I LOVE LAMP

I was supposed to be on the lookout for chic inexpensive lamps but I haven't had enough time to really devote to the hunt, so in the meantime, this is what I've found. They're all ridiculously expensive, but who cares. They're pretty to look at!!

Absloutely LOVING this. Too bad its probably $300!!

Could use this on an entry way table or a desk!!

Let me just start off with apologizing for my absence for the past week. The truth is twofold: a. I don't have internet at my house and don't have time to have it fixed and 2. I'm just too stinking swamped at work to even use the internet for personal use. SOOOOOOOO, all that aside...I'm up at Brueggers using their internet and hope that this post won't disappoint!!

First off, I was talking with a friend (who really is the only commenter on here for the most part...seriously if you other guys dont speak up, this blog will be catered to the one and only Sara Caldwell!!), and told her that I had recently come across a bunch of pictures of homes that reminded me of her. She's just bought a house with her new hubby and they're into the decorating scene right now. I've known Sara for a really long time, but I'm still trying to figure out her style. For some reason, I think I'm imagining her house to be decorated very similarily to her mom's, which is GORGEOUS by the way. SO, Sara, if you see these and say, "ummm these are NOT me!!" dont take offense!!

Ok, so this one isn't really in the Sara category, I just thought I would slip it in. I just like it A LOT!!

If this doesn't scream Margie Whatley, I don't know what does!!

So, now that I've shown you some beautiful homes that I can continue to dream of, I'll kind of recap you on what all has been going on here!!

Well I can pretty much sum it up in several categories. Lets see....WORK, WORK and a little bit of life on the coast.

I guess that you get tired of hearing me talking about work, so I'll spare you (this time). In the tiny bits of time that I do have to spend freely, I've been down on the coast, getting sun and eating AMAZING food!!

For dinner Saturday, Alan went to a local restaurant, Angelo's, and picked up the most melt-in-your-mouth grouper I've EVER had. TO DIE FOR!!

And I thought I would just throw this in there. Makes me want to go to the Farmers Market.

And for dinner one night this week, I actually got in the kitchen and COOKED!! Its not too terribly fun to cook for one, but I'm learning. I whipped up the most amazing batch of Chicken Alfredo. Probably the healthiest thing I've ever eaten, I'm sure! So I'll share a recipe and for you food snobs out there, get over it. I like pre-made ingredients. Don't have the time or the patience to make it all from scratch.

CHICKEN ALFREDO

Chicken breasts (cut into small pieces)

Olive Oil

Garlic

Margerine (I use fat free I can't believ its not butter)

Shredded Parmesan

Penne Pasta

Tony Chachara's Seasoning

Alfredo Sauce (yes the kind in the jar)

Start boiling your pasta with a touch of olive oil added in there. While they're heating up, start heating up your sauce on LOW, don't want to burn it!! In a separate pan, sautee minced garlic in some olive oil (If I were you, I'ld buy the big jar of it and keep this in your fridge at all times...you won't regret it!!). Let this slightly brown then add some more olive oil and margarine. Sautee the chicken on medium covered. Stir every now and then to keep them from burning and sticking to the pan. Drain the pasta and combine it with the sauce into the pan of chicken. Add some Tony Chacha's seasoning (whatever that's what I call it!) and parmesan cheese.

So as you can see, if you're on a heart healthy diet, this is DEFINITELY the recipe for you!! But its DELISH and tastes even better reheated!!

Ok so enough of this for now, I've got a boat calling my name!!

Look what I enjoyed last night....



I'm sorry, but it just doesn't get much better than this. Me and the new Mr. went out on a sunset "cruise" and no lie, this is what I saw.



I'll remind you why my blog is called "Flashing Lights." K just bear with me...there's a reason for this sidenote. Have you ever been in a situation or point in your life where you just have NO clue what it is that you're supposed to do. And then, all of the sudden, you see something, or something happens and it just couldn't be any more clear than a sign with flashing lights around it, saying "this is what you're supposed to do." Ok, so that's where the blog name comes from because I'm quite the stubborn girl and really try to do things the way I want, which usually ends in disaster. So in order for the Lord to actually get it through my thick skull whatever it is He's wanting me to do, He has to give me these "Flashing Lights" moments.



Almost there...hold tight!! Well, last night I was out on the boat and the sky was beyond incredible and it was a tad bit chilly but I felt strangely comfortable. And I had one of those moments (Please don't think I'm too crazy). But it was then that I realized that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.



I'll just go ahead and say it. I was set up on blind date two weeks ago. Keep in mind this was probably 3 days after the final goodbye with Ryan. So, CLEARLY, it was QUICK. But I was just looking to have fun and not cry all the time, so I agreed. Well, so far so good. But the problem is, I've felt guilty all this time because aren't you supposed to go through a period of time where you take time to be JUST yourself and then move on to someone new? K the sappiness is almost over. BUT last night, had the flashing lights moment and now I'm feeling ok about being happy again!!

MOVING ON TO THESE BABIES...
I've found myself a guy who KNOWS how to wow a girl in the kitchen. Last night, Alan cooked these suckers for me and yall, they were INCREDIBLE!! So, Sara, per your requests, here is a recipe for you and the Mr. to try!! (**I have NO measurements so you're just going to have to wing it)

CRAB STUFFED SHRIMP

Large Shrimp

Crab meat

Ritz Crackers

Hot Sauce (your choice)

Mayo

Ketchup

Worchestire Sauce

sea salt

pepper

butter

sauteed onion

So its pretty self explanatory. Clean the shrimp and then split them down their back so they open flat. In a bowl, mix the remaining ingredients (and of course add anything else you want). Stuff the shrimp and bake at 425 for probably 8 minutes.

Try it...they're DELISH!!

Thank You J.CREW

Its no secret that I have a slight love affair with browsing the J.Crew catalog and website. I used to hate it and now I just can't get enough. But unfortunately, my non-profit paycheck doesn't really agree with J.Crew's prices...so its a lot more drooling than purchasing. All that aside, I popped over to their site this morning and once again found myself in lust-mode.

Although I don't EVER foresee myself pairing Converses with a cute Jersey Dress, I think this is the ultimate example of weekend chic. I personally would pair this little gem with some cute flats (being 5'7 makes me feel giant-ous quite often).

Oh dear lord, I NEED this!! I could make some great use out of this for work and weekend time!!

So yeh, I LOVE gold bracelets (Cue the Napoleon Dynamite quote, "How bout some gold bracelets???"). And this one is one I'ld like to add to the collection.

Be still my heart. Who would have EVER thought I would say that about this outfit?? But you know what I say, you move to Florida and see if you can still dress chic without sneaking in comfy classics like this cardigan and these shorts. Hey, at least she paired it with an over the top gorgeous necklace. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!

And because my office is either REALLY hot or REALLY cold, I always come prepared...dressed in layers. Yall, I came to work yesterday wearing white pants and a longsleeve black shirt. YES, LONGSLEEVE!! So this sweater would be great to throw on when the hot natured ladies in the office decide to get thermostat happy!!

And this is just for fun. Its going to be NO time soon that I could even THINK about incorporating these awesome boots into my wardrobe. Considering the fact that its oh you know 100 degrees outside, boots are not even in the stores yet so clearly not an option. Although, I am dreaming about Fall Weather!! How I wish I could take an extended weekend vacation to somewhere a little bit cooler. Say Boston?? Ill keep dreaming and keeping my AC on 70 so I can wear pj pants and longsleeve tees...hey at least that way I can daydream with blankets!!

***So you're welcome J.Crew. If your sales go up, I'll be expecting a cut. And Sara, you're right, you can be my manager. I have high expectations and by that I mean MAJOR results!! :)

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND EVERYONE!!

Things I'm "DYING" to have ...

So shoot me...I have a few things on my list that I really want right now that are basically not practical. Some are more attainable than others, but here is my Christmas in August wish list.

I have a slight obsession with collecting Robert Weiss pieces. I probably have 20 coasters and several trays. I'ld LOVE to have these bad boys aka "nesting trays" along with a jewelry box. AHHEEEM mom, the one you don't care for that you have at the lake...I LOVE it!!

And I'ld Love to have a front porch like this at the beach to start and end the day. Although...I DO have something like this in the works for this weekend....

And because I'm just incredibly practical, I want a flower arranging station just like this one...complete with all the beautiful flowers and pots and vases to play with.

And last but not least, I really am dying for this. I've had a cold all week, and this has been the only thing that gets me through the day. Unfortunately I left mine at the office. Sure its only 2 seconds from my place, but the thought of going back there is just NOT on the top of my list for a Friday night.

My mom gave me this last year for Christmas...

L'Occitane Almond Scrub

and I thought, hey this is nice but I'll probably NEVER use it. Well NINE months later, I whipped it out and yall, its going on my list of products that are TO DIE FOR!! Now everyone knows taht I am a product JUNKIE, so some might argue that I say everything is T.D.F. That is far from the truth my friend. It takes a lot to impress this girl, so when something has made it to my list, you know its worth trying.

My post sunburned-about to start peeling skin needed a reviving session, so I whipped out this goodness, along with the loofah mom bought (which I'm sure was ridiculously expensive coming from this store) and went to town on my dull skin. And now, I can honestly say I think I'm going to avoid the peeling stage, which is great considering the fact that I live in FL now and there are going to be many sun sessions in the future.

Now, I realize that in this economy, little indulgences like this are pretty much out of the question. I would have never splurged on this $36 goodness for myself, but it made for an amazing gift!! AND it packs A LOT of goodness in this little pretty jar...a little bit goes a LONG way!!

So there....there's my good deed to the business world for the week...free product advertising!! :)

******

And for any of you decorators out there, you MUST check out COTE DE TEXAS's Blog today "Small Stylish Houses, Part II." The houses are realistically beautiful. I've never really read her commentary, but she's quite opinionated, which is why I really like her!!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Look what I had for dinner last night...

Tuna Sashimi From Bonefish Grill

I went to dinner with the new Mr. (hold your horses, news on that to come soon) and discovered a new fabulous appetizer!! Its not on the regular menu, but we all know that Bonefish Grill never disappoints, so when he suggested we try it, I was game. Keep in mind I LOVE seafood, so to say this was delicious is an understatement. AND I have a cold and can barely taste ANYTHING!! Just that yummy.



ANYWAY...



Its called Ceviche. Very light summer seafood salad with shrimp and scallops along with tomatoes, cucumbers and avocadoes all in lime juice. Basically its heaven on a plate.

Gyros, Sunburn and Vampires, OH MY!!

Anyone else hooked on this show like me? Ok, so I HATE the twilight series. I think they're STUPID and not even remotely entertaining. Not really into the whole vampire, warewolf thing. BUT I'm HOOKED on this show!! Its becoming part of my Sunday afternoon ritual.

After being out on the boat all day, we came back and plopped down our sunburned tushes and watched several episodes.

AND another one of my new obsessions...gyros!! There's this dump/hole in the wall spot called Captain Pete's House of Gyros that is one of the best kept secrets in Tallahassee. Theres ALWAYS a line out the door and I know why. Because they're DELISH! Get this, somehow they're successfully running a business with the following hours: Monday- Friday 10-2. No lie. I don't get it.

Sorry I've been MIA. I've been sans-internet the past few days. And work is just about to KILL me. I haven't been home before 7 this whole week. SHOOT ME!!

******

To all of you commenters, thank you for speaking up. Just waiting on the rest of you:)

But, I have tons of new ideas of what to post, mostly thanks to a Mrs. Caldwell out there.

AND to answer the question about the Frederick Fekkai Beach Hair Product. Its to die for! Its oh so light and WILL NOT flatten out your hair. I use it when my hair is wet and wavy and also after I straighten it to get it a little extra oomph...not into flat hair. Sorry Jennifer Anniston!

Don't Let This Face Fool Ya...

So this picture is kinda on the old side. I think it was on the way to the lake for Fourth Of July. But I wanted to share it anyway. BECAUSE this little stinker has cost me some BIG bucks. Ok not really, but still. Thanks to "I'm a puppy and I'm gonna have accidents so get over it-syndrome", I had to hire professional carpet cleaners to come out and steam clean my house.

I booked the appointment for 9am this morning because I wanted to get the day started. Sure enough, they showed up ON TIME...bright and early. And $60 later (I thought it was a steal for that AND they did a FANTASTIC job!!), I've got a clean home again.

The dogs were crated all morning, much to their disliking. Now, the carpet is almost dry and my house smells like a 1000 lemons. Not too crazy about that but its better than Hudson's "cologne."

OK , see?? This is what I'm talking about yall. I'm blogging about getting my carpets steam cleaned. SERIOUSLY!!! I have nothing exciting to share. Actually I do, so if you'll hold tight for probably a week or so, things should pick up around here!

Missing My Leslies...

Apparantly, there are a few silent followers out there who won't fess up :).

I don't really know why you'ld want to follow my blog...not like me life is ultra-thrilling. I just tell you like it is. Part of my charm I guess. But, I've had NUMEROUS emails and calls saying, "oh i saw on your blog that..." and I guess it just surprises me EVERY time!! What can I say??

SO for all of you who are the silent stalkers, how 'bout you do me a favor and SPEAK up!! That way, I may be able to make this joke of a "blog" a little more exciting. You gotta tell me what you're looking for:)

But all that aside, there is a bit of news to share. And NO I'm not moving back to Montgomery, sorry Sara!

The puppies are all placed in loving homes!! My sister is devastated of course. She desperately wants a big ole lab to love on and play with. Rest assured, though. Mom has already found a black lab puppy in Wetumpka for her. Be careful yall, because when ANYONE in my family gets a dog on our mind, we DON' T stop until we've brought one home!!

My mom is NOT an emailer. In fact I think I've received 10 emails from her in my LIFE! We much prefer the phone for talking! But today, she sent me this email which just did a number on me.

These puppies need a home. The people who have them said they contacted all the shelters in Birmingham and even the pound is overcrowded right now, so they will be euthanized if they aren’t given away. Ask around and see if anyone is interested in a full-blooded lab retriever. There are yellow, black and chocolate all still left. Pictures are attached. If you don’t know anyone that wants one. Forward the email around and get the word out to try and find them a home!!!! They are located in Birmingham Alabama. The contact info for the owner of the pups is ..... Bradley Wright Bradley.Wright@altec.com 205-408-8066

Excuse me, but could they be any sweeter?

Four Chocolates, Three Blacks & Three Yellows...that poor MAMA!!

I love the one on the left who's just having a good ole time on her own!!

So, if you know of anyone who is looking for the most loyal companion, please pass this along!! We grew up with a lab mix and she was by far the sweetest greatest dog to have as a child. Sure she became lazy and was always in the way, but sweet Anna loved all us kids despite all the times we pulled her tail and ears. She was THE BEST!!

And now, I'm trying to convince my parents to get my sister one!! What an awesome birthday present huh??

Ok here's another stupid Q and A...if you hate these, stop by tomorrow. I'll try to do better soon.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:25 its when my alarm goes off every day Just the perks of living 1 minute from the office:)
2. How do you like your steak? Don't like steak...so I have NO preference because I dont eat it.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The Proposal. Saw it with Ry the day before the breakup...irony??
4. What is your favorite TV show? Will and Grace...hands down!!
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Probably Atlanta
6. What did you have for breakfast? coffee and a banana
7. What is your favorite cuisine? that's a tough one I have lots of favs!!
8. What foods do you dislike? Tomatoes
9. Favorite Place to Eat? Kool Beans ... hands down best restaurant I've EVER been to. Come visit me and I'll take you!
10. Favorite dressing? Ranch, Honey Mustard. Deathly allergic to Balsamic Vinegar so that knocks out a lot!
11.What kind of vehicle do you drive? Volvo
12. What are your favorite clothes? For work, I live in sundresses and white pants with solid tees...going out...LOVE dresses
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?Amsterdam
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Full
15. Where would you want to retire? Retire? I just got started. I haven't given it one second's consideration
16. Favorite time of day? Morning on the porch with my coffee
17. Where were you born? Mobile, Alabama
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? College Football (WAR EAGLE!)
19. Bird watcher?Yes, I know all 5445 species and their songs they sing. Um NO
20.. Are you a morning person or a night person? Morning
21. Do you have any pets? Madison and Hudson the BEST pupsters in the world!!
22. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? Stay Tuned...the answer to this is YES!!
23. What did you want to be when you were little? An Attorney...probably would have been really good at that.
24. What is your best childhood memory? My WHOLE childhood was magical!! I wouldn't trade it for ANYTHING.
25. Are you a cat or dog person? Dogs. Cats: EWWW
26. Are you married? Denied.
27.. Always wear your seat belt? Yes, and if you're riding with me the car doesnt move till you have yours on too
28. Been in a car accident? Yep. loads of fun
29. Any pet peeves? Noises (chewing especially)
30. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Pepperoni, black olives and banana peppers
31.. Favorite Flower? lilac roses
32.. Favorite ice cream? strawberry probably
33. Favorite fast food restaurant? CHICK FILA DUH!!
34. How many times did you fail your driver's test? none.
35. From whom did you get your last email? Work: there's NO telling!!
36. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? J.Crew Hands down.
37. Do anything spontaneous lately? Went on a blind date :)
38. Like your job? LOVE it...most stressful and rewarding thing I've EVER done!.
39.Broccoli? Raw
40. What was your favorite vacation? Probably my senior trip to Europe with some of my best friends in the world!!
41. Last person you went out to dinner with? the blind date :)
42. What are you listening to right now? My Itunes...its ALWAYS playing....home, work and car
43. What is your favorite color? yeh don't really have one
43. How many tattoos do you have? ZERO they GROSS me out!!
44. Coffee Drinker? 1 Cup every morning
45.Believe in Love at First Sight? Yep been there done that!!
46. Favorite Mistake? my sweet boy :)
47.Weekend Plans? probably keeping the road hot working and going back to the bay
48.Clean or Dirty? OCD clean
49.Believe in regrets? Nope...I believe in learning from mistakes.
50.Best advice you've received lately? "This too shall pass"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST SASSY IN THE WORLD!!!

Sarah and I in Aruba...wow I looked bad then!

The little one is growing up!! I actually can't believe she's only turning 20 because she seems much older to me. I am so thankful for such an awesome sister. She's my best friend in the whole world!

I remember when she was born. I was five and my mom told me that I had a little sister on the way. I, of course, didn't really get it. I just remember going and telling all my classmates that I'm getting a little sister. Well that HOT august day, mom started having contractions so they sent us to a neighbor's house where we waiting for my grandparents to get us. I was excited but still didnt really understand what was about to happen. My next memory is when my Dad came and got me and John and took us up to Baptist South. They made us scrub with that awesome soap for ten minutes and we had to wear aprons. They brought in the smallest looking indian baby I've ever seen. She had a head FULL of black hair and my mom said, "Rachel, meet your little sister." We have a picture from that day that we completed our family. Sarah won the brownie points a few Christmases ago when she had it enlarged in black and white and framed it for my mom's gift. Of course everyone cried because its such a sweet picture. I have it here hanging on my fridge next to a picture of the little deckster in what I call her Chappy stage. She looked like the cutest little chipmunk with her round cheeks when she was a little toddler!

But don't be fooled. Like many siblings, we haven't always gotten along. Actually, until I went off to college, I believe that we pretty much hated each other. I was an obnoxious "I'm too cool for you" highschooler and she was an obnoxious "I'm too cool for you" middle schooler. So that combo in itself was a recipe for disaster. But slowly, we realized how much we love each other and through the years became best friends! I can call her whenever I want. In fact, I talk to her every day on my lunch. The convo usually goes something like this.
R: Hi
S: Hi
R: What are you doing
S: Nothing, what are you doing?
R: on my lunch break
S: oh ree?
R: eee
S: Chickfila?
R: yep. Anything new?
S: no
R: ok well call me later
S: Ok bye

And as cold and impersonal as that sounds, its completely the opposite for us. We are always in touch with each other and so the daily catchup convo is always short and sweet.

Things I love about my sassy:
-our language that nobody understands
-playing air instruments in the car
-sloth moding
-she'll tell me when I look bad
-webchatting
-we're polar opposites (I'm chatty/she's shy, I'm OCD/she's super messy, I love decorating/she could care less, I love little dogs/she loves big dogs, I'm outspoken/she's not, I'm a terrible student/she's a natural,)
-going to six flags with her
-I can tell her ANYTHING including my most embarassing secrets
-she has her own sense of style which is really cute
-her gentle nature (**get over it deck, you know its true)
-she's VERY smart with dating thanks to me probably
-the list goes on and on

SO all that being said, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!!! Just one more year and you're legal!!

I just had another fun webchat session with my favorite sassy in THE WORLD! Poor little one is struck by the plague aka Mono and is feeling super awesome these days. Mom had overexaggerated and told me her neck was super swolen, so I of course had to see this. Turns out mom is a hypochondriac and Sarah looks JUST FINE!!! But all that aside, I miss her dearly. Thank God for technology. Webcams are to die for when you live too far away for spontaneous visits!!

AND I forgot to mention my incredibly fun story from Friday night. I was out and was at this really cool spot. Time to cash out and I'm waiting on my card and waiting and waiting... 20 minutes later the bartender insists that I already received my card back. Um mam?? Im pretty sure I would remember if you gave me my card considering I had ONE drink. Not like my judgement was altered. They def got a piece of my mind and then I quickly notified Wachovia of this travesty. The card was canceled and a new one is on its way to awesome Tallahassee. So for the time being, I'm being super safe and walking around with big wads of cash in the wallet (wow I just set myself up to get jumped huh??). Thanks awesome bartender. Here's to you.

And one more thing I'm a wee bit frustrated with. Ok so I have TMobile My Favs for a REASON. So that I don't have an incredibly ridiculous phone bill every month. The whole idea is that you can change out the contacts (and no mine do NOT look like these attractive d bags) whenever you want. So today I took a HUGE step and took out you know who's from My Favs. It was wasting a spot. So I was going to put in an ex from the past that I happen to be bff with now (believe it or not) and TMobile decided to be difficult. TWO hours later and its not updated. Usually it takes 5 minutes. Uh of course it would reject my request to replace Ryan. UGH. NOT happy here!!

So that is the end of all my whining and complaining. Things are good here otherwise. Just staying busy and enjoying every minute.

I'm having a hard time wanting to return to the real world after my relaxing weekend. So, I'm opting for a no hair straightening morning and relying on old faithful... For all you ladies out there who are looking for that perfect product to give you beach hair, here it is! Well worth the $30!! And if you have ULTA where you live, they carry this line....so pop in and stock up!!

I've got saltwater in my hair from yesterday and have debated if I should just leave it, but I think my co-workers will thank me for using the alternative!!

So now, I'm just catching up on blogs and emails sipping on this goodness...


I don't know what it is, but I've become quite the coffee addict. Its part of my morning routine for sure now. The dogs rough house each other while I fill up on my morning stimulant. I'm going to need it today. I've already got a case of the Monday's and its only 8:10 am!!

A little Preview...

I'll save major details for later when its safer, but for now, here's a preview at what my weekend consisted of.

THE most INCREDIBLE shrimp and scallops cooked just for me...

A glass with my name on it (not really), kept full at all times...

Three games of cosmic bowling...

And a day spent out on the boat at Alligator Point.

Keep guessing because my tune has changed from a few weeks ago. Im BACK and loving life right now!!

Funny how the heart moves forward with just a little change of pace and maybe a new face :)