A little bit of this...and that

Hey there beautiful!  How are you today? I just got done working out (I know I can't believe it either) and now am catching up on emails, doing laundry and waiting on the hubs to get back from crossfit.   As I was running I got to thinking about New Years Resolutions.  I think that resolutions are made with the best of intentions but more often times than not end up making us feel bad about ourselves.  Everyone pledges to themselves on January 1 to be slimmer, richer and the best version of themselves.  And most people stick to their guns until about February or March. At the gym I go to (I've belonged for years) you can count on the gym and the gym classes being a nightmare until about mid February and then everything goes back to normal.  It's so crazy!  For years I've watched the phenomena occur and thought maybe it won't happen this year but each year it does. I think we all need New Years Resolutions as somewhat of a reset button for our lives.  It'

How are all my lovely readers today?   I am snuggled infront of the fire watching the Real Housewives of Orange County.  I am feeling a little better but had a rough night last night being sick so am taking it easy today! I am so excited it is Friday and almost time for the weekend!  The hubs will be home and able to help me accomplish all the items on my to do list.   Until then please enjoy this edition of what's what!  xoxo 1.  Wendy's Lookbook So along with Pink Peonies, Happily Grey and What Courtney Wore I am not addicted to Wendy's Lookbook as well!  She is such an adorable gal with great fashion sense and she also has an incredible story to tell.  I encourage you to check out her style and her blog at Wendy's Lookbook  http://www.wendyslookbook.com 2.  SkinnyGirl Tank Tops I know, I know everyone is over  Bethenney Frankel and her pushing her merchandise on us constantly, I get it.  But someone gave me her skinnygirl tanks fo

How are all my readers today?   I am still battling sickness and have moved myself to the guest room to save the hubs from my constant coughing, nose blowing and medicine taking....sexy huh!? :) Anyway, as I was drifting off in a Nyquil haze last night I got to thinking about this past year.  I have waxed, not so philosophically, on this blog about how this past year hasn't been the best and brightest for me.    It got me thinking last night that 2012 hasn't been a total bust there have been somethings I really enjoyed.  And maybe if I focused on those things I would feel a little better about this past year :)  So before we say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013 I think I need to share some of my favorite things about this past year.   So in no certain order here are my favorite things about 2012!  xoxo Nars Laguna Bronzer Old 90210 Episodes on SoapNet This Blog The 50 Shades of Grey Trilogy (I may or may not have read this multiple times) My Prada Purse Col

How are the this and thatters today? I cannot believe Christmas is over, can you?  It went by way too fast (doesn't it always).   Are you working today?  I am off this week and so excited to tackle some items on my to do list.  The only downer is that I'm SICK!  Isn't everyone?  I would give just about anything to be able to breath out of my nose (is that TMI?).   So I have adjusted my schedule a bit and am trying to squeeze in some rest as well.  To that end I may or may not still be in my PJs, watching Lifetime Movie Network!  I am also slowly undecorating the house.  I'm sure it makes me a scrooge but I always undecorate the day after Christmas.  I, do however, keep our Christmas tree up until NYE!   Also on my to do list is flipping mattresses, washing bedskirts, mattress pads and organizing closets.  To most people that list sounds horrific but to my type A, OCD heart it makes me happy.  My house will be perfect as I head into my busiest time of year and th

Happy Holidays readers!  How are you feeling?  Can you believe it's almost Christmas time?  And then it will be time for NYE!!  I can hardly believe it.  I hope you are all ready for the holidays and some much needed down time!  Until then enjoy this edition of what's what.  xoxo 1.  Suburban Faux-Pas I love reading blogs (this shouldn't come as a surprise)!  I especially love reading fashion blogs.  I love to see how they put items together, the great finds they come across and how they re-purpose clothes.  Lately I have been addicted to reading suburban faux-pas.  I just love her edgy, affordable style.  Check her out and let me know what you think!  http://suburbanfauxpas.blogspot.ca/ 2.  Bauble Bar I love finding a new, affordable jewelry website!  Right now I am wanting fabulous earrings with just a little bit of bling and let me tell you I hit the motherload with bauble bar.  I am hoping there are some sparkly items in my stocking this year! http:

How are the this and thatters today?  I am a bit sleepy from my second job of running the blossoming cool-cat pro empire with the hubs.  If you know me, you know, I love my sleep!  So going to bed at 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. is not my normal thing but it is all worth it :)  I realized last night as we were busy working that the hubs probably hasn't purchased my Christmas gift yet (he's a last minute gift buyer).  So I started making suggestions to him.  I threw out things like a camera, an iPhone and a Prada wallet.  The hubs (being the hubs) just nodded and said sometimes "are you crazy?" It got me thinking that there are some items I always want for Christmas.  Heck for that matter I want them all year long!  Here is my list of what I always want for Christmas, enjoy! xoxo 1.  L.L. Bean Canvas Tote Bags They're timeless, classic and never go out of style.  And let's be honest you can never have too many tote bags.  I love them and use them all the time

How is this holiday season treating you?  Are you feeling all merry and bright? I am definitely getting into the spirit of things!  I am excited about going to Cartersville and seeing all of our family there. I am thrilled to go to my parents house on Christmas Day and eat a big meal and open gifts! I am also trying to keep in perspective what this time of year is about!  It is so easy to get sucked into the hustle and bustle of everything and miss out on what this season is about.  We all do it, how can you not?  Everyone has a shopping list a mile long, way too many parties to attend and not enough hours in the day.  It can leave you feeling like the Grinch! Luckily, I always have a time during the season when the significance of the holiday season really hits me.  Sometimes it's after Christmas or on the day of or even before.  No matter when there is a special feeling that comes over me reminding me of the reason for the season. Lately I have had the mantra "

How are all my lovely readers today? Are you getting in the holiday spirit?  Do you have all your shopping down? I can't wait to tell you this but my little blog had it's 1st anniversary!  I can't believe it I am so excited.  :)   I've been thinking about blogging and all my other commitments lately.  I've also been thinking about letting go at the same time.   I have a really bad habit of thinking that if I don't worry (obsess), analyze and control a situation, relationship, idea etc. that it won't happen.  I've done this for many reasons with mixed results.  Sometimes my type A, OCD personality can yield fabulous results.  More often times than not I end up burned out and exhausted because I have pushed myself so hard.   Lately I am working on letting go.  I struggle with this because it feels like I don't care.  Which is not true at all!  But I can't continue to feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.  I can't conti

Have you started Christmas shopping yet?  If you are one of those people that is completely done and everything is wrapped under the tree...I envy you and hate you just a tiny bit :)  Just kidding! Anyway, per my usual, I haven't bought one item yet!  There isn't a single gift under my fabulous tree and I refuse to feel stressed about it.  I did go to Target this past week to buy the hubs some stocking stuffers (which I just ended up giving to him so now I am back to square one).  I realized while I was there that all I want for Christmas is at Target!  Check out my must haves.  xoxo 1.  Cute PJs I love pj's.  I especially love the manish (as the hubs) calls them pj's that are basically separates.  I just think they are so comfy and they keep me so warm at night.  I bought these pj's at target and can't wait to wear them all winter long! 2.  The Perfect Earbuds I have been on the hunt for the perfect earbuds to run/workout in.  I wanted the

So I know it's getting cold and can even be a little dreary but I am loving all things bright and happy right now!  I've been adding some super cute, bright pieces to my winter wardrobe.  Just because it's winter doesn't mean everything has to be all black and white!  Spice it up a bit with these super cute items.  xoxo 1.  Colorful Hunter Boots I love Hunter boots and this mint color is really doing it for me!  I can't wait to pair these boots with leggings, oversized sweaters, button downs and pretty much my entire winter wardrobe! 2.  Lilly Tops Lilly is doing some super cute tops for winter.  I love how they are soft, flattering and most of all colorful!  I am really digging this bow tie top.  I can't wait to wear it with winter white pants and some pink sunglasses :) 3.  Winter White Pants I love a great fitting pair of white pants!  I think it's such a fun, crisp way to liven up your wardrobe.  Right now I am loving these win

I have always loved, loved the quote from the movie Shag "The trouble, with trouble is it starts out as fun."  I needed to have this written on my hand for much of college, didn't you? As I get older I still love this quote but I don't get into as much trouble as I use to these days (sad fact).  These days I struggle with getting older, growing up (who wants to), and in general what it means to be an adult.    These days I think "the trouble, with control is it starts out innocently enough."  I have been thinking about control a lot this week.  Some not so important things happened this week that made me think about it, like not having an fing blackberry for 8 days.  And some really important things got me thinking about it like some dear sweet friends who are struggling with being sick or their babies being sick.  I always think I'm perfectly in control of my life and "I've got this" until something that I cannot fix, cannot control an

How are the fasionista's today?! Didn't you love Cyber Monday, heck most places are having Cyber Tuesday, as well!  I spent the morning shopping online for some items I have been lusting after.  So here are my Cyber must haves!  xoxo 1.  Banana Republic Rain Boots I have been dying for these BR boots!  They are actually rain boots (if you can believe it) but I think they look like the most perfect riding boots I've seen in a while.  I love that they are brown and black and I can't wait to wear them with leggings and vests all winter long! 2.  J.Crew Factory Is my latest and greatest obsession!  I swear I shop there all the time.  For cyber monday they had the most fantastic deals, 50% off everything and free shipping.  I snapped tons of silk tops and jewelry.  This top was my favorite! 3.  Kate Spade Had such a fantastic cyber sale!  75% off and free shipping, AH-MAZING.  I snapped up some super cute items for a fraction of the price!  Here a

Good morning cuties?  How are you?  I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving and enjoyed being with family and friends!  I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and 2nd Anniversary last week.  I can't believe the hubs and I have been married for two years!  Crazy how time flies! Every year the hubs and I have a tradition of taking a trip for our Anniversary which just happens to fall on Thanksgiving week.  We were gone for Thanksgiving during our honeymoon, last year we went to Aspen and this year we went to Vail.  While it is a bit odd to be away from our families on a holiday it is also a special tradition for us.  There is some practicality behind it given that we both get two days off that week so we really only miss 3 work days but there is also some tradition behind it as well.  I think when you get married, become a couple etc. it is important for you to create your own traditions.  This was something our very wise preacher (who married us and gave us excellent marriage cou

How are the this and thatters today?? I am excited for a weekend full of family and friends and our upcoming trip to Vail!  I hope you enjoy this edition of what's what!  xoxo 1.  Perrier Pink Grapefruit Water If you know me, you know I am obsessed with water with bubbles in at as the hubs calls it.  He can't stand it and tastes it every time to only say "YUCK!"  Haha.  I recently discovered perrier pink grapefruit water and I have been a devotee ever since. If you like La Croix you will die over this flavor! 2.  Sephora Make Up Brushes I am always on the hunt for great stocking stuffers, are you?  I stumbled upon this make up brush set and snapped it up instantly!  I am going to try it out myself but I am sure it will make an appearance in lots of my stockings this year.  3.  Charm and Chain I love, love jewelry!  You know it, I know it,  the world knows it :)  I recently discovered charm and chain and it is now my go to place!  Check them

How are my lovely readers doing this week?  I have been busy trying to get ready to leave town next week!  What are you doing for Thanksgiving.  As we all countdown to the holiday please enjoy this edition of working girl rules.  xoxo Work has been pretty crazy lately for me, has it for you?  I think it's because it's close to the end of the year and everyone is trying to get things off their plate.  Yesterday as I was answering emails I got a phone call from one of my sweetest friends.  She was struggling with being very sick and the guilt of not being at work because she was sick.  My friend is like most women, she has guilt.  Guilt about not being able to be all things, to all people, all of the time. I talked to my friend for an hour and what I realized is that she was being entirely too hard on herself.  She is working herself to the point of sickness and that isn't good.  No matter how much you love your job you have to have a balance between your work life an

Hello beautiful!  How are you? Wow!  I must have struck a nerve with my post yesterday on constructive criticism :)  You guys blew up my email with stories, thoughts, praise etc.  It really is an amazing experience to put a thought/idea out there and then have people respond.  It is the best reward I could ever receive.   You guys did ask for another post on constructive criticism and you will get it but I do want to think about it some more.  I never want to just throw a post out there that isn't meaningful and well thought out.  So stay tuned I will be blogging on criticism very soon.   I just want to thank you guys for your feedback, all of it.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  I put things out there and sometimes you love it and sometimes you hate it and that's ok.  My hope is that I'm not the only one going through experiences or having certain situations.  It is therapeutic for me and I hope for you for me to put it all out there.   The one thing I will say is

Hello lovelies!  I thought it was high time for a working girl rules post.  I have had this one in my head for a while now and I am excited to share it!  Enjoy.  xoxo Is it just me or does the term "constructive criticism" seem to be a nice way of saying I'm about to blow your fing doors off?  For better or worse, in life, in business and in relationships from time to time you are going to get criticism.  Sometimes it is helpful and much needed and other times it can feel like an arrow straight to the heart.  I subscribe to theory that if you are hurting, uncomfortable etc. then you are growing.  That you are in the process of being moved out of your comfort zone and to a  different/new/better place.  Obviously this is a very hard thing to remember when someone is telling you something you don't want to hear.  At work we all have reviews, peer input etc.  At some point in that process you are going to hear what you do well and what you need to improve on.  I t

How is everyone this election day?!  It is a rainy, dreary day in Georgia.  I am getting ready for an awesome night at home.  On the menu lazy chicken n dumplings, wine and election results.  Until then please enjoy this edition of what's what!  xo 1.  Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Like all of you I am getting into the groove of fall.  I have been baking, cooking and in general loving this weather.  I made these amazing pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and they were fantastic!  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. 1 cup shortening 1 1/2 cup white sugar 1 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 2 cups pumpkin filling 2 teaspoon vanilla 5 cups flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoon cinnamon  2 cups chocolate chips Cream shortening and sugars together then add eggs, pumpkin filling and vanilla. In a separate bowl mix flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon. Slowly add flour mixture to into the batter. Mix well

Happy Saturday peeps!!  How ar e you doing?  I'm getting ready to cheer on the Dawgs and enjoy some great food and friends.  I hope you enjoy what's in my make up bag!  xoxo 1.  Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer So now that it is getting a bit chilly my skin needs some additional moisturizer.  Right now I am addicted to kate somerville's daily deflector moisturizer.  It has spf and makes your skin feel amazing.  This will be a winter staple for me! 2.  Chanel No 5 Velvet Body Cream Is a must have for me during the winter!  I love putting it on after a bath and the scent it leaves is amazing.  Given the price I use it sparingly but it moisturizes so well and is such a treat during those cold winter months! 3.  Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm This might be my fav product ever!  Dior has created a great, moisturizing lip balm that gives you some color as well.  Actually it enhances your natural color so it's the best cross between lipsti

Or does time seem to by flying by? How is it already November??  I feel like it was just the beginning of October!  So crazy. The one good thing about time flying by is that it's almost time for our anniversary ski trip (woot, woot)!  Don't think I haven't been planning outfits in my head, making packing lists and constantly emailing my sis-in-law about our trip.  So for your viewing pleasure here are my must have winter, wonderland, vaca items!  Enjoy xoxo 1.  White Jeans I know, I know people think you can't wear white after Labor Day but you can!  I love throwing on a pair of white jeans to wear with a great sweater and some boots.  It can make the whole outfit. I might even take two pairs on our ski trip :) 2.  Cool-Cat Pro And not just because the hubs invented it but also because I need to keep my head warm while skiing and also for those days that I don't feel like washing my hair I will be throwing in several cool-cat's!  I also lik

How are the this and thatters today?! I miss you guys!  I have to tell you that I've been a busy bee lately but I am getting my blogging groove back, so don't you worry :) This Sunday was kinda cold and dreary and I was a bit tired from cheering on the Dawgs, where you?  So the hubs headed out to church and I sat down to watch Oprah's Life Class with Joel Osteen.  I really like Joel Osteen (I know he isn't every one's cup of tea) but I think he has a strong and powerful message about being positive and lifting people up.  I think his premise that most of us are beaten down by the world and that God should be the place where we are uplifted is very inspiring. Mostly what hit me was his message about thinking positive.  He made a great point that the normal tape that plays in our head isn't positive it says things like "I'm broke"  "I need to lose weight"  "I'm lonely".  His premise is that thinking this way will only

Happy Saturday readers!  Are you excited for game day?  If you are a UGA fan or a UF fan I know you are.  Hunker down you hairy dawgs and beat those gators (is all I have to say)!! I got up early this morning, went for a run, had a cup of tea and got to thinking about existing vs living.  It's something I think about a lot.  I know there are times when we all just go through the motions and do what has to be done.  I equate it to walking around in a fog.   You are there and things are really happening but you aren't truly present for them.  I think (at least I hope) this happens to all of us from time to time.  We check out because life is too hard, too overwhelming, too raw or too uncomfortable to deal with.  We head into the fog without realizing we are until we've come out the other side.   I have to tell you I resent the fog!  I look back on the times when I've just existed as a loss of precious time/days/memories.  I love being present, feeling connected

Happy Day my lovely readers!   How are you?  Sorry I have been a little slack about blogging this week but I've been slammed with work, going out of town, all things cool-cat and enjoying fall.   I hope this edition of what's what makes up for my absence!   xoxo 1.  Real Clear Politics With all things politics riveting the world I thought I would tell you about one of my favorite sites right now.  It is called real clear politics.  It gathers the best bi-partisan articles, polls etc. and puts them in one easy, digestible place.  If you are interested in what's going on with all things politics check out real clear politics! http://www.realclearpolitics.com 2.  Tazo Zen Tea I am currently obsessed with drinking tea (I'm working on my caffeine habit).  My favorite right now is tazo's zen tea!  I drink it all the time at home and love picking it up at Starbucks.  Give it a try and you will be a devotee for sure! 3.  Homeland So the best show y

Happy Saturday this and thatters! What are you doing today?  Are you football watching, cleaning, running around to birthday parties? Today isn't your typical Saturday for me or my family.  Today is the day we are burying my grandfather, Pete.  We had to wait to do his service for a number of reasons (that I won't bore you with) and now it is here.  I keep thinking how much he would have loved that all of us were in Foley and all of us were together.  He would have loved that it is a beautiful, warm day and the sun is shining.  He would love that after the service we are all going to have a meal (and some adult beverages) and tell stories about him.  In planning his service I kept thinking what would make Pete proud?  What would he want done?  I hope we will make him proud today.  I hope he sees all of us gathered in his honor and I hope he is smiling down on us.  Most of all I hope today heals my heart a little bit.  I hope that today is a happy time, celebrating a gre