A Perfect Day

I am loving life on winter break. Yesterday was a perfect day. I worked (so not really a perfect day), got off, walked both dogs (yay for 60 degree days in December), and then settled in for a night of tv watching. I made hot chocolate and cuddled up under a blanket with the dogs in front of the tv.   We watched Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. That has never been my favorite cast, and Brandi gets on my last nerve, but I still enjoyed it. I like it slightly better now that Ashley Abbott Eileen Davis is on the show.   I am going to barre today and probably Friday as well, but other than that I see lots of catching up on tv in my future and I am happy about it. That might be a lame thing to want to do with your free time, but my free time is precious because I don't get much of it and I want to spend it relaxing.   I am also loving Party Down South 2 right now. Do any of y'all watch it?   Ashton is hands down my favorite. She seems like such a nice girl and is so cute. I want to tell her to stay away from Bradley! I love the name Ashton.  

  Raven is beyond annoying and is so lazy, and I don't know why Bradley likes her. He's not exactly some great prize, so I say she can have him. Tommy is cute as a button. Karynda is funny, but wow is she country. In my opinion, where she is from (Jacksonville NC) is very country. I am unfortunately familiar with Camp Lejune and Jacksonville NC since I used to date someone in the military. Do not get me wrong, I have A LOT of appreciation for our military and I am proud to have a lot of family members in the military. They make a lot of sacrifices, and I am very grateful for that. Jacksonville is just very country, and I personally have a really bad association with it and Camp Lejune. (You know everyone has a nasty ass ex.) All of that makes me very grateful that I am married to the person I am married to!!   In fact, with that in mind I need to remember to do something extra nice for my hubby. He will gone on a fun hunting trip with the Reverend (our friend that married us) for several days so I will have to make myself a note so I don't forget.   This post was kind of all over the place, but it is what's on my mind today. Happy Hump Day everyone!

Spring Semester Wants

I love to look ahead to the coming season and make up a list of my wants. Here and here are some of my previous wish lists. This isn't my Christmas wish list, but rather things I want to buy myself after the holidays are over. I am currently on a freeze for personal clothing items, but I am almost done with my Christmas shopping. I just have a few little last minute things to get people.   I really want to get another Elsa top and another shift dress. Those are both things I can wear to Speech Camp this summer. I also need another pair of black jeans to get me through next fall and winter. The ones I have are from Target and look absolutely terrible. They are so faded.

  I am excited to see what Lilly Pulitzer will come out with for spring and summer this year. So far I've heard good things! I am really trying to think ahead to what kind of items I will need when I am no longer at an office job. My needs are going to change somewhat, for example my first "clinical" or "practicum" (whatever you want to call it) is working with children. Some of the children will be as young as pre-school age. I do not think pencil skirts and heels will be practical to wear, so I am not buying anymore. I think a few new things to add to what I already have in my closet will get me through for a while.   Oh, and let's not forget the obvious...I have to buy books!! I will be honest and say I have not even looked at the list for Spring Semester yet. I am just trying to soak in every minute of winter break while I can.   This is my last full week of work for 2014! Happy Monday everyone.

Our Christmas Card

I was on top of the world after finishing classes only to come down with a terrible cold the first day of  winter break. I had to leave work at lunchtime yesterday, and I've been at home ever since. I am happy that I ended up with a C and an A in my two classes this semester. I never thought I would see the day when I was happy to get a C, but it is what it is. 
I wanted to share our Christmas card with y'all. I was happy to have another reason to use our gorgeous wedding photos. My friend Erin (Toasted E Designs on Etsy) made these. I used to work with her at the Islander (my favorite job ever), and she is a graphic design artist. She also made our STDs, invitations, and programs. I always love everything she creates. 

We made it through another week! TGIF tomorrow.

Dining Room

We had a very full weekend. Friday after work we went to check out Nadeau here in Columbia. I LOVED the store, in fact, I hate to tell anyone about it because I want all the things there for myself. I will definitely be going back. Saturday I spent the entire day presenting at a research festival, and Sunday was spent at church and studying.   We purchased dining room furniture on Friday evening, and I couldn't be happier with it. It's GORGEOUS!  

 

I wanted to go with a put together, but not matchy-matchy look. I am trying to have items that look like they were selected with care, like what a decorator might do.

 

new china cabinet  

 Some of my Spode Christmas Tree china

 

 Finally unpacking wedding gifts now that we have somewhere to put them

 

 A few more details

 

I will not leave the Spode dishes in the china cabinet year round. I plan on putting more fun accents in there after the holidays. I will probably change them seasonally. I saw a ceramic bunny at Neadeau while we were there that I will probably go back for this week (for Easter/Spring décor). I can't say enough good things about the store. Their employees were very helpful  and they gave me a gift with our purchase. Their prices were very reasonable too. We also got a bar for our eat in kitchen, and it has some storage in it which is nice. I found some of my cookbooks and a few other wedding gifts a new home in it.

  Prayers would be much appreciated as I am waiting for a grade in one of my classes. I am very worried about the last test that I took for this class. It was difficult and I found it very confusing, and I also got really nervous and froze up during the test.   I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

If You Really Knew Me

I've seen a few of these posts floating around lately and thought I would do one (although I'm pretty sure I have before) because I don't have much to post on. I am in survival mode trying to finish out this semester.   1. I have come to realize that I am a stressoholic. I have been this way since 7th grade. Every week it is something new - a test, something happening at work, a project, a paper. It needs to stop. I need better coping skills.   2. I loved high school. I have the happiest memories of old Woodmont High. All old high school movies really remind me of high school, including Dazed and Confused.   3. I went to Catholic school until I came to public school for high school. I still think Catholic churches are some of the most peaceful places.   4. When I was a freshman in college I briefly went out with a guy that looked exactly like Woody from Toy Story. I wasn't very impressed with him.   5. I love reading, and I plow through books. I think I am going to read another Mary Kay Andrews book next.   6. I do neck exercises every night before bed because I am afraid of getting a double chin.   7. I have several friends who, like me, grew up in an immigrant household. I think there are certain things you just "get" about each other from being raised in an immigrant household. And yes, some of the stereotypes are correct. I played more than one musical instrument growing up, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding resonates with me.   8. I have stretch marks from having to go on Prednizone for asthma. I hate them, but I've also (kind of) accepted them at this point. Scrubs and moisturizers help (some)!   9. Being the godmother of one of my best friend's son is one of the best things to ever happen to me. I love that child so much.   10. Speaking of the best things that have ever happened to me, marrying Nick is hands down one of the best. No question about it. We aren't perfect, and some times we have a squabble, but our marriage is wonderful. It is a real bright spot in my life with some of my stresses.   TGIF!! I will be presenting my research project tomorrow and I am not even sure how I feel about it. I feel like our poster looks really good, but I am still a bit nervous (see #1).

Our White Thanksgiving

Nick and I spent Thanksgiving in Iowa with his family this year. We had a white Thanksgiving! Needless to say, although we had a great time, I was very happy to get back down South to warmer weather. I am not a fan of cold temps.  

Yadi sleeping in the car on the way to Iowa  

 

 

 We stopped for lunch in Hannibal, MO and I thought of Gone Girl.

 

 

 Out for drinks after Thanksgiving

 

 

 We drove past the farm where Yadi came from

 

I came home to this very nice surprise from Lauren Paige of LPS Designs!!

 



I did not go Black Friday shopping. I used to do it, but I just don't like it anymore. Especially now that it starts on Thursday evening. I feel bad for the people that work retail. I DID get some great deals yesterday during Cyber Monday however! I got these (and these -I LOVE the tin!) for both sets of grandparents, and this cute little guy for my grandmother in Dallas. She is a wine drinker like I am. I'm pretty sure I could order one of everything from their entire Christmas section. I got a few other gifts as well yesterday. If you ask me, Cyber Monday is where it's at!! (I hated to end that sentence using a preposition.)

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday!! I am trying to get myself prepared for finals, so things are going to be a little crazy for me until next week is over.

Christmas Wish List

Here is the obligatory annual Christmas wish list post. I feel like there is not really a lot that I want or need this year.   Workout clothes. I feel like I do a lot of laundry to have clean workout clothing. Lululemon is hands down my favorite. I love this singlet tank.  

I can also never have too many Wunder Under Crops.

 

I could use a few new cookie sheets.

 

Hot Yoga Classes

 

Tickets to see Fleetwood Mac. They are in Charlotte March 7th!!  

This is one of my favorite Fleetwood Mac songs. I have wanted to see them for as long as I can remember. I probably want this the most out of everything on my entire list.

Happy Hump Day!!  

 

Weekend Recap

Another wonderful weekend is in the books! This weekend I spent Saturday in the upstate for my grandmother's birthday, as well as my best friend Jessie's birthday.   We had middle eastern food for my grandmother's birthday lunch. Afterwards my Mom and I went to Starbucks. That afternoon I headed to Greenville for my beastie's party. We had dinner at Chief's Wing and Firewater, and it was really good. It is always so nice when we can all get together. I also got to finally get my hands on my precious little godson.  

I also have to say that I have implemented a new policy. Not working out for a week on our honeymoon, despite having exercise classes at our resort, led to backsliding into bad habits all summer and gaining back some of the weight I had lost. It's taken months and going to pure barre three times a week to take some of the weight off, and more importantly get back to feeling addicted to exercise again. So, new me and new rule: No more than three days without working out, EVER. Even on vacation!

 

When we go to Iowa to spend Thanksgiving with my husband's family next week, I WILL be bringing my lulu. It looks like our hotel has a gym, so I will be in business.

 

I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend!

 

What's in My Bag + Rue La La Love

It's no secret that some of my most favorite items in my home are from Rue La La. This throw is simply amazing, and I wear this turquoise Yumi Kim blouse all the time. I joined Rue La La last year before we went to Chicago in September so I could get some flats to wear on our trip. Since then I've bought something almost every single month. You really can't beat the pay shipping once and then ship for 30 days.   I wanted to share their premier Handbag Guide with y'all, just in case you are in the market for a new bag. I find that when seasons change it's a good time to invest in some new things. Right now this Mansur Gavriel bucket (currently sold out) might be one of my most favorite bags.   I like a big handbag, and when it comes to what I carry inside too much is never enough. Here is what's in my bag:   First, the bag. Michael Kors from TJ Maxx. The sign behind is says "Saw it, Wanted it, Had a fit, Got it." This is my closet.  

  What all is inside my bag:  

 

 Sunglasses Gucci Spring 2014 (here they are in brown) prescription from my doctor Eye on Gervais

Lilly Pulitzer Sunglasses Strap

ear buds

Coach wallet (old Daisy collection) 

Inside Lilly Pulitzer Estee Lauder makeup bag

The Wet Brush (best hairbrush I've found)

hair bands

Cortizone 10

asthma inhaler

Hand Sanitizer

Essie Peach Daiquiri

Poo Pouri (seriously watch their commercial, although I maintain that girls don't go to the bathroom)

Clean and Clear blotting papers

eye drops

pens

assorted lipsticks and chapstick

nail files

tissues

cotton balls

wedding koozie

pure barre socks   

 Inside my wallet

 

 Just to show you how much room these sunglasses take up

 

When I carry a clutch to something like a wedding, I will take my real bag and leave it in the car and only carry a few essentials that will fit into the clutch. And I find that painful. If anyone ever needs a Band-Aid or a safety pin or who knows what else, it can usually be found in my purse, and I like that. I also have my kindle and iphone in my purse a lot of times.

  Don't forget to check out Rue La La's Handbag Guide. My favorite part is the time line towards the bottom of the page.   Thanks so much for reading!

Weekend Recap

We had a ridiculously lazy weekend. We do not have another free weekend this month though, so I felt like it was justified. Friday we went out for Mexican at San Jose, and it was amazing as always. Saturday morning we got up super early and hit up a charity sale I had purchased a ticket to at HandPicked on Devine Street. We got some Christmas gifts that I am excited about. I really like what I got for my best friend Ashley. I was really glad we got there when they opened at 7 am, because there was hardly anyone there. It feels really good to have a start on Christmas shopping.   After HandPicked we went to WalMart for a few things (I hate WalMart, but it wasn't too bad that early) and came back home. I caught up on the Real Housewives of NJ reunions I had on DVR and then took a nap for about five hours. I didn't know I was that tired, and can't believe I slept so much of the day away! It was nice to be able to take a nap though. Saturday night I made crock pot lasagna and read while Nick watched sports.  

  Sunday we took the dogs for a walk and for ice cream since we finally had to get out and do something semi productive. I got some housework done, and then sadly, the weekend was over.   I have a paper I have barely started due on the 21st, and we have a lot of plans coming up. It's going to be a busy month, so I am glad we were lazy while we had the chance. Thanks so much for reading and have a wonderful Monday!

TGIF!

Friends, we've made it through another week. I've had a good week, school has been going well for me this semester, and I've had my grandmother here visiting since Wednesday.  

The dogs were so excited about having company   Wednesday night I made chicken parmesan and we watched a movie. Last night we went for pedicures and had Greek food at one of the few restaurants we have in our little town. We watched 90 Day Fiancé afterwards. It was so nice to take some time off from school work and do fun stuff. We really had a wonderful visit. She also took my wedding dress back with her to be preserved, and it is so nice not to have that lingering on my to do list anymore!   I am hoping today will pass quickly at work. Tomorrow morning I am up bright and early to hit a sale at HandPicked. I got a ticket for $5.00 last week when I was in there buying a birthday gift that will get me into a special 40% off sale tomorrow. I hope to get some Christmas shopping out of the way.   Have a wonderful weekend!  

Weekend Recap

Even though Friday was a workday, it felt like we started weekend on Thursday night with a trip to Charlotte to see a Panthers game. It was my first NFL game, and it was the perfect one to go to. They had an amazing Halloween halftime show, and lots of fans were dressed up for Halloween. Many of them were dressed as panthers, and I wish I had thought to do that also! It was such a festive atmosphere. Nick was originally supposed to be out of town Thursday night, but he had a cancellation in his schedule and was able to come home. We decided at the last minute to go to the game. We also had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, which was an added bonus.  

Zombie halftime show  



 Panthers fun with my love   It was tons of fun, and we will definitely go to another Panthers game. The Dallas Cowboys are still my favorite NFL team though.   Even though I was a little tired from the late night at the game, I was in a good mood at work all day Friday because I was so excited about Halloween. I thought we came up with a really great setup to hand out candy, and I loved seeing all the kids in their costumes. We ended up having to put the dogs in the house though. Yadi was way too excited and Trinket kept growling at children. One of our neighbors came over for a glass of wine, and I enjoyed visiting with her a lot.  

Ready to hand out candy, Trinket is ready to bite children

 

Saturday I skipped out on tailgating and going to the football game, and Nick went with our friend the Reverend (same one that married us). I studied, then went to the gym, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Publix. Later that evening I got takeout from Miyo's and joined the Reverend's wife at their house to watch the game. She and her kids were kind enough to share their Halloween candy with me, so it was a great night. I was very happy not to be out in the cold, and not sad at all that I missed the terrible ending of the game.

  Sunday I got some things done around the house and took it easy. Overall it was a wonderful weekend. Thanks so much for reading!

Five on Friday

TGIF!! Thanks to having strep throat not once but TWICE, it seems like this is the first full work week I've had in a while and it felt long.   1. Today is HALLOWEEN!! One of my most favorite holidays. I've been listening to the Halloween Party station on Pandora and watching a little bit of Halloween movies on tv here and there as I've had time. This is a picture of my favorite Halloween costume.  

2. I just made a hair appointment for the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. I always look forward to hair appointments. I always feel like a new woman afterwards. Does anyone else feel this way?

 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

 

3. I am *trying* to go on a spending freeze as far as buying myself clothes in order to start Christmas shopping. So far I've gotten nothing for anyone. Part of my spending freeze means that I am not going to let myself look at the new items on the Lilly Pulitzer website. Too tempting.

 

4. I've absolutely devoured Little Big Lies, The Husband's Secret, What Alice Forgot, The Last Anniversary and am currently reading The Hypnotist's Love Story. I LOVE Liane Moriarty.

 

5. So far I have nothing but wonderful things to say about our Stearns and Forster bed. I saw some bad reviews online after we bought it. It's so comfortable and I slept so peacefully last night. It's been a life changer. I will post a bedroom post soon.

 

Weekend Recap

Nick and I had an absolutely wonderful weekend. Friday after I got home from work and barre, we went to the movies. We saw The Judge. It was sad, but really good. Robert Downey Jr. is such a talented actor. I started really liking him after Due Date. We had Mexican after and then went home to sleep on our new mattress for the first time.  Oh my goodness, what were we waiting for?! Upgrading to a king sized bed has been one of our best decisions ever. 
Saturday morning we went to a pet costume contest at a state park near our house. I was so proud of Yadi for being so well behaved. I thought both of the dogs looked adorable in their costumes. Poor Trinket really hates her butterfly costume though, the pom poms kept getting in her face.   

Afterwards Nick watched football for the rest of the day and I cooked dinner (and watched Blue Jasmine, again). 

Sunday we met a friend of ours at a shooting range. We had a wonderful time. 

 

I made spaghetti and meatballs last night, and I was sad to see the weekend go. It was a great weekend, and CHEERS to six months of married life!! 

I hope all of y'all had a wonderful weekend.

 

 

Five on Friday

1. Gone Girl. I could not have possibility loved this book more, and I am happy to say the movie did not disappoint. In fact, I want to go see it again. The casting was AMAZING. I also really love Amy's house, the decor is perfect.   I can't wait for Dark Places to come out as a movie with Charlize Theron.  

2. True story: there are donuts in this office today and guess who isn't having one? I will be getting my chef salad (all turkey, no pork) from Swansons's Deli. I go to Swanson's every.single.Friday.

 

  3. Tomorrow morning the dogs are entering a pet costume contest. I am super competitive, so of course I am hoping they win.   4. This Sunday Nick and I will have been married for six months. This has been the quickest six months ever! I mean it has absolutely flown by. I have to say, it's been a great six months of married life!  

5. I am in the mood to cook, and I see this happening (bottom right of photo collage) this weekend.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!!

 

Weekend Recap (on a Thursday)

I'm just getting over having strep (AGAIN), so here is my belated weekend recap. Today is the first day I've been at work this week. We had an absolutely wonderful weekend celebrating my college homecoming.   Friday we had dinner at Harper's. It was so good. The parmesan truffle fries are amazing! We went to my work event, but really only stayed just long enough for my boss's boss to see me. I think I was already starting to feel a little bit sick.  

 My coworker Becky, who lives near me. We are going to start Real Housewives of Blythewood

 

Before the game Saturday

 

Nick and the Reverend (you may recognize Brock as the minister from our wedding pictures)   The game Saturday was a lot of fun, although I was already feeling tired and had a sore throat. I thought surely it was just allergies and thought there was no way I'd have strep again. Besides that, it was really fun to spend Saturday with our friends. After the game I went back to our house to get our dogs and brought them over to the Reverend's house. We had pizza from Pizza Man (a favorite of mine from college) and watched football for the rest of the day. Yadi had a ton of fun playing with the Reverend's dog, and Trinket was very popular with our friends' little girls.     More coming soon. Our new bedroom furniture was delivered Tuesday evening, and I can't wait to do a bedroom post when I get everything together. Thanks for reading and have a wonderful Thursday!