was even a trooper and joined us all to support Cayce. I think he really enjoyed it even if he would never admit it. ;) I have to say he never complained though.

Yesterday I did some more painting and Im proud to say I have now completed 5 canvases....I know I know....I keep saying I will share the pictures. I need to take some and I promise to upload them for those of you who want a sneaky peak.

Well Happy Monday and have a great day!

Fill In The Blank Friday

2010-03-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

1) The best piece of advice I was ever given was In a marriage you give 100 percent both ways...not 50/50 bc if you only give 50 percent you leave room for error. Always "out love" your spouse.

2) If I had a million dollars to give to a charity I would give it to Compassion International. I have been blessed to adopt a little boy from India named Chumandev. I am blessed to financially support him in a small way but I definitely support him in a big way through praying and encouraging. If I had one million dollars I would definitely do more for this charity.

3.) If I got to choose my "last meal" it would be Im gonna go with mexican. Im always up for chips and dip.

4.) My hair is Naturally wavy/curly, blonde and long. Thank goodness for great hair products that I use to tame my mess along with my CHI iron. However, over the past few years I have learned to love my natural side and I allow my hair to go curly or wavy some.

5) If at first you dont succeed Try Try again..........................

6) I have always been very much a people person. As I have said before I do not meet a stranger. I LOVE people. Great company always makes my day. Im one of the crazies that will talk to you in an elevator even if I dont know you. haha!

7) Oh....and by the way...........Im so HAPPY its FRIDAY!!! Yay!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day and weekend. If you would like to play along go HERE to link up your answers.

Cheater Cheater....where'd you meet here....

2010-03-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

......First Tiger and Elin and now Jesse and Sandra.........

guys guys guys.....look at both of these woman! All I know is the woman these men had an affair with do not hold a candle to the wifes they have/had. What were you thinking?!?! I watched the Blindside last night {GREAT MOVIE} and all I could think was the crying shame it is that Sandra's BIG moment has been completely ruined by her husbands cheating ways. Whats almost worst is the fact that the mistresses almost seem proud of what they have done. Atleast they dont seem to be showing guilt or shame.

I could not imagine how I would feel if my husband EVER cheated on me. NO, im not married but still......"til death do us part"...."good times and bad" I take that very serious. Which could be why im 26 and not married. I have found the guy I would love to spend the rest of my life with but I also think its all in God's perfect timing!!

Okay....Aaron dont run if you reading...and no pressure. ;)

But seriously back to the cheating...its so sad. These two men are to blame....they need to take FULL responsibility for the pain they have caused. These woman out trying to get there face on magazine covers...or a buck for a story do not matter....what matters is the fact that these men have cheated on their wives, humiliated them, crushed their spirits, question their trust and its so sad. I also think it should be a private matter...yes we all want to know whats going on and want to hear what Tiger and Jesse were thinking but we have to remember the innocent wives involved. I do not think all woman are innocent either so please do not think Im letting the woman off easily. Woman cheat too. Im not talking boyfriend/girlfriend stuff...Im talking Married people...joined together by God....people who have vowed to be there good and bad, thick and thin...........

I remember a few years ago I was at a church service for singles and I heard something that really made me think.....You know we are all SINGLE until married! You dont mark important paper work as TAKEN or MARRIED you mark it as SINGLE or MARRIED. So if you want your cake and eat it too.....if you want to mingle around....cheat on your girlfriend....then do it while your SINGLE! (No I dont think you should treat on your girlfriend/boyfriend bc it only causes trust issues that are hard to get back). Okay enough of my venting ;) Im just shocked by these men and their actions.

Wishful Wednesday--Bag

2010-03-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

'I wish'....I could afford this Balenciaga bag without putting a dent in my pocketbook.

Yes that is right ladies....I would love a Balenciaga bag and I dont even care what color! ha!! Well I should probably say....Im not sure what color I would want. Im sure I'd play it safe and get black but this bag comes in all sorts of fun colors.

Even though I would LOVE a Balenciaga bag Im pretty excited about my newest purse {well I have not purchased it yet, but it will be purchased here in a few weeks} Im super excited about will be new Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Damier canvas bag. I have wanted this bag for a while now and well....thanks to my tax return Im purchasing a new bag {I wont be using all my money...Im not crazy} I think a GOOD handbag occassionally is okay. Lets face it men spend bookoos on golf clubs and guns right?!?! Every girl needs a good handbag. My very first Louis Vuitton still looks brand new and I carried it for many years so this bag will last me a long time!! :)

Head over to Kelsey's blog to play along!

Happy Tuesday!

2010-03-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone is having a wonderful day. I just realized I have not posted anything in the last few days....sorry! Im sure I have plenty to post I have just been so busy. This past weekend was jammed packed and before I knew it Monday was greeting me again! Yesterday my boyfriends aunt past away which was very unexpected so if you could lift his family up in prayer it would be wonderfully appreciated. Yall are all so amazing.
I have to brag for a moment ;) Aaron amazes me with his strength! He is a take control, get it done, fix this kind of guy. I LOVE him more everyday!!! I love his family as my own and I am so blessed to be able to consider them family.

Sorry I am getting behind with my posts but I promise here in the next few days to pick it back up and I have some new paintings to share too!!

Yay for Friday!

2010-03-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! So back to Fill in the blank Friday. If you wanna play too go here to join the fun.

1) Today Im wearing jeans and a tshirt. Fridays are casual days at work so I take full advantage of it.

2) My favorite childhood food was mac & cheese and my favorite now is oh I dont think I could choose ONE specific things. I love food and Im definitely not picky. Just leave out the onions please and thank you.

3) A day that Im too busy to blog is a day that im too busy.

4) The last movie I saw was Dear John and the next movie I want to see is Remember Me.

5)My favorite smell is vanilla and fresh laundry.....but not together. ha! bc vanilla smells so yummy. Fresh laundry is so clean and refreshing. I love curling up with a good clean blanket!

6) A weird little quirk I have is drinking out of glasses at restraunts. Weird I know....."straw please". a straw is a must when drinking out of a glass.

7) When I take a personality quiz they always say Im exactly the way I am. haha. Honestly I forget what they say but I usually think they are dead on. Sorry that doesnt say much for yall that do not know me!

Happy Friday! Lindsay, I told you I was working on a post. :) However Im sure this post will not excite you much....and no pictures of your favorite girlie!

A new Blog Award

2010-03-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

I have been given a Beautiful Blog Award....Thanks to my lovely friend Candice!

RULES

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award and insert a link to their blog....Thanks so much Candice!! Yall head on over to her blog The Perfect Pair...found here....This is one of my good friends and yall will definitely enjoy her blog...and you will be able to see her precious little girl.

2. Pass the award on to 7 other bloggers who you think have a beautiful blog!

I TAG

3. Contact the other bloggers and let them know they have been chosen for this award!

4. Tell 7 things about yourself:

Okay, I believe Im running out of things to tell yall about myself....Im afraid I may sound like a broken record so please forgive me if you already know some of these facts about me!

1- I LOVE to paint! I have been slacking with my paintings lately. Yesterday I picked up 6 canvases so I hope to get busy with some paintings! {Ill share them once I finish}

2- I talk without thinking!!!! Yes, its scary the things that come out of my mouth. haha. Im learning to think before I speak. Thank goodness my friends and family are very aware of this problem so most do not take it personally. I can come across very blunt or completely clueless!

3- I have a mild obsession with antique shopping. I actually enjoy "Junktique" shopping. I love finding old furniture to paint, distress, recover....

4- Im OCD when it comes to hand washing. ha!! I always have purell! I CANT eat food without washing my hands first. I even find myself washing my hands at random times during the day bc they "may feel dirty" haha! I told yall its a bit of a problem. ;)

5- Im one of those people that if you are telling me a story and I do not know what the person you are talking about looks like-- Im likely to ask for a picture. ha! I have to be able to put faces with names.

6- I get carsick if im not driving or riding up front! {random I know} I must look forward the entire time or I WILL get sick. I guess this goes with the fact that I get motion sickness as well.

7- I have first and middle names for my unborn children! :)

Okay so if I tagged you I cant wait to see your answers!

Happy Thursday!

St. Patricks Day

2010-03-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

Everywhere you look today you are bound to see a ton of GREEN.
Its everywhere and guess who is not wearing this color? ME!! ha! For no reason other than I forgot. oops! What can I say....Im not a morning person at all and honestly the only thing going through my mind when getting ready in the morning is crawling back in bed. So needless to say Im likely to get pinched over and over today.

Today the Chicago river will even be green!

Plenty of people will be drinking green colored drinks tonight....especially green beer. (not me of course...yuck)

I have already seen plenty of girls with green painted nails this morning....green eyeshadow, green hats, green hair, green outfits....you name it....everywhere I turn I see GREEN.

Did you remember to wear GREEN today? Looks like Im off to find something green to tape to my shirt. :)

A Totally Random Tuesday

2010-03-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

This post is going to be very RANDOM but I wanted to share some random things flashing through my mind! ha!
First off on this random Tuesday post....I was driving in to work this morning listening to my FAVORITE station KLove and I learned some interesting facts that honestly floored me. Lisa and Eric were talking "interesting facts" and how only 4 out 10 Americans knew the true meaning of Easter!!!! This may not be shocking at all to you or you yourself may not even know the true meaning which only led me to feel completely ashamed for "assuming" more than 4 out of 10 would know. I sat and thought to myself how easy it is for society {especially people who do not know Jesus personally} to get confused about Easter and the true meaning. I mean every store you walk in....every window you walk by is flooded with candy, eggs, bunnies etc.........When we go out and see these window displays or walk into stores we dont see anything that reminds us of Jesus' resurrection. We are not reminded of Jesus Christ's victory over death. My mind and heart was so heavy driving in to work this morning after hearing this.

Okay I told yall this was random. So, who watched the premiere of Jessica Simpsons show Price of Beauty last night? Me!! ha! I think shes adorable. I know not everyone will agree and thats okay. Dont stop reading if you dont care for her or her "Jessicaisms".
However, I did really enjoy the show last night. I love how Jessica picked herself up from all the criticism she has received this past year and went out and embraced it. What is True Beauty? Its crazy that what America considers "true beauty" may not even be considered beautiful in another country. Last nights show was interesting bc how many of us "bake" in the sun or tanning bed?!?! We want that golden tropicana tan right? Well last night Jessica and her crew traveled to (Bejing?--I could be wrong...I apologize) white--bleached white skin is considered beautiful there. They interviewed a lady who bleached her skin so much that the chemicals eventually burned her skin....she was a married singer and now bc of her skin she no longer sings and her husband left. It was so sad bc I personally thought she looked beautiful and hearing her stories just broke my heart that she no longer felt pretty bc of the society she was a part of. Ladies, if you can put aside your dislike (if thats the case) for Jessica the show is a must watch. :)

Okay and lastly I have to share my newest reading with yall!! Incase you have not read or even heard of the book Crazy Love--it is a MUST read. Great book! We are reading this in my small group and last night we studied Ch 5. Ill have to do a seperate post on this book bc there is so much to say about it but if you are looking for a new read this one is great!!

Happy Tuesday!

Yay a gift all for me!

2010-03-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday ya'll! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I sure did. Like I mentioned Friday, one of my dearest friends traveled from Jackson, Ms to spend the weekend with me. Friday night about 7 of us cooked dinner at Aarons house and we all sat around the dinning room table and enjoyed yummy food and conversation. {Love nights like this} I have to brag for a minute. One of my dear friends Stephanie has such a gift when it comes to being crafty. This is one girl I love getting creative with. I teach her how to paint and help her with decorating....she teaches me how sew and shop yard sales. haha!! Anyways be sure to check out her blog here! {shes been super busy but shes getting back on the blogging wagon} be sure and check out her fun ideas and crafts. Also, Im urging her to get her Etsy shop up and running so she can sell her wonderful stuff. Okay so she has made several aprons that I just love so she brought me one Friday night. YAY!!!!

Cute huh?!?! I think so! I love Amy Butler fabric so this apron excites me! :) Thank you so much Stephanie for completely making my eveving!!

Saturday I ran a ton of errands all day long but finished the evening with a mexican dinner with Aaron and Becka. We then went home and watched the Stepfather {yikes...what a psycho}.

Sunday we got up and headed to church! Im super excited to announce that Highpoint is now streaming the 10:45 service live. All you have to do is go to the website and watch. Click here and you can hopefully find the live stream...Ive never done it so I cant quite give instructions but I wanted to share this incase anyone in Memphis Tn is looking for a church or if you are an out of towner that does not attend a church you can view the service I attend from your computer. :) After church we headed to lunch and then Becka and I headed to take maternity pics of a friend. Ill be sure to share some pics once they are uploaded. My friend Becka has a gift and an eye for photography!!! I just went along to help with props and instructing what to do. Even though I am going to have her show me how to use my camera and some tricks. I think I may buy a "Dummy" book too. ha!! I love my camera but it sits more like a "prized posession" than a camera I use. I LOVE pictures so after playing for hours yesterday I have decided its time to break in my new camera!

After our photography fun we joined some friends at Mellow Mushroom {a pizza place incase you are wondering}. Oh how could I have forgotten. One of my bestest/longest friends ever found out Saturday that she and her hubby are having a sweet baby GIRL Im so excited. I have all nephews so finally a precious baby girl.

Well friends that is my weekend wrap up! I hope everyone is having a great Monday!

Getting to Know You

2010-03-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

Well Im a day late on Getting To Know you Sunday but hey.....better late than never. Yesterday was a super busy day that Ill post about later!! Anyways head over here to play along!

1) Whats your favorite easter candy? Cadburry Mini Eggs!!! By far the best candy! I get so excited every time the easter candy hits the stores bc I know that "purple" bag will be waiting for me.

2) Who do you think is cleaner....men or woman? Im going to say woman on this question. However I do believe SOME men are cleaner than SOME woman. Aaron is GREAT at cleaning and organizing so we make a great team....sometimes hes better than me and sometimes Im better than him.

3) which do you prefer.....wordy blogs or blogs with pictures? How about a post with tons of words and pictures?!?!?! I love stories but pictures to go along make the stories even better. :)

4) Were you popular in High School? I wasnt an outcast. What makes you popular anyways?!?! I just tried to be friends with everyone.

5) How many states have you lived in? ONE.....Tennessee

6)Whats one blog you read everyday? Kelly's Korner!! Im sure yall all do too. ha! I just think shes adorable!

7) Peanut butter or Nutella? Peanut butter

Fill In The Blank Friday

2010-03-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

Happy friday!! If you would like to join in go HERE and copy the questions...fill in your answers...and then link back here.

1) The best day ever was I would have to say one of the BEST days ever was they day I accepted Jesus Christ as my lord and savior.

2) My favorite meal of the day is dinner because the food is always delish and something different every night. Not to mention dinner is a time to relax and usually this is when Aaron and I talk about what all went on during the day. Dinner is also a meal that we eat often with friends and family!!!

3) This weekend should be a fun one! One of my besties is coming to stay the entire weekend with me. Tonight about 7 of us are all cooking dinner at Aarons house so it will be a fun night. We have some other things going on this weekend and Im sure some relaxing as well.

4) Never in my life have I bungee jumped. Nope never and I never plan on it. ha! Im deathly afraid of heights. I quite clumsy and have trouble on solid ground...Im not jumping from the sky!

5) The only thing better than kisses is the three little words I LOVE YOU. {haha. this one was kinda tough}

6) I could really do with some quality friend time! Which will be taking place tonight. :)

7) The most recent thing I bought was a bowl from target. Exciting right?!? Sorry, I needed a BIG bowl.

Happy Friday!

xoxo,

Thankful Thursday

2010-03-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday! Yay...its almost friday! Im so THANKFUL that its been a good and healthy week! Everyone is catching the stomach virus {which I had last week} and/or horrible colds! Im thankful our weather has been great...except for the thunderstorm last night....but it just makes me appreciate the warm sunshine even more!! Im thankful that one of my besties is coming in town this weekend and staying with me!! Of course these are only a few things Im thankful for.

I enjoy finding new recipes and I visit several food blogs and websites daily always on the search for new ideas. So lately if I make something we enjoy I have been sharing it with yall. Sorry if you dont like to cook but I do know some of my lovely followers do so I want to be sure and share. Last night I made Poppyseed chicken. My mom has made this since I was a little girl and if you are from the south Im sure you have had it. Im not saying only the south eats this but as I have grown older Im realizing its a pretty popular southern dish. Its always been a favorite of mine and of course its........EASY!!

Poppyseed Chicken

3-4 Chicken breasts

2 cans Cream of Chicken

1 Container or sour cream

1 sleeve or Ritz Crackers

1 stick of butter

2 Tbsp of Poppy seeds {I dont measure...I just shake}

DIRECTIONS

* Boil chicken breast until no longer pink and then dice up to bite size

*Mix diced chicken, cream of chicken, sour cream and poppyseeds together

*Poor into a baking dish and top with crushed ritz crackers and pour 1 melted stick of butter on top

*Place in the oven @ 350 for 30-40 mins

Wala....this is very yummy. I served mine with rice {Put the casserole on top of rice} and fresh green beans!

Definitely feeds PLENTY I had over half of the dish left to put in the fridge and Aaron even had seconds.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday!!

Yummy Taco Salad

2010-03-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

Last night for dinner I whipped up some yummy taco salads. Aaron had to work late so I had dinner ready when he got home......Now usually when we have taco salads we will crush up chips for our "bowl" or we will just skip the entire shell/chip part and make a simple mexican salad. Anyways....in case you are wondering where Im going with this.....Last night I decided to make some taco shells. This was super easy...and plenty of you probably already do this but incase some of you never have I wanted to share bc I thought it turned out great and I must say even Aaron "aka the chef" was pretty pleased and even wanted seconds.

{I apologize that its kinda hard to see but this was my shell out of the oil}

So here it is....I just took regular flour tortilla that we make tacos or fajitas with and vegetable oil. I put a good amount of oil in a deep frying pan....once the oil was hot I dropped in a shell. Let it get good and covered you will notice when it starts to fry a bit.....I then pressed the center of the tortilla with a laddle and watched it form a bowl. I then removed the shell from the pan and placed it into a bowl and there you have it....a taco shell for your taco salads! Simple, fast and yummy!

Wishful Wed.....Wedding Gown

2010-03-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

This weeks wishful Wednesday topic is possibly one of my favs so far! Im not married but I am one of those girls that has dreamed of her wedding day since a small girl! You know what Im talking about....some girls dream of this day while others could really care less.

'I wish' I could have worn_________________ on my wedding day!

Okay ladies, like I already stated im not married but I definitely have some dresses in mind. Its so crazy because as long as I can remember I have always wanted a church/chapel....center aisle kind of wedding. The dress I have always pictured had lace lace lace. I love lace and think its so classy, elegant and vintage.

I still LOVE this look and will possibly have a dress similar one day...long long veil to go along of course! But this past year my DREAM wedding has change a bit or should I say a ton. ha!!

I have always been that girl that said I would never get married outside especially at the beach. I love the beach but I didnt want frizzy hair {I have natural curl}, greasy, sweaty makeup and a wind blown look. Well ladies.....guess what.....im loving the idea of a beach wedding!!! ha! I just think it fits my personality! I am loving the relaxed, care-free, casual idea of a beach wedding. How fun would it be to spend a week at the beach with close friends and family.....the day of the wedding could be relaxed and just as fun as the week vacay we are on. Im loving the idea of loose curls, no veil, barefeet and an intimate setting with my groom, loved ones and God! So, if a beach wedding is the way I go then I would change my gown to more of a fresh, beachy, grecian style gown....kinda like this.....

So I guess only time will tell the gown I choose but these are my favs!! I cant wait to take a look at all of yalls choices. If you have never played along head over to Kelsey's blog and join in.

Rain Rain Go Away

2010-03-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

Okay ladies....so I blogged about how pretty and perfect our weather has been lately and guess what? I woke up to it pouring rain this morning! bummer! So I thought maybe if I blogged about the rain that I would wake up tomorrow to some SUNSHINE! Honestly it looks as if its suppose to rain here the next few days but Im hoping for some sunshine this weekend. Just when the weather starts turning enjoyable it had to go off and trick me. Oh well...Im so thankful for today--I just want the BEAUTIFUL weather back!!
Okay enough about the weather! haha!!

Happy Tuesday!

Getting to Know you

2010-03-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday! I dont know about yall but it is BEAUTIFUL here...Im loving this weather! After church this morning Aaron and I joined some friends for a great lunch and then we headed home to enjoy the weather. We took the doggies on a long walk and visited the park. Im loving this weather and hope it decides to stay around for a while!!

Okay yall be sure and head over to MannLand5 and participate in "Getting to know you"--its a fun way to get to know other bloggers. These are her questions and my REAL/RAW/HONEST answers!!

1. Are you more a talker or listener? Im definitely more of a talker. Ask anyone who knows me and they can tell you I NEVER meet a stranger! ha! However I am working on Listening more and talking less!

2. Bra....Underwire or wireless? Gosh if you have to know... ;) both! My everyday bra..underwire...sports bra..wireless!!

3. Wish I was? laying on a hammock under a palm tree somwhere tropical. That sounds so lovely right now.

4. The Acadamy Awards are on tonight...will you watch? I will probably flip back and forth. I love to see the dresses.

5. Do you put deodorant on before you get dressed or after? AFTER!! As soon as I step out of the shower I put on my deodorant and lotion.

6. Would you rather do dishes or clean toilets? hmm...well neither bother me so I would really do both....however...I would not want to clean someones nasty toilet...I just do not mind my own.

7. How much did you weigh at birth? 7 lbs 6oz

8. If you could buy one thing for the spring or summer season what would it be? I do realize this is not a trick question but honestly I have no clue what I would buy! Sorry!!

****I do realize today is Monday but I did this yesterday....I just forgot to post it...oops!!********

The Wives of Cali

2010-03-04T06:56:00.000-08:00

Im so bummed that tonight is the season Finale for The Real Houswives of Orange County. Do yall watch this on Bravo or am I the only?!?!? I LOVE this show and could watch re-runs all day long. haha!! These women trip me out. I definitely COULD NOT be their friend....way too much cattiness and drama. However, I love Gretchen...she makes me laugh so hard....this girl says whatever is on her mind and I think she is the only one that tries to refrain from all the drama. Gretchen just wants to have FUN!! So long OC please hurry back!

Award Time

2010-03-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

Natalie from http://sticklesfamilyblog.blogspot.com/ gave me this fun award today. Thanks Girl for this award...definitely made my day.

Okay this is the Bogart Award

Rules

- Link back to the blogger that gave you the award

-Post where you would like to be in 10 years

-Lastly, pass this award on to 10 lovely bloggers!!

Wow....where would I like to be in 10 years {yikes can you believe this is something I never ponder}. Okay in 10 years I will be 36 so.....by 36 I hope to be happily married with atleast 2 kiddos possibly three!! Of course God will decide when and how many but atleast 2 would be a wonderful blessing. I hope that I will be living the life God has prepared for me and serving him fully!!

Im Tagging all my followers that read this post! No, not bc Im lazy and dont feel like posting your names--I want EVERYONE to recieive this award and I would love to read where yall want to be in 10 years!! So please accept and play along!!

Organization and money saving

2010-03-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

I have decided that its time buckle down and save some money where possible and Im starting with the grocery store. ha!! Why the grocery?!?! First off, I have several friends who are always telling me how much they saved at the grocery etc.......... Let me remind you I DO NOT like the grocery store one bit! It could have something to do with HOW MUCH is in the store. I tend become overwhelmed when faced with a HUGE amount of anything. Its like I dont know where to start....I have always been this way. As a child my mom would send me to clean my room and thirty minutes later she would walk by and there I would be sitting and staring at the mess. She would literally have to point me to one corner and tell me to work my way around the room....that was the only way I could overcome the overwhelmed feeling and get the room clean. haha!! I love Marshalls and TJ Maxx but I can honesltly say that I have very few items from either store. Why? Because Im so overwhelmed with ALL the clutter and amounts of EVERYTHING they have. If its not on a mannequin or screaming buy me then I dont see it. Im not very good at digging through racks and piles....its just too much for me.

Okay so back to the grocery store! I have decided its time to clip coupons and make grocery lists! Aaron and I are very guilty about just going to the store and grabbing what looks good. We have zero dinner ideas....we just grab the basics.....egg, milk, chicken, pasta etc. I then spend all week going back to the store for all the extras that my recipes call for!!! Crazy I know! Aaron and I both enjoy cooking so this is something we do often however we could make this easy for both of us. I just recently signed up for Shortcuts.com.....this is wonderful!! Here I created an acct for my Kroger plus card and all I have to do is go through the coupons on this site and simply click the ones I want....they go directly to my Kroger card so all I have to do is give the clerk my card and it will apply the coupons for the items purchased. BRILLANT! I dont even have to sort through the paper ones in my purse....but keep in mind sometimes those paper ones may not be on Shortcuts.com so they are worth cutting and keeping. Ive also started reading the grocery ads {you can do this online} to see who has the best deal on items I need.

So Monday {Im going to start on Sundays though} I sat down and made a simple dinner menu for the week.
For Ex....This is literally how it looked......

*Taco Salad

*Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole, rice, green beans

*Spaghetti and salad

*PorkChops or Chicken, baked Mashed Potatos, Salad

You can see its simple and gives me an idea of what we can eat for the week...no specific nights just dinner ideas for the week. So I then went through and jotted down the items I needed from the grocery store for these meals. Of course lunch and breakfast stuff was added but I keep lunch and breakfast quick and easy. Once I had my grocery list I then searched for coupons and the best deals. SO SIMPLE all it takes is a little time and planning! Im very excited to watch the weekly reciept amount dwindle down each week.

Does anyone have any other TIPS to share....I NEED THEM!! I have never made a budget or really watched my spending but Im very excited to start!!

Why? Jake Why?

2010-03-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

Im sure from my title yall know what this post will be about so if you are sick of the bachelor and all the talk then this post may not be for you but I'd love for you to stay and read if you would like. I will say last night was not a shock for me because I ~~kinda~~ cheated and already knew that Vienna sausages would be standing in the end. Clearly he sees something I dont and I think most of America would have to agree!!! Oh well we cant harbor any ill will for his decision but I will say.......oh sweet Tenley!!

She even won his family over....his dad couldnt look at her without crying {so sweet}. Oh well if the "spark" wasnt there it wasnt there but I certainly thought they were adorable together!

I was so proud of Tenley. I believe she stayed true to herself and took the breakup with such class!!

So Vienna was the one. Jake fell in love {or so he says}. Hopefully it isnt some rush of emotions....something new....lust....

I guess only time will tell if Jake is right or if America called it all along.

So Ali is the new Bachelorette. I guess she got brave enough to risk her job?!?! hmmmm......

And....Jake is going to star on this seasons Dancing with the Stars? They should have picked Tenley....she is a dancer...maybe they didnt want to pull another Melissa Rycroft {even though America loved her}

So, were any of you team Vienna? I wont hold it against you....I promise...Im curious who all wanted to see her win in the end.

Happy Monday

2010-03-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

Monday has greeted us all once again. This weekend was pretty laid back with not much going on which is fine by me. Friday night Aaron and I cooked dinner and had his parents over for a yummy meal!! We had pork chops, twiced baked potato's, green beans, and salad. I made an attempt to make red velvet truffles!! Let me tell you--we were all in a hurry to try them so I put them together and did not really give them a chance to cool off in the fridge so my first bite was not great. BUT....the next day {after they had been in the fridge all night} I tried another one and they were YUMMY!!! I guess they really are not something to be rushed so next time I make them I will keep that in mind.
Saturday I got to visit with two of my girlfriends {one that I have not seen in a while} we had lunch at a place on the town square. Nothing better than a veggie plate....southern style. Great food and great company always makes a great day. My great day did not stop there....I then headed to get a pedicure {much needed} and my nails done. I have a confession!!! Im a nail biter. Yuck!! Ever since I was a young girl I would bite my nails or rip them...so needless to say my natural nails are not pretty and horribly short! So back to the solar nails I went. Pink and white acrylic makes me happy.

After a lovely day at the nail salon and getting pampered I had a date night with my LOVE and my best friend Heather and her hubby Nick!! We decided to eat at Bonefish and the place was packed! They told us an hour to an hour and a half wait....thank goodness Aaron is on top of things....we were sitting within 15-20 minutes of being there. He is known for pulling strings or finding ways. haha!! Leave it to him!

After dinner I attempted to watch Times Traveler's wife but apparently I left Aaron to do it all on his own. I fell asleep! Of course I woke up as soon as the movie was ending....Aaron said from now on HE picks the movie because Im going to sleep through it anyways. oops! haha! He is such a trooper and ALWAYS lets me pick the movies. But then again I have to watch his baseball and golf {I love baseball just not on TV and golf is oh so boring to me}

Sunday was relaxing. I had lunch with my mama and we did some shopping. Then Aaron and I took our furbabies to the park to burn some energy!! They both needed baths so we figured it was pretty and we would let them get filthy before we bathed them.

That pretty much summed up my weekend. Hope you all had a wonderful one and are ready for this Monday....its here!!

Show Us Your Life-- Collections

2010-02-26T09:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!! Woohoo! This Friday at Kelly's Korner we are discussing Collections. Lets see when I first read this I thought "I dont collect a thing" but then I got to thinking really hard and realized that I do collect a few things. Head on over to Kelly's page and play along!!

One of the most recent things I started collecting would be RECIPES. I really do enjoy cooking and even more I enjoy new recipes. Lately I have been collecting recipes online and from some of my favorite cookbooks. Usually after I cook a meal Ill ask Aaron is it a "make again"? That is how I determine if its a keeper or not. I have been on a mad search for a cute recipe box but I have yet to find one that fits my personality. haha! I want a cute one.....not a plain one or a clear plastic one so if yall know where to find a super cute one please let me know.

Okay another thing I collect would be giraffe's. Crazy I know!! I love giraffes and always have. Now I do not go OVERBOARD with the giraffe stuff but you will find some giraffe print in the house. The collection of giraffes would mainly be in stuffed animals. Yes Im in my late 20's but I have been doing this since middle school and still have every single one! I place them in a huge box in the attic and plan on placing them in a playroom one day when I have children. I do not want to over kill a nursery with tons of giraffes...maybe a few will go in the room but Im sure Ill put the majority in the play room in a toy chest or on shelves. Im not sure where this collection started from but I do have quite a few. The last giraffe I purchased was last year at Anthropology...he was too cute to pass up. Here he is below.

So there is a peak at my collections! Have a HAPPY Friday!

Leigh's ABC's

2010-02-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

A - Age: 26

B - Bed size: Queen

C - Chore you hate: Laundry...Ill do it but I DO NOT like it!

D - Dog's name: Ellie and Lola Belle

E - Essential start your day item: Tea {I dont drink coffee so its my "pick me up"}

F - Favorite color: This is tough bc I love COLOR so picking one specific is too hard...next...

G - Gold or Silver: Silver

H - Height: 5'7"

I - Instruments you play: I dont. Wow I am not musically talented at all!!!

J - Job title: Transportation Rate Analyst

K - Kid(s): Not yet

L - Living arrangements: A house in Tennessee

M - Mom's name: Margaret

N - Nicknames: Leigh-Leigh

O - Overnight hospital stay: That would be the night I was born. Im not a huge fan of hospitals.

P - Pet Peeve: Rude people, bad drivers, and when Aaron bites his nails.

Q - Quote from a movie: "So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day. Will you do something for me, please? Just picture your life for me? 30 years from now, 40 years from now? What's it look like? If it's with him, go. Go! I lost you once, I think I can do it again. If I thought that's what you really wanted. But don't you take the easy way out. "-The Notebook

R - Right or left handed: Righty

S - Siblings: One brother-Cody and a sister-Robin

T - Time you wake up: between 6:30

Underwear: and whats your question?

V - Vegetable you dislike: Onion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

W - Ways/Reasons you run late: Sleeping!! {Why is it impossible for me to wake up in the mornings}, losing track of time, traffic.

X - X-rays you've had: teeth and my hand

Y - Yummy food you make: Oh gosh...I dont know I think several things are yummy!!

Z - Zoo animals you like: Giraffe's

Okay now Im going to see if I can get Aaron to answer his ABC's and Ill post sometime tomorrow or this weekend. I dont know how good of a sport he will be but we shall see!!

Is it just me?!?!

2010-02-25T10:04:00.000-08:00

Okay Im having a problem when I leave comments! Please tell me this isnt just me bc it is absolutely driving me nutts! Sometimes when I comment on certain blogs...once I leave a comment I start getting screen after screen pop ups. Whats going on....its constant and I literally have to shut it down and restart my computer. This is one reason I have been doing very little commenting lately....I PROMISE I read each of the blogs I follow but for some reason the computer goes crazy if I comment on certain blogs. Is it just me? Is it a virus? Whats going on?!?!?!

Wishful Wednesday.....Novel Character

2010-02-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

"I wish I could play a Character in a book and it would be....."

ALLIE HAMILTON from the Notebook

I absolutely LOVE the book/movie The Notebook. Rachel McAdams is one of my favorite actresses as well!!

I think it would be fun to dress up and pretend to live back in that era....plus WHO wouldnt want a love story like Allie and Noah's?

Both are so care free...in love

Yall head HERE to join the fun and share who you would be.

Whats your color?

2010-02-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday! I was reading one of my FAVORITE blogs today and wanted to be sure and direct you that way or atleast give yall a chance to take the COLOR QUIZ.

Short Southern Mama {one of my FAVS} posted this quiz on her blog....so click the "color quiz" above and see what color you are!!

Im YELLOW...........................................................

You are quite the powerful thinker. It’s this talent that allows you to overcome a plethora of great obstacles. Luckily, this doesn’t affect your ego and you give off a pretty easy-going appearance. You enjoy the finer things in life and also have an attraction to art. If you can help it, you try not to rock the boat. But you also can’t stop yourself from searching for new ideas, methods or styles.

This is funny bc if you read my post from yesterday I said..."If I were a color, Id be Yellow!! hah!!

If I were........

2010-02-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

I was blog hopping earlier and viewing A Blonde Walks into a Blog and loved her post today so Im going to be a copy cat :) and do one too! Yall be sure to hop over to her blog and say hello. Her blog is adorable and fun to read!!

IF I WERE.....

If I were a month, Id be December.

If I were a day of the week, Id be Saturday.

If I were a time of the day, Id be {I honestly have no clue}

If I were a planet, Id be Earth

If I were a sea animal, Id be a dolphin

If I were a direction, Id be South

If I were piece of furniture, Id be a bed

If I were a liquid, Id be SWEET Tea

If I were a tree, Id be a Magnolia tree

If I were a flower, Id be a Gerber Daisy

If I were a kind of weather, Id be sunny, warm, and no humidity

If I were a musical instrument, Id be a piano

If I were a color, Id be Yellow...bright and cheerful

If I were an emotion, Id be LOVE

If I were a fruit, Id be a peach

If I were a sound, Id be laughter

If I were a car, Id be a Range Rover

If I were a place, Id be the beach

If I were a material, Id the "minky dot" baby blankets are made of

If I were a taste, Id be sweet

If I were a scent, Id be CLEAN

If I were a body part, Id be lips

If I were a song, Id be "When you got a good thing" by Lady Antebellum

Im pretty much an opened book...what you see is what you get...Im pretty frank and dont leave much out. My blog posts are very random and I pretty much go day to day! So, if there is anything yall wanna ASK me or KNOW about me-- leave a comment or email. Once I gather some questions...Ill answer them and do a Q & A post! Not that im interesting....but if anyone wants to know me better this is a good way to start!

So bring on the questions!!

Have a GREAT night!!

Yummy Pancakes

2010-02-23T06:19:00.000-08:00

Incase you have not heard.....today is National Free Pancake Day at Ihop!! Now yes its awesome that they are giving away free short stack pancakes but its also for a WONDERFUL cause. Yes, the pancakes are FREE but Ihop is also hoping that you will consider manking a donation {any amount} to The Childrens Miracle Network......this will help support local children hospitals. Im sure each of you have been affected by cancer in someway....maybe personally or a close family member or friend. We have many wonderful children hospitals and they need our support. So be sure and go enjoy some yummy pancakes at your nearest Ihop and if you are able drop a donation while there. If nothing more prayers for this network and the hospitals are wonderful as well.

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Monday

2010-02-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday everyone! I hope yall had a great weekend!! The weather was absolutely BEAUTIFUL here....I loved every minute of it but needless to say its cold and rainy today. It was so wonderful having the sunroof open and no seat or steering wheel warmer on with heat blowing in my face!! Hopefully this past weekend was the beginning of warmer weather. YAY! I was planning on getting a pedicure yesterday since I broke out the flip flop Saturday but I didnt feel so well. I was up all Saturday night but I feel much better today....thank goodnes!!

I really do not have much to talk about today. Im ready for the Bachelor Tells All tonight...cant wait to see some of the crazies! Im sure everyone will be all over Rozlyn and fingers will be pointing....girls, girls, girls! I get to watch this with my girlfriends after bible study so it will be fun!!

Happy Monday!!

Im EXCITED......

2010-02-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

Today is a good day!!

Wanna know why?

This is definitely my FAVORITE easter candy and I pretty much my favorite candy in general....ties with yummy turtles!

I will be going by the store on my way home and purchasing my first bag since last year!

haha...the small things that excite me!

TGIF!!

2010-02-19T06:55:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days that I want to shout THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY!!! aaah!! This week has been a long and busy one--im so ready for some relaxation!

Okay for the Bachelor junkies out there....I just saw on UsWeekly that Gia and Alli both want to be the next Bachelorette?!?! I definitely saw this one coming however, I really want Tenley to be the next Bachelorette!!

TEAM TENLEY..haha!

Aaron said it best this past Monday! He said since the show is so repetitive that he has already figured it out! They will bring Alli back as the Bachelorette but in order to spice/change it up Jake will come back as one of the 25 bachelors. Aaron said he will pick Vienna, find out her true colors and her past...dump her, and then go back on as a bachelor trying to win Alli!! haha! Hey I have to admit Aaron was pretty creative with that one....he said they pretty much have no choice bc the show is turning in to the same story every season. I AGREE...its silly but some reason I get sucked in to watching.

So, do yall have big plans for the weekend? I have several things to do but I plan on resting and relaxing as well!!

Have a super weekend!!

Ravioli Bake

2010-02-18T06:33:00.000-08:00

Last night I tried a new recipe for dinner--Ravioli Bake or as Aaron named it--Razagna..ha!! Which ever you choose to call it is fine but we both enjoyed it so I wanted to share this one with yall! Not only was it EASY EASY it was fast and yummy to the tummy.

Okay I altered the recipe I found on allrecipes.com so Ill share with yall how I made it...I guess I made my own recipe.....

Ingredients

1lb of ground beef (I use ground turkey)

1 jar of spaghetti sauce

1 can of diced tomatos (drained)

1 25ounce bag of frozen cheese ravioli

1bag of shredded mozzarella cheese

1bag of shredded Montery Jack cheese

Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F

2. Brown the meat (I seasoned mine with onion and garlic powder), cook until no longer pink, drain grease, add sauce and tomatos

3. Boil ravioli following instructions on bag

4. Spread about 1/3 sauce on the bottom of 11x7 dish, Arrange half the ravioli over the sauce, sprinkle 1/2 of mozzarella and 1/2 Montery Jack over ravioli, Repeat steps ending with the top layer as sauce and cheeses. Cover with aluminum foil!

5. Place in the over covered for 30 mins

6. Sprinkle parmesan over top before serving

Ladies, this was so simple...very similar to lasagna and simply wonderful! Next time I think I may add some mushrooms to my sauce...just something extra. I even may try mixing cheese and spinach ravioli.......you can pretty much alter this however you choose but it makes plenty. If you have a family it will feed about 6 and its plenty filling. We had ours with a salad!!

Enjoy!

2010-02-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday!

I have absolutely NOTHING to talk about today...imagine that...I mean I guess I could find some crazy random stuff to discuss or even share with yall some of the many random thoughts going through my head but why bore yall. haha! Well....Okay I guess Ill bore yall a bit.

First off, have you ever found yourself feeling bitter...or even struggled with forgiving someone even though you know its the right thing to do? GUILTY!! As much as I try to always forgive...I struggle with forgetting. Well if Im not forgetting then am I really forgiving? Gosh it gets complicated...why cant I just forgive AND forget...wouldnt that just be easy!! Jesus says we are to forgive EVERYONE....EVERYTIME...no matter the situation or the assault. I have been struggling lately with forgiving {not that they have asked for my forgivness..but I know I need to in my heart} one person who has hurt me by mostly actions and a few words. Monday night at bible study I was able to share these feelings and my guilt for allowing it to eat at me and consume me. I LOVE my small group girls...what awsome ladies I get to call friends....Im so thankful for them. I have been praying about my feelings and this entire situation....it is so amazing how God hears our cries and answers our prayers even when we may not realize it. After just mentioning how heavy my heart was and how I have allowed bitterness to consume me....I received an email from my small group leader. {she mentioned this email and I asked her to forward it to me} She sent me an article on Replacing Bitterness with Forgiveness!! This was just what I needed!!! Now dont get me wrong...I didnt feel better over night but my thoughts are making sense and I feel as though God is telling me EXACTLY what I need to hear at this moment! Poor Aaron, he has had to listen to me sob and try to make sense of my feelings when I now realize that Aaron cant fix this {he can encourage me and support me} however God has already told me what to do and what is right...what he expects me to do. Starting with Forgivness!!

"For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." ~Matthew 6:14-15

Finally an Engagment

2010-02-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

Okay I have exciting news but some you may not find this as exciting.....haha! There has finally been an engagment and no Im not talking about me!! Im talking about this adorable couple

About time Joel popped the question! :) Im not sure about yall but I think Nicole and Joel are so cute....they fit each other perfectly and not to mention have two beautiful babies. My friend Candice and I think that little Miss Harlow is so precious and we are big fans of Nicole...I just love that she seems so "true" to herself...she's not afraid to be herself {hence the crazy things that come out of her mouth} and I also love her bohemian style....I think shes beautiful. So congrats to this couple!! I was quite excited when I read on UsWeekly this news and when I walked in the office this morning the first thing Candice said was "guess who's engaged?" haha...Im so happy to have a friend that thinks like me. ha!!

So I realize I have not posted since friday!! Did everyone have a wonderful Valentine's day?!!?!

I have not downloaded my pics {imagine that} but I did have a great Valentines WEEKEND!! ha!

Friday Aaron and I joined some of our friends for Mexican and then called it a night. One of my besties that moved about 3 hours away came in town for the weekend so Saturday I got to spend some time with her...gosh I miss my Bex!! Aaron and I both agreed to celebrate Valentines on Sunday but when I walked into the house Saturday I had a beautiful arrangement of gerber daisies {my FAVORITE} sitting on the island. I actually ran by them about 3 times until I realized Aaron was looking at me funny so I stopped and said "whats wrong, why are you looking at me like that?" He said nothing....so I carried on....I then turned to look in the kitchen and there they were!! ha!! So I opened what I thought was a card...{Aaron get me a card ...yeah right!!! Its okay babe...Im only giving you a hard time} I opened a gift card for my spa pedicure {the only thing I told him I wanted!!} YAY!! I also got homemade chocolate strawberries and chocolate truffles. Way to win a girls heart! Anyways, since I received all my gifts Saturday I felt it was only fair that Aaron could open his goodies too so we ended up doing gifts Saturday night. Aaron loved his suprises too!!

My only other request was that Aaron cook for me since he is an amazing cook. Lets see I got a wedge salad with his homemade ranch dressing {its divine} and a cream based Shrimp pasta {this was so heavy but so yummy} oh and some kind of bread with dipping oil. YUM YUM. Aaron out did himself on our Valentines meal but Im not suprised at all!

Happy Tuesday and I hope everyone is doing well!!

XOXO,

Show us your Life--Valentine's Dates and Ideas

2010-02-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

So this Friday's Show Us Your Life is dedicated to Valentines!! I have learned that you either love or hate this day. Personally I love it! Even when I was single I loved. Its a day to remember that if you are single...you would rather spend the day that way than with someone who didnt make the day special. {make sense?? it does in my head...hah}

When I think back on the past Valentine days one that sticks out the most was two years ago. Aaron and I had gone through some things and we took about a 6 month break. However we ended up getting back together around Valentines.....AND did he suprise me ever. Just when you think someone doesnt know how to show their genuine side or compassionate huge heart....HE DID! First I walked in to a BEAUTIFUL bouquet of flowers!A mixture of Daisies {My favorite} he could not have done better on the flower choice. Then to my gift. By this time we had been dating for 2 yrs and I had never received ONE card from him. Silly I know but im a card/letter person....I LOVE THEM! So proceeded to read one of the sweetest cards ever. Just reading his words...the ones he chose to write me...made me look at him in a completely different light! So then I opened a box and there was a "rubber band" like bracelet with a note. The note went something like this...."This bracelet is to remind you of our love...etc....." So I smiled pulled it out and said Thank you! I really was Okay with a rubber band bracelet bc of all the loving things he said and allowing me to know a deeper side of him. Then he grabbed the box and removed the square cotton and there it was!!! A David Yurman pouch. I dont remember much more than screaming and getting really excited....This is what I got.

The 5mm pearl bracelet. I had wanted one of these for while but NEVER asked for it. Aaron did this all on his own...I never imagined he would get it....not that he couldnt but I just figured he didnt realize how bad I wanted one. Not only did he get the exact one that I wanted he even got the one with diamonds set behind the pearls. THANK YOU THANK YOU Aaron!! So that is the one Valentine that I remeber constantly...every time I look at my wrist.:)

This Valentine's I told Aaron instead of spending money at some pricey restraunt I wanted him to cook! He is an amazing cook! He always makes me chocolate covered strawberries so Im sure Ill be getting a few. As for dinner I told him to suprise me. I helped him a bit and told him a yummy pasta would be good and a wedge salad with his homemade dressing. Other than that I want to be suprised. Ill let yall know how he does. :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Heart day!

First thing is first...

2010-02-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

I would like to apologize for my slacking. I have not been very good at commenting on all the blogs I follow or even responding to the sweet comments left for me. I guess between the move, being crazy busy at work, the horrible weather and being plain exhausted when I get home I have failed yall. ha!! I promise to do better. Im so behind on reading my favorite blogs so hopefully Ill have some time to catch up soon.

Last night after work I went home with every intention of unpacking more of my stuff and doing laundry....did this get done? Nope!! Instead I enjoyed a big plate of homemade spagetti and watched Couples Retreat. I saw this in the theatre but Aaron had not so of course I bought it and we watched it. I dont know if I have mentioned this but I never rent movies....I always buy. I may be the only that has this problem but Im afraid that I could own Blockbuster with the money I have given them. For some reason I ALWAYS have a serious late charge....im talking $30.00-50.00. I could have purchased 3 movies maybe more for that amount. So I no longer rent....I purchase! :) So my two new movies this week were Couples Retreat and Time Travelers Wife. I love Rachel McAdams...she is one of my favorite actresses ever.

Okay yall have a wonderful day....the weekend is almost here!! YAY!!

Superbowl Fun

2010-02-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

I am guessing everyone watched the Super bowl? WHO DAT! ha! Love it!! I was so happy to see the Saints win. Aaron had a bet going and sadly he lost bc he was pulling for the Colts but in the end he said he was okay bc he really wanted to see the Saints win. Guess what ladies?!?! I won $75.00 buckaroos too! We played squares and I won the final score....YAY FOR ME! I told Aaron he would get something real nice for Valentines now. haha! ;)

We had plenty of food to go around too. I have pictures but they need to be loaded so Ill post them at a later date. We had a small Super Bowl get together...really just family but it was a fun time. We had Wings galore with carrots, celery and ranch! Party Sandwiches....Im sure you have tried them...most of the time they are made with Hawaiian rolls but we used Sister Schuberts instead--you take Mustard, stick of butter and poppyseeds..mix well and spread on bread. Place ham and swiss cheese then bake at 350 until warm and cheese is melted. These are super easy and always popular. We had a sausage cheese platter, Rotel....oh gosh this was good. I always make regular rotel but this time I changed it up a bit. I used 1lb Velveeta, 1lb cream cheese, 2 cans of rotel and sausage! Ohhwee this was yummy!! Then for dessert I made Oreo truffles and I had some extra chocolate so I made chocolate covered strawberries! Hey Jennifer, I saw your comment yes the truffles were delicious...rich but yummy. Be sure and get SEMI SWEET CHOCOLATE you may have but I have messed up in the past and purchased maybe dark chocolate...not sure but it was yucky!!! blah! Give them a try again girl...they are too good!! :)
I was proud of myself I did not over do it make myself miserable. For some reason when I cook food....I find myself less likely to eat tons of it.....I guess this is bc I spent the time making it...who knows.

So I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Oh goodness....I woke up this morning to a winter wonderland. I had no clue we were getting snow but everything was covered. Our yard had 7 inches!!

XOXO

Getting to know you Sunday

2010-02-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

So I saw this on a friends blog and decided to head over to Keely's blog and play along. One fun thing about blogging is meeting people you would never meet outside the "cyber" world. Of course this is my daily life journal but I do cherish each friendship I make along the way. So....here is a great way to learn more about each other. I encourage yall to join in on the fun. All you have to do is visit Keely's blog...copy the questions and then answer them! Have fun!!

Q & A

1. How many piercings do you have? I have 2....one in each ear. I used to have second holes, my cartlidge and my belly button pierced. Of course they have all grown up and I only have the 2 now.

2. I love the sound of......? Sweet babies cooing. Something about the innocence of that little voice.

3. Favorite City? This ones hard. haha!! I love Nashville....I know thats not far from home...only 3 hours but maybe thats what I love...home away from home. When I was in High school I went out to LA and had a blast. I would love to go back and visit....it was so different from home and different from what Im used to...huge culture shock! ha!!

4. Colts, Saints or could care less? WHO DAT??? haha. Saints!!

5. Frozen Yogurt or Ice Cream? Frozen yogurt

6. Favorite Appetizer? hmmm...kinda hard I guess Im going to go with ANY dip. I love all dips pretty much and if we go out to dinner and order one then Im sure it will be some sort of dip....cheese dip. spinach artichoke, etc......

7. What item in your closet currently makes you the happiest? I guess I'll go with a pair of Paige denim jeans. Sevens are my favorite jeans but Im loving a pair of my Paige jeans right now...they fit great.

8. Favorite Facial Moisturizer? Definitely my Bobbi Brown moisturizer!!! I say it with so much expression bc its by far the best I have ever found. Its not too thin, not too thick, not too oily, not too smelly.....its just perfect! Its about $50.00 BUT it will last forever...a little goes a long way. I have used tons of different lotions as well so I promise you this is a good one.

My Saturday and a blog award

2010-02-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday everyone! I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend so far. I have!! Last night was date night and my pick for the evening so I chose to eat Mexican {suprise suprise} and then to go see Dear John. Well dinner went well but the movie...not so much....SOLD OUT! I was a bit bummed especially since Aaron was being such a trooper and going to see it {THANKS babe} So instead we went to Target and bought a new movie to watch in Aarons new Media/Movie room....we have yet to use this room and it just got finished so it was fun since we have been waiting for almost a year to watch a movie in this room. :) But he didnt get out of a "chick flick" haha!

This morning we went out to breakfast....I wanted pancakes so bad....so pancakes I had. Then we headed over to Costco where I FINALLY got my own card. Poor Aaron...he had to take me there all the time to get things but now Im on his membership so he will not have to take me anymore. :) So, who is ready for tomorrows game? Me!! Me!!! We got a bunch of food to make for tomorrow and I cant wait. I think I may start some of the recipes tonight so im not throwing it all together last minute.....okay, really I just want to make the oreo truffles now.....but I best wait bc Im sure I would eat them all tonight.

Okay now to my blog award!! Thanks to Elizabeth at Musing Experiences I received this awesome award.

Thanks so much girl for thinking of me....you are the best! Yall be sure to head over and show my friend some love!!

Rules

1. List 6 things you are a master in.

2. Pass it on to 6 bloggers that you think are masters at friendship and blogging

I am a master at talking

I am a master at shopping

I am a master at sleeping

I am a master at meeting strangers

I am a master at picking out precious puppies (this is true and not just my own doggies)

I am a master at being indecisive

Im tagging

Okay ladies hope you enjoy! Yall are wonderful blogging friends and I know you wonderful ladies are MASTERS at plenty...so please share!

Oh yes....Who yall going for tomorrow?!?!?!

WHO DAT?

Have a great Saturday!!

XOXO,

Show us your life--Beauty Tips & Favorite Products

2010-02-05T07:53:00.000-08:00

Im pretty excited about today's post and cant wait to read every ones tips and favorite products. I LOVE products!!! hah...I have so many and half I probably do not use. But here are some of my all time favs!

Okay here are my favorite SKIN CARE products! I love Bobbi Brown's skin care line....I use the tube soap, toner, moisturizer and eye cream. This is the best!! I love that it gives a fesh clean feeling-- I do not like a residue on my skin. Now...I have recently found this Bobbi Brown exfoliator...LOVE IT...all you do it sprinkle a little into your face wash and scrub away. It doesnt take much and works so well!

I hate dry itchy skin...I moisturize everytime I get out of the shower. For a cheap lotion I like Aveeno {its not oily and moisturizes well} but my FAVORITE go to lotion would be any of the Philosophy lotions. These seriously are amazing. Yes, they cost a bit more or should I say a lot more but personally worth every penny!

oh and I cant forget the Dove beauty bar!! Yes, this is my favorite soap!

Okay moving right along to HAIR PRODUCTS. Lets see....I change up shampoo and conditioners often but my favorites would be Joico {moisturizing...blue bottle}, Halo, and Pureology Nano {its expensive but awesome} Im pretty lucky...my mom is a hairdresser/makeup artist so I get products for cost. Thank Goodness!!

I for sure could not live without my Chi Turbo Hair dryer or Chi Iron. I have curly/wavy hair so it helps to make it silky smooth. No I have a ton of people ask me how I get my curls to look good and stay. Well ladies here is my trick {which really is not a trick} I have found that the best curling iron that works for me is the Hot Tools Professional brand. This iron gets to the perfect temp and sets curls perfectly! Then I spray with Freeze It hairspray. {cheap walmart stuff but works GREAT!!}

Now to the makeup we go! Gosh I have such a variety of products and Favs. Lets see I use Makeup Forever Foundation {yes its a liquid that dries like a powder...covers great and IS NOT heavy}

Bobbi Brown concealer, Smashbox matte bronzer, Nars blush in Orgasm {best stuff ever}, I change eyeshadows like I do clothes but some of my favs.....MAC's Twinks, Sable, Naked Lunch, and Hush. Now in order to make eyes pop I have a "go to" color that I apply on the outside corners and smudge in...this also works great for a smoky eye. Nars Nightclubbing.

MAC eyeliner and MAC lipliner, lipsticks, and glosses. {I change them and mix them all the time} Oh...yes...but my FAVORITE lipgloss is from Nars called Turkish Delight!!

Last but not least....Mascara "oh for the love of lashes" ha...I love lashes! Lancome Hypnose is my all time favorite mascara!!! Of course I couldnt apply it without first using my Shu Uemura eyelash curler. {you can grab one at Sephora} This curler is the best...and I have tried plenty...its curls even with pinching!! Im asked often if my lashes are fake but I have to say I have my curler and mascara to thank. :)

So this my friends....would be my FAVORITE products! Im very excited about reading yalls advice...new products and tips never hurt!

So, if you have never played along head over to Kellys Korner and join the fun!

Celebrity Look Alike

2010-02-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

So for all of you Facebook people Im pretty sure you all saw last week was doppelganger week. Everyone put their celebrity look alikes up as their profile pic. I had the best time checking out all the pics....some were dead on and others had great resemblance. I never put a pic up because I have a hard time seeing my look alike {maybe bc I dont see myself enough or the fact that I think they have to look just like me exactly}
Anyways I thought I would share with my blog friends a few celebrities that I have been told I look like.

First off....When I was in about 8th-9th grade I constantly heard "You look like Alicia Silverstone" haha!! I guess it was right after Clueless came out but I heard it often. People even told me we talked alike.

Then later on when I got to my Junior/Senior year I started hearing people tell me I looked like Jenny McCarthy. Okay, keep in mind this was when Singled Out was poplular {did yall watch that} Gosh I hope they didnt think I acted like her....she was a bit CooCoo!! One of the guys I went to school with even called me Jenny. ha!

Okay years ago my sister called me and told me to go rent a movie called Freeway because I looked like the actress in the movie. Who you may wonder.....Reese Witherspoon. {This was before she was well known} Of course I didnt see the resemblance but my sister and brother in law sure did. Crazy thing is years later I still have people tell me I favor Reese. I have had strangers stop me and tell me you look like Reese. Crazy bc I dont see it but I guess some do.

I think it may be my face shape....I have a heart shape face and she does too. In other words we have pretty strong chins.

Lastly, I have had several people tell me Carrie Underwood. All I can say is bless them and yeah right. ha!! It must be the hair. Now that I think about it....I believe my hair is curled everytime I have ever heard this one but Ill take it! ;)

It sure is funny when people see what you do not see. Im sure I could pick out your look alike better than you could though. So, who do you look like. I want to know....or atleast who do people tell you that you look like. Please share!!

Simple Pleasures

2010-02-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

I often think about the simple things in life that make me happy!! I was so excited to see that Kelly listed her SIMPLE PLEASURES and even created an McLinky so that we could all share our simple pleasures! Its so funny how the most simple things can make us happy but to me they are the best parts of life!! So in no particular order, here are some of my "SIMPLE PLEASURES"........

Friends & Family

My Furbabies

Crafting

Fresh Flowers

Good Movies

Sweet Tea

Candles

Receiving & giving letters/cards

Clean Sheets

Music

The Beach

The lake

Great Laughter

Babies

Lazy weekends

Home cooked meals

The simple words-- I LOVE YOU

Beautiful days outdoors

Taking pictures/photography

There are plenty more simple pleasures but these are just a few that come to mind.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday!

My Style Monday

2010-02-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Sorry I have been MIA but I have not been near a computer in a few days. First came the ice/snow and then we moved {down the street....but it was still a move} So Im a bit behind and a day late on My Style Monday however Im still joining in on the fun. Short Southern Mama is one of my favs so I have to join in on our fun!!

My Style Monday-- 5 Things that Scream "ME"

okay these are five things that scream my name when it comes to home decor.....Im pretty sure my family and friends would agree!

1) Giraffe Print! Now I dont "over use" this pattern but for some reason I have ALWAYS loved giraffes. When everyone went on the cheetah/lepord/zebra print craze....I was faithful to my giraffe print. ha!! All my friends tell me that giraffes remind them of ME.

2) Distressed/Painted Furniture! I love a good distressed look on furniture and cabinets!

3) Crosses! I love crosses. I paint them, I buy them, I love them! I possible have a cross if not more in every room of the house!

4) Shabby Chic! My taste is mix of Shabby Chic, Vintage, and French Country all together!

5) French Country! Like I mentioned in # 4 my decor is pretty much french country. I loved the distress look, brick, bead board, farm house, country look! Makes for a comfy home!!

So there ya have it my decorating style that has my name ALL OVER IT!

Hello Winter Weather

2010-01-29T15:28:00.000-08:00

Well the weather man was correct and we have winter weather. Im not sure if Im excited about it though! First off....I was hoping it would start last night. I came home and cooked dinner..ENCHILADAS {used ground turkey of course} with black beans and spanish rice.....

and then we waited and waited.....and waited. NO winter weather. So this morning I had to head 20 minutes to the office in the sleeting rain...YUCK. After about an hour they cut us out and I headed home. Needless to say its been one lazy day. Im sitting on the couch with a fire watching the Real Houswives of Orange County. {listening to Aaron of course....he would rather watch something else...ha}

It has literally rained all day and we pretty much have ice!!!! Where is the snow?!?! Its not even pretty just yucky! I cant really complain though...I plan on sitting on this couch in front of the fire cuddled up. Im cooking Chicken, twiced baked potatos and green bean bundles for dinner....so Im off to get it all together!

Happy Friday!! Hope everyone has a wonderful evening!

OH JESSICA

2010-01-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

You did what?!?!?!

haha...incase yall havent heard click HERE to read!

The girl is just keeping it real. hahah!!!

Cant help but love her!

Snow or no snow.......

2010-01-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

....that is the question my friends! So the weather man says winter weather but lets face it...he never seems to be right. Im not doubting him we just seem to always get left out...maybe its our location but the snow pretty much always seems to miss us. Now let me just say that as of yesterday they were talking snow with freezing rain {so possibly ice} but here is where Im so confused....my car literally said it felt like 54 degrees yesterday. I ran errands at lunch and had my sun roof open. Does this sound like a city about to be hit with winter weather. What is up?!?!? Needless to say Im hoping we DO NOT get hit with the winter weather. We are moving this weekend and personally I do not feel like moving on ice.....not my idea of fun. Im possibly one of the clumsiest people ever...they will have to put more padding on me than the furniture. Also, we refuse to move food so we have not been to the store in several weeks....this means we have NO food...please do not trap a girl that likes to eat inside her house with no food. Lastly, my furbabies DO NOT like to go outside to potty when its cold and neither does their mama. ha!!
Okay, enough complaining...Ill let yall know what the weather does when it happens...or doesnt.

Happy Wednesday!

This is your life addicted to surgery

2010-01-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

Okay so we have all seen Heidi Montag recently...I mean she's in every magazine and all over every news ad bc of her recent plastic surgery. 10 operations to be exact in one day. Yikes!! Personally I think shes gone over the top and has ruined herself...she looks like a robot {just my own opinion} The girl was pretty....now she just looks like she hurts. ouch.

{AFTER AND BEFORE}

Dear Heidi, you are 23 years old....if you keep up at the rate you are going you will look like this in 10 more years.....

This is what happens when you are addicted to surgery....Surgery gone over board! Yikes....Im not sure if you can fix that! Love what God gave you and dont ruin yourself!

Sunday Funday

2010-01-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my WONDERFUL blog friend Elizabeth @ Musing Experiences...I received this very sweet award!!

I love getting awards...it means so much that someone would think of ME!! Elizabeth is definitely one of the kindest bloggy friends I have met. I love her blog and all her kind words. If you do not follow her then you should head over and check out her blog...leave her some love because I promise she will show you some.

THANKS AGAIN GIRL!!

1. Thank and link the person that sent you the award.

2. Present this award to five people and explain why you chose them.

3. Copy and paste the award onto your blog

So to my lovely blog ladies

Kass @ Not your Typical, Average, Ordinary College girl -I love her blog....she is such an inspiration for so many. I have personally seen her touch lives of girls I know personally who have read her story. What an AMAZING young lady she is and she doesnt even know it. ;)

Jennifer @ West Sac Honey- Jennifer is one my newest blog friends and I just love getting to know her better! I just learned shes half chinese...head over to her blog...she is great!

Our Three Ring Circus- Love her blog....as I was tagging her I noticed her post is titled Sunday Funday (same as mine) Great minds thing alike. hahah! This is another blog I enjoy following and getting to know more!

Kelsey @ The Seattle Smith's- Kelsey is one of the first blog friends (outside of girls I know). She ALWAYS stops by to say hi and show some love! Thanks Kelsey for being such a wonderful bloggy friend!

Short Southern Mama- I have this lovely lady to thank for a lot of my blog friends. I started following some great girls through her. She was literally one of my very first blog friends and she has been a great one!

Okay if I did not tag you well I didnt forget you!! I love all the blogs I follow.....So thank you all for being so wonderful!!

So, Its Sunday which means tomorrow is Monday!! Aah...the weekends never last long enough. This weekend has been great so hopefully this week will be as well. I just made "The worlds best chocolate chip cookies" dough so Im off to bake some cookies!! Im about to show Aaron what the WORLDS BEST COOKIES taste like. ahha! I have talked about making these all weekend and just got around to it. Its raining here and Aaron just made soup....so soup, cookies, a warm fire and football it is!!

Have a great evening!!

Blog Award

2010-01-22T11:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my lovely friend Candice over at The Perfect Pair I have a new award! Please go and show Candice some love & check out her blog. Thanks so much Candice...you have made my day!

So here is the rules:

Put the award on your blog

Thank the person who you received this from

Tell 7 interesting things about yourself

Nominate 7 bloggers

1. Im completely obsessed...well maybe not obsessed but the only cups I ever purchase are the Tumbler cups! These are the BEST cups ever. They keep your drink icey cold just the way I like them.

2. I have trouble sleeping anywhere but in my bed. I love my bed...its so comfy! I clean my sheets once a week..sometimes twice and I love crawling into the bed once they have been washed. Whenever I go on vacation Im always ready to come home so I can sleep in my own bed. ha!!

3. My favorite pens to write with are the extra Sharpie pens. I do not know why but ever since high school these have been my pen of choice. I love all the colors and they write so smooth. Yes, Ill write with other pens but if im buying these are my favorite.

4. I DO NOT like the grocery store. Now dont get me wrong....I do go but its not my favorite. Its almost like a chore! When I go I want to be sure I have a list of items I need and I want to be in and out! Im not one to leisurely walk around....AHEM...Aaron! My bf could spend 2 hours checking out every single item in the grocery store...no sir, in and out! ha!

5. Pedicures!!!!!! Oh I love a good pedicure. I get a pedicure literally every other to every 2 weeks! This is my way to relax. I dont even get my nails done but I have to have a pedi....even in the dead winter.

6. Im not a drinker at all. Alcohol that is! Im not anti for those that do drink but I never have a drink. Im always the designated driver. I have never found a drink I enjoy plus I hate the feeling of being out of control....slight buzz....Im ready to go. I have been told though that I still know how to have a good time sober as a billy goat!

7. I have a serious "doodling" problem. haha if I have something to write with you better watch out. I will doodle/draw/write on anything so lets just hope there is a piece of paper around....if not watch out bc Im sure to draw on whatever I can find. I will doodle my name, your name, the dogs name, shapes, letters, words.....you name it...Im guilty of leaving marks everywhere!

So there you have it......7 VERY RANDOM things about me! Feel like ya know me a little better. haha!

Im tagging:

http://nashvilletash.blogspot.com/

http://jenniecarroll.blogspot.com/

http://wearethehendricks.blogspot.com/

http://thelajeunessefam.blogspot.com/

West Sac Honey

One Crafty Hunter

http://clementsville.blogspot.com/

Show us your life-- Favorite stores and shopping spots

2010-01-22T07:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone!! So today we are talking FAVORITE SHOPPING SPOTS- STORES & ONLINE!! Oh wow this could be a long one bc lets face it I love to shop. :) Be sure and head over to Kelly's blog and play along!

My first stop will be ANTHROPOLOGIE. Ladies I love this store and Im so excited that I will no longer have to visit the website or travel to Nashville to shop here. We are getting on where I live in the next few months!!! YAY! I could spend hours in this store....I love their clothes, accessories, all the way to the home department. Thank you Anthro for FINALLY choosing a home here in my little corner of Tennessee!

Moving right along to J. Crew, another favorite of mine. This is another store that I visit often online but yes, we do have one here as well. I probably visit the store online more than the actual one here at one of our malls.

We have some really cute boutiques here where I live as well that I visit often. I buy the majority of my jeans at those. They do not have websites to share but if you ever come to the Memphis/surrounding area I would be more than happy to share where these stores are located. :)

Another FAV that I visit pretty much everyday if not every other would be Target better known as Tarjay! I also pay frequent visits to Old Navy.

For beauty products I love Sephora! I can do damage in this store....Its like a kid walking into a candy store...literally.

So as you can see I dont really have shopping secrets or secret online stores but these are just some of my FAVORITES!! Im really excited to read everyone's choices and I hope to find a few new ones to check out.

Thankful Thursday

2010-01-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

This morning as I sat trying to gather my blogging thoughts, I felt strongly led to remember what all Im thankful for. I feel that sometimes in the rush of everyday life we forget to stop and thank the lord for all we have been blessed with. I try my best to always make it a point and thank him daily but even I fall short of always doing just that. Last night I was able to spend time with family and friends for my boyfriends moms bday {oh what a great time we had}. This morning I was blessed to get up and ready for my job that I got to daily, I was able to drive my own car, I called my mom to tell her I love her and have a wonderful day, I enjoyed a warm breakfast.....my point in these small things is that I am so THANKFUL for them. Yes, these are simple things I take for granted some days but I am so BLESSED to be able to work, eat, talk to my family....etc. These are not the only things Im THANKFUL for...I have so many. I encourage you today to stop and think of all you are thankful for...some of you may blog about it and some may just quietly think to yourselves but the point is we STOP and remember what all we have been blessed with!!

I have been keeping up with the devastaion in Haiti and praying for everyone. I read Fox news daily and the pictures are absolutely heartbreaking. I do not realize just the hell these people are going through until I see the pictures myself. I read an article from a father whose 19 year old daughter was staying with three girlfriends and two teachers at the Hotel Montana--he has yet to hear word from her. How awful! He was told once that she was found alive, only to be told sorry....false information from inside sources. I cant imagine the heartbreak this father is feeling over his daughter. Fox news said the death toll is at 200,000 and that is only the bodies that have been captured.....there are thousands still burried and missing....250,000 in need of urgent care....2 million homeless that are searching for food and water ....disease is spreading as well. This is absolutely heartbreaking.

May God Bless you!!

Wishful Wednesday--Gown

2010-01-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

'I wish'.....I could have worn the gown that Sandra Bullock or Lea Michelle wore at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards!

I absolutely loved Sandra Bullock's purple dress. I have never been a huge purple person but for some reason purple is one of my favs right now....I love deep purple all the way to lavender. Sandra looked stunning!

I also thought Lea Michelle's black dress was amazing! You cant go wrong with black....such a classic! This dress looked beautiful on her.

If you would like to join the fun of Wishful Wednesday then head over to Kelsey's blog....just click HERE!

The Joys of TV!!

2010-01-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

I originally announced that I would not be watching the Bachelor last night due to bible study but guess what?!?! We studied and then all watched The Bachelor. It was oh soooo lovely...I loved watching it with the group of gals! We laughed so hard...much better than watching it on my laptop! Thanks to Beth's Tivo!! So....what did yall think about Michelle? Goodness...she was unhappy...I just wanted her to smile once...just once. I think Jake made a good decision by sending her home {before the rose ceremony} Clearly she was a bit unstable. yikes!!

Okay girl...I see that you can smile...so what happened on the show! I wasnt too sure of her from the beginning.

Now to Elizabeth! Girl mind games are so not cool! She said she was not playing games and she was definitely offended when Jake called her a tease but ya know....I think she was probably shocked that he had her figured out. MANIPULATING!!! The girl is pretty but the games have to go home.

So, what is going on in the house with Vienna? Im not going to lie...she has not been one of my picks this entire time and Im still not sure what I think about her. But...the girls are being very mean to her and its sad. I dont know if behind all the editing she has done mean things but personally from what I see I feel like the ladies are attacking her. Its all making Jake very very uncomfortable!! Guys dont want the drama. Catty catty!! Her true colors will show so if shes as bad as they are trying to make her out to seem then let her be the one to reveal that to Jake. Ali {you were one of my picks} but last night you were so ugly towards Vienna?!?!

Honestly this is the first ever season that I have not been DEAD SET on my pick!! haha. I guess it keeps it interesting. I would have to say as of today I like Tenley and Ella {I dont think her and Jake are a great match but she is genuine and sweet}. Okay so have yall heard that Tenley is pregnant?!!? Please tell me this is so untrue! I may have to stop watching this season all together! ha! ;)

Im starting to believe that poor Jake will be standing alone in the end...these girls just seem so different than any other season.

So there you have it...my Monday Bachelor wrap up!

Happy Monday!

2010-01-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

So Monday has greeted us all again!! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Sadly, I do not have much to blog about today or anything really exciting to share. This weekend was pretty low key which is absolutely fine with me. Sometimes I need a good weekend with nothing on my plate. :) It rained all day Saturday so you can only imagine the LAZY day we had. Im not sure how many movies we watched but all we did was lay around watching one after another. Saturday evening I started cleaning out my crafts closet...we are in the process of moving....so needless to say a ton has to be done here in the next 10 days. Yes, I said 10 days.....maybe I should not have watched so many movies Saturday. hah!
Moving is overwhelming....good gracious....I find myself giving away and throwing away more than Im packing for the simple fact that I do not want to mess with it or I dont know what to do with it. I guess if we all moved every few years then we could all keep simple/organized homes. Im not a hoarder or necessarily a pack rat but I do enjoy keeping SIMPLE things that remind me of others or events. For example....in the the top of my closet I have a box of dead roses that I have received. {Yes, ex boyfriends} Come on....really?!?!?! What am I doing with those!! Good question...I have no idea. Then in the attic I opened a box with every stuffed animal my highschool boyfriends gave me....hahaha.....I guess at the time the memories were special but now I just find them taking up space. So, you can imagine yesterday I spent THE ENTIRE day going through box after box trying to see what would make the move and the things that would have to simply stay behind!!

Im excited for the Bachelor tonight....however I will have to watch it online bc I have bible study....so I will miss the actual airing time! I think I should consider Tivo!! ha!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!!

Show Us Your Life

2010-01-15T07:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday to you all!! Today's Show Us Your Life is all about weight loss tips, diets, and workout ideas. Head on over to Kellys Korner to join in on the fun!!

First off Im more excited about reading everyone else's ideas and tips than sharing my own. ha!! Im not really great in this area even though I have learned a lot about health and exercise over this past year. Its crazy because growing up I never struggled with weight....ever!! I actually used to pray in high school that I would gain weight. I am 5'7" and I honestly was a size "0" my senior year. Now some of you may think why would you want to gain weight.....keep in mind Im not short so I was pretty tall and I did not have a CURVE on my body!!! {You get my point right?!?!?}

So, then I started college and some of the weight started packing on....nothing I couldnt handle...it was good/healthy weight! But as I get older I am realizing that I now have to watch what I eat and exercise is key or it will definitely get out of control. So here is what I do to try and stay in shape.

DIET

Okay I do not have a "Diet" that I follow. I have learned that I never stick to them and personally they are hard for me to follow. This past year however I gave up sodas and sweet tea! I LOVE sweet tea.....I still drink tea but I stick to unsweet and use splenda. Yes, it took some getting use to since I am such a huge sweet tea drinker but I promise I noticed once I cut out the sugar. I do not eat beef...I have never been a huge beef eater but I try and stick to lean meats. Do I enjoy spaghetti, lasagna, burgers?!?!!? YES, yes I do...I use ground turkey. {DO NOT knock it until you try it....I promise it is good} Veggies...mainly greens are great side choices with your lean meats!! Now that the holidays are over I really need to get back to my healthy eating.

Exercise

Okay this past year I got a gym membership and a personal trainer!! YAY!! My trainer focuses on "circut training" and my sessions last 1 hour two times a week. On the other days I stick to cardio and an occasional spin class. I have found a GREAT workout video though if you do not have the money or time for a gym membership. Jillian Michaels 30 day shred is awesome!! I seriously did not realize the first time I did this video the impact it would have. I chose to do it on a Wednesday which was the day between my personal training days....by that Thursday I could barely move so therefor I was unable to meet with my trainer. My muscles were shot!! He told me to do that video on the weekends and stick to cardio between my training days....so its a pretty darn good workout.

So there you have it....thats kind of how my diet and workout goes. Im very excited about reading everyone else's tips! 2010 is the year I plan to get lean, toned and in shape.

Haiti

2010-01-14T06:22:00.000-08:00

Good Morning FRIENDS!! I hope everyone is doing well and ready for this weekend that is only two days away. yay!! Im sure many of the blogs you read daily are mentioning Haiti and the earthquake that took place so you may be tired of reading about it but Im going to talk about it anyways. This is such a tragedy and it just reminds me how blessed I truly am and what all I have to be thankful for. Last night as I laid in bed I sat and prayed for the children, adults, loved ones and friends of Haiti. My heart breaks to read about the current situation and to see the pictures of the people literally makes me sick. As helpless as I feel I am NOT and neither are you!! For yall that have followed my blog for a while know that I LOVE Compassion and I have a compassion child in India. Okay so here is how we can help....You can help/donate through Compassion International and I know you can do so through Red Cross as well.

Be sure to go to Kelly's blog from Kellys Korner. She personally has a friend that was in Haiti during the earthquake and his family has yet to hear from him. His name is Dan and he is part of Compassion International...please be sure to lift him and his wife and children up in prayer. Kelly is also donating $1 up to $1,000.00 for each person that makes a donation of any kind...you have to leave a comment on her blog though. So be sure to go check it out. {which im sure you ALL follow her}

I also wanted to be sure and introduce yall to a book if you have not heard of it. I jumped on board the BLOOM book club. The current book they are reading is......

Friends, Im in chapter 5 and this book is great!! I encourage you to join in or at least buy the book if you are looking for a new one! I do not want to give too much info incase you are interested but I PROMISE you will enjoy it!!

I hope everyone has a blessed day!!

Love,

2010-01-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

I love starting my day off with a new blog award!! THANKS to Jen @ A Girl in Pearls & A Boy with Toys , I received an new award! Thanks Girl!!

So here are the rules for this award!
1. Accept the award and post it on your blog....be sure and Thank the person you receive this award from.
2. Pass the award on to approximately 15 other blogs that you have recently discovered and think are wonderful.
3. Be sure to let them know you tagged them.

Im Tagging

Christa @ According to Christa

Brandi @ Borchardt Birdies

Kelly @ Franks Funny Farm

Elenie @ Kissin Frogs

Brittany @ Miss Mialyn Reese

Elizabeth @ Musing Experiences

Not Just a Pretty Face

sHp @ Our three-ring Circus

Pocket Full of Pink

Renata @ Rejoyce

Laura @ Southern Sweetness

Heather @ Step Inside

Chelsea @ The Wardlow Family

West Sac Honey

Tosha @ Life with the Dearings

Now if I didnt tag you...its not bc I do not LOVE your blog...I LOVE all the blogs I follow (hence why I follow you) but these ladies are some of the newest blogs I have been following and Im pretty sure I have never given most them an award!!

So last night after I watched the Biggest Loser, I headed to my laptop and caught up on Monday's episode of the Bachelor. Yikes!! I have been reading different sites and I just really question (what exactly happened) I mean Chris Harrison is always VERY dramatic...which I think personally makes the show silly. If Rozlyn had an inappropriate relationship then shame on her but if this was created to bring drama to the viewers and ratings then shame on the producers!! This woman is a daughter, mother, friend etc and causing this kind of negative attention is just horrible!! I did notice they never mentioned her son which she "claims" was against her will....the producers urged her not to etc......oh what a big ol mess. Regardless of what the truth is I do not think she was the one for Jake anyways!! I believe Im team Alli right now! The girl just seems genuine and really into Jake. We will see I guess as time goes on!!

Im VERY EXCITED about this evening!! One of my besties hubby will playing at a bar here in town and Im so excited to see him!! If you like Country Music then you should check him out if you dont already know who he is....You will love his CD!!

Gotta Love some DAVID NAIL!!

Oh and Im also EXTREMELY EXCITED to announce that one of my closest friends ever....shes more like a sister....is expecting her first baby.....YAY Im gonna be an aunt again!! Congrats Heather and Nick!! Love yall!!

2010-01-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

Okay first thing is first....I missed the Bachelor last night because of bible study....I didn't get home until almost 10 so I went straight to bed. I WILL be watching it as soon as I get home from work today. I also realize that I do not have to watch the show to see what all the drama is about on last nights episode!! Rozlyn...girl...please tell me this is not true?!?!? Anyways, I couldn't put my finger on it but I knew there was something about her I could not figure out. Yes, she is very pretty but there was more behind her looks and she even said herself...."I have always been able to get what I want with my looks". {well alrighty then} All joking aside....DO YALL BELIEVE WHAT THE MEDIA IS SAYING...DO YOU THINK THIS HAPPENED? Im not saying I dont believe it but I guess you never know. There are ALWAYS two sides to every story and we do know this is scripted show.....WHOA....hold it...please tell me you did know that its scripted? ;)

On to other crazy news....Have yall heard about Heidi Montag's new song?

Im almost too embarrassed to even type the name but here it goes...."Eat my panties off"...Okay enough said right!! Her first song was a doozie and Im pretty sure this one will be too. Now that is one CLASSY song she has right there!

Lastly, who has seen Jersey Shore on MTV? Are they kidding...dont get me wrong...I cant help but watch...its such entertainment but really?!?! Everytime I hear "fist pump" or "gym, tan, laundry" I wanna scream!! hahaha!! I guess to each their own but lets keep in mind Im from the South and I guess I like it that way. So please take no offense to me getting a comedy hour when watching this show...Im sure people would think a show here in the South was funny with our accents and the way we do things. Ive just never been into guys who primp more than me and I definitely do not want my man wearing affliction shirts or whatever that brand is {nothing against the brand...I just dont care for it} and jeans torn up. Some may...not I! Now lets move on to the ruthless ladies...ahaha!! Poor "Snookie" {thats her name right} good gracious...she gets punched every episode. Didnt these girls ever learn to pick on someone their own size. haha!! Anyways thanks to the "guidos" I get a good laugh every once in a while!!

And this my friends is a big welcome to 2010! Great shows and great songs! haha that is a joke...please know I WILL NOT be buying Heidi's CD or downloading that horrible sounding song onto my IPOD.

Carrie's Ice

2010-01-11T09:10:00.000-08:00

I know this is a bit of old news...especially for those who keep up with all the celebrity gossip/news....but I just saw a close up of Carrie Underwoods ring! All I have to say is I believe she was given the ice rink! Her fiance could play hockey on her ring its so big.

It sure is BEAUTIFUL!! I would be afraid someone would chop my finger off....hello $150,000. Good gracious!!!

Where did the weekend go

2010-01-10T16:03:00.001-08:00

Where in the world did the weekend go? It feels like only an hour ago it was Friday!! I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe weekend....Im sure not ready for another work week but bring it on bc Im ready for next weekend!!

Friday after work I headed straight home to relax. It is FREEEEZING here!! I put on comfy clothes, Aaron started a fire, we warmed up leftovers I cooked the night before and plopped down in front of the TV!! My ideal night...ha! Oh and before I plopped down on the couch I made Paula Deen's Gooey Butter cake! It was pretty good....Ill be honest, it wasnt as good as I thought it would be....I should have made my WORLDS BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES but I thought I would give this recipe a try.

Saturday Aaron and I headed out to run some errands......I have to be honest, we still have not taken down Christmas decor...yikes! We should have worked on this but we had other things to worry about. Hopefully we will get to it this weekend....or Ill have to decorate the tree for Valentines. ha!! No, Ill work on it this week! After my errands I went and got a mani/pedi {ahh..my way to relax} then I headed home to get ready for a date!! We had dinner at Flemings!

Today has been one LAZY day here!! Im laying here with my laptop....catching up on all my favorite blogs....and reading up on some of my new followers!! Thanks ladies for stopping by and joining my blog....Im excited to get to know yall! So Im going to read and watch Keeping up with the Kardashians. {sounds like a great Sunday night}

I hope everyone is ready for Monday and have a WONDERFUL one!!!

2010-01-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FRIDAY FRIENDS!!

So, I have decided to join in on Kelly's "Show Us How You Live"!! I have followed Kelly's blog for at least a year now but I have never joined in on the fun. So, from here on out I will "try" to participate each Friday!!

SHOW US HOW YOU LIVE-- NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS/GOALS

Okay, I posted my goals last week so please click HERE to read my goals!

Of course I cant sign off without a BIG

ROLL TIDE ROLL

Its Snowing but where is the Snowman?

2010-01-07T06:25:00.001-08:00

So we finally got SNOW here in my little part of Tennessee! Very rarely do we see the white stuff but when we do the whole city/county shuts it down. hah! Seriously though...If you are from the north, then Im sure you are getting ready to make fun!!! When we get snow here the bread and milk flies off the shelves and you pretty much should avoid the grocery stores unless you like to be in one for several hours {me? not so much...Im in and out}. Anyways so we go snow but I was a bit disappointed this morning when realized that it was very "fine" snow....almost like dust. Yes, it covered the ground and roof tops but it pretty much melts as soon as you touch it. Most of the schools in our area and surrounding areas are closed today but take note of my drive in to work

Northerners....yall laughing now? Yes schools are closed and roads are clear. :) Thats how we like to do it here in the South!!

On to other news!! I know I mentioned last week that before the New Year I planned on getting organized....starting with my closet. Well I followed through! I spent quite some time organizing my closet and trust me I gave away so much that I felt guilty for having all that I do and I still complain about not having an outfit to wear. Now do not go into cardiac arrest with the pictures Im getting ready to show. I should be embarrassed but hey we are friends right? So Ill share my shame with you!! Now my closet wasnt this messy at first.....BUT I had to dig out everything so the "mad" piles you see are not exactly how I keep my closet but it was me trying to dig out clothes and start piles. Yall ready?!?!?

This picture does not do justice but I actually have a pretty BIG closet too!! So here is side one and below is side two....

I keep ALL my pants in the guest room closet so this is not even all the clothes I own/owned!! After several hours of digging, sorting and organizing I was left with this
3 HUGE bags stuffed completely!! I even had a few helpers on hand........
A lot of HELP huh?!?!!? Yep here are my helpers and this is not even after the work was finished.....this was the entire time. I gave up begging and just did it myself. They are pretty stinkin cute...You too Aaron!!

Happy Thursday and I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed day!!

Wishful Wednesday-- Hair edition

2010-01-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

Okay I feel like Im always bending the rules with Wishful Wednesday so here I guess I "kinda" do it again. haha!!

I WISH I HAD ______'S HAIR/HAIRSTYLE!!

I Love the Kardashian girls hair...its so long {which im a fan of long hair} and shiny. It seems like it does almost anything!

Now I have been told that my hairstyle is quite similar to Kim's except blond. Well duh...I love her hair so of course I TRY to wear mine similar! The problem with my hair is it is wavy/curly...so I have to fight to get it to look good. It takes me a good 30 minutes to dry and style my hair. It sure would be nice to wash and go or even wash and dry but nope...I have to apply products, dry, and then style!!

I also love Gretchens hair!! I think she is absolutely beautiful too!

I love Gretchen's hair! I love the color and wish mine could be that blond but Im afraid I would look like a bleached blond. Yes, I have blond hair but I keep low lights in mine as well...plus the underneath part of my hair is darker than the top for some contrast {I have a WONDERFUL hairdresser...my mom!!} Grethen also has wonderful volume in her hair! I love BIG hair....BIG hair that is classy of course...not an overdone rats nest or anything!! hah! Im not gonna rock the "bumpit" but I love my root lifter and a little teasing never hurts!

Yall be sure and head over to Kelsey's blog and play along!!

Happy 101

2010-01-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

So one my besties Candice awarded me with the Happy 101 award! Thanks so much Candice...Now yall be sure to go show Candice some love! While your there join her blog...you will love her!

So, here are the rules!
List 10 things that make you happy and then tag your favorite bloggers!! Pretty easy huh? Okay so here are 10 random, in no specific order, things that make me happy. Im also trying to list things I may have never listed or mentioned before...of course some will be repeats!

1. Aaron

Isnt he a cutie! Aaron's probably wanting to choke me if he's reading this but its my blog so there he is! This is my boyfriend of four years....yes, he makes me mad at times but overall he makes me very happy!!

2. Target

Target makes me one happy girl! I probably go here atleast once a day...not every but most.

3. Country Music

4. My puppies- Lola and Ellie

5. My lovely FAMILY & FRIENDS

6. The Notebook

This is my "go to" movie! Gotta love it!!

7. Shopping

8. Daisies

9. Painting - or anything crafty

10. Blogging!!!!

So, there ya have it....just a few {10 to be exact} things that make me happy!! So now Im suppose to tag my favorite blogs....BUT Candice tagged most of the blogs I follow as well....so, if you are reading this then YOU are tagged....I dont care if you follow my blog or not...even if you are just visiting you have been tagged. Please let me know if you accept the award so I can be sure to come check out the things that make you happy!!

Okay, I cant sign off without mentioning THE BIGGEST LOSER!!! Did ya watch! Gosh I love this show! Im super PUMPED about this season and ready for next Tuesday!

Happy Wednesday!!

My Picks are in

2010-01-05T07:06:00.000-08:00

Okay so last night was the first episode of the Bachelor with Jake!! Did you watch?!?! I sure did. Aaron watched the first 10 minutes {the introduction of the girls} and then he said he had enough. hahah!!

So, after an hour of watching I would have to say my top picks are

Elizabeth

Tenley

So ladies, there ya have it...these two are my favorites so far!! Of course this could change come next weeks episode or the week after next...Im going strictly off what I saw last night! I was really torn with one of the girls...

Rozlyn is beautiful but.....we all know looks aren't everything or are they?!?! I would say no but others may disagree. I like her but Im afraid she may be getting ready to use her "looks" to further her "game". Im not sure how genuine she is or if she is even really into Jake...they sure would make a cute couple but like I said looks are not everything.

Im usually pretty good at "figuring" people out in the beginning. I dont know how/why but I can generally tell someones character after first meeting them. I have had to learn not to judge people and to give people chances....instead of going off of my intuition but I must say....I very rarely prove myself wrong when going off my instinct...So, Im very excited about trying to figure these ladies out. {Its almost like a game for me} If you have been watching the previews then you are aware that there is a big scandal in the house with one of the ladies!!! Well I have a few girls in mind that I think could be the ONE but I need to watch a few more episodes before revealing who I think this girl could be.

Its that time again

2010-01-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

So ladies today started out not so grand here....my brother was in town and laid up all weekend with a virus he got from his girlfriend. Well you know what happens when a virus lays around all weekend--it spreads!!! So yes, I woke up this morning trying so hard to get ready for work but needless to say I never made it! Not exactly how I planned starting my 2010 but hey, after some much needed rest Im feeling better and actually happy to be going to work tomorrow!

On a more positive note....the end of this not so great day is looking up! Tonight.....The Bachelor has returned! I LOVE this show!

Of course Jake is adorable...what do you girl thinks?!?!?! Cute right?!?!

Of course its always interesting to see which girls are crazy...and then I love trying to figure out which girls will be in the final group. After tonight Im sure Ill have a post about the ladies...the crazies and my favs!!

New Year Resolutions

2009-12-31T12:31:00.000-08:00

I'm saying this loud & Proud...here are my New Years Resolutions.....that I'm STICKING to!

1. A healthy me!! Im going to work very hard this year at eating well and exercising. Now I have been doing this {even though Ive slacked with the holidays} but 2010 Im going for it....not excuses...no slacking! Cheers to Health!

2. Daily Devotional time! I read my bible often but I can honestly say that I do not ALWAYS take time daily to spend time in his word!! Ill do really good for weeks but then Ill miss a day or a couple and then it turns into night time reading when Im exhausted. So Im going to find a specific time EVERY day to stop & have a devotional time!

3. Quality time with Family! I love my family but I feel as I get older I seem to get busy.....but I should never be too busy for family! I need to take time and visit and call my family more often.

4. Serving!! I plan to serve as much as I can in 2010. My Bible study girls and I try to serve somewhere at least 2 times a month....I plan to continue this but even find opportunities outside of church to serve. I would LOVE to get some of my girlfriends involved and even certain family members. There are plenty of serving opportunities in and around the city!!

5. Become more organized! Its crazy how Im obsessed with my work being organized...my planner being organized....my car to be organized...but my house, not so much! Dont get me wrong...I want it to be organized but at the same time it overwhelms me at times. I like it clean and when I say CLEAN I mean wiped down with bleach, washed sheets, vacuumed floors...etc! The problem I have--I before I clean the tub and toilet, I will shove things in drawers and closets. So it appears organized--until you open the drawer. yikes!!

6. Better at Saving!! This is a must!! I have never been very good at SAVING money! Now, I know where my money goes...I know what bills need to be paid and how much. Im truly blessed to have ZERO debt following me around. I do not own credit cards bc I refuse to let debt get a hold of me! However, I do need to start saving the money I do make and stop spending it like a hole is burning in my pocket.

7. Become a better daughter, friend, girlfriend, sister! Now I know that Im not perfect nor will I ever be. I do believe that I can be even better in areas of my life though! I am going to strive this year to be a better daughter {even though my mom tells me Im the best. :) }, friend, girlfriend and sister! There is ALWAYS room for improvement!!

so Friends...there you have it!

My 2010 Resolutions!

Out with the old....in with the new!

2009-12-31T06:31:00.000-08:00

WOW...Can yall believe it is almost 2010!!

This year has flown by here but Im not one bit sad that it is leaving. Not that it was a bad year, its just always exciting to have a new year and a fresh start!! Im so bad at making New Years resolutions. Why??? I'll tell you why!!! They sound good the minute I make them but for some reason I NEVER seem to stick to it or for that matter even remeber which resolutions I made. This year...2010....its gonna be different! Im going to make some resolutions and stick to them this year!! Yes, I said it so let see if I can stick to it! Im not ready to share the resolutions...Im still working on my list but I will share as soon as I am certain on my decisions!

To start off my New Year on the right foot, I will be cleaning my closet out this weekend! Im getting rid of stuff in the closet, drawers, you name it...its going! Now, wait one second...NO Im not getting rid of everything but Im pretty sure I wear about 40% of the items in my closet and use about 15% of things stashed in my drawers!! So this weekend Ill be doing some serious downsizing! Ill be sure and share pics Monday, I may just surprise you with my piles!

Everyone have a safe and happy New Year!! God Bless you all!!

Wishful Wednesday

2009-12-30T07:15:00.000-08:00

This weeks wishful Wednesday topic is......."I WISH SANTA WOULD HAVE REMEMBERED_________ WAS ON MY LIST"

Be sure and head over to Seattle Smith's blog to play along. If you don't want to play then you can head over to show her blog some love....I promise you will love her.

Okay...Kelsey please do not be mad that Im kind of putting my own spin on this but I can honestly say that Santa was TOO GOOD to me this year! He did not forget one thing on my list!! Im sure you are thinking "yeah right" but really....Santa did not let me down this year. Now, dont get me wrong I can think of plenty that I would love to have that I did not get but these items were not on my wish list!! Plus my dad and grandmothers always give me money so Im sure Ill be purchasing whatever I want....even though SAVING it would make more sense.

So what is the ONE thing that was not on my list but I should have put on my list {I just had other important items}. I would have to say a Polar heart rate monitor.

Every time I go to the gym....especially spin, I constantly hear "make sure your heart rate is here....or...make sure its not below 80" Um?!?! can I get some help here? Im not sure where my heart rate is but Im pretty sure its getting ready to explode! Anyways this would allow me to monitor my heart plus tell me how many calories I burned!! Im all about burning some calories so I would love to know the exact number!! So even though Santa did not forget this item....I wish it was something I put on my list...but better yet Ill just use some of my Christmas money to purchase it myself.

Happy Wednesday!

Birthday Girl

2009-12-29T12:04:00.000-08:00

Today is a special day...why you may ask?!?! Ill tell ya why!! Today is Ellie's BIRTHDAY! I cant believe she is 3 years old today. For those of you asking "who is Ellie" sometimes referred to as Ellie Bug, or as her daddy calls her "girlie" she is my dog and a spoiled rotten one at that! She is so stinkin sweet though....everyone who knows her LOVES her. Its kind of hard not to love something as precious as this......

{Ellie's first night home}

{Showing off how cute she is}

The very second I picked her up I FELL IN LOVE with her.....she immediately cuddled into my arms and stole my heart! I was not even looking to buy a dog that night or her breed....I wanted a Yorki and never imagined a little blond Yorki-poo would win me over. I KNEW she was the one. Ellie was a wonderful Valentines present {Thats when I got her}

To this day she is still the biggest cuddle bug...she knows how to turn a rotten day into a good one. She is very very did I mention VERY smart!!! She impresses us all with how smart of a girl she is. Her favorite hobby would be fetching her ball. Who knew an 8lb ball of fur could outrun all the dogs in the neighborhood and catch a ball better than the Labs at the park. She loves the lake and especially golf cart rides! You jingle a key and she is at the door ready to hop in the car {oh and she knows how to roll the windows down} so you mind as well roll them on down and let her hair blow. She is a great big sister to Lola belle and Rebel but don't you dare put Lola's bows in her hair...she will pout until she gets her way. So, as you can see Ellie is very special to me!!

Happy Birthday Ellie

Love,

Mommy and daddy!

So good but not good for me!

2009-12-29T07:02:00.001-08:00

Oh how I forgot how much I LOVE VANILLA BEAN FRAPPUCCINO'S!! As soon as I took one sip I quickly remembered but then I also had a flashback of why I do not drink them often!! The calories! Hey every girl needs a break every once in a while....especially when Im working hard....right?!?!? So here is to my Grande Non fat Vanilla Bean Frapp! YUM YUM!!