Monday, November 30, 2009

Still salivating...

When Mom, Sister and I were in Charleston, we had brunch at the most perfect cafe. We were surrounded by a sea of ridiculously good looking people who were all enjoying Sunday brunch with family and friends. I always try to order food that is true to the local flair, so I opted for the Charleston Shrimp and Grits that just was absolutely calling my name. Unfortunately this delicious dish (remember that SNL skit?? Hey 6th grade!!) arrived AFTER a bowl of crab bisque and amazing warm bread with herb butter. So to say I was already full is probably putting it lightly. But I'm no fool. I know you don't get food this delicious everyday, so I just suffered through each and every single delicious bite.


Ever since, I've been longing for another portion of this, especially tonight while I listen to it calmly raining outside. And so I set out for a recipe.


Lucky for you and me both, I had success. Now, I just have to actually do a test run. Fortunately for my budget, I live by the coast which translates into a really great availability of affordable seafood at an arm's length. (**Sidenote: the best places to buy seafood are actually the little shacks on the roadside. Why? Because they are LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL. Translation, the family most likely runs the business...some are out on the boats, some are behind the scenes cleaning the catches and the rest are helping customers. So whenever you're in Florida again, remember this when you want to pick up the freshest seafood. You will not be let down, I promise!)
Here's the recipe. If you try it and find that you hate it or love it, let me know. My menu is planned for the week and the groceries are already bought and I can't get to the coast until the weekend, so I'm just going to have to continue salivating a few more days...
CHARLESTON SHRIMP AND GRITS

1 1/2 lbs medium shrimp, peeled, halved lengthwise, and deveined if you wish
1 Juice of 1 lemon
1 Tabasco or other hot pepper sauce
1 1/2 tsp salt or more to taste
1 1/2 cups stone-ground grits, not instant or quick-cooking
6 thick slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 Cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
2 tbs unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
2 tbs unsalted butter
1 cup grated medium to sharp Cheddar cheese
Combine the shrimp with the lemon juice and a couple of generous splashes of hot pepper sauce. Let sit while you begin the grits and gravy. Make the grits in a large heavy saucepan, first bringing 6 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of the salt to a boil. Whisk in the grits a few handfuls at a time. (They will bubble up initially.) When you have added all the grits, reduce the heat to a very low simmer and cook over low heat for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally at first and more frequently toward the end. While the grits simmer, get the gravy under way. Fry the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until brown but still limp. Stir in the onion, green pepper, and garlic and continue cooking until the onion and pepper are limp, about 5 minutes. Add the scallions, sprinkle the flour over the mixture, and continue sauteing for 5 minutes longer. Stir in the stock and remaining salt and cook for 5 minutes longer. Remove from the heat while you finish the grits. When the grits are thick and creamy, stir in as much of the butter as you wish, followed by the cheese. Add a splash of hot pepper sauce and additional salt if you like. Cover the grits while you finish the gravy. Return the gravy to medium heat and stir in the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp are opaque throughout, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately, mounding the grits in large shallow bowls or on plates and covering them with shrimp and gravy. SERVES 4.

Eye Opener...

Its 7:30 pm after a LONG day back at work from a weeklong vacay. I'm tired, its raining, and the computer is parked on my lap. Madison is cranky for some reason and Hudson didn't get the memo...even after she bit him for annoying her. Its a Monday, no doubt about it!!

I'm just doing my usual "home from work" routine and checking up on the blog world to see what everyone is up to today. And of course, I find myself clicking on blogs that belong to strangers. Lots of pictures of gorgeous homes, precious outfits and irresistably cute babies to see. And then I came across another blog that REALLY kinda freaked me out a bit.

I started reading her post and I was eerily reading my EXACT thoughts. I kept reading on and actually read to the beginning of her blog because I was quite intrigued. Is she me?? Seriously?? No, we have our differences, but the girl seems to be in the exact same place in life and going through the same ups and downs as me. She sees like the same as I do and the way she writes just captivated me because I just felt like, OH MY GOSH I UNDERSTAND...I FEEL THE SAME WAY!!

I'll keep her identity anonymous for several reasons...1. I don't even know her full name 2. I definitely don't know her & 3. She has NO clue who I am.

But today, she wrote this. (**Sidenote: for any of you who know her, please don't tell her some freak is obsessed with her. I just really enjoyed her blog...that is all!!)

"Although I do have a good job that I enjoy most days, I am newly single, no kids, renting an apartment, have a lame excuse for a social life, and live in a world that is NOT always easy. By society's standards, this past year has been laced with ups and downs, overwhelming joys and disappointing hardships, some good moments yet many mistakes."

WHOA

I was freaked out to say the least, because every single word in that sentence just resonates with me. I hear ya girl. I know that feeling!! I started thinking to myself, someone else feels the same way I do. Someone else is facing the same challenges that I am. Someone else knows the heartache of losing something you can't replace. Someone else knows the difficulty in starting over.

I'm not alone in this!! I cannot tell you how comforting this was to read this. Not that I'm some wierdo who wishes others to suffer so I'm not the only one, but because I realized that there are so many other stories floating around out there that are just like mine. And these stories aren't over...

"But God had a different plan. I don't admit to being easily swayed by the Lord. In fact, it has been pretty darn hard. I struggle with this plan for my life. I don't love not knowing the next step. But He gives me grace. My God moves me to walk blindly by faith. He shows me over and over and over again that He is Enough. If I have nothing....honestly NOTHING else, my Lord is enough. Oh the joy that brings my weary heart!"

She couldn't have said it any better. And I couldn't have been reminded any better of the Lord's faithfulness. He gives me strength and encouragement, even when I didn't think I needed a heavier dose today.

Just another "FLASHING LIGHT" moment...

Back to Reality...

Its that time again. Time to snap out of my dream world and get back to work. And there's going to be LOTS of work to do!! I got back to sunny Floriday yesterday afternoon after battling with the other 1000's of cars on the road. It took me a good 2-3 hours to get everything unloaded, in the wash, trash out, groceries bought, etc. It was then that I realized I had left my phone charger in Montgomery. The Lifeline desperately needed a boost and the T Mobile store had already closed. What's a girl to do? Why, go to Walmart of course! I hate the place, especially this time of year, but I was optionless at this point.

I figured while I was there, I would buy the real Christmas wreath I've been waiting for. Turns out Walmart doesn't have everything! They've got the tacky $19.99 fake sort, but not the kind made of frasier fir that I just LOVE. They've got the $20 Fir trees that smell delicious, but no wreaths. DANGIT!!

I was really hoping to at least have SOME form of Christmas decor up before this crazy week starts. Guess that was a bust. Its ok though, 5 minutes from my house is the best Christmas tree lot with TONS of real wreaths and real garlands. I'll be making a pit stop there after work, thank you.

Here's my plan...


Please insert a more Christmasy look, but you get the idea. Actually, I really like all the pale pumpkins. Mine are still sitting on the counter and are nowhere ready to be thrown out. I just can't bring myself to do it yet. So we shall see what I come up with.
I hope everyone had a relaxing extended weekend (or week if your company decided to make you take a week off no pay like mine did).
Time to get back to the grind...
HAPPY MONDAY!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Part Two...

Its time to catch you up to speed on my crazy week off. Most people would take a week off to relax and do things around the house. Not this girl. I've been gone for 7 days and been in 6 states (Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee & Kentucky). Its been the PERFECT week off. Not too long and not too short. I couldn't ask for more.

Yesterday morning, I started a new post but was distracted when I was being hurried out the door for a day trip to Louisville, KY. No offense to anyone from there, but it will not be somewhere I'm dying to return to. We spent the day FREEZING (I'm talking windchill of 12 degrees) walking around the downtown area, where there really wasn't much to do. Ended up a a sports bar so I could watch the Iron Bowl. I'm not going to comment, because I'm heartbroken. But OH SO PROUD of how my boys played their little hearts out!!

So, in italics is the post I had started. Sorry if its too confusing.

I'm on the second leg of my vacation up in FREEZING cold Kentucky!! I'm up here visiting a friend who was gracious enough to put up with my 24 hr flu/bug yesterday on Thanksgiving Day. I'm feeling MUCH better now, so we're off to Louisville for the day...



I'm not kidding you when I say its cold. We're talking windchills of around 12 degrees. Quite a change from Sunny Florida.


My friend lives in Elizabethtowne, KY. Yes the same place that the movie is named for. I loved that movie for some strange reason (probably the soundtrack) and was pretty pumped when I found out that was where I would be heading. Unfortunately, the town looks NOTHING like the picture above. I may have just missed out all the "hot spots," but I can tell you the highlights of the town. A movie theatre that plays probably 3 movies. A bowling alley that also doubles as a flea market. And a ChikFilA that seriously skimps on their portions. Not that I had an appetite anyway, but I still was very un-impressed. I complain, but in reality, I had a good time all things considered. I parked myself in Barnes & Nobles on Wednesday while I waited on my friend to finish working. Caught up on all my magazines....THAT in itself was a task...one I just "hated!!"



We later went and had lunch at the most local Mom & Pop sub shop I've EVER been to. We're talking a cute little old couple, who could easily be my grandparents, cooking on a stove that I would be confident to bet I know SEVERAL people have in their houses. Hey Sears purchase in 1995!!! Apparantly, the line is always out the door at lunch time there. I ordered sweet tea and I think I almost passed out from the overdose of sugar. Poor Kentuckians...don't know how to make the holy water!!

--------

Tomorrow, I will hit the road AGAIN for the last time and head back home to sunny Florida. Unfortunately, I'll have another 5 hr drive ahead of me this Wednesday AND Thursday for work when I head to Atlanta. It makes me tired just thinking about it. Hope you all enjoyed your holiday! OH yeh one more thing...



WAR EAGLE!!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Nonpaid Holiday, Part 1...

Thanks to MDA, I have the week off. I've got a full itinerary planned and most of it will be spent "touring" parts of the Southeast. We started off in Charleston, which, by the way, is my new FAVORITE city ever!! I would move here in a heartbeat!! Check out these cute houses...

And that's what the WHOLE city looks like. SO CUTE!!! I'ld take just about ANY of them!!
More on these in just a few...

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR RIDICULOUS PICTURES...
It was FREEZING and rainy, so sister and I got a little stir crazy with the camera.

Believe it or not, these were completely unplanned, which makes them even more ridiculous. Once again, I post embarassing pictures of myself. I should probably look into changing this.


I'm not proud of this moment. Really not. But Sassy thought it would be funny.



And here is the "garage" to the condo we stayed in. Please explain to me what the purpose of this door is. There are no garage doors. I don't get it. Maybe that's just me.


And here are where the pictures that Sassy and I shot of each other. We kinda had a camera war while trying to find our way back to the car. It was raining and cold and we were lost in a HUGE neighborhood of precious houses. Life could be worse. And we had SEVERAL laughs along the way.
A smidge windy, the Vera-brella came inside out.












And after 30 hold the camera out in front of you shots, here's one that fits in the semi-decent file.




Again, the camera war shots.




Apparantly Sassy's roomate is OBSESSED with pink. So we took a picture in front of a pink house to make her jealous.



And one last one to wrap up the Charleston section of my week off. Mom taking a picture of her car. NO lie, that was exactly what she was doing.
Stay tuned. I'm off on another 6.5 hour car ride to Kentucky tomorrow. Fun pictures to follow. I promise!!











Thursday, November 19, 2009

Pretty Little Things...

Last night, I had to make a pit stop at Target to get some last minute items for my crazy week ahead. Of course a buggy full of necessities (i.e. shampoo, dishwasher detergent and trashbags) makes me really want to look for something a little more extravagant. Fortunately for my wallet, Target has quite the jewelry selection. I ended up with a grey pearl ribbon necklace and called it a night. But later on, I went to Target's website and found SO many things I want. Unfortunately for you guys, I wasn't able to download the pictures. So youre just going to have to pop in on your own time and browse.

All those pretty little things got me to thinking. I finally figured out how to pull myself out of the rut I've been in for SEVERAL weeks. I feel like I wear the same thing every day. Now, with some fun over the top pieces of jewelry, I can turn a once boring outfit into something a little more exciting.

Check out these fun finds from Banana Republic and J.Crew.




















Nothing makes you feel good about yourself like a little over the top extravagance...especially on a drab Tuesday!!

"Light the Candle, Everything's Alright..."

Last night, as I was working on the computer, my power shut off. Luckily, I am a candle FREAK. I've got them scattered all over my place. So it only took me a few seconds to get light back in my PITCH BLACK house. After several minutes of no power, I realized I heard an extremely obnoxious beeping noise. So Madison and I set out to find the source. The emergency lights in the building were on and were making that horrible noise.

It made me laugh because ALL my neighbors did the same thing we did. I've lived here for right at a year and NEVER met any of my neighbors (with the exception of one who happened to go to Auburn in the 80's). We were all bundled up in our pajamas with our dogs and it was actually a good time. I guess it takes something so drastic to meet the people who live across the hall.

Anyway, after I decided to go inside, I tried to just ignore the beeping and go to bed. Unfortunately, Madison had a different plan. I think it must have really rattled her. Poor little girl just kept shaking unconsolably. So I tried to go with plan B and sleep in the guest room. She wasn't a fan of this either. And thankfully the power shut back on and the beeping stopped. So off to the main room we went and snuggled under the layers of bedding and I slept better than I have in months.

This got me to thinking though. Is this a preview to what life is like when you're a mom? There was NO sleeping with a shaking/crying dog sitting next to me. I can't even imagine it being a BABY! Yesterday at our "Thanksgiving" meal, my boss talked about she slept with her baby on her chest for 3 months when she was first born. I think the look on my face was sheer shock. REALLY?? I guess I must be much too selfish, because I value my sleep dearly. She said she thought the same thing before Avery was born, then went on about how the mommy cells kick in and just run their course.

Fortunately for me, those "mommy cells" are nowhere near to be found for this girl, for at least a while. Last night, a neighbor said, "where's the other dog?" I said, "oh he's in bed, he goes to sleep in his crate at 8pm every night." I got several looks. WHAT! I like a schedule and I like a few minutes where I don't have to wrangle the little hoodlum. Guess it doesn't work like that with kids, huh?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Bout To Set Sail With These Two...

Yes, you read the title correctly. Its almost time to pack my bags and spend some quality time with this crew...
Please excuse the terrible angle aka double chinnage I've got going there. That was back in the "honeymoon phase" when I didn't really worry about counting calories because I wasn't in the dating market...those days are OVER thankfully
Anyway, I'm starting to round up everything I'm going to need for the next whirlwind week of my life. First stop Montgomery for one night. Then off to Auburn to visit a friend for a while and see her most perfect little son that was born a few months ago.
Then an 8 hour trip to some island off South Carolina with Mom and Sister. I have NO clue where this place is and NO its not Hilton Head. Mom found it, need I say more? We'll spend a few days there (Saturday - Wednesday). Hopefully, we'll get to visit both Savannah and Charleston. Fingers crossed.
After that, Thanksgiving lunch with the family. Then its off to Auburn for the IRON BOWL!!
So, my week off will be everything but lazy. I'm quite thankful for this though. I can't stand boredom. I can't stand to sit still. I've always got the itch to be doing something.
So stay tuned. I'm sure two 8 hour car rides will provide PLENTY of funny stories. I'm gonna sneak in the video camera for fun.
**Sidenote, this post has been ended before I intended due to a power outage. I thought to myself, DANG the power bill just hit my inbox last night....they mean business!! But then I looked out the window and see pure darkness around my complex. Another one of my best moments!!

I'm Not Getting Paid for this...

Since MDA has a nation wide furlough next week, our office has decided to get in the Thanksgiving spirit a smidge early. Several people are in "I haven't used my vacation days yet, so I need to take some time off" mode, so they're cashing in tomorrow and Friday. Personally, I have 5 days starring at me that I just continue to ignore. I'm sure that's not the smartest thing to do, but quite honestly, I can't enjoy a day off when I know what faces me when I return...unreal amounts of work. Its just not worth it in my book. Isn't there a payoff for hard work anyway??

So, our original plan was to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal for lunch. I consulted Publix's deli, which offer a very impressive spread of Thanksgiving dishes at SUPER reasonable prices, and had it all planned out. One problem, we have NO microwave at the office for the moment so that plan went out the window.

Plan B. Its looking like a Chilis (GROSS) lunch for us. I'll be having this...
Hey, nothing says Happy Thanksgiving, like a salad with shrimp!! I'm sure the indians and pilgrims would have chosen the exact same meal if they had the choice.
I was expecting something more along the lines of this. But I guess I can make up for it when I go home.

And Mom, I really wouldn't be hurt if you had a spread like this for us while we wait on the meal to be finished.


And you could add this in there as well.
Stay tuned for my Thanksgiving travels (not like anyone really cares). My mom and sister and I are going to some unheard of island off of South Carolina. Its about an hour away from Charleston and hour away from Savanahh. I'm going to see if I can con Dad into letting me borrow his camera because I cannot wait to go to these two incredible places filled when TONS of beautiful things!!
I guess a week of furlough isn't that bad. Just don't be expecting fancy gifts this year. I'm already working on mixed CD's. You're welcome!



Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Recently, I've noticed that I've been doing A LOT of squinting. I've had almost perfect vision my whole life. I did convince my eye doctor to write me a prescription, but it was never necessary to have glasses to see. I had a slight case of astigmatism, but nothing to worry over.

Well these days, I'm starting to worry. By the end of the day, I'm squinting 90% of the time when I'm on the computer or reading or even watchin TV. Unfortunately, I don't have vision insurance coverage, so I'm gonna have to just suck it up and pay out of pocket.

So, of course this sparked my interest in looking for a new set of glasses to make me look fab...or at least help me see and eliminate my 8pm daily headache. I googled designer eyeglasses and found some surprisingly affordable options with labels that are TDF.

Prada
I mean, I don't know how it could get better than Prada. Honestly.
Maybe a little tortoise shell a la Yves Saint Laurent.


Or if I want to channel my inner, "DONT MESS WITH ME," I'll opt for Gucci.


And my love affair with Marc Jacobs would just continue with these.




Monday, November 16, 2009

I'm Not a Politics Kind of Girl, But THIS...

I've never been into politics. I don't usually watch the news (** except recently. I think I need to become semi-aware of what's going on in this world, so I've incorporated Fox & Friends into my morning coffee routine). I've never gotten into all of the hoopla. I'll admit it, I'm pretty conservative, but not well-enough informed to argue my opinion, so my strategy has always been: stay uninvolved.

In high school, I had several friends who were quite the opposite and would get REALLY heated about elections, politicians, etc. I, however, did not participate, and I'm embarassed to say I really didn't care. I didn't even register to vote until last year. I'm not bragging, by any means, just telling you like it is.

But I can tell you this, I have been growingly irritated with our current First Family.
ALL (but definitely not limited to) for this reason...

WHAT IS THIS!?!?!?

So, enjoy this political commentary, because it will be one of VERY few!!

What is up with the first family becoming celebrities? I get it, they are the first black first family (and DONT even start to think this is a racial comment, it has NOTHING to do with this!!) and its a HUGE deal that a black man was elected as our nation's leader. So much of their following was from the semi-underground power aka HOLLYWOOD and these celebrities REALLY pushed our young citizens to vote for change. And change we got in a BIG way.

Since WHEN is the President and is family a celebrity? Since when did the President party with J-Lo? Since WHEN did his wife make it to the cover of Glamour Magazine? Since when did the paparazzi follow the family around 24/7 and report how much he tips for a six pack of beer (seriously it was in a tabloid magazine last week)?? Since when did we consider the First Family part of Hollywood?

Last I checked, he's our President. He's got plenty of things to do that DO NOT involve spending our hard earned tax dollars on lavish parties with J-Lo. I have no problem paying taxes, don't get me wrong. What I DO have a problem with is paying for these ridiculous parties. I don't know about you, but I work pretty hard. And each pay stub, I look at the amount taken out for taxes and have to fight the tears. But then I remember its mostly for good things. Things that I have no problem helping fund. But I DO have a problem paying for designer digs for these things.

Last I checked, we're in a recession. I hear about this oh EVERY day...literally. (**Sidenote: it amazes me when people try to inform me that we're in a recession. As if I didn't already know. People, I'm in fundraising. The most common excuse I hear on an hourly basis is, "I've asked everyone but nobody has any money right now.")

And the reality of my frustration isn't really how the money's being spent, but more that we've elevated the Prez and his fam to celebrity status. NO I do NOT want to open up US Weekly and see Michelle hoola-hooping. I want to read about the Kardashians and Lauren Conrad. I want to see pictures of these hotties dressed in outfits only the ZOE could put together. I want to see pictures of Jude Law pumpin gas and Heidi and Spencer shopping at Dollar General. They're called tabloids for a reason...because they're ridiculous. ANYONE in these mags should be famous for their "work" aka because they're ridiculously good looking. NOTHING MORE.

The President and his fam should be seen in magazines more like Time. I'm just saying. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. I feel pretty strongly about this...kinda the same way I am towards monogram car stickers.

Ok, so after that negative rant, I will give it to Michelle because she does have a pretty impeccable sense of style. If I could describe her in one phrase it would be J.Crew chic. A style I wouldn't be terribly upset if someone used to describe me.

Oh and one thing the magazines can post: pictures of that incredibly adorable puppy!!

You're welcome, readers. That's ALL you're going to get from me about my political opinions. The truth is, I love this country. I love everything about it.

Now, for some Cherry Pie...


I'ld Rather Be Here...

In true Monday morning fashion, I REALLY resisted the two alarm clocks. And if that weren't enough I had 2 dogs just begging to wake up. There must be something about Monday mornings that my body just despises. I'm sure this is true for most people. So its going to take TWO cups of coffee this morning to get me going. Hopefully the much needed caffeine will get me up and running, because I'ld much rather be in one of these!!

I love all the layers of heaven this bed offers. I could probably make a day out of just lounging and watching old movies in this guy!!
And please check out that window. Can we say room with a view?? I wouldn't even need a tv if I had that to look out of!!

I HATE the karate chop pillow technique, but I'll forgive it this one time because that headboard is TDF.


How awesome would it be if that painting was actually a TV?? I saw that on a decorating show one time on HGTV.



And this isn't too shabby for a guest room. I've stayed in several that were scary, for lack of better words.




Again, a guest room I might decide to never leave.



OH where do I even begin with how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE this room. I don't have enough time!!



SO Happy Monday to all of you. Don't worry, the bed will be waiting for you after a long hard day at work!!














Saturday, November 14, 2009

I went to college for this...

I promised you guys some ridiculously embarassing pictures, so just have a good laugh on my tab!

You're probably going to wonder WHAT in the world we are doing in these silly pictures, so I will semi-explain. I'll try to keep it light.

I manage Volunteer Recruitment Coordinators year round who help us recruit participants in a fundraiser. So its my responsibility to keep them motivated and excited. Well, little did I know when I agreed to take this job that part of my job description might as well say Pre-School Teacher. Basically I have to tap into the super cheesy super creative side of me (which really doesn't exist) and come up with themes to keep everyone in the room motivated. We've done everything, and this week, we took things to a new low.

Since the other Fundraising Coordinator is a Georgia fan, we thought it was only PERFECT to have a weeklong football game based on how many people are recruited. I know its pretty lame. Anyway, Friday was the end of the game, when Auburn WON of course. And we decided in delirium to take pictures to send to our INCREDIBLY cheesy Regional Coordinator. I'm expecting an email to the region for our creativity for this.

So all that aside, here are a few of the ridiculous pictures. Go ahead and tell me they're horrible.
Its ok, I already know. Because when we were taking them, I kept saying "I can't believe I went to College for this..."

Here we are with a little Heisman action. Please note the trophy that was literally from 2004.

Could this be any faker? NOPE. Please excuse the orange wra that makes me look like a wilderbeast. Its the only office appropriate orange item I have. Give me a break.

And for the most ridiculous of them all, you can see how EXTREMELY low budget we are. If you don't work in non-profit, consider yourself lucky. Improvise might as well be our middle name.
Hope you enjoyed these humiliating pictures. Just thought I'ld share how my parents' hard earned money, aka college tuition, is being put to use!!



Its Complicated...

After a miserably failiing attempt to try to sleep past 6:45 this morning, I decided to not fuss as the whining puppy and just get up and enjoy the day. And it couldn't have started better!! Coffee in hand and computer on my lap with 2 pups curled up next to me, I think to myself, could it get much better? Why yes it can and it did!!

As I was checking out the blogs I follow "religiously," I came across something very exciting at COTE DE TEXAS. Now, normally, this lady takes interior design to a whole new level, but her pictures are fabulous and a lot of times, she can be quite witty. I could never hope to be as incredible as her with her intense knowledge of the design world, so I'll just stick to being her stalker.

Anyway, stop by her blog today because she has an AMAZING post that I felt necessary to semi-copy. The December issue of Traditional Home is featuring the set design for this upcoming movie...
I've never even seen the previews for this movie (probably because its been months since I've been to the theatres), but now I CANNOT wait!! Why?? Because it is written and directed by Nancy Myers...famous for some of my absolute FAVORITE movies, Something's Gotta Give, The Holiday, The Parent Trap, Father of The Bride.

So, I will keep this post simple, because you can read more about it on her blog. Enjoy the pictures!!

The Living Room with just the PERFECT splash of color in only the PERFECT combination...Orange and Blue!!
Now I don't fill my house with Auburn paraphanalia (is that how you spell it??), but I do like the punch orange and blue here and there. AND I can't help but think that its a sign that today Orange and Blue will pervail. Alabama and UGA look out!!


I'm especially loving the pendant lights. That grey against all that white is a fabulous touch!!



Oh did I forget to show you the picture of my house?? Well here it is!!
Wouldn't that be a charmed life??


This isn't necessarily my style, but I had to include it.
HAPPY WEEKEND TO EVERYONE!!!
I'll be piled up on the couch watching football today. Of course I'll be glued to the Auburn game, but I can't help but admit I'll be pulling for the Gators as well. Hey, I live in FL, I can cheer for them right? Especially when they knock Bama off their high-horse!! That's a HUGE part of the reason I can tolerate the obnoxious Gator fans. Obnoxious they may be, but they dominate the most obnoxious of them all and for that I can clap my arms together and say, GO GATORS!! Don't get me wrong, I will forever be loyal to my tigers...in fact stay tuned because we got a little creative at work this week and incorporated football frenzy into a program. There are some ridiculous pictures to follow!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

"I love me a ruffle..."

Its no secret that I had a MAJOR obsession with The Rachel Zoe Project. I could watch that crazy/awesome lady over and over again. And DON'T even get me started on how much I love her assistants Brad and Taylor. The second season ended several weeks ago, but Rachel and crew are still with me in spirit.

If you watch her show, you will remember that she is the queen of pocketing her own phrases that really stick (i.e. "I die", "BANANAS,"). And one that never left my memory was, "I LOVE me a sequin."

** SIDENOTE Ok, so for those of you out there that could care less about fashion or Rachel Zoe's silliness, you're just gonna need to come back tomorrow when I will find something a little more universally appealing.

Back to my "story." Tonight I was leaving work after a grueling week of not being good enough (Anyone else feel like this? No matter how hard you try, you will never get everything done, nor will you ever be the best/what is expected of you. I guess this is what drives me because for some unexplained reason, the harder it gets, the more I work to BE the best, to BE what is expected of me. I think MDA has my number.), and I decided to treat myself to something not necessary. WHOA HOLY LONGEST SENTENCE EVER!!!

So, I'm on the budget from down under and my options are pretty limited, unfortunately. Where do I find myself going? To Old Faithful...aka Old Navy. I know I know...not exactly the most fabulous place to shop, but if you can think outside the box, you can find some separates that can make an outfit that falls in the T.D.F. file.

Anyway, as I was walking around with my arms filled with all cream colored tops, I started to notice something. In addition to the fact that I've picked out probably 8 shirts ALL cream colored, I'm drawn to all things ruffled.

And then it hit me, in pure ZOE style...I love me a ruffle!!

So here's what I narrowed down that I liked the most...
Ok give me a break...I live in Florida, where it RARELY drops below 70 degrees. We dress in layers around here and by layers I mean tanks and cardigans. SO when I saw this cutie, I started to get excited. I see a cute jeans and gold accessories outfit in the works!!
And because I absolutely refuse to sacrifice cuteness for Saturday trips to Publix (**we've all seen the movies and you have to understand how the men are here...they LOVE to pick up a girl at the most inopportune time. Im serious, come visit me, you will be extremely surprised. And truthfully, there is really a Publix here that is affectionately known as "Club Publix" because you NEVER see anyone there that couldn't be headed out right afterwards.).





And the winner for most unflattering in pictures and on the hanger but TDF when worn is this guy. I promise you when I tell you this, I loved this top as soon as tried it on. So, for all you coworkers of mine, you're welcome...my collection of white/creme tops has a new friend!! Don't judge, seriously its precious.