sunday social

1.  What is your shopping weakness?
Here lately, I have been all about coral-colored jeans and cute sundresses.  I cannot wait to get a paycheck again so I can get my hands on some of these pretties.

2.  What is your food weakness?
Chocolate and carbs.  There's no use in trying to say otherwise.

3.  What is your go to movie to watch when nothing is on?
Sex and the City.  It never gets old to me!

4.  What is your go to breakfast food?
If I could eat it every day and not get as big as a house, it would be either McD's chicken biscuit or Chocolate Chip Pop-Tars.  In real life, I usually have some dry Honey Nut Cheerios.

5.  Do you drink coffee? If so how do you take it?
I do not drink coffee on a regular basis.  Occasionally, I'll stop at Starbucks and my go-to is a tall Light Mocha Frappe.  A much-healthier version of the McD's Mocha Frappe.

go link up!

"big girl" wish list

In a few weeks, I will be a college graduate and will officially be joining the work force for a big girl job.  With that job comes big girl responsibility... and a big girl paycheck.  To keep myself motivated, I have already begun to make a list of some of the first purchases I want to make.

 

1.  Victoria's Secret.  A trip for brand-new essentials... panties, bras, and yoga pants.

 

2.  Everything teacher-related.  Items for my classroom... and, especially, a new professional wardrobe.  New dress pants and a good pair of jeans are at the top of my list.

3.  An iPad.  I have tried to resist the temptation but after seeing my cooperating teacher with one, I have decided that it would be a good investment.  From meetings to educational apps for the kids, it would be helpful in so many ways in my career.

4.  New washcloths and a digital crock-pot.  After months of living together as a married couple now, it is evident that I need to invest in a few things we constantly use.  Since Nathan works in grease everyday, our white washcloths have quickly turned dingy - even with the use of Bleach.

I have also realized how much I love my crock-pot and there are times where I could certainly use another.  When I purchase another, it will be digital so I can set a timer for it to turn off.  Can you say convenience?!

5.  Most importantly, we will be paying off the remaining balance on my car (so close!) and begin saving for more land and to build our dream home.  We plan to save for several years so we can have a hefty down payment which results in smaller monthly payments.

What else should be on my list?!?

hodge podge

just some fabulous randoms for your Thursday...

I am officially OVER the heat and humidity of KY summers.  Praise Jesus that we are getting some fall-like weather this weekend.  I would be one happy girl if it chooses to stick around :)

I stumbled across a new store that I'm absolutely fascinated with -- The Strawberry Patch.  They are northeast of Nashville and I will be making a visit to them soon.  For all you fellow "junk" lovers, do yourself a favor and check it out!

I am hopeful that I made my last visit to Hobby Lobby for wedding related items.  We became quite close over the summer and I'm ready for our relationship to turn towards home decor rather than wedding items.  Fingers crossed!

I think the entire world, including myself, fell in love with Kellie Pickler over the past 24 hours.  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, read the article HERE.  What a courageous thing to do for a friend!

Have a great weekend, ladies :)

USB, fro-yo, Target, and more sign

It's little Friday, y'all!  Lord knows I'm ready for the weekend.

Got a funny story... well now it's funny.  My USB flashdrive gave out yesterday.  I mean literally gave out as I pulled it out of the computer.  See proof below.

Yup, broken completely in half.  Needless to say it doesn't work anymore.  This isn't the first time I've had bad luck with these.  During the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college, my USB got a virus on it and crashed.  I didn't even know that was possible.  I lost everything.  Everything!  I never saved anything to a different place and never backed it up.  Major loss.  I have learned from my mistakes and now save everything in my flash drive on two different computers.  It's been a pain to download everything onto my new USB, but at least I still have it all.  Does anyone else have problems like this with their USB?!

On to more exciting things, yes?!  I have a fro-yo date with one of my best friends, Nicole, this afternoon.  I haven't treated myself much to this snack this summer and am totally looking forward to it!

I'm craving a Target run for two very important things: a kiddie pool and a new planner.  One may be more important than the other but who really cares?!  I have plans to chill in my kiddie pool the next few weekends and I ain't ashamed.

My current planner runs out at the end of the month so it's time for a new one.  Can't wait to write down all the wedding festivities once I get it :)  I've always been loyal to the BLUE SKY planners at Target.  They come in several sizes and cute prints... and they're all under $15.

My weekend will be pretty low-key again with some more wedding DIY projects.  I'll be painting signs with the following sayings.

Nathan will be working 7 days this week so hopefully we can sneak in just a bit of QT.  I have my heart set on grilling out some hot dogs for lunch one day!  Perfect for summer :)

Stay cool, ladies, and have a great day!

happenings & thoughts

Happy Thursday, y'all!  TGIF for me.  Not that I'm trying to rub that in your face or anything ;)

I've been meaning to tell you guys about the adventure that one of my best friends, and bridesmaids, has taken this month.  As part of a summer project with a christian organization here at WKU, she is spending nearly the entire month in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Have you all ever seen pictures of it before?!  Absolutely freaking gorgeous.  This is the view right outside her cabin.

After a horseback ride this week... I mean that scenery is unreal.

Oh yeah, it snowed there over the weekend. 

Nathan and I have decided that we must travel West sometime before we have kids.  I can only imagine that it's even more beautiful in person!

I've had a strong urge lately to go to Opry Mills Mall in Nashville. It was closed for quite some time due to flood damage and recently re-opened.  My friends and I are trying to plan a date that we can all go visit and go broke.  Sounds fun, right?! :)

I've also had a weird craving to watch all those shows that were popular when I was young.  Keep in mind that I watch "Boy Meets World" every single morning while I'm getting ready.  That show was seriously one of my faves as a youngster.  Then yesterday while I was eating lunch, I YouTube'd episodes of "Lizzie McGuire."  There's just something about nostalgia that makes you feel good :)  What are some of your favorite kid shows?

Speaking of kids, I had to post this for all my fellow teacher (current and future) bloggers out there.  I am loving my summer but I do miss the interactions with students.  I saw this on Pinterest and was rolling in the floor... you never know what kids are gonna say.  That's one of the best parts of the job!

Nate and I have a busy weekend coming up.  He'll be working 7 days again this week, but we're going to have some fun at our family cook-outs for Father's Day.  I also have several wedding projects that I must get started on... updates on Monday, I promise!

Have a great day, friends :)

birthday, golden pic, & current obsessions

It's a special day for me and Nate.  Our first fur child, Baylie, is 2 today!  She may be attached at the hip to Nathan, but I still love her!  It's been quite a year for her.  She moved to the farm with Nathan and we gave her a new friend.  And even though Boone is bigger than her, she still runs the show!  She is such a loyal and obedient dog.  We love her to pieces and can't imagine our lives without her!  By the way, I'm going to have to get some current pics of them.  Y'all wouldn't believe how big Boone has gotten... it's unreal.

On another note, Mom and I have been sifting through old pictures lately of little sis.  She graduates Friday and we're trying to put together a slideshow for her.  Of course, with old pictures comes great memories and funny outfits.  I think this one is near the top of the list for being embarassing... no matter how precious it may be :)

Summer hours at work = more money.  Most of that will be put towards wedding funds and car payments, but I've got a few things on my list to splurge on.  First of all, some good bathing suits.  In the past, I've been known to buy the cheapest ones a girl can find.  Although it may be good for my checkbook, they do nothing to make me feel good.  This year I decided to fork out the extra $10-$15 and buy some suits that will last and help me feel more comfortable.  Victoria's Secret, here I come!  I'll take this top...

This top...

And these bottoms... thank you Jesus for extra coverage ;)

I've also been searching for some new shoes that are affordable.  Gojane.com is the best for that, y'all!  I found these TOMS knock-offs for under $15...

And these black wedges for just over $20.  These will perfect for many of the wedding festivities that will be happening over the summer!

What are you currently obsessing over?!  Have a fabulous Tuesday!



Random Tidbits

This could've possibly been the most random weekend of my life... and I actually remembered to take pictures.  Brace yourself, people.

• I visited my sweet little cousins Thursday afternoon.  They had just returned from camping and I was ready to give the birthday girl her presents!  Miss Gracyn wanted to tell y'all "hi!" She's growing so quickly... learning to crawl and becoming so content with herself these days. You can't tell in the picture, but she is a redhead. As her mommy says, "She's either sweet as pie or she lets that red-headed temper fly." We love her anyway though ;)

Lily with one of her birthday presents... but it wasn't from me - ha!  I got her a new bathing suit, a sweet ruffled white skirt, and a navy blue tank to go perfectly with it.  I'm hoping she'll get lots of use out of them this summer when they head to the beach.  I can't believe this child is 4 now!

• Thursday was pretty bittersweet... it was my last day of Block 1.  We met at a local restaurant, Mariah's, that morning to give our culmintaing task presentations then we enjoyed lunch together.  I love all 21 of these girls and I'm so sad to see the semester end - regardless of the fact that I'm not going to miss time-consuming projects.  You really become close knit when you spend so much time together!  Amazing classmates are yet another reason why I love my major :)

• Nathan and I got our first car payment for the Camry over the weekend.  Yes, I know I won't be so excited for them as time goes by, but it was yet another sign of growing up.  And, for now, that makes me happy.  Thanks to my tax refund, I sent it off today!
• On a better and free note, I got all $140 worth of my Pampered Chef goodies yesterday.  I can't wait to get them all to Nate's place, organize them in the cabinets, and use them!  I'll be sure to take a picture of all the goodies once they are out of the box ;)

• Since I've done really well at keeping up my running routine, I decided to buy myself a new pair of running shorts.  Lucky for me, I found an orange and grey pair for only $9.99 at TJ Maxx on Thursday.  Love them!  By the way, I apologize for the wrinkles in my white shirt.  I was just about to head out the door for our local Relay for Life and didn't have time to get rid of them.  Such is life!

• As of about an hour ago, I am DONE with this semester.  It's so crazy to think that in only a year, I'll be graduating college and hitting the job market/real world.  Oh yeah, and I'll be a wife ;)
• Last, but certainly not least, Sonic milkshakes are half off after 8 pm ALL summer.  I already took advantage of it, y'all :)  It may be best that I live in the middle of nowhere and over 10 miles from the nearest Sonic.



Y'all have a fabulous day!

Wednesday Lovin'

HALFWAY TO THE WEEKEND!  Here's what I'm loving today...

I'm loving this whole celebrity doppleganger mess.  I couldn't help but join in.  So here is who I was matched up with as my celebrity look-a-like:

Brittany Snow.  I've never been told that before but I can sort of see it in pictures.  I'm flattered nonetheless... she's a doll!

Lauren Alaina.  I do get told this a lot!  I think it's the blue eyes, nose, and face shape.  What do y'all think?

I'm loving a good deal!  I've been drooling over these jeans since the Fall.  Yup, you read that right.  God finally smiled on me.  They are originally priced at $125.  There is no way on this planet that I'm going to pay that much for jeans.  I waited for them to go on sale and they did for $59.99.  I still wasn't a fan so I waited around until they had a good sale on clearance AND I had a promo code.  Well, friends, that day was today.  I got these bad boys for $44, including shipping!  I've heard so many great things about them and the way they flatter us girls who are pear-shaped.  I hope they live up to my expectations!

I'm loving having two little girls to spoil.  I've been birthday shopping today for Miss Lily.  I told Nathan that we were in trouble if I ever had a little girl.  I had $70 worth of clothes in my shopping cart before I knew it.  I did finally make my final purchases for much less than that, though... with another coupon code ;)  But, seriously, aren't baby clothes the cutest?!?  I love my cousins!

I'm loving Betty White's new show!  I wan't sure if it would be silly or downright funny.  Last week was the first episode and I was really pleased.  It comes on again tonight on CBS.  Have y'all tuned in yet?  I just love Betty!

I'm loving Skinny Cow's ice cream cups.  150 calories of pure goodness.  For a girl who loves ice cream, this will be a life saver during summer.  Cookies-n-Cream is my fave!

I'm loving this beautiful weather we're having in the Bluegrass state today.  It's gorgeous and just perfect to ride around with the windows down :)

As always, I'm loving my fiance!  He tagged out on Monday with his second turkey of the season.  He killed it with a bow... a first for him.  He literally couldn't breathe when he called me, y'all.  So stinking happy for him!

Hope you are having a fabulous day!

i hit it big!

First things first. I have an exciting Saturday coming up! Another cool thing about Mary Kay is that you get to attend all these exciting trainings. I will have an all-day training on Saturday with a professional make-up artist from New York, Lori Hogg. Y'all, I am too excited! I had never heard of her before, but when I googled her I found out she is quite famous. I can't wait to learn all sorts of new exciting tips to make y'all (and me) even more beautiful :) Lori is seen below in this picture with her brother. He attends all the events with her to be the "organizer."


I enjoyed some retail therapy yesterday afternoon. I hit up quite a few stores in the mall because I desperately needed some Fall dresses. Thankfully, I didn't walk away empty-handed! I got this dress below at Old Navy for only $0.97 :) I had a gift card there from my birthday that I hadn't used yet.


I have some black leggings and a black leather bomber jacket that would look great with this. Brown would also be acceptable in my opinion. I love this dress! I saw it on the hanger and didn't think I would be crazy about it but once I tried it on, it was a winner. It's satin, moves so easily, and it has pockets! This will be great for the holidays.

I also hit up JC Penney. They seem to be my tried-and-true place for dresses. I always find one there for under $30. HERE is the one I got yesterday. It's extremely comfy! I tried on several other sweater dresses but this is the only one that had a good fit. It was on sale for $24.99!

I also decided that I needed a cardigan with some Fall color. I have neutral ones right now (black, white, tan, navy) and one that is teal. I scored this mustard colored one at Forever 21 for under $15.


I think this will be perfect with the sweater dress above and with tons of other cute Fall clothes. I swear by cardigans. They are one of the best fashion inventions ever!

Of course, I can never pass up the accessories section of F21. It's just so cheap and cute! I scored something similar to this beauty for under $5.


Yea, what won't go with this?

I also grabbed some cutesy things for sweet Gracyn and some books for Lily. She absolutely loves being read to! I won't post pictures of any of them so they are a surprise to Mommy. Even though, I'm pretty sure her hands are full and she won't have time to check my blog ;)

I finally got to meet the sweet girl and I was so caught up in holding her that I didn't even bother to grab my camera. I mean the smell and warmth of a newborn is like no other. I promise to have pictures soon :) Lily was being such a sweetie. She referred to Gracyn as "my baby" and was proudly sporting her "big sister" bow and t-shirt. I can't wait to have a picture of the two of them. Blessings all around!

It's a cold, rainy day today. I can promise that when I graduate next year I won't miss walking up the hill in the rain. Not at all.

Hope you all are having a great Thursday :)