Elizabeth James

a little of this...a little of that

2012-02-28T12:19:00.002-05:00

this weekend we did a lot of:

so this was on my way home one night..I snapped this ~~while driving~~ (which by the way I am totally against) it was too pretty to pass up.

we drank a good bit of this in my fav. mug - which was honestly the only thing I wanted while we were in seattle

Bella's activities consisted of playing and napping. and obviously being a model.

this little DIY that I am tackling!

looks interesting right?! I know you're on the edge of your seat

anticipating my post on this project :)

obsessed

2012-02-21T12:34:00.001-05:00

I love a good jewelry find. I'm not very trendy (and while the sets below seem to be 'in style' right now) I like more classic pieces. I always feel very awkward in trendy pieces - whether its clothes, shoes, jackets, or jewelry...so I'm patiently waiting the arrival of these 2 beauties on my doorstep soon:

I am elated about these earrings. I have been looking for some just like them- only in the aqua color. I am loving this green - I mean I don't think you can get a prettier green.

while I love navy and the whole picture below- I'm a little weary of what the navy will look like on my skin tone

so I won't be surprised if I opt out of the aqua instead:

I had a hard time narrowing down my choices over all of their beautiful earrings..and I still have my eye on a few! shhhh- don't tell J.

what are your recent jewelry finds?

all of the above found here

better late than never

2012-02-17T16:49:00.001-05:00

A friend emailed this to me after knowing how much I love these 2...and after watching this my love affair for the two has grown deeper. They are toooo precious!

and incase you missed this one back in November- its too cute not to post.

a queen in the queen city

2012-02-15T16:59:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a fantastic Valentine's and was treated like a queen. I sure was. :) We kept it low key and J cooked while I dodged wreck after wreck throughout the queen city. It was quite nice to come home to a wonderful meal and flowers.

So I have some exciting news- The Real Housewives are coming to film here in Charlotte!! betcha thought I was going to announce a baby, or a new job, or a move, etc.:) I'm just a wee bit excited because Emily Maynard (whom I have spotted at freedom park during my lunch break a few months back) lives here and is filming the upcoming Bachelorette (which I spotted ABC film crews one day last week from my office window)...and now The Real Housewives.

I do love the crazy, drama filled reality show--except for Atlanta. I don't think they act very classy- of course, then again- I'm sure its hard to act classy while people are paying you tons of mulaahhh to put your face in the national spotlight. can you feel the sarcasm? I mean hello look at my girl Audrey:

she exudes class.

I do hope that they show some southern charm and class, and ~~make everyone understand~~ help others view that just because we have accents and are southern doesn't mean we are dumb and can't keep up- just means we like to take our time and enjoy our laid back life style :)

check out the article yourself!:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46400525/ns/local_news-winston_salem_nc/

In other news- Jessica is hosting a giveaway! Go check out her blog & beautiful earrings!

a movie review & a lil' love.

2012-02-13T14:15:00.001-05:00

So Friday J got off early and we went to a 5:15 showing of the Vow. My opinion is a 50/50. I absolutely loved it and now being married - I can't even begin to imagine any of that. BUT I will say that it's not near as 'emotional' as the notebook. I definitely thought there would be a little bit more 'highs' throughout the movie, but all in all I loved it. and yes I cried.

Mary over at Mary in Marriedland - one of my best friends - awarded me the Liebster Award. Liebster means dearest or beloved in German. This is an award that goes out to blogs with less than 200 followers... to show some serious love.

The RULES are:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

2. Reveal your five picks for the award and let them know.

3. Post the award on your blog.

4. Enjoy the love from the award brings to your blog.

5. Have fun and spread the love!

So my picks are:

Beth over at Picture Perfect! I have known Beth as long as I've known my husband-Her brother was in our wedding and well I love their whole family and her dearly. She has an eye for beautiful photography and is kind of a bad ass soccer player- oh and marrying Brooks another one of my husbands childhood friends!

Amber over at Wrapped in Raffia! Amber is married to Paul, one of my husbands best friends- cue how we met. Amber is one of the sweetest people you'll meet with a great knack for decorating her lovely home. And her precious precious baby girl georgia- is well...absolutely precious.

Jessica over at The Simple Eclectic! Jessica and I met during our freshman year of college. She is one of my best friends and I couldn't love her more. She is a basketball coach's wife and has a beautiful family, with sweet Audrey (or auj) and a beautiful baby boy on the way.

for the love

2012-02-08T22:25:00.001-05:00

I don't think J and I are exchanging gifts this year for Valentine's...we have our anniversary in April and slew of things coming up this spring/summer. BUT if we were these would be some beauties that I wouldn't mind receiving:

sailor's knot hinge bangle

or the idiom bangle- sparks fly (which for the life of me- I can't get to upload.)

tory burch logo earrings

this clutch but with my monogram in brown

i have a michael kors watch in silver, and I love the MK tortoise

and horn (although with my fair skin- the horn is something

I just can't seem to pull off) but I love fossil's little gem above.

sterling silver stacking rings- shining braid

who wouldn't want a beach towel with pockets?!

because recently I have become obsessed with

all things leopard.

here, here, here, here, here, here, & here.

Do you see what I see?

2012-02-06T22:34:00.001-05:00

So I popped into west elm and found some goodies. I finally picked up these beauties (the aluminum straw) that I've been ~~lusting after~~ admiring for a while now- they caught my eye once Oprah announced they were one of her favorite things- and ringing in at $3.00 a pop - they're one of my favorite things.

((paired with our alaska glasses, empty, and tags still attached.)

Here's the hard part- I picked up two of these:

and am now in dilemma where to put them. They'll be sporting some important numbers here at the dub house...so should I put them in our bedroom and add some much needed glam?

Or in our living room/entry area next to our console/mail/catch all area? Thoughts? Opinions? Ideas?

is your fortune really a fortune?

2012-02-02T12:32:00.000-05:00

It never fails that when J and I go to eat Chinese that his fortune cookie never reveals a fortune...it always reveals a random saying or that he has good character/personality. (which he does!) But it makes us laugh every time. We've been making a lot of possible changes around our house...things I alluded to but can't talk about until things are set in stone. It has been a major decision which will require particular things to be delayed, financial plans re-arranged, etc. I'm sure you get the picture. While we were in the process of figuring out if this was God's will and praying for clear, clean signs of yes or no, wide open doors, or big locked ones...we went to p.f. changs for a date night.

The fortune cookies come and I go ahead and grab mine in a diligent, yet which one should I choose back and forth manner- and J just grabs whichever one I did not pick. Of course his said something like 'still waters run deep' and mine was what we perceived to be ironic and just another green light.

This is my February photo of the day: words. Words that I taped up onto our bathroom mirror to remind me each day, one step at a time. and you've already taken that first step.

here's what I'm participating in:

find me on instagram! leahwilson914!

am I the only one..

2012-02-01T15:44:00.001-05:00

who has not read the hunger games. because I feel like it.

I was running errands for work one day in August when I had to go downtown to see a few clients that we have down there. I was stuck in traffic - come to find out that low and behold it was because the Hunger Games movie was being shot in parts of Charlotte, and that day -they were in the Duke Energy building. Where I needed to be. I didn't know at the time thats what movie it was until I saw it on the news. Since then, I have been meaning to grab the book, and still have yet to do so. The new nail polish that China Glaze has put out might just might make me run out and grab the books along with a few of these colors..

via

thoughts

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

ever since I read this quote- its been on my mind.

I posted this as my status on facebook and tweeted this- I seriously couldn't agree with this more.

big changes coming! I wish I could just share everything going on, but

I can't until things are set in stone.

so hard...yet so true.

she might kill me

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

but this is why we are friends.

current obsessions

2012-01-24T11:49:00.000-05:00

Since I'm asking for things to be handed to me (ie: my last post for world market) I might as well ask the same thing of etsy. kidding. ~~sort of.~~

we are in the process of finally adding art work/ pictures around the house. this might be a good one for our bedroom.

J and I met in Charleston... and then I went to college in Upstate South Carolina and always said I would end up in Charleston. It's one of my all time favorite places- so much that in 2011 I was there 5 times. 5. and 2 times were within 3 weeks of each other. obsessed? slightly.

also etsy cant give me this- but I need her. no not want- need. yes. Bella needs a friend- and she has currently started to chew things (ex: my otter box iphone base, a WATCH, 2 hats, and a credit card...apparently she hates debt! she must have read our dave ramsey book.) My parents just got a chocolate lab puppy which has me wanting another one- and belle needs a friend.

her hair. I'm not sure if this is ashley or mary kate...either way- this hair without the middle part.

because I pinned these on pintrest forever ago and could have used one a few days ago.

who doesn't need this?!?!

ps- those would be some horrible tan lines if you fell asleep!

dear world market,

2012-01-23T17:16:00.001-05:00

I would appreciate it if you would show up at my house soon. and bring along these beauties:

k thanks.

xoxo,

leah

Valentine's Day Swap

2012-01-21T17:37:00.000-05:00

I just signed up for Christina's Valentine's Day Swap. If you haven't read her blog- please please check it out. Mainly because she is awesome. and she can abbreviate her name to Xtina. awesomeness.

oh and don't forget to sign up!!!

took the words out of my mouth.

2012-01-19T10:58:00.002-05:00

I've been MIA for a good month due to some unfortunate events. Thankfully nothing severe but at the same time, enough to break a person down. I got news of some particular events and things that had been said that broke me. I won't go into detail because I don't want to stoop to that level-- BUT I am a daily reader of Natasha's over at Hello! Happiness. I read her post today, and she basically took the words out of my mouth. So I won't go any further- but I would encourage you to read her post today and become an avid follower! (she is such an inspiration - with such a positive outlook!!)

Hello! Happiness

agreed

2011-12-29T12:03:00.002-05:00

my husband's obsessed with this. (ok- J you're not obsessed, but every time you see it you crack up and talk about how its so true!) This is all over facebook, twitter, and the blog world, but just incase you haven't seen it-

From Our House to Yours

2011-12-24T13:44:00.002-05:00

we wish you a very merry christmas!

change

2011-12-12T17:16:00.001-05:00

I'm taking a break and not blogging- trying to spend time with precious friends and family.

I just bawled like a baby watching this.

movie review

2011-12-05T15:44:00.001-05:00

J has been out of town the whole week before thanksgiving and the whole week after. I have seriously missed just having someone else in the house with me. We tried to lay low this weekend- and we grabbed the movie Friends with Benefits sunday afternoon.

Seriously loved it. While it does have some language in it- the hilariousness and 'real-ness' of the movie is great and pretty much spot on (I'm basing it off of being married). It's a great movie to watch with your man or some good girlfriends. I know it'll probably end up being a stocking stuffer in my stocking :) Happy Monday!!

Tonight I'm gonna party like it's 1999

2011-11-30T12:33:00.001-05:00

I saw on facebook someone refer to the 90's as vintage. My jaw dropped and I felt like saying say what?! I can't believe that the 90's is thought of as vintage but maybe thats because I grew up mostly in the 90's which would make me...old? let's go with vintage instead :) I then came across this little jewel.

10 Things 90s Kids Will Have To Explain To Their Children

"While most things we experienced as tots in that headiest of eras seems pretty self-explanatory (plaid was everywhere, Leonardo DiCaprio was the molten ball of light around which the solar system turned, and there was no color too bright for your sweatpants) there are some things that will be a bit harder to explain. Here, a primer for when your future children want to know what the hell you were doing with your boxy, multicolored electronics"

So here's my tribute to the 90's.

all images via

I could have totally kept going- I loved finding all these images...hope all you 90's kids enjoyed this little blast from the past!

a loss for words

2011-11-29T11:41:00.001-05:00

sometimes you just need a good laugh at something absolutely ridiculous.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:01:00.000-05:00

I'm off giving thanks with family and friends!! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

duh.

2011-11-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

1095 days

2011-11-22T15:25:00.001-05:00

1095 days, 36 months, 3 years ago today, I was asked the one thing that would change my life.

I said yes- a yes to take a promise, to vow in front of God and family and friends, to become a wife to a carolina country boy, to become a mrs. wiiilllllsssssooonnnnnnnnn, yes to spend the best years of my life with him. and I am so glad that he asked that one short question, and as I laughed with joy and excitement- I said yes.

Jonathan, J, Jdub, Mr. Willlssoonnnn:

You are the light of my life. Thanks for asking me the best question that I've ever been asked.

she's baaccckkk

2011-11-21T15:04:00.001-05:00

the vow

2011-11-17T09:24:00.001-05:00

I wouldn't mind if this movie came out sooner than Valentines.

But when it does -I'll probably be dragging J to it unless I can find someone else to go with me :)

it's beginning to smell a lot like christmas

2011-11-15T21:44:00.001-05:00

Let's be honest. I'm a less than 2 year newlywed. Funds are...well we are on le budget. I'm not in the market to spend $17.00 on a candle. In fact most of the nice candles that I have in my house were gifts or bought at marshalls for $3.99. But let me introduce you to Thymes...Frasier Fir.

christmas in a jar. really.

We can't have a real tree because the first year in our house we had a real tree that had a yellow jacket nest hatch in our house. yes, you read that right. and I'm deathly allergic. no joke.

Needless to say- last year we purchased a fake tree and I think my husband mourned more than I expected. Insert Thymes Frasier Fir. My boss ~~obsessed and demanded that I go buy one~~ told me about it and that it would make your house smell like a real tree for days.

My house now smells like a real Christmas Tree.....so don't think about it. don't walk to the store or pick one up when you think about it. RUN to get this candle. it. is. that. good.

And if you're in the Charlotte area- Paper Skyscraper has tons stocked up!!

scarf weather

2011-11-14T17:49:00.001-05:00

I'll be referring to this a lot...

on the hunt

2011-11-09T14:58:00.001-05:00

I always wait till the last minute to pull outfits together when going out of town. I have been on the prowl for the perfect tights, and jewelry for a few weeks now. I'm in a wedding and pulling together the rehearsal dinner and bridal brunch outfits are a must. I've been so busy I keep putting it off...and finally today went out to get all the goods.

Throughout my hunt and watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills- I fell in love with 2 things. Kyle Richards, and her earrings. But more importantly a friend introduced me to Kendra Scott earrings. Which began my obsession. These have been on my list for a while now:

I also just saw them at Nordstrom today and had to hold myself back.

maybe Christmas!

I also love these:

2011-11-07T07:45:00.004-05:00

I am completely obsessed with copper in the kitchen! I used to nanny for my flower girl that was in our wedding and am very close with her family. One Christmas while I was home they were re-doing their kitchen. It is probably my *realistic* dream kitchen. They have a HUGE farmhouse hammered copper sink with white washed cabinets. It makes you feel like that home is just so warm and inviting.

I saw this in the Crate & Barrell catalog last night and fell in love.

I also wouldn't mind if the rest of this made its way into my kitchen

you sneaky mom

2011-11-04T10:19:00.000-04:00

I tried posting this yesterday and it didn't work. The two boys at the end are by far the best!

girlfriends

2011-11-02T16:14:00.000-04:00

a coworker gave this to me a few weeks before we got married...I'm in the middle of trying to do a girls weekend with all of our friends and was reminded of this. I don't have a sister, so my girlfriends are my sisters.

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot, humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the Mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.

"Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters.Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.

Remember that Sisters also means your girlfriends, your daughters, and other women relatives, too.

You'll need other women. Women always do."

What a funny piece of advice, the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married and joined the couple world?I'm now a married woman, for goodness sakes! A grown up!Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need.

But she listened to her Mother. She kept in contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand what her Mom meant.

As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon their women, Sisters are the constants of their lives.After more than 60 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:

Time passes.

Life happens.

Distance separates.

Children grow up.

Jobs come and go.

Love waxes and wanes.

Hearts break.

Parents die.

Husbands die.

Colleagues forget favors.

Careers end.

But Girlfriends are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you and her.A Girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself,your Girlfriends will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you,intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes they will even break the rules and walk beside you.Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, sisters, daughters, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, Mother, aunts, nieces & cousins bless our lives!The world wouldn't be the same without them, and neither would I.

When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead.

Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Everyday we need each other still.

Happy Hump Day!

mama to be

2011-11-01T11:42:00.002-04:00

Let me preface by saying: I'm not pregnant. (because I know that title made your stomach leap a little bit) But I have noticed when looking at my bank account these past few months that our money is going to bridal stores for those last few weddings and is showing more and more baby stores ie: babies r us, shower me with love, cute etsy baby places... I'm ok with that because thats the stage of life the hubs and I are transitioning into- wrapping up our last few close friends that are single and seeing the ones that have been married for a few years start having babies.

I'm not a mom but I have been a nanny and found a few tricks of the trade that the mom's I worked for used. I've also noticed that I'm drawn to them when shopping for gifts for mommies to be- and I'll most likely be putting in my shopping cart when I have a little babe on the way.

Brookstone's White Noise Machiene

This bad boy was used in a house with 3 kids. The two younger ones- 3 years old and 9 mo. old loved them. The 9mo old was never disturbed while I got the other 2 ready for bed mainly because he couldnt hear their battles of bed time.

Woombie

After I graduated college and before I moved I nannyed for a lady who loved organic everything. Organic food, organic soap, organic sheets, organic clothes. She opened my eye to a whole new world and is where I developed my obsession with everything lavender/ lavender and mint! The woombie kept her little bug safe and snug.(which is also made in an organic version)

ItzBeen Pocket Nanny

I have found myself buying these for the showers I go to. I don't really think that is takes place of writing things down... I have used it but always wrote things down so when the mom gets home there is a great reminder and a written out schedule.

Phillips Avent Bottle Warmer

All I know about this is that it heats the bottle thoroughly without hot spots and that little man would get so excited when his bottle was being put in it to be warmed up!

Lil Goat's Milk Soap

I've used this on a sweet babe with lots of problems with ezcema. This was the one thing that calmed his skin other than cetaphil lotion. I've also recommened it to a few mom's and have heard back rave reviews. If J and I's kid get's my sensitive skin- we'll most likely be using this.

Southern Tots

And this is just fun. All those cute little dresses and jon jon's. (thats what we call them- I'm not sure if that terminology is correct!) Who wouldn't want to throw these on for thanksgiving, christmas eve service/christmas dinner, easter, birthday's and more!

what are your favorite items?

heart palpitations

2011-10-28T10:33:00.001-04:00

that's what I was having last night. My parents met in Ft. Worth while getting their masters...had many dates to see Rangers games. My mom grew up in St. Louis. My great great grandfather played for the St. Louis Cardinals... out of all two teams to end up in the world series....and my parents house is divided. I'm a rangers fan at heart- and this game tonight will possibly get the best of me. If I were there tonight this is most likely what I would be wearing....I like to stay pretty true to the colors of my team and relaxed when it comes to sports and attending games.

Rangers Game by leahjwilson featuring flat shoes

J Crew crew neck sweater
$228 - jcrew.com

Patagonia puffer jacket
$179 - patagonia.com

Armani Jeans skinny jeans
£130 - vanmildert.com

Madewell flat shoes
$298 - madewell.com

Red scarve
topman.com

if I had my way

2011-10-27T10:27:00.004-04:00

and I could participate to 'TREAT YO SELF 2011' some of my items would be as follows:

treat yo self 2011

2011-10-26T10:39:00.002-04:00

obsessed. that's what my husband is when it comes to parks and rec. J is a city planner and works in a city hall- so some of the things that he deals with on a daily basis will run hand in hand with an episode of parks and rec. I just find it funny.

I'll be back tomorrow with items I'd like to get if I participated in 'treat. yo. self. 2011'

best thing ever

2011-10-18T15:13:00.003-04:00

I can only hope one day to have a daughter just like this...seriously. J would have his hands full!

then

then to top it all off:

mia

2011-10-11T13:00:00.001-04:00

I've been a little MIA lately due to my startup disk on my beautiful laptop is full. Also the fact that my poor battery is 4 years old. and in laptop world- shes an old lady!! I probably aged her a bit while I pushed her to her very limit before plugging her back up all those years in college. So J and I were trying to figure out what we were asking parents for for christmas. (yes its getting that time!!!)

either 2 or 4 of theses beauts for our dining room table:

we actually talked about getting 2 for now from ikea and adding our own nail head trim. Well it was more like me talking and J listening thinking I'm crazy and what mess I might be getting myself into.

or one of these:

decisions....decisions...

(I'm thinking choice number 2 might be a gift we'd have to help out with!!)

Have you even thought about Christmas? What have you thought about asking for?

inspire

2011-10-04T15:06:00.004-04:00

‎"To be nobody but yourself in a world that's doing it's best to make you somebody else, is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight. Never stop fighting."

ee cummings

worry wart

2011-09-30T16:43:00.001-04:00

I'm sure you've all heard the phrases..."Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair- it gets you nowhere!"..."Troubles are a lot like people - they grow bigger if you nurse them"...."Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow"...

I'm not going to claim the world's worst but I'm up there when it comes to worrying. So badly to the point that I used to have severe anxiety/panic attacks. It caused me to lose a drastic amount of weight in less than a month when I was in college, I saw several doctors, and even more worry grew when nobody could figure out what was going on. I worry about friendships, what people have said that aren't true, work, family, health, bills and so on.

I believe that the statement 'just stop worrying is easier said then done. I was walking with a friend and her sweet new baby this morning and we were talking about some things that have been the root of my worry lately. She didn't know it -(because I didn't stress how concerned I was about it) but I am a firm believer of two things when it comes to worrying.

1. Prayer

2. Talking about it

I came home after our walk and was reading my daily devotional in Jesus Calling (side-note: if you have never read this- I HIGHLY recommend it!!) and this was today's:

I am perpetually with you, taking care of you. That is the most important fact of your existence. I am not limited by time or space; My Presence with you is a forever- promise. You need not fear the future for I am already there. When you make that quantum leap into eternity, you will find Me awaiting you in heaven. Your future is in My hands; I release it to you day by day, moment by moment. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow.

I want you to live this day abundantly, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do. Don't be distracted by future concerns. Leave them to Me! ::i'm not going to lie- my stomach churned a little bit when i read that:: Each day of life is a glorious gift, but so few people know how to live within the confines of today. Much of their energy for abundant living spills over the time line into tomorrow's worries or past regrets. Their remaining energy is sufficient only for limping through the day, not for living it to the full. I am training you to keep your focus on My Presence in the present...

what an amazing, re-assuring thing to know that I have the Creator of the Universe looking out for me and in control. It puts my 'troubled heart' to rest to know that He so intricately and beautifully made each living thing- and that He is the one that is in control of my future.

cornbread and butter beans

2011-09-22T16:27:00.000-04:00

we've been listening to this a lot in the office this week:

and then this one too:

Happy Thursday!

homemade apple cider

2011-09-18T16:14:00.002-04:00

I love fall! But I think that everyone has been saying that all over facebook, twitter, blogland, and in person! We've had some much cooler weather blow in this weekend and it was welcomed with open arms at our house...we also went to J's alma mater (Appalachian State) for a football game yesterday. It's always like 7-10 degrees cooler up there in Boone, NC and only an hour and half away. Being in the much cooler weather reminded me of a fall favorite:

homemade apple cider

prep 5 min, cook time 3 hours

12 or so small-medium apples, assorted types

1 small orange

1/2-1 cup brown sugar

3-4 cinnamon sticks

1 whole nutmeg

1 tbsp whole cloves

water to cover

Wash and roughly chop apples and orange- you don't have to worry about removing peels, seeds, or stems, but we do. Toss into a large stock pot.
Add sugar (we also sub brown sugar for reg. white sugar due to my allergies)
Add all your spices, and cover with water.
Bring to a boil and boil uncovered for at least an hour. (this also makes your home smell delicious!)
Cover and reduce to a simmer. Allow juice to simmer for at least two hours.
Uncover and use a potato masher to roughly mash content of pot (this is another reason we peel and pit everything). To further reduce: continue simmering until cider is dark and tastes sweet and spicy.
When cider is ready allow to cool then strain apple pieces and whole spices into a clean pitcher or pot.
Serve hot. Store in the fridge and reheat as desired.

via

enjoy!

it's my party...

2011-09-12T23:24:00.001-04:00

It's birthday week here in our house! I'll be crossing over...it's the golden birthday! Life has been crazy all summer- we'll be back to normalcy hopefully after this week!

it's baaaccckkk

2011-09-08T12:41:00.002-04:00

and I will def. be grabbing one on my way home today to enjoy this wonderful cooler weather!

Happy Hump Day

2011-08-31T12:34:00.002-04:00

I'm a firm believer in always looking for a positive in a negative. Turn someone's negative day around by saying something nice to them. even if you don't know them.

have a great day!

inspire

2011-08-21T19:57:00.000-04:00

my inspiration for the past month:

so ready

2011-08-19T14:03:00.000-04:00

I'm not even sure 'so ready' can explain how much I am ready for fall. This summer has been miserable. heat wise- to the point if you don't have a pool pumping cold water then you might as well be inside. My youngest brother came to visit us at the end of July- we went to the lake and the water felt like bath water. I am so excited that football is well on its way- yay!! but also for oh so fun outfits, beautiful colors, and crisp days. ( and the fact that it brings us winter which means christmas :D)

via

Happy Weekend!

alaska

2011-08-14T16:01:00.000-04:00

I couldn't come up with a very creative title for this post. My sister in law graduated this past may and we ventured out on an Alaskan Cruise in celebration. I've heard rave reviews from everyone thats always been, but mainly my grandfather was stationed there in Anchorage for a bit so my dad lived there and my grandmother grew up in Fairbanks- who now lives in the south. (i think thats kinda funny)

It was by far one of the best trips, seeing things that I may never see again. One definitely worth saying- lets skip a cruise to the Bahamas, lets TRAVEL!! This is a few of the pictures we took below- i took around 1100. so just a few:)

disclaimer: by no means am a photographer, or claim to be. I try to take pictures from my creative eye. and there will hopefully be classes in the near future. so please don't judge.

12AM our first night. sunset.

just havin a little fun in ketchickan.

juneau.

skagway- my personal favorite.

our puppy power.

we boarded a helicoptor

view from the helicopter of skagway

landed and took off on our dog sled ride on a glacier!

our dogs had 6 weeks old puppies

just having fun while waiting on the elevators.

It really was a trip of a lifetime. We saw humpback whales, baby orcas racing our boat, glaciers, puffins, and beautiful scenery that I could never give justice describing. There were times I looked at J and told him I felt like I should see a Cullen roaming around...I'm pretty sure he may have rolled his eyes a time or two :)

what we've been up to...

2011-08-12T15:54:00.000-04:00

I'm going to go backwards. This was our past weekend. Our first weekend at home, by ourselves since May. of course I had a honey do list ready and waiting.

We finally have started doing things with our kitchen. We added a chalkboard.

and updated our menu :) and also created

our Fall Bucket List.

(looks like we're going to have a busy fall!!)

I also convinced J that it was time to paint our laundry room foyer...what is a laundry room foyer? a name I came up with because my mother in law thought I was talking about the closet like room that houses our washer and dryer that nobody sees.

It's Sparrow by Behr paint. I can't remember what blog I saw the picture frame idea because I would love to give them credit. We have the hooks to hang things that either need ironing, towels that need to dry- or a dirty/sandy beach/lake bag of mine. I'll probably be adding a white stencil pattern inside the picture frame and there's been possible talk of painting that electric box a prettier color or just white. jury's still out on that decision.

I also realized it's the little things that make your house a home and cozy. It takes time. In college I would drive 9 1/2 hours to school, set up my entire room or apartment before I went to sleep. and I mean picture frames hung. So getting our house set up has been an adjustment but I've also come more into my personal style. more than I ever thought I would.

next up- Alaska!

bella lena

2011-08-07T17:05:00.000-04:00

I have been itching all weekend to write this post. I have tons of things I can catch up on- my trip to charleston, a wedding, my trip to alaska, my recent 15 lb box of peaches that are almost gone in less than a month, my recent house endeavor that I put my husband through yesterday, or bella lena. Let's start at the beginning.

Bella Lena's owner is K. K and I are good friends and recently were in a wedding for another very good friend's of ours. We attended a bachelorette weekend in Charleston a month a half ago and had a blast. On my way home, as I hit Columbia- K calls me (or I call her). We start talking about the fact that she has started making tutu's and she was thinking about starting her own business as a side thing. She asked for help and opinions on a name, business cards to attach upon delivery, etc. We talked a good bit and I called her back with ideas. We went back and forth and formed Bella Lena (Lena being her grandmother, Bella being beautiful in italian).

That was the end.

until we recently finally caught each other on the phone again, my point in calling to find out if anything ever came of it.....and something did! See K helps a college friend as a 2nd photographer with her photography business (Brett Seay Photography) and BSP got 2 tutu's (say that 5 times fast) and took some pictures for each one to help get some actual shots of the tutu's in action. I get on my computer and check them out after we hang out.

ohmygoodness. they were so much better than I had imagined. I mean K is good and creative and I guess I was picturing something else. the pictures were SO good, and the tutu's we SO good. like really seriously cute as in I want to get her to go ahead and make me a few incase I ever have a baby girl- then having to wait and breathe and remind myself- she can always make you one if you do. no hurry. I mean I wanted to like them but I wasn't sure how I felt about the whole tutu phenomenon. until I saw hers.
Bella Lena's tutu's are custom made to order and are done with ribbon and not elastic that way they can grow with your precious little one.
check out these gorgeous pictures by Brett Seay Photography- and it only helps that the girls wearing them are to die for cute!

um how cute is that shirt?!?

so check out Bella Lena at www.bella-lena.blogspot.com and for some fantastic pictures of your little one- Brett Seay Photography on facebook.

out of sorts

2011-07-30T21:05:00.000-04:00

I've been all the way to Alaska, and back. Got sick on the 4th of July with a nasty cold/something more than that. Had a beautiful friends' wedding the next weekend. Went to the beach for a long weekend. and welcomed friends of ours sweet beautiful baby girl into the world. and now we have company in town. That's been my July. I'll be back for more detailed updates.

weekly inspiration

2011-07-16T12:34:00.000-04:00

I need to be apart of their advertising team... one day...one day.

an obsession

2011-07-14T12:48:00.000-04:00

I've had a pair of toms since my birthday last september. I didn't wear them for the most of winter. I got my first wear this past spring when it was still pretty cool out. and then again during my trip to alaska last month. I've become addicted, and really want a pair or their wedges.
I wouldn't mind having either of these.

they don't have them on their website, but they have a new metallic tweed that is fantastic! and the wedges in a camel color corduroy.

a carolina wedding

2011-07-07T07:30:00.001-04:00

I'm out of town for a wedding all weekend and I can't wait! (and hopefully my sweet husband will clean our crazy house!!)

I love spending time with these girls. There's nothing like spending time with girlfriends for a whole weekend. No matter what we end up doing we alway seem to have a ball...and the bride is going to be beautiful.

new series: inspire

2011-07-06T07:35:00.001-04:00

I firmly believe that life is full of inspiration wherever we look. I'm going to be starting a series solely on what inspires me. It will be once a week, and I'm not going to assign it a day...I want it to be something that I see that week that inspires me, moves me, stirs up the passion inside of me, something that speaks to me. Whether it be a video, picture, scripture, and so on. This is what has inspired me this week.

is that a dress or a shirt with a belt?

2011-07-05T14:47:00.000-04:00

I often find myself trying things on and asking myself--is this supposed to be this short or am I getting taller. and I'm not getting taller. I saw this the other day, and thought it was perfect to figure out if you should step out of the house or grab some pants/leggings real quick.

via

happy 4th

2011-07-04T16:45:00.000-04:00

happy 4th of july!!! We are so blessed to live in America. Take time today to count your blessings.

currently loving...

2011-06-27T08:35:00.014-04:00

working in the design and branding field there all tons of opinions on copyrights, etc. Everyone wants to be an original or design something original. It can't happen. Why you ask me? Because we are all and have been influenced by something to form our technique and opinions on what we love and don't love. Whether it be Audrey Hepburn, fashion magazines, your grandmother, or the latest American Idol... I kind of think that this quote sums up how I feel about the whole thing.

ps- in no way shape or form am I saying its ok to take someone else's work and claim it as your own. simply saying to take inspiration from others and creative something off of that inspiration. Happy Monday! :)

just a regular, hardcore, warrior

2011-06-24T08:35:00.018-04:00

J and I decided about a month ago that we would participate with another couple in the Warrior Dash. Have you heard of this? I hadn't, but it looks pretty awesome/hardcore and it's a good cause
you leave your shoes so they can be donated- no worries, they clean them up
Here's my problem, and I'm hoping someone has the answer out there. I am not much of a runner. J dub is and can go run a 5k right now no problem. me on the other hand- I'm basically thinking my lungs are going to collapse after 1/2 a mile. So I've found a plan- Hal Higdon. I've heard he's got a great plan for all stages of runners, and that most people swear by him.

Do you have any advice for a new/beginner runner? Tips of the trade?

I also think I might just slap this up on my mirror to keep my spirit up!

confessions of a newlywed...of 1 1/2 years.

2011-06-23T21:45:00.001-04:00

I figured I would join on with Anna's Blog about confessions of a newlywed- so here we go!

...sometimes....

...I ~~accidentally~~ delete his old t.v. shows (ie big foot, sniper, swamp people) to make room for my reality shows that I have either missed or are up and coming. Because heaven forbid that my shows don't get recorded...

...I call him to ask him directions somewhere because he grew up here and I didn't. and I don't mean one call, more like 8. I mean he is a city planner and all..which I believe this is what landed me the gift of a GPS for christmas one year...

...I snack while cooking supper and then am not hungry when we sit down to eat, or complain that I'm sooo full...

...I eat the last few bites of something to make sure I get to savor the last bit, or just go ahead and eat it when he's not home. and when he asks what happened, I pretend it was bad or that I dropped it on the floor (which I am known for doing)and then explain that I HAD to throw them away...

...I sometimes just don't hear him yelling my name from the other room to come help him, I mean I know that whatever he is doing he is perfectly fine and able to do himself...selective hearing!!...

...If I'm off one day, I sometimes don't do anything and then when 4:45 hits I scramble around and do a ton of chores to make myself look like I had been working hard all day...

...I take pictures of our sweet pup Bella because something funny just happened- send it to him, and its basically just her sitting there- it doesn't amuse him...

..I either leave bags in my car or come in and hang everything up or stash it away in our closet in hopes that he won't notice that I've bought something new...and then when he asks where I got that, I pretend that I've had it for years or got it and just haven't worn it yet...

please let me know if there are things that you do so I don't feel like such a horrible wife...I mean-tis' married life! :)

the importance of organic

2011-06-22T23:10:00.000-04:00

two things happened today that made me think about what I eat and put in my body. My new job is allowing me to meet all kinds of new people. We came across a new personal training/fitness company that is on the smaller side. They said that the nutrutionist can just look at you and listen to a few problems and tell you what you've got to back off of. But what's the best part? Hopefully getting to meet them and set up some time. Who doesn't want that kind of info? I have a few friends that are nutrutionist and I'm always trying to pick their brains for info but not getting anywhere, so this will be interesting to see where it goes.

but the main thing that made me think about what I eat was this video I saw tonight. I am all for eating organic and un-processed, but with the type of allergies I have, it's almost impossible to do that. We have an AWESOME farmer's market here in Charlotte. After watching this video and showing it to J, I believe we'll be adding more veggies to our small garden next year and def. be paying more than the regular monthly visit to the farmer's market.

back and at em'

2011-06-21T22:10:00.000-04:00

WARNING: This is probably going to be a non traditional, skip all around, brain mush post.

It's been a month...a doozy (do people still use that word) of a month. Some great things have happened and I'm hopefully back to blogging! I was waiting on my lovely blog design to start fresh! I've been quite the busy one with traveling, friend's gettin' hitched, baby showers, turning my little house into a home and....A NEW JOB!!!(that should sound like Bob Barker announcing a new car on the price is right)

That's right a new job. So far I am 3 weeks in and loving it. I stopped blogging due to the craziness of interviews and working my current job, then finishing up my 2 weeks notice and working my new job/getting all the orientation done. I am finally getting to use my degree and really get to see if I've got what it takes!

I've got some exciting posts coming up and some new finds! and if you're reading this thanks for still keeping tabs on my ol' blog...I knew I had a few faithful readers!

pardon my appearance..

2011-05-16T22:12:00.000-04:00

the rest of this month my little blog will be going for a make over. but lately i've been feeling

and this

and so blessed to have this

currently loving...

2011-05-04T22:20:00.000-04:00

recuperating.

2011-05-03T10:37:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful long weekend in Charleston. In the mean time I'm still recuperating from a nasty sun burn even though I applied sunscreen twice and J doesn't even look like he went to the beach. Let's hope our children get his skin and not my uber sensitive pasty skin!

I've also been obsessed with her lately. I want her voice. and this song is amazing.

eyes wide open

2011-04-28T20:59:00.000-04:00

I'll be awake at 4am. I know that all over blog land everyone is tired of the royal wedding. Let's face it though it is a total dream. It's a fairytale come true. A 'commoner' marrying her prince. We already know that I love Kate so I know I'll most likely love the wedding. Will you be watching?

via

a belated anniversary

2011-04-19T17:15:00.001-04:00

Sunday, J and I celebrated our first anniversary. It as a beautiful weekend. We attended a wedding on Saturday of some friends of ours and I will be the first to say that I have never cried at a wedding. ever. Yes, I do have a heart- but after attending theirs and tearing up in different parts I do believe that it wasn't because I hadn't experienced it. There's so much emotion that goes into that day and marriage truly brings you to a whole deeper level with one another.

J and I have had a interesting relationship. We met in Charleston. I wasn't interested in him at all. He was dating someone else. We kept in touch. We talked...a lot. We were late night phone calls and a surprise visit here and there to each other. We started college. I was selfish and wanted my own experiences. We broke up for 6 long months. I broke his heart and then realized what I had lost.

All through college we were burning up the interstates between Greenville, SC and Boone, NC. We made it through college- all the while learning how to push each others buttons and learning more about each other than I thought was possible. We turned into the stereo typical young twenty somethings that got engaged. I turned into the girl I used to make fun of in my mind. Finishing my last semester of college looking at my ring and thinking about my soon to be future. I always wondered why girls wouldn't want a career and show that they can also do other things. (can you tell I am independent and also the only girl in an entire family of boys?!?!)

He graduated. He got a job before he even graduated. He moved and started his new job. I graduated a few months later. I got a job at an ad firm. I got fired from a budget cut and desperately begin searching for something because we were moving to Greenville to start our own life. He became the comforting fiance when I was questioning what was wrong and why I got fired. We became the couple that quickly realized God had other things in-store for our soon to be life. We got our sweet puppy who taught us what it is to love something together with our whole being. We also saw how the chips will fall when we have children- as in who will be the fun loving parent and the disciplinarian.

We were engaged for a long year and 6 months. We saw other friends get engaged after us and married, but we had waited 7 years to get married what was a few more months. He was patient I was feveriously moving and looking for a job. I became the eye of a hurricane and he was the calm after the storm. I was adjusting to family being 9 hours away while he is only 10 mins away from his. We began to realize our strengths and weakness individually and as a couple more than ever.

We got married. We had the best time. I always say that it was with 150 of our best friends and family. He always rolls his eyes- but deep down inside knows the statement is so true. I was the cool, calm and collected bride that nobody expected (with the exception of the meltdown about our cake). He was the nervous groom that was worried he would sweat through his suit. We seemed to have switch places that day. I was the fool cuttin' a rug during our reception while he was socializing with everyone thanking them for coming.

We were honeymooners. I cried the first night about my food allergies. He was calm-picked up the pieces and assured me it would be ok. We traveled for the first time just the two of us. We fought over proper airport procedures. We became the newlyweds who argued. Serious knock down, drag out fights. We've battled over how to do laundry, how to load the dishwasher and closing the shower curtain. We've learned how to love each other. We've learned that marriage is hard. We've learned that it is a choice we both made- no exceptions. We have loved hard, we've fought hard, cried hard and learned that marriage is vulnerable.

all within one year.

You're my better half J. You balance me out, make me a better person, are my best friend and a perfect match to my craziness. I can't believe it's been a just year. but I can't believe it's been a whole year. love you so much!

a small girl crush...

2011-04-12T23:44:00.000-04:00

..that's all. ok so maybe a small crush on 3 spotlighted people.

I am currently loving all Bravo shows and it is turning into one of my favorite channels.

First, I have loved Bethenny Frankel since her debut on Real Housewives- I didn't watch the martha stewart show so I hadn't seen her before that. I love how she is so 'balls to the walls' yet so relatable. (or at least I think so!)

I think she is a total knockout in her little bikini that she sports while being pregnant. I love that she seems to be herself on all her interviews that I've seen and I love that she is soooo obsessed with her family.

My crush number two? Kate Middleton. duh. I would seriously possibly be one of those people to name my child after someone. I have a special place in my heart for the name Katherine and calling her kate from a little girl I used to nanny and who was my flower girl. I don't think Prince William could have chosen a better one! She exudes class, a timeless style, and a beautiful smile always.

I think we could totally be friends....

and maybe my 3rd crush isn't so much a person as it is her business/t.v. show. I am becoming addicted to Pregnant in Heels. I have looovveeddd watching it and can't wait to see more! At first I thought things were a little far fetched and un reasonable which is what makes reality tv. BUT this week I think I could see more of a point of where her pregnant ladies were coming from!

last weekend.

2011-04-02T23:30:00.000-04:00

we celebrated our one year anniversary last weekend since we will be attending a wedding of good friends the day before our actual anniversary. We went to Charleston! It's a city that I fell in love with back in 8th grade with my first trip there. Little did I know what memories it held for me. I met my husband there (which is another reason we went back) and also had my Bachelorette shin-dig there. It was cold, but perfect. It was relaxed, nothing fancy, our first trip- just the two of us. (besides our honeymoon of course!)

we did some walking...

ran into the infamous pineapple fountain...

bless his heart for his patience..

we went to sullivan's island to the beach and found our beach house...

and a good friend of J's from his childhood is the GM at Church Street Inn...

so we stayed there and got to catch up, but our location was (perfect!) on the corner of...

and

we did some shopping...

and found this perfect coffee mug...

It reads:

The South (TH EE SAU TH) NOUN

The Place Where:

1. Tea is sweet and the accents are sweeter

2. summer starts in april

3. macaroni & cheese is a vegetable

4. pecan pie is a staple

5. y'all is the only proper noun

6. chicken is friend and biscuits come with gravy

7. everything is darlin'

8. someone's heart is always being blessed

It was a FANTASTIC weekend.We got to see more good friends and their sweet baby girl, eat at Taco Boy which is hands down one of the best tex mex I've had. We can't wait to do it again with some sweet friends from Louisville!!

Have a great weekend and let's go Butler!

blog award!

2011-03-28T22:21:00.000-04:00

I've been a busy bee and we were out of town this weekend -so I was blog hopping and catching up and was so flattered when Amber over at Wrapped in Raffia passed it along. I've known Amber for a few years now, she is married to one of J's best friends that he grew up with. You definitely need to check out her blog! She is a super cute momma to be and I am blessed to know her. So here it goes- 7 interesting facts about me.

1. My parents met while in seminary in Ft. Worth. My dad was getting his masters to become a pastor and my mom was studying music. I was born in Ft. Worth and am a die hard cowboy's fan.

2. I am the only grand-daughter on both sides.

3. I'm a little OCD about most things- but when I grocery shop I organize my list by category and work from the back to the front so I don't miss anything.

4. I'm addicted to reality t.v. shows. Bethenny Ever After is my favorite one!

5. I met my husband the summer before my senior year of high school. We dated all throughout college but went to schools in different states.

6. I've lived in 5 different states and 8 cities. Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, [back to SC] and North Carolina.

7. My dad is a military brat who moved around ALOT and my mom is from St. Louis, even though they aren't born and bred southerner's they raised their kids as southerners. call coke-soda. A 'drop cord' an extension cord, a water hose is a hose and not a hose pipe. When I go to the grocery store- I say that I'm going to the grocery.

So I now pass the award to :

Mary over at Mary in Marriedland
Jessica over at The Simple Eclectic

honesty is the best policy

2011-03-20T22:26:00.000-04:00

this little beaut of a post has been sitting nicely in my drafts section for a few weeks now. My blog is about being real. I don't want to always focus on design, or just house items, etc. You get the picture. I am attracted to blogs that show real life and want my blog to portray the same. So buckle up, because we're about to get real.

Marriage is great.
Marriage is hard.
Moving isn't all its cracked up to be.
Graduating from college/having a degree doesn't mean you'll be able to get a full time job that puts you in the right steps of where you want to be in your career...thats hard.
Entering into the job force while the economy has just taken a downward spiral turn, that's hard.
Getting used to Charlotte...hard.
Making new friends- so hard.
Finding how to make those new friends, even harder.
Having my family live 9+ hours away. soooo hard.
Working 2 jobs-sometimes 3 while trying to figure all of the above out- hard.
Having a husband that will soon be starting his masters degree, so proud yet so hard.

When pretty weekends appear the way they did this past weekend and J is out making our yard all pretty all the while helping friends- I find myself missing those small things that matter. Like grabbing coffee, going to see a movie, going to church and seeing familiar faces, and those that know your name. Calling a friend or getting a call to just go grab a bite to eat spur of the moment. Another thing I really miss? Having someone to tell me where all the good places are in town. You know that little insider(s) that share fantastic local spots, shops, etc.

J and I have talked a lot in the past few weeks about this...this weird funk. He feels horrible as in the sense we moved to just a jump, hop and skip away from his hometown leaving him with all his friends from growing up. I miss my family and all things familiar. And while I'm making my own family and starting my own kind of familiar, I can't help but miss it in the in-between.

So with all that said- in no means am I complaining. I lead a very blessed life and have some great things going on but after debating for weeks and obviously neglecting my blog big time, I figured I owed some explaining to the few that read it.

Happy soon to be monday! and I hope your little ride wasn't too bumpy!

pull it together

2011-03-16T21:20:00.000-04:00

I keep telling myself to pull it together. Ever since the time change, I can't get my act together. I am exhausted, I can't go to sleep at night which leaves me so tired during the day. I either cant pick myself off the floor or just feel plum lazy. That's when I left from getting my hair done (which always makes you feel a little better!) I heard this song. It is so hilariously true, and for the most part I have felt this way lately. (it also made me think of J- not that he is lazy, he is actually one of the most hard working people that I know. He is a work horse, doesn't quit when it gets hard, and keeps going. I think of him because everyone deserves a lazy day now and then, and I can totally see him saying this!)

hopefully this beautiful weather will straighten me out!!

as of lately...

2011-03-09T20:38:00.000-05:00

we've been kinda nuts. trying our hardest to pull it together. I have felt as erratic as this crazy weather we've been having! Maybe it is the weather!!

Last night I tried a new recipe. A grown up grill cheese. I should have stuck to what I knew, because it was a disaster to say the least. Sweet J went ahead and ate it and proceeded to tell me that it was fine, I looked at him and said it was gross and I was eating leftovers. I am glad that I don't have a picky husband though! I had gotten a recipe for a chocolate cheesecake. I went ahead and thought oh well, whats one disaster- why not go for two!?!? As of 11pm last night this is what my poor kitchen looked like

lets ignore the fact I have mismatched colors for blinds and a rug. We're in the process of figuring out the kitchen.

notice the ibuprofen over there. I needed that after my disastrous dinner.

oh and here's two projects that are in the works. Notice my gallery wall, the lonely blue picture frame, its suppose to get a shiny new black coat. Yeah, thats been hanging out since December like that. And I have a current project in the making where I'm staining something. I have zero patience when it comes to staining. z-e-r-o.

Point of the story- cheesecake was fantastic! Here's the recipe . Now to go eat a piece!

being silent and listening

2011-03-02T19:55:00.000-05:00

Earlier today I was blog hopping. I came across Confessions of a 20 Something- a blog I keep trying to remember to 'follow' and forget when I get home. I was reading her post and hopped on over to read the blog she was talking about- don't waste your cancer.

seriously.

i couldn't believe my eyes as I read it. I went to lunch after reading a few posts. I sat in my car with everything silent. I had just read one of the most inspiring, challenging, shocking, smack you in your face blogs. A reality check. I think I was partially in shock about what I was reading- thinking about how young she was. She has a baby. and God spoke. We had an interesting conversation. and He reminded me that I'd been filling all the silent moments with noise, noise that was basically drowning him out. Be still. Listen.

she's back!

2011-02-28T19:05:00.000-05:00

I am SO excited. First, I am a reality junky, I'll admit it. Second, I LOVE The Real Housewives, all except Atlanta and D.C. Jury is still out on Miami. Third, I fell in love with Bethenny Frankel. I think she is hilarious and has such a balls to the wall attitude but seems to have such a big heart. I watched her in the Real Housewives of New York, in Bethenny Getting Married? and now tonight Bethenny Ever After.

seriously how cute is she?!?

an apple a day

2011-02-27T22:25:00.000-05:00

"A monogram makes something your own and endows it with weight in a world full of random things"- Isaac Mizrahi

I've been waiting for a long time for verizon to get the iphone. A really long time. So for valentine's day, I was oh so lucky. Since then I've been looking and searching for a case. I really don't want an otterbox because they are HUGE.

I am in love with the Kate Spade case

but then I saw these

do you have an iphone? what do you recommend?

the truth about marriage

2011-02-24T22:50:00.000-05:00

I got this today in an email. I thought it was hilarious and needed to share. After only 8 months I totally agree and couldn't think this was funnier! Ohh I love you Jonathan!

a break from reality

2011-02-18T16:18:00.000-05:00

Tonight Mary arrives! I am so excited. She is a childhood bff...This weekend we'll be doing a lot of this

over

with a little bit of

and then venturing out to improve our skills and take a lot of these

Hope you enjoy this beautiful weather!!

mi amor

2011-02-14T15:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines! I hope you are enjoying the company of loved ones and the ones who love you!

all images via here

lo siento

2011-02-12T15:11:00.000-05:00

So sorry for the appearance of my blog. On my computer it was showing up, so I saw nothing wrong. We have also updated our software, so until I get things up and running we'll just do a simple generic back ground, etc. I'll still be posting but also working on the appearance.... and waiting some big news hopefully! Keep us in your prayers- please and thank you! :)

gleek and a non bandwagon football fan.

2011-02-05T22:43:00.000-05:00

I can't wait for tomorrow night.

1. its superbowl. I am not a bandwagon fan. I'm not crazy about bandwagon fans. example : I am a huge Tennessee fan, yet when it comes to the NFL I'll choose the Cowboys over the Colts any-day. (Peyton Manning played for Tennessee while I was in High School and now plays for the colts; I was born in ft. worth and my family is cowboy fanatic) oh and ps- I married a redskin fan. THATS LOVE. Anyways- Go Greenbay. I'll be cheering them on mainly because everyone else loooovveesss the steelers. I like an 'underdog' per say and I refuse to become a bandwagon fan.

2. superbowl means the best commercials period. My major was marketing(because we didn't have advertising). I aspire to be apart of an ad firm despite this nasty horrible economy. I just say to myself over and over, one day...one day. I love commercials. I hate when J records a show just to fast forward through the commercials. I read billboards out loud and try to start convo's with J about the underlying meaning. (I often get deer in a headlights look, with an occasional blink) I tell him what time a movie starts and he asks me no really what time does it start, because he knows I add 15 mins before the show time so I can get in and comfortable to watch the previews. I also freak out if we are late not because we'll miss the beginning of the movie but because we missed the previews. We will be watching all commercials tomorrow.

3. tomorrow also means a new episode of glee. eeek. yes, total gleek. I admit, I wasn't so sure about glee. I didn't watch it because everyone else did. I had mixed feelings. Let me explain. My mom was a music major in college, and went to further her education in music (and in the mean time met my dad, had me, and the 1st baby brother) which helped develop a love for music. While my parents are polar opposites in personalities, my mom being a type B and my dad a type A- my dad can dance, and my mom can sing. a perfect pair :) I danced growing up and in high school I was in concert choir and musicals. I think I was a glee snob because I didn't want to see another show make fun of that stereotype. I tuned in one night and now have become a gleek. I've even gotten my husband addicted. I love it and can't wait. While I wait I'll probably be playing this on repeat.

one of those days

2011-02-01T20:12:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have those days where something your read hits home and hits hard. Who am I kidding, we all have those days. I had the pleasure of helping my dad set up a blog (for those who don't know, my father's profession is in the public eye-if you check out his blog, you'll understand) ok set up is not the right word, give him a few pointers. I am blessed with a very tech-savvy dad who gets it. It's wonderful because it keeps me on my toes- hoping when I'm his age, I'll still be 'tech-savvy'. Anyways, I've had a blank page up for a while now. As I was reading other blogs to catch up and wait for something to hit me, I read my dad's. Hope you're encouraged!

http://thomas-livingrightinawrongworld.blogspot.com/

Under Construction

2011-01-28T22:54:00.000-05:00

excuse me while my blog is under construction for a make over. In the mean time, here's some fun self time pictures that are some of my favorite pictures ever. I even have on on the fridge.

my life in a bag.

2011-01-27T22:27:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged to do the what's in your purse...so here it goes.

1. jpk purse. christmas present that I adore.
2. Blackberry aka Crackberry, that my husband soon will be owning :)
3. Mucinex. I'm not sure how that got in there. I did have a cold in december. But it's almost February.
3. Pumpkin Hobo Wallet. Best thing since sliced bread.
4. Benadryl. A box. I am allergic to bees, and have severe food allergies. always a must.
5. My Lavander no name Marshall's planner that I love.
6. Raybans.
7. New Loreal Mascara
8. Lancome lip gloss and Softlips- cherry please.
9. Zipper pouch- maintains hand sanitizer (lavender of course), epi pen, other necessities
10. Ibprophen. I have headaches.
11. Check book
12. card holder
13. Clinique Eye cream. I'm starting to worry about wrinkles and I'm 24.
14. A hand held mirror.

I tag Mary. I don't think any of my other blogging friends would participate. It's on your shoulders mar! :D

spring fever....in january?

2011-01-16T21:48:00.000-05:00

today its been much warmer than it has been in Charlotte. Even though there's still ice and some snow on the ground, I've had a serious case of spring fever.

I'd love to be back here, and eating this

while listening to this

or this

or even this

J says this needs to be added into the playlist. (this was our first dance song and one of his favorites.)

I hope you enjoy your monday off!

have you heard the news?!?!

2011-01-13T23:24:00.001-05:00

target's whole store is on clearance. Really. Go, run there. and fast. I found some fabulous curtains today half off. They also have a ton of new stuff out- I wont ruin it and spoil the fun surprise of their new home stuff, I'll let you check that out for yourself.

we painted our bathroom. whoa. We are ~~not~~ professional painters, so anytime you need someone to paint one of the hardest rooms in your house, give us a call. We left a spot behind the toilet because we can't reach it (don't worry my perfectionism will kick in soon to get it fixed!) and got paint on the celing where we couldn't reach! It was quite humorous and I'll be posting pictures soon. Thanks to Amber at Wrapped in Raffia's great recommendation we chose Restoration Hardware's silver sage. The picture below is obviously not our bathroom.

source

we absolutely lovvveee it. It looks a tad bit gray-er in our bathroom.

and while we're sporting the latest hot topics...I know about 28770734 women who are pregnant. Really. Ok not that many, but a lot- I have to add a toe or two to count them all. So I guessed a pregnancy and knew before my husband which was quite the excitement for me(and I kept it a secret from him so he could hear the news himself), they are dear friends of ours so I popped on over to grab a quick congrats gift once my husband heard the great news. As I'm trying to find the most gender neutral gift possible and a sweet something for Jessica's sweet Audrey's 1st birthday I come across a super cute super tiny white onesie. Nonetheless, I had it monogramed (gender neutral, and not spilling the beans on what I had monogrammed because they aren't my beans to spill :)) and when I went to pick it up it was the tiniest thing EVER. I've nannied several kids, large and small. Oldest of three, I've been around babies- but as soon as I saw it I squealed isn't that the most precious thing ever?!?! The lady working (mind you-we're in north carolina here) quickly said come and see this y'all(think paula deen accent). (all 3 customers zoom over) oh its so darling, how precious. How little. How sweet. I was bursting with joy when I got out to the car and showed J-dub. He goes woohhaaa that sucker is little. Will a baby be able to fit into that?!?! (implying this might be too small) hahahaha. looovvvee it! moral of the long funny story: the 2008+ recession brings another set of baby boomers. I mean money's tight, what else is there to do?! (J's saying), we know tons of mama's to be with little buns in the oven, and boys have no clue about babies.

ps- there are want too many parentheses(did I spell that right spell check?) in this post. (i'm too tired to fix it though!)

pie me please

2011-01-11T15:21:00.000-05:00

My favorite favorite item at starbucks is the pumpkin spice latte. Beyond favorite, like the only time that I actually go spend the money and actually get giddy when I hear the news that its back!

Well I might just have found a match. Today J and I have both been iced-in. Our street is complete ice bout an inch or so thick- so we've both been cleaning up and enjoying the whole day of taking it easy. I found this recipe of your own version of pumpkin spice latte. Ours is still brewing, were going to take the pup out to play in the snow/ice. Hope you're enjoying your snow!

hilariously true

2011-01-11T00:08:00.002-05:00

Though I don't agree 100% with everything on this list, I think most of them are pretty accurate!

Random thoughts from people 25-35 years old…

-Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when yourealize you're wrong.

-Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you'regoing in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed tobe going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in thedirection from which you came, you have to first do something likecheck your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter toyourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you'recrazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

-That's enough, Nickelback.

-I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

-Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know"feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choosenot to be friends with?

-Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn'twork? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magicallyfix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we allknow how to fix the p roblem? There was no internet or message boardsor FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

-There is a great need for sarcasm font.

-Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger andsuddenly realize I had no idea what the f was going on when I firstsaw it.

-I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actuallybecomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone'slaughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a littlebit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still theonly one who really, really gets it.

-How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand thantake 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

-The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying t ofinish a text.

- Was learning cursive really necessary?

- LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

- Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantrontest is absolutely petrifying.

- Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart",all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nodand smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a someone from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in'examples, I will undoubtedly draw a b lank and sound like a completeidiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney andsaid "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

-What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road andinstinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure Iknow how to get out of my neighborhood.

- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how theperson died.

- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water. {actually, I do that!}

-Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

-I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

- Bad decisions make good stories

-Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just gotthe Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

- Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

-If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

-Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to goaround and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like, I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

-You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at workwhen you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anythingproductive for the rest of the day.

-Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don'twant to have to restart my collection.

- While watching the Olympics, I find myself cheering equally for China and USA . No, I am not of Chinese descent, but I am fairlycertain that when Chinese athletes don’t win, they are executed.

-There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you aregoing to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

-I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks meif I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that Iswear I did not make any changes to.

- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

-I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but willthey judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren'twatching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up andleave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

-I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dang it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times andgoes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good a nd then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

-When I meet a new person, I'm terrified of mentioning something they haven't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

-I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

- As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers,but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

-Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

-I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

-Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

-I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

-I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

black vs. white

2011-01-09T21:50:00.000-05:00

I've been contemplating seeing Black Swan. See I really miss this

although I never had that kinda view while stretching and warming up. I'm not sure if I'll like the movie due to the fact of hearing mixed reviews and some controversy over natalie portman having to lose 20 lbs to fit her part of a ballerina. Have you see the movie? Is it worth going to see?

Knock Your Socks Off Chili.

2011-01-04T18:40:00.000-05:00

This is not a chili for the faint of heart. This is not a chili for the nutritionist/health foodie that gets queazy reading recipes with 'bad foods'. This is a think, hearty, creamy, spicy chili. get ready.

Pretty awesome intro for just a recipe huh? haha.
Here's what you need:

1 green bell pepper
1 onion
3 roma tomatoes
1-2 lb of beef (depending on how many you are cooking for)
1 jar of tostito's restaurant style salsa
1 can of chili beans
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of black beans
16 oz of sour cream (told ya!)
onion powder
chili powder
1 package of taco mix
1 can of tomato soup
1 cup of milk
1 cup of water
1 cup of flour

I know, it seems like and lot and super overwhelming. I was making chili one night and it just seemed blan. I had read to put sour cream in it at the end and it would help kinda thicken it up. I then just started dumping things into my crock pot hoping it would turn out right. I tend to do that, a lot. I follow my taste buds on what would taste good. This chili turned out unbelievable if I do say so myself. I always get super nervous right before I serve it up to my husband as I'm wondering if he saw me just dumping random ingredients and trying to throw something together. He has asked before why I don't follow recipes to a tee...I told him I can honestly say I don't know, and I like to blame that on my creative side.

ok ok, here's the rest of the recipe :)

Cut up your pepper, onion (i just used half an onion) and tomatoes. (I dice them all so they are small)
Brown your ground beef with the taco seasoning or lawry's seasoning salt. (I also added the onion powder here to give it another taste)
Dump the beans, salsa, pepper, onion, tomatoes, salsa, water, milk, flour, tom. soup and beef all in the crock pot. Add as little or much chili powder till your heart's content. Leave it in the crock pot on the 4 or 6 hour setting depending on what you have. 30 mins before serving dump 4-5 spoonfuls of sour cream, stir. 15 mins dump the rest of the sour cream in spoonfuls till it mixes. I normally dont use the whole thing of sour cream.

Get out your corn bread, or fritos and cheese and serve up!

Welcome 20-11.

2011-01-01T22:19:00.001-05:00

I always said 2010. I spelled it out, two thousand and ten. I think this year I'm going to adopt the twenty eleven. It's different, and I like different! I hope you had a wonderful new year! We spent ours in (having the time of our life )playing Just Dance with just the two of us. One of the best New Year's I've had in a while! From what I've gathered from most, it seemed to be a low key new year. We both look forward to what 20-11 holds for us...we've got babies and weddings coming out our ears. (not ours, but friends.) What an exciting year ahead!!!

checking in...

2010-12-30T17:14:00.000-05:00

I've been MIA for the past ehh 10 days. Fighting off a major cold, plus traveling 9+ hours for the holidays and back, having family at our house, cooking up a storm, opening presents, giving presents, and seeing tons of friends and family that was long overdue, led me to my MIA-ness. I hope that from my family to yours you had a very Merry Christmas.

p.s.- stay tuned a chili recipe that will ROCK your world!!

times change

2010-12-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

i've been out of commission. I've been sickly and trying to rest and get better for this week ahead of us! If you haven't seen this yet it is by far my favorite I've seen all season.

words to live by

2010-12-13T16:35:00.000-05:00

Do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10: 35-36

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm
you, plans to give you hope and a future.Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

whats that? another shutterfly promo???

2010-12-08T20:45:00.000-05:00

whoa whoa whoa. shutterfly is handing out promos left and right-if you pay attention :) I'm sure everyone's seen or heard of the free 50 cards when you blog about it. Well I've been feeling a little bit under the weather and while my husband made supper I forced myself to go ahead and order and design our christmas cards. Once you place your order there will be something on the right had saying share your christmas card on blogger or facebook and receive $25.00....and who doesn't want 25 dollars of free pictures printed!?!

even the pup

2010-12-02T22:37:00.000-05:00

Even your sweet dog deserves in on the Christmas cheer! At our house bella gets no table food (mainly due to we don't want her begging at the table or at guests when eating) unless the hubs slips her a little something or I'll occasionally give her green beans, peanut butter and yogurt. So we give her a Thanksgiving dinner plate, and a Christmas plate. crazy? maybe- but she's our kid for now. So we always make sure she gets a little something at Christmas and she even has her own stocking.

(yes, I still need to put her picture in there.)

So this year for christmas we are getting her a new bed. A bed I've been eyeing for quite some time. We've been saving.

A Bessie and Barnie Bed.

seriously how adorable is that?

'The are they are super durable, washable, and best of all don’t go flat after a couple of washes. So while they cost more than an average bed to begin with, you don’t have to keep replacing them every few months so you actually save money in the long run.'

FREE CHRISTMAS CARDS!

2010-11-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

bet that caught your eye. Shutterfly is hosting a holiday card promotion for all bloggers! Bloggers can get 50 free holiday cards from shuterfly if they blog about their experience and their new holiday collection. You can get all the details here.

I recently ordered several prints for our gallery wall that we are doing in our dining room, got them right in time to get them all up for thanksgiving! I got so many complements and several asked who printed them because they looked great! Their photos are clear, crisp and beautiful.

I know several have used them for printing a canvas art, pictures and other cards and have been nothing but pleased; and who can beat their prices and designs. Their designs are great for those that are trendy out there, those of us who take a more simplistic approach and those who are the inbetween!

My favorite things from them are their photo calanders, (my husband used to make me one every year for christmas to add that little sentimental value while we were dating- i know he's a keeper!) their canvas wall art (which looks absolutely stunning in person!) and last but not least their christmas photo cards (my favorites are merry blossom, bright and merry, cranberry joy, and christmas 2010. )

Like I said, you can't beat the free 50 if you blog about it and their designs are great and also the price. I have had no problems working with them and every order arrives promptly and in an awesome eye catching orange package.

2 for 1.

2010-11-28T14:22:00.000-05:00

I'm finishing up my thanksgiving thankfulness because I slacked and the holiday rush took over at our house. In no particular order, here are my last few.
I'll also be doing another post today for shutterfly photo christmas cards. so there's your 2 for 1. :)

1. God's Grace
2. my mother in law who has always made me feel welcomed
3. a father in law that makes me laugh histarically
4. christmas pine candles- really just candles in general
5. my freedom and those who have fought or are fighting for it.
6. snail mail
7. my dad who calls weekly just to see how his 'grand-pup' is doing.

I hope everyone had a safe, healthy and filling, fun Thanksgiving.

fffiinnaaallyyyy.

2010-11-18T16:48:00.000-05:00

the word that seems to be on every news anchor's lips. The infamous wedding of kate middleton and prince william. I was reading an article about her and how she comes from a hardworking down to earth family, even more reason to like the beauty. My tid-bit...what do you get someone that is marrying into a royal family? Monogram towels? Not that I'm going..but my mind still wonders. Also, to me, she's the burnette version of lauren conrad. and I love lauren conrad. At least we know lauren would look good as a brunette and kate as a dark blonde.

my thankfulness for this week so far:
monday- music. it speaks to my soul.
tuesday- my hearing, music is nothing without my ability to hear. Simple, yet so valuable.
wednesday- technology. Love it, hate it, can't live without it.
thursday- I'm thankful for books. Books that swallow me whole and teach me something about myself.

a full plate

2010-11-14T20:14:00.000-05:00

my week has left me feeling and looking like this :

source

ok so maybe I have on sweats, my sweet new slippers and a t-shirt, but I know I feel this way. Busy of christmas things, yes I'm one of those who put up her christmas tree and my stockings are hung! I've also

missed a whole week's of thanks. So here are 6 things in no particular order that I'm thankful for.

Heat and Air Conditioning on the days I need them, a full plate, water, friends that I hold dear and close to my heart, a dr. that can help my injured pup and the area I live in.

Enjoy what's left of your sunday!