Where have I been? I can tell you EXACTLY where I've been for the past week...in BED. You read correctly, I camped out in my bed with the dogs all week long. Why? Because I had a simple case of the SWINE FLU! Yes, you read correctly again...unfortunately. I cannot even begin to explain the misery that accompanies that ridiculous virus, but I can tell you this...I'm glad its over!

I ventured in to work on Friday and made it barely. And this weekend, I'm feelin 98% back to normal (minus the bronchitis that is still lingering). I hope to wake up without a cough in the morning...yeh right.

But let me back up a smidge.

Last weekend, I made the 4 hour drive up to Auburn to stay with my sister for the weekend. Ran into these fabulous ladies...

Evyan and Heidi...old College Roomates!!

I spent the majority of the afternoon at their tailgate catching up and when it was time for the game to start, I met up with Sarah and her friends in the stadium. Ahhh to be a student again in the Student Section! Unfortunately, as soon as I got to my "seat" the monsoon came and STAYED! The $3.00 poncho did me NO good because I got DRENCHED! After an hour of standing in the biggest outdoor shower I've ever experienced, we decided to leave. And of course as soon as we left, the rain quit and the game began. What an awesome way to spend $40...to stand in the rain! But I'm firmly convinced that this is where my Swine Flue came from. OH WELL!! I'll go back soon and try again!

And I won't disappoint you guys. Here are a few of my latest obsessions.

Nail Tek...most nail salons carry this and if any of you are Ulta Fans like me, you can find it there also. I'm not kidding you when I tell you that this is the ULTIMATE in nail strengtheners! I've bit my nails my whole life and for years I've had acrylic tips (tried to keep them as natural looking as possible but who was I kidding?). All because even when I did somehow grow out my nails, they were weak and would split, tear, break, etc. Well, I'm here to tell you that my nails are ROCK HARD now. All I do is put a base coat on before my manicure, then put a coat on every day for several days. And its a miracle worker! WELL worth the $12!!

And because its almost October and fall has officially begun, I am just dreaming of the leaves changing colors. Hasn't happened here in swamp land...YET.

Another fabulous Ulta purchase (gosh I LOVE that store)...Biolage conditioning balm. My hair is always dry and it just drinks up conditioner like no other. So, I'm always on a hunt for the perfect conditioner. Believe me, I've tried them all and I always somehow come back to this goodness. I don't know why I ever strayed to begin with. It smells DELICIOUS and a little bit goes a LONG way. Doesn't leave my hair greasy and gives it the perfect softness so it lays flat when I straighten it and waves perfectly when I don't.

And because I love anything that saves me steps, I love the Bounce Dryer Bar. No more dryer sheets to be found in my bed because the dogs are little pirates (which by the way, these are TERRIBLE for dogs with all the chemicals on them). AND it leaves my clothes smelling like mom's laundry room.

So I'm gearing up for yet another busy week. My October Calendar seems to get busier and busier by the day. Thank you MDA.

I'm really not going to even mention how ridiculously tardy I've been with posting. But as Kim and NeNe on Real Housewives of Atlanta say, Don't be Tardy for the Party! I can't get enough of Bravo reality shows these days, if you can't tell.

BUT...

The good news (I think??) is that my busy season of work is OVER!!! So this means more time to do things that I want to do!!

Last weekend, I went back to Alabama for a SUPER quick trip to just get away. Saturday, Mom and I popped over to Birmingham, where we did quite a bit of shopping. Got to see Abby, which is always fun. Then we had an incredible dinner at BRIO where no course was sparred...LITERALLY! We ordered soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and then unfortunately passed over the desserts. I haven't been a pig like that in FOREVER!! Sunday, we went to Church, then I got back in the car and drove down to Panama City for MDA's Telethon. Let me give you a timeline of my hours for that. Sunday: 4-1:30 AM at the station, 2:30AM sleep, 5:40AM Alarm, 7:00AM-6:30 PM Station Taping, 6:30-8:30 PM drive back to TLH. Can I just say that exhaustion doesn't even do it justice?? My poor coworkers and the poor souls here in FL who had to see me the next few days were probably scarred from how SCARY I looked. We're talking show up to work with wet hair, no makeup, almost in PJ's. SORRY.

So after a week of looking like death, I've decided its time to get back on track. I'm up at Atlanta Bread Company (because I've yet to have time to have Comcast at my house to fix the internet) and doing some MAJOR catch up.

I don't know how the weather is where you are, but here...FALL is in the air BIG TIME! I'm assuming its that way for you too, considering I live here in swamp land. So I've definitely started scanning through all the magazines and catching up with my favorite blogs to see what I need to stock up on this fall for my overflowing closet.

At this point, I'm feeling that A LOT of long cardigans and comfy sweaters and ankle length leggings (I HATE the cropped kind) will be my outfits of choice...of course along with some incredible boots that I'm still on the hunt for!

Here are a few things I'm salivating over.
I love my watch I have now. Its very special to me. I actually got it as a Christmas gift from Ryan. But I am OBSESSING over this! I think an update is in order, dont you?




Loving these. And if they weren't heels, I'ld love them even more!

I love basics. And a basic with a little extra on it is even better.

And then to channel my inner Blair Waldorf (ok who am I kidding, I'm nowhere near that chic), I loke this little thing. I can't actually see myself wear it, but I do like it quite a bit!!

AND...here is what I'm DYING to try. The other day, I was getting my weekly manicure (give me a break, we all have indulgences) and the girl was going ON AND ON about how grey nail polish is the IT color for fall. I was skeptical but when I saw it on someone, I died. In fact, thats my next stop after here. Time to give the old "Bubble Bath" light pink a week off and try something new!!

And I'm taking this from another blog, The Lettered Cottage. I read these and can't agree more! Of course, I believe in other rules too like, some are meant to be broken :)

18 Rules to Live By

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R's of good karma:- Respect for self- Respect for others- Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Don't let a little dispute injure a great relationship.

6. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

7. Spend some time alone every day.

8. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

9. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

10. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

11. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

12. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

13. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

14. Be gentle with the earth.

15. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

16. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

17. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

18. Be kind.

So all this being said, I'm out. Got lots to do, including watching my Tigers tonight!! WAR EAGLE!!