August 2012 Mini Goals Roundup!

Once again we are saying goodbye to yet another month of this year! I mean seriously where is the time going?!?! Do you realize Christmas is less than 4 months away?! Oh dear me! I don't even want to think about that! Something I do like thinking about?! College football season has officially started!!!! Gooooo Hoooookkkkkiiiiieeeeeessssss! Okay Okay, enough of me cheering! I know y'all are dying to find out how I failed miserably at my goals this month! I am actually pretty proud of myself this month as I was able to accomplish a few things I've been trying to do for months!!

1. Write one handwritten note to someone once a week! Win Win Win! I finally accomplished this and hope to carry it out for months to come! I wrote a total of four notes and the fifth is going out today! I received the most heart warming and sweet messages from each person thanking me for making their day so bright! It seemed too, that they all received their notes at a point when they really needed some encouragement! It warmed my soul to know I made them feel better! It's the least I can do, to let others know how loved and appreciated they are.

2. Send wedding set off to be redipped and soldered together! Another win for the books! I dropped my beauties off almost 2 weeks ago! I hate the feeling of my naked finger and have been sporting my promise ring in its place! One thing is for sure, I can't wait to get my gems back! I don't like looking down at my hand and not seeing them!

3. Make it a priority to spend more time with ALL of our families! I'd say this is a sorta win! We spent a three day weekend in Emerald Isle with Todd's mom's family. My mom came over to take care of me when I had my wisdom teeth removed and she came over another afternoon/ evening! I even visited my sister one day at her work. We failed to see Todd's dad or my dad but I hope to change that soon! If you are from a divorced family you know how difficult it can be to split time amongst everyone and still have time for ourselves. This will always be something I strive for.

4. Attend at least two gym classes a week! This was a half win as well! My mom gave me a good point to not set the bar to high so that I could actually follow through with my goal! Instead of two classes a week I did one, and I stuck with it! I picked Zumba on Monday nights and have gone every Monday this month except for the first week of August, as I was still trying to figure out what classes to attend! I have really enjoyed Zumba! It is a killer work out and I leave the gym literally drenched! It's a great feeling and I hope it's something I continue to do for myself!

5. Call out of town friends more often to catch up! Failed. I called one friend who even came into town to visit. I really need to try harder at this! It's just too easy to not call with you have Facebook, Twitter, Texting and Email! Sometimes though, I need real voice interaction.

6. Enter more blog contests and Link Ups! I did one Link Up and entered 0 contests! FAIL! How am I supposed to get any cool stuff if I don't enter contests? Exactly.

7. Decide on paint color and flooring for kitchen! This has been put on the back burner since our roofing quotes came in WAY over the entire check the insurance company gave us for ALL the repairs. We did get the roof replaced, but the ceiling damage and the floor will be coming out of our pocket. It shouldn't cost us much to fix but it explains why we are putting the floor on hold. It's the least of our concerns since there is nothing wrong with it.

8. Continuously keep the house picked up and vacuumed! I've done a much better job at keeping things picked up. Baby Reef is now staying in the house uncrated {more on that later} and while he doesn't mess with things AT ALL I still don't leave things lying around unattended just in case he were to get bored while we are at work! I could stand to have vacuumed more but we don't have tumble weeds of yellow lab hair floating around, so for now, I'll just assume it's okay!

9.Save more money - $50.00 to $100.00 per pay check! HaHa this one just makes me laugh! It is definitely the hardest goal to accomplish!

10. Complete at least ONE house project! Would you consider the roof a house project?! If so than I win! If not, I failed. Your choice!

I feel really great this month about my accomplishments and I am excited to cross a few things off the list that don't need repeating! I know many of y'all have decided to make goals for yourselves! How did y'all do?!?! Can't wait to hear!

Hope y'all have a fantastic Friday and a safe and spectacular Labor Day Weekend! Can't believe summer will officially be over next Tuesday! Make sure to wear all the white you can before then! Yes, I follow the know white pants/white shoes/white blazers & jackets after Labor Day rule! Call me "Old Timer" if you will, I just can't do it. It just feels wrong!

XoXo,

Emily - Paging Dr. Grace - Guest Post

So very excited to introduce yall to Emily from Paging Dr. Grace! I first starting following Emily after reading a guest post she wrote about her honeymoon. What perked my interest was that she and her hubs went to Cabo! Well so did my hubby and I! The real kicker though... they stayed in the SAME ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT as we did! Too bad they were there three years before us!! Anywho, Please enjoy and be sure to leave her lots of love!!! 

Hello! I'm Emily, and I blog over at Paging Dr. Grace.

I'm a twenty-something girl who married the love of my life, TJ, a little over three years ago. TJ has put up with me throughout my four years of medical school, three years of family medicine residency, and we're now embarking on my one year of fellowship for sports medicine. I blog about our daily lives, my DIY endeavors, running, cooking and baking, and anything else I feel the need to share! Come visit me!

~~~~~

Today, I want to share with you my top moments of the summer. I actually had a little bit of a "summer vacation" since I was off work for a month between finishing residency and starting fellowship. Trust me when I say I took full advantage of it!

{#5}

I'm not sure if I should really count it as part of the summer, but graduating from my family medicine residency was pretty sweet. That day was a long time coming, and I'm one step closer to finally being a real doctor with a real job.

{#4}

The Olympics! My hubby and I had so much fun watching the Games every night. Most nights, I stayed up way too late, but there were a few evenings that sleep won over the Olympics. Thankfully, I have a super sweet husband who left me detailed notes in the morning!

notes to watch stuff on our dvr

his comments are priceless :)

{#3}

Pitbull concert in Chicago. TJ and I drove a few hours north on July 27th to enjoy some good music right on Lake Michigan. It was a beautiful night, a great concert, and we danced for hours!

{#2}

Weekend at Cedar Point! TJ and I love roller coasters, and we had a fabulous time riding crazy roller coasters all day long. If you love roller coasters and live anywhere near Sandusky, Ohio, you need to go!

0 to 120 in 4 seconds, then up 420 feet in the air! so much fun!

{#1}

And my favorite thing we did this summer...go to Europe! TJ, my parents, and my brother went to London, Paris, and Normandy for 10 days at the end of June/beginning of July. It was amazing, and I cannot wait to go back!

at the top of the Eiffel Tower

top of the Arc de Triomphe

visiting Pointe du Hoc {one of the US landing sites} in Normandy

English Channel

in front of Tower Bridge

~~~~~

Thanks, Lauran, for having me over today! Hope y'all will stop by and say hello!

xo, emily

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Well well lookie here at the middle of the week! Who's ready for a three day weekend?! This girl right here is most definitely looking forward to it!!! In honor of good ole Hump Day... here is what I am loving!

1. Getting our new roof! Who thought getting a new roof could excite someone so much?! Well lets face it, I'm married, a homeowner, a 27 year old, and a puppy momma, meaning... I am a full fledged adult! Things like new roofs, new appliances, and home updates REALLY excite me! Not to mention it has been raining it's booty off around here for the last couple of weeks and I'm relieved to know my new roof will keep us dry for years to come!

2. Having a Guest Blogger this week! Yep, that's right!!! Be sure to visit tomorrow to meet my lovely friend Emily! She is crazy intelligent {as you will learn}, beautiful, sweet, and still basking in a three year honeymoon glow! I have a feeling y'all will love her!

3. New reading material! I'm a little late on jumping on the Hunger Games train. I've passed up several opportunities to buy the first book in the last few weeks. I blame this on the fact that I seriously have a problem with spending money on myself {WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?}. Anywho, one of my manager's brought in all three Hunger Game books to me yesterday! I've already started book one and have a feeling I will be starting book two here shortly!

4. Mrs. Britt's {The Magnolia Pair} Birthday! Britt was one of the first bloggers I started following when I joined this fun creative world! She is a total doll, has killer fashion sense, and has a huge sweet soul! From what she writes, I've learned that her and I are more a like than I can believe! Who knew there was someone else out there who felt very much like I do! Anywho today is her BIRTHDAY! Birthday's are a pretty big deal in my opinion! It's a day just for you! So Happy Birthday Britt!!! Hope your day has been extra special and that your darling hubby treated you extra fabulously!!!

5. Last night's episode of White Collar! If you aren't a fan of the show or don't watch it for that matter... you should!!! Other than Matt Bomer being a serious scrumptious piece of eye candy the story lines are great! There is lots of drama, suspense and comedy! Last night's episode being one the funniest I have seen! I had to try not to laugh so loud for fear of waking my hubby, but I was literally rolling! I don't want to give anything away in case some fans haven't seen it yet but it was definitely a hoot!

The opening scene of one of the funniest scenes ever! 

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week so far!!! Not too much longer and that glorious three day weekend will be here!!! 

XoXo, 

What I Would Wear for the First of Fall!

Fall by lhharrell0611 featuring a brown shoulder bag

Alice by Temperley cardigan
net-a-porter.com

Nudie Jeans Co. dark jeans
$190 - vanmildert.com

Tory Burch buckle boots
toryburch.com

FOSSIL brown shoulder bag
$300 - johnlewis.com

Cross jewelry
avaadorn.com

Blue nile ring
bluenile.com

House of Harlow 1960 animal print sunglasses
theoutnet.com

I desperately need this whole ensemble in my closet for the Fall season!!! Anyone else this excited about Fall coming?!?! What items are you dying to buy for the season?!

XoXo,

L-Squared Weekend Recap!

Okay Okay... I'm thinking you want to know about the whole L-Squared thing, right?! Here goes. I met Lauren our freshmen year at George Mason and we became extremely close during our sophomore year! Well considering her name is Lauren and my name is Lauran, we called ourselves L-squared. Then we picked up another close friend name Katie and became L2K. Yes I know cheesy, but we liked it! We even made shirts that's how tight we were and how much we loved it! I am so ashamed to say I no longer have the shirt! Anywho, my Lauren love came to visit this weekend from NOVA and I could not have been happier to have her here! She even brought her sweet baby Paisley so Reef would have a pal to hang out with!

Paisley wanted to get away from Baby Reef and his overly large tongue so she became a lap dog! 

Lauren arrived late Friday evening but it didn't stop us from staying up late, having a glass of wine, and catching up while the pups got to know each other! We had plans to beach it on Saturday but the weather was not cooperating with us so we hung out all morning. Drinking coffee, grabbing bagels, and going on a hunt for zip ties, because Paisley knows how to get out of her crate! After lounging in our jammies we decided to get ourselves together grab some lunch and head to the mall since we both needed to pick up a few things! Later, that evening we and my darling hubby went to dinner. To one of our favorite spots mind you, but yet I was so embarrassed of it, that fine Saturday evening. Our server was slow. Our appetizer {which we ALWAYS order} was not cooked all the way through. Lauren's meal {which consisted of noodles} was complete mush. Todd's dinner was burnt! A meal that he or I order EVERYTIME we go there. They cooked another one and it still came back HORRIBLE! I even tried a bite and felt as though I was licking a piece of charcoal. The hubby gave up and I let him eat the rest of mine {which was actually pretty good}. Todd and I felt terrible that we had brought Lauren there. It was such an off night and I honestly don't know if we will be back! I was sadly disappointed. After dinner we headed home to let the pups out and Lauren and I wined it up and chatted about anything and everything till 1:30 in the morning!

Love her and miss her more than words can ever describe! 

The hubster! 

Sunday, the hubby and his cousin were planning on going surfing since we actually had some waves so Lauren and I went with them! The East Coast Surfing Championship was going on this weekend, so we weren't even giving the idea of going down to the jetty a thought, so we went to our normal spot! We are kind of lucky in the fact that Todd's grandmother owns a condo down at the oceanfront so we are able to park in her parking spots! It's crazy convenient and allows us easy access to the beach! Lauren and I sunbathed while the boys surfed, had the boys grab some lunch for us, and then headed home later that afternoon! I will say I tend to take advantage of the beach being that we live so close. Sunday was the first time I had been out to Virginia Beach at all this summer! I kind of prefer to drive an extra hour and go to Nags Head in North Carolina where it's not as touristy and crowded. But yes... first time this summer and here we are a week away from Labor Day!

I like lying down to take bathing suit photos... I look skinny! Dang gravity! 

Once we got home from the beach, Lauren packed her things and headed home! I miss her lots and enjoyed having her here and poor Baby Reef is so lonely without Paisley. He keeps looking for her in the guest bedroom. It's actually pretty precious! It really seems like the weekends fly by especially when you have visitors you haven't seen in forever! I am making it a point to go visit her in the next several months!

Hope y'all had great weekends as well!!! I'm looking forward to the holiday off this coming weekend! Any big plans for any of y'all?!?

XoXo,

I Never Told Y'all What I Gave Him!

I realized the other day {while day dreaming about my soon to be new set of wheels} that while I shared with you what the hubby gave me for our Anniversary {or should I say "is giving me"} I didn't tell y'all what I gave him!!! I kind of think it's a bit private, but the more I think about it and with how popular it is, it really isn't that private!

I really have your attention now don't I?! I wanted to give him something sentimental but yet "guy worthy" so I decided on... a... Boudoir book full of trashy yet classy photos of his wife... me! This was the ONLY gift I have ever kept a total surprise and secret from the hubs!

The day of the photo session, thank the good Lord above, he was going to a baseball game at a local University! He had asked me to go, but I told him I really wasn't feeling it! The week before, I had to secretly get his college baseball jersey from his mom's house without him knowing. Then about two days before the session, I had to hide ALL the lingerie and hooker heels in my car before he got home. Not to mention I had to pay for it with my separate credit card so he wouldn't notice any "missing money".  Lots and lots of sneaking around but the end result was well worth it!

The book! 

He literally had NO idea what his gift was. I wouldn't give him many hints and he couldn't figure it out! I decided to give it to him the evening before we left for our Annimoon trip to Charleston! I couldn't wait and I knew he was itching to see what was in the gift bag that I brought into the house! I also knew he wouldn't be able to ride in a car for 6 hours with it all wrapped up OR see it in the hotel room for two days before he could open it. I figured I'd put him out of his misery and suspense! His reaction made my heart jump for joy! He was completely floored, shocked, surprised, speechless in total awe! It's hard to "impress" or "shock"  him sometimes, so to see his mouth hit the floor and his eyes widen as far as they possibly could was confirmation enough that I gave him the most perfect gift!

I took photos of the book with my own camera and cropped them appropriately as to not show the whole blogging world what is really meant for my hubby! There were LOADS of more photos but I'm a lady in the streets, so we will keep this post classy! All original photos were taken by Rebecca Keeling Studios. 

Probably one of my favorites! 

Rocking his Hampden Sydney College Baseball Jersey! 

Photography: Rebecca Keeling Studios
Hair and Makeup: Kristal Lane Beauty

I seriously suggest doing this for your hubby if you haven't already!!! A lot of photographers will include it with your wedding package! Definitely look into it! You can keep the session as classy or trashy as you want, just make sure you are comfortable with the photographer you choose! Rebecca was awesome and made me feel very much at ease! I'm quite modest so even some of the "risque" photos made me feel uneasy but Rebecca made me feel so comfortable and the photos turned out perfect! It's definitely an outside of the box type gift, one your significant other will love, and one that will actually make you feel pretty darn good about yourself too!

Wishing ALL of you a fabulous weekend!!! Can't wait to see y'all Monday!!!!

XoXo,

So Surprised I Cried... Go Figure!

I've been waiting and hoping all week that one of my best friend's Tatiana, over at Lipstick and Sippy Cups would post about her "We Set a Date"/Engagement party from this weekend! Mainly because I needed to steal a group photo from her and because I wanted her to talk about it before I did!! Anywho, now that she posted, I can blab away! {Be sure to head over and check out her post! She had the cutest spread and layout and the food was amazing!!!}

So I've known for about two months about the party, as Tat had asked if we had plans that particular day/evening. At that point, I'm pretty sure it was May, so I said NO! Then, dummy me, forgot to write it down and scheduled my wisdom teeth removal two months later for the day before their party! I told her it didn't matter if I had the chubbiest cheeks on the planet and was drooling all over the place - WE WOULD BE THERE! 

Well Saturday rolls around and surprisingly my teeth aren't hurting... BUT I have a mind splitting migraine! I tried everything to get rid of it and after getting sick from the intensity of the pain an hour before we had to leave, I made the decision to send the husband without me. I then laid down with an ice cold compress to my head and neck and dozed off, thankfully to wake up an hour later headache free! I got myself together as quickly as I could and we headed out the door... late... but we were both going! Wooohooo!

Once we got there we were greeted with lots of hugs and hellos! And then Tatiana immediately gave my a pretty little gold bag with hot pink leopard printed tissue paper. I was a bit perplexed as this was not a party for me, but for her! She stood there as I opened it with a huge grin on her face. I'm pretty sure she thought I wasn't opening it fast enough! As I pulled the card out of the envelope, I was greeted with the phrase, "I can't say "I do" without you..." which sent me into immediate tears as I knew what this meant! My dear friend asked me to stand by her side on one of the most important days of her life and be a bridesmaid!! Of course I said yes!!! She also gave the bridesmaids Champagne flutes monogrammed with our initial and tank tops that say Bridesmaid on them!

The Card, The Bag, The Flute! 

The Tank top! SN: She painted the top and the champagne flute herself! 

 You may be wondering why I started to cry, well here goes. Tat and I haven't known each other for years like many close friends. We've actually probably known each other maybe a year and a half, but in that year and a half our friendship has grown into something I can't even fully explain! We both completely get each other. We are very much on the same level with our views, expectations, goals, ideas, etc. It's pretty awesome to meet someone who, other than myself, still sends out snail mail! Tat is pretty flippin' awesome and I am beyond blessed to call her one of my closest, best, loyal, dearest, and genuine friends! I can't wait for all the planning, and parties, and crafts, and dress hunting's and planning and planning and planning we will all be assisting her with in the next year! For her to ask me to be a bridesmaid was beyond flattering and touching to me. Words can't even begin to explain how grateful I am for her and her friendship.

The Maids with the Bride
Ashley-Rocky-Tatiana-Me-Tasha

Annnd just in case you were wondering we didn't arrive to the party empty handed. Remember how I mentioned that I was working on a large craft last week? Well yea... it was for Tatiana and Kevin! Many of y'all don't know this but I paint on glass! I've created lots of wine glasses and serving platters and I usually give them as Engagement gifts, Bachelorette Party Favors, Showers, and sometimes Wedding gifts. I've even sold a few too! We also threw in a bottle of Jack Daniels and Three Olives Vodka since it was a Stock the Bar party. And I can't forget, since Tat is a huge new lover of Tervis Tumblers, their very own pair of Bride and Groom cups! 

Monogrammed Platter with New Last Name Initial and Year of Their Wedding! 

Best Cups on the planet!!! If you don't know, now you know!

I know I won't be writing too much about Tat's wedding planning process as I want that to remain private for her! But I have no doubt I share what I feel is appropriate!! Have a Terrific Thursday!!! Almost to Friday - y'all can do it!!!

XoXo,

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Happy Hump Day beauties!!! I hope everyone has had a wonderful week so far!! I can't complain! I've had loads of energy and have felt quite productive this week!! Not to mention I have so much to love and appreciate! That always makes for a great week right?! Here's what I'm loving this week!

1. Going to see The Odd Life of Timothy Green with my momma and our family friend Nancy! Since seeing previews for this movie, I knew I REALLY wanted to see it, however, I also knew it would be hard to drag the hubby to the theater to watch it. Luckily, a local theater has $5.00 Tuesday Night Movies for the summer! Mom, myself, and my late grandfather's girlfriend Nancy, met last night to see it! Warning: You will cry! And if you are a hormonal mess as I am, you will cry from start to finish! It was an inspirational movie and you will leave the theater wanting to live better and be better. It also made me appreciate my quirks and accept them despite what the world and other people say about them! It was a feel good movie and I left feeling like the world could definitely be a better place, or I could at least try my hardest to make it a better place! I also really enjoyed spending time with my mom and Nancy!

2.  Out-the-Door top coat! I found this awesome top coat on another blog MONTHS ago and now I am mad at myself because I can't remember whose blog I found it on! I really wanted to give them credit! It is by far the best top coat EVER and I have even turned some ladies on at work to it! I painted my toes 3 weeks ago and they have YET to chip... with a beach visit in the sand and shoes that typically scratch off the paint. It also makes my manicures last much longer... about 5 days as opposed to a day or two! You can find it at Sally's for around $6.00! Go out now and get some and you're very welcome in advance!!

3. My Best Friend coming to visit! I met Lauren when I attended George Mason some 9 years ago and have been friends ever since! We don't see each other nearly enough and phone conversations are few and far, but when we talk it's like we talk everyday! Well, I am estatic to say, that she is coming into town this weekend for a much needed visit!!! Can't wait for a wine night and lots of catching up!!! Love to my L-squared!

4. Making it to Zumba three nights this month! This is pretty awesome right?! I've been extremely proud of myself for going the last three Monday nights! I've been able to keep up during the hour class, however, looking like I have it together? Not so much! Haha I never realized how uncordinated I really am until taking this class! It is so much fun though and I feel so great after I am finished! It's a stellar feeling leaving feeling refreshed and worn out all at the same time!

5. This quote that I saw on Philosophy's Facebook page! No explanation needed!

What are all of you loving this week?!

XoXo,