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!!

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.