My Niece Is Now An Independent Little Woman!

And on a side note before we get the weekend started....

Look who finally decided to start walking on their own!

Olivia is now totally independent, just in time for Sister and Sam's beach week with Sam's family. She will be all over the place!

(sorry for the poor picture quality)

 and I couldn't resist posting this cute little butt.  One day she will be so mad at me for this but she doesn't have the slightest understanding of how precious she is.  Sister was trying to change her diaper and when she went to grab a new one, Olivia was up and out.  Cartoons were on TV; there was no stopping her!

Need to Be "Knee deep in the water somewhere...."

Oh. My. Goodness.  It has been one of those weeks. 

My hunny hunny turned 27 on Wednesday and we had some of the bestest birthday activities!  I wanted to try something new this year for his birthday so I did a little theme, "7 Days Of Birthday Surprises", since he is turning 27. 

Get it? 

"7 Days of Birthday Surprises" started last Thursday and (obviously) ran until this past Wednesday.  It was so much fun and something I think I might have to adopt as tradition for "Charleston's" birthday!  Details of "7 Days Of Birthday Surprises" to come in a later post along with pictures! 

Wednesday night I also surprised "Charleston" at 300 East with a birthday dinner that included 10 of his closest friends, mom, dad and both sisters.  He was absolutely caught of guard and it was perfect!  I love being sneaky!

And today we are headed to the beach for the holiday weekend with just the two of us!  Whoo hoo! My toes in the sand and a little relaxation!  Can't wait!

Happy Friday Friends!

My Worst Enemy

I got "Charleston" addicted to couponing and when he can snag something for FREE he will go after it no matter what it is!  Therefore, these ended up in my kitchen....thanks to couponing. 

....and there is a reason that we NEVER keep chips in the house.  I WILL EAT THEM.  I have zero control when it comes to something salty and crunchy.  I have always stayed true to my favorite chip being the awesome cheese Doritos...until yesterday.  Kosher Dill Krunchers are out-of-this-world-over-the-top-never-could-ever-describe-it the best chips in the world.  I have just found something that will totally counteract my hard burned hours in the gym.  Ugh, life isn't fair.  Can't the word calorie just disappear in everyday vocabulary?

Disgusted With The Dry Cleaners

It was Saturday afternoon and I was ready to head to Anna and Eric’s wedding.  I had my hair done, make up on, bra and undies, check.  Purse was packed and shoes were by the door.  All I had to do was put my dress on.  Being the organized chic that I am, I prepared ahead of time a schedule for what dress I would wear to each of the 8 weddings I had this summer.  I was determined not to buy a new dress and stick to the plan.  Therefore, this dress is what was scheduled for this day:

I was a greeter at Anna’s 5:00pm nuptials so I thought this dress to be very appropriate and sophisticated.   I had only worn it once to the ADPI function I posted about early in the year.  I loved this dress and was prepared to party the night away in it.

It was 10 minutes before we needed to head out the door.  I went upstairs removed the plastic and took the dress off the hanger.  I unzipped it and this monster appeared on the inside:

Yesterday, I tried my hardest to control every emotion in my body as I marched my way into the cleaners but, as soon as my foot crossed the threshold of the door frame, the poor girl (who barely spoke English) didn’t stand a chance. It was on. Immediately she said “der is noting I can do. I have to sent it back to Heather” Who the hell is Heather I think “heather is de only one dat can do anty ting” she kept telling me. I finally figured that Heather is the owner. She told me that the only thing she can do is send it to Heather and Heather would take a look and give me a call. She also tried to tell me that dry cleaning wouldn’t do that to a garment, that she didn’t know how that could happen because all they do is dry clean it. Ok, ok, ok, blah, blah, blah..just fix my freakin dress.

I don’t care if it happened in dry cleaning; if someone zipped it up to hard while trying to put it on a hanger; or if the girl in the stock room wore it out to a party on the Friday night that I dropped it off. I don’t care exactly what happened to it but all I know is that I left my expensive dress in their possession in excellent condition and it comes back to me ruined.

Now I wait for Heather, the owner, to call. Stay tuned.



Yes, that’s a HUGE rip in the fabric!  Not a seam, not several threads missing, but a HUGE RIP all the way down the inside back of the dress. To put it gently, I lost it.  I dropped this dress off at the sh*tty Cleaners on Kenilworth Ave several weeks ago to get it cleaned and in mint condition and this is what I get in return.  You have to be kidding me!

The Future Mr. and Mrs. Blankett

It was the summer of 2007 and I was moving to Charlotte…homeless and roommate-less. I had a landed a job but had not given two thoughts to my living situation. I was focused on having the summer off and absorbing every minute of it.

Jenna Luck, knowing my situation, approached me one day and said that if I needed a place to live in Charlotte, I could join her and some other girl named Anna who were both moving there as well. They would just “upgrade” the apartment they had found to a three bedroom. What did I have to lose?
Several weeks later we were in Charlotte signing our lease and I met “this-girl-named” Anna. She seemed a little shy at first but very bubbly. She looked well put together and was very well spoken. First impression, she seemed like excellent roommate material. Four years later, she was more than excellent roommate material. She was the longest Roomie I ever had! A stranger turned best bud by sharing a 1500 square foot apartment.

Jenna, Anna and I moved into that 3 bedroom at Eastover Ridge Apartments. While living there, Anna became increasingly interested in a tall, dark headed fellow that lived right below us. Little did she know that about three years later, that tall dark headed fellow would put a ring on her finger and ask her to be his forever!

That fellow is Eric and he is an amazing gentleman. Eric is sweet, friendly, charming and honestly, everyone’s friend. Anna definitely found a catch and Eric found someone that will truly love him forever. Their chemistry is infectious and they are each other’s best friends. Their love has been something remarkable to watch grow over the past couple years and I feel honored to have been able to witness their relationship evolve and tomorrow, take their vows to be husband and wife!

Congratulations Anna and Eric. I am so excited for each of you and this new experience that both of you are about to journey on together as your own family as husband and wife. You were created for each other.

Anna Williams and Eric Blancett

(aka – Banana and Blanket)

June 25, 2011

 All Saints Episcopal Church



Withdrawls from My Niece

I know its only been 2 weeks since I have seen the sweet little face of my niece but....I miss her.  And actually, I will be honest...I am slightly jealous right now :) 

My sister teaches 4th grade at Rural Hall Elementary and her school year just ended.  She now gets to be at home everyday for the summer with Olivia.  That's the part I am jealous about! 

 I know how hard it was for Blair to go back to teaching after having Olivia so I am so excited for her that she gets to spend this summer playing mommy all day long. Sister will be able to take Livi to the pool, the park, shopping and all the fun things mothers and daughters love to do together! How could you not resist wanting to play with this little fishy everyday at the pool:

 Or waking up to this face every morning instead of going to work!  Sister sent me this picture yesterday and she said this was how she found Livi in her crib.  Just hanging out!

Abundance of Vegetables

“Anyway, like I was sayin', veggies [shrimp] is the fruit of the land [sea]. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it. Dey's uh, veggie [shrimp]-kabobs, veggie [shrimp] Creole, and veggie [shrimp] gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple veggies[shrimp], lemon veggie[shrimp], coconut veggies[shrimp], pepper veggies[shrimp], veggie[shrimp] soup, veggie[shrimp] stew, veggie[shrimp] salad, veggie[shrimp] and potatoes, veggie[shrimp] burger, veggie[shrimp] sandwich. That- that's about it.”

That has been the quote around my house for the past several weeks. “Charleston” and I have gotten addicted to the farmers market. We stop by several times a week as if it were the Harris Teeter. The produce at the market is ten times cheaper and it’s fresh; you can absolutely tell the difference! This week we have substituted side salads in place of chips/crackers with our sandwiches for lunch. We have done veggie kabobs, bottomless salads, sautéed veggies on turkey burgers, grilled veggies, roasted veggies and I added veggies in my spaghetti sauce for an added kick!

I got to a minor road block yesterday when trying to come up with other ideas to incorporate veggies until I found the following on the Internet. These recipes will definitely grace my table in the next week!

Tomato Pie

(Recipe adapted from Christ Church Cooks)

Ingredients:
1 double 9-inch pie crust (homemade or Pillsbury)
4-5 tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (feel free to add more if you’re a basil lover)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
1-2 large garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Mix together cheeses, mayonnaise, garlic and salt and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
Line a 9-inch pie pan with one pie crust, trimming sides if necessary. Layer half of the sliced tomatoes in the bottom of the crust. Sprinkle with fresh basil. Spread (or dollop) half of the cheese mixture over tomatoes and basil.
Repeat another layer of tomato, basil and cheese. Place second crust over the top of the pie and prick with a fork.
Bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Check on crust after 20-30 minutes and cover edges of crust with foil if they are getting too brown


Chicken Satay with Grilled Vegetable Couscous
 

Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 orange, zested, reserve remainder for Grilled Fruit Skewer recipe
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 8 thighs
• 12 (10-inch) skewers
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce, or to taste
• Canola oil, for brushing
• 1 (10-ounce) package couscous
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 medium zucchini
• 1 medium red onion

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, orange zest, and salt and pepper, to taste. Pour half of the marinade into a large resealable bag. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the remaining half of the marinade for the Online Round 2 recipe Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wraps. Reserve the rest of the marinade, for the dipping sauce, in a small bowl. Cut each chicken thigh into 6 strips and add to the bag with the marinade. Put the bag into a bowl, in case of leakage, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Meanwhile, if you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
Dipping sauce, whisk the peanut butter and hot sauce into the reserved dipping sauce marinade. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Thread 4 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Put them onto an oiled grill and cook until slightly charred and cooked through. Reserve 4 skewers for the Online Round 2 recipe Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wraps.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Make the couscous according to package directions and set aside.
Cut the pepper into quarters and remove the core and the seeds. Slice the zucchini and onion into 1/4-inch thick slices. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill the vegetables until they are slightly charred and have softened a bit, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove them from the grill and cut them into small pieces. Gently stir the chopped vegetables into the couscous, cover, and keep warm. Reserve 1 cup for the Online Round 2 recipe Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wraps.
Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and serve with the dipping sauce and the couscous.


Crispy Squash & Zucchini Chips 

You Will Need:

• 1 large squash
• 1 large zucchini
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

Step 1: Slice up your veggies into thin discs.
Step 2: Coat veggies thoroughly in egg whites
Step 3: Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a medium sized bowl. Place your veggies in this mixture and coat both sides thoroughly
Step 4: Bake at 450 for 10 minutes.
Step 5: After 10 minutes, remove from over and sprinkle veggies with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10 more minutes.
Step 6: Enjoy! Even if you aren’t normally a fan of squash or zucchini, I think you will like these crispy chips



Etsy Store of Aldari

When I first moved into my apartment EVERYTHING was stark white.

I felt like someone had dressed me in all white and stuck me in a padded room as if I had moved into a mental hospital.  It was terrible.

Therefore, after zero debate and a quick trip to Lowes, my kitchen adopted a new color scheme just like this living room:

I bought some picture ledges from West Elm to go on the main wall with some of West Elm's gallery frames:

But....that's where the creativity ended.  For the life of me I could not find art I LOVED to go into the frames.  I swear I have looked everywhere!

But today...today is my day...I ran across several prints I can't resist that I think are really going to give me that pop of color I have been holding off for!

Thank you to the Etsy store of Aldari

This one is in my shopping bag:

 as well as this one:

and this one:

I can't wait to see how they complete the room!

"A Story Of Great Love, Great Loss"

Back in December I ran across the blog of Tommy Tomlinson who works for the Charlotte Observer.  He had posted about two people, who met on eHarmony and fell in love.  The story just stuck with me. 
Check out the article here:
Love Lands.....and Moves Quickly

I remember reading it and thinking to myself:  "Good grief, that's a very fast moving relationship.  (and i hate to admit it but..) they will probably just be one more statistic - they don't even know each other. But then again, I am one to believe in sites like eHarmony and do have several friends married from them so...more power to these two people. yay!"

At the end of Tommy's post he states "They're finally together and they mean it forever. That's the plan."

This morning I opened the Charlotte Observer online only to discover the headline "A Story of Great Love, Great Loss" with a picture of the couple that I remember from the article in December.  I have no connection to these people, never met them, never will, but instantly my heart sank.  Because Kristopher was in the military I instantly thought he was killed serving our country.  I was wrong. 

It was Nina.  Read the article. 

I am a softy for love and whole heatedly value relationships and hang onto them tight. I can't imagine.

Tommy Tomlinson (stated in his second article reflecting on his original post):
"I know what you're thinking. I thought it, too. They've barely spent any time together, and now they're running off and getting married... But you know what? Nothing is sure in this world. If you're going to be bold for anything, be bold for love."

That's right.  Nothing is sure in this world.  If you're going to be bold for anything, be bold for love.

How ironic was it for Tommy to say at the end of his first article "That's the plan."  Back in December that was their plan.  How quickly things can change.

Ultimately we really can't plan for anything.  Who knows what tomorrow brings.  We have to be bold.  Be bold for love.  Why wait.

New Shoes = New Tunes

Months ago I bought the Groupon to the Charlotte Running Company for $50 off a pair of shoes.

I went last week and used it!

I was in DESPERATE need for a new pair of running shoes and was actually very embarrassed to go into the Running Company with what I had on my feet! The guy at the store told me that my old shoes needed to be my new yard shoes (sure, if I had to do my own yard maintenance! Ha) and that I should never ever ever again go running or walking in them. They were that bad!

I purchased some new Asics:

GEL-Nimbus®13 in White/Lightning/Turquoise (that’s right, it says Lightning! They were meant for me, you know, cause I am fast as lightning!)

They are the most comfortable shoe I have ever put my foot into!

Because I have been feeling fast as lightning lately ;) I had to update my play list as well to get off to a fresh start!
Here is what I came up with. It’s a mix of some old classics with some of the top hits today! I have these songs mixed in with the Girl Talk album Feed the Animals. If you don’t have any Girl Talk on your iPod to work out to, you are behind in life; jump to it.

All I Ever Wanted – Basshunter
Better Off Alone – Alice DeeJay
Mr. Vain- Culture Beat
Now You’re Gone – Basshunter
Firework – Katy Perry
Everytime We Touch – Cascada
The Sweet Escape – Gwen Stefani
Buy You a Drink – T-Pain
Big Girls Don’t Cry – Fergie
Bartender – T-Pain
Stronger – Kanye West
Pocket Full of Sunshine – Natasha Bedingfield
Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
Sweetest Girl – Akon
Disco Inferno – 50 Cent
Fuckin’ Perfect – Pink
Like a G6 – Far East Movement
Bad Romance – Lady Gaga
Break Your Heart – Taio Cruz
Club Can’t Handle Me – Flo Rida ft. David Guetta
Blow – Kesha
Bulletproof – La Roux
Just Can’t Get Enough – The Black Eyed Peas

Pictures From The Camera Phone

I was going through my phone to clear out some pictures that I had taken of Olivia this weekend when I ran across a couple I had completely forgotten about.  I started cracking up.....

Yes, that is me and yes, that is a turkey on my head.  I asked "Charleston" if I could go hunting with him and he said he had the perfect job just for me!....he told me I could be the turkey decoy.  Therefore, I tried my outfit on.... ha ha, I must have been out of my mind for a split second to even agree to do this!

"Charleston" made pizza one night. Long story short:  lets just say that it baked four hours too long while he napped on the couch.  This Freschetta Brick Oven pizza didn't stand a chance! Please notice the cheese ooze that almost escaped off the side.  It didn't make it very far.

Carter and "Charleston" went on a duck hunting trip this past year and as soon as they arrived to their camp, I received the following picture.  He knew I was going shopping that weekend for new bedding and this was his suggestion for my new apartment!  I DON'T THINK SO! 



I deleted some old pictures from my birthday and some random ones I had taken of houses I dream of buying one day, but these pictures definitely had to stay for another laugh in the future!

Meatless Meals

I try to do a meatless/fishless dinner at least once a week. Most of the time the menu includes a combo of any of the following staples:

1. Vegetable soup
2. Three Bean Chili
3. Salad
4. Grilled Vegetables
5. Pasta
6. Rice
7. Baked potato

Well I went to the Farmers Market yesterday after work to see what they had to offer and I picked up some red/green peppers, zucchini, squash and onion. Great, i'll make grilled veggie kabobs.

My next stop was Target. As I was scowering the rice isle looking for my favorite boxed couscous (with Targets new renovations in the food section, I have no clue where anything is!) I ran across something I had never seen before - Boxed Risotto! (OK, I might seem a little sheltered but… at the grocery I follow the simple rule of shopping only on the outside aisles. Therefore, I rarely venture into the inside unless I know EXACTLY what I want.) I have made risotto before with a recipe but it was kind of a pain in the ass. So the box came home with me and my veggies. Therefore the othe rnight became meatless Tuesday at the casa – veggie kabobs and Archer Farms Four Cheese Risotto.

Final Verdict….the risotto was AWESOME, super easy and super cheap. Try it. Trust me!

Living In The Front Yard Of A Middle School

I was snoozing it up like a baby one afternoon on the couch after work when loud commotion woke me up.

As I glanced out the window I saw this:

Yeap, thats my car..... yeap, thats a huge group of middle school kids...and yeap, Sedgefield Middle School had a fire drill right as school was being let out for the day.  I guess I can share my front yard with them since "Charleston" and I do use their athletic field all the time to run the track, play frisbee and play soccer.

Fair trade.

I laid back down on the couch to finish my siesta when, 10 minutes later, I heard little boy voices talking about some girl whose named sounded like Catrina, with giggles following every word.  I opened the front door only to find two boys, in their navy and khaki school uniforms, chillin' on the steps of my front porch. 
Hiding out as long as possible when released for a fire drill, boys of my own heart :)
(Don't pretend like you never tried to be the last one in after a fire drill!)

I love neighborhood schools like Sedgefield Middle!

An O.C. Update

Did you honestly think I could go a week without mentioning my niece Olivia Claire on the blog? UMMMM nope!

Sister keeps me updated at all times about their adventures and whereabouts. What in the world did people do before camera phones?

And again, I might be a little bias, but her face is so stinkin' cute...I can't even begin to fathom how proud Sister and Sam are to have created such a fabulous little girl!

Ok ok, enough bragging, i'll stop :)

**click pictures to view larger**

She loves going to the playground and the pool. She's a little fish!

What kid doesn't love cheeros in front of the TV on a Saturday morning?!
Or spaghetti for dinner....with her hands!

Sister sent me this pic yesterday after Livi's 2 hour doctor appointment that included 4 shots. She cried her little self to sleep.

Photographer Groupie

I love photography and I have always said that my dream job would be working for National Geographic..... BUT...if that fell through I would be a wedding/lifestyle photographer. Hands Down.

Yes, it would suck to always have to work on the weekends doing weddings BUT what a special gift you are giving to two people to capture that day for them. It probably feels so awesome and not only that, how awesome would it feel to be your own boss?!

Over the years I have accumulated a pretty solid list of some of my favorite wedding/lifestyle photographers in the business. I follow their blogs on a regular basis and admire every bit of their work. I actually ran into the husband and wife team of Candace and Daniel over at The Beautiful Mess at the Harris Teeter last week and at first glance, was slightly "star struck"! It was like seeing a celeberty! I was too shy to say anything but I told myself that if I ever ran into them again I would not be shy to tell them I am a Beautiful Mess groupie!

Some of my other slight obsessions include:

Kristin Vining: Kristin Vining Photography Blog

Critsey Rowe: Critsey Rowe Wedding Photography Blog

Jasmine Star: Jasmine Star Photography Blog

Sharon Clark: Smitten Photography Blog

The Schultzes: Love The Schultzes Photography Blog

Katie Neal: Katie Neal Photography Blog

Loft 3 Photography: Loft 3 Blog

Nancy Ray: Nancy Ray Photography Blog

Drowning In Tuna

"Charleston" and I were at the grocery last week and cans of Starfish Chuck White Tuna In Water were on sale, something crazy like Buy 1 Get 3 Free! I grabbed 4.

I went on my merry way while "Charleston" was doing his own shopping and right before check out I noticed we had 8 cans of tuna in the cart! He had noticed the same steal and scooped up 4 cans himself. You do the math; we now have 8 regular size cans of tuna. What-to-do...What-to-do???
Well....we make tuna melts this weekend for lunch! I can't wait; I loooove tuna melts :)

Thanks to The Pioneer Woman for also helping me this go-round mix up my normal recipe!
I'm going to try this:

Tuna Melts
recipe and pics courtesy of: Pioneer Woman

Ingredients
5 ounces, weight Tuna
1/4 cup Finely Chopped Red Onion
1/4 cup Finely Chopped Red Bell Pepper
1 whole Fresh Jalapeno, Finely Chopped
2 whole Hard Boiled Eggs, Chopped
6 whole Sweet Gerkins, Sliced
1/3 cup Mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
Splash Of Pickle Juice
Salt And Pepper, to taste
6 whole English Muffins Split
12 slices Cheese (Swiss, Provolone, Muenster)


Preparation InstructionsCombine tuna with onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, eggs, and gerkins. Stir in mayonnaise, Dijon, and pickle juice. Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; be sure not to undersalt.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Place English muffin halves on a large cookie sheet. Place a large spoonful of tuna salad on each of the twelve English muffin halves. Use the spoon to spread/flatten. Put pan into the oven for five minutes, then briefly remove and lay a slice of cheese on each muffin. Return to oven and turn on broiler. Watch carefully to avoid burning; bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Spelled Out In Pictures

I was sitting at my desk the other day at work, minding my own business and working away when all of a sudden my cell phone started blowing up with messages. I couldn't read the first before the second came through.

It was a series of photos and before I could download and view the first, the second was waiting in my inbox......Finally when all pictures were viewable I had this.....

I-L-O-V-E-U

"Charleston" is not a major romantic but....if I get sweet little things like this every now and then, I will always count my blessings!

He might need to spend less time being sweet and more time cleaning his keyboard ;)  

Are You Really THAT Busy?

It has always been a HUGE pet peeve of mine. ALWAYS.

You know those people that when you ask how things are going they ALWAYS respond with “ahhh, work is just soooooo busy”? All the while you both are standing at the gym at 5:00 on the dot, so you instantly think to yourself....it must not have been THAT busy because it seems like you got off work early to already change into workout close and hit the gym!

It’s like no matter when or where you are, and what you say, they are always going to be “busier” then you and they are ALWAYS “busy”! (Sure, sometimes all of our lives are hectic but come on…it’s not THAT bad)

Well I have had a lot of experience with those kinds of people. I have honestly never voiced my opinion on why I think these people do what they do but all I know is that it irritates the FIRE out of me.

I ran across the following article yesterday that 100% helps me explain my feelings and I don’t think I could have stated it better myself:

Does Stress Validate our Existence?
By: Julie Gray

I hear it a thousand times a day. I used to say it as often:

I'm so stressed out

or

I'm so busy

or

I'm so tired

It has become a badge of belonging here in Los Angeles, and, I suspect, across much of America as well. How often have you proclaimed your absolute exhaustion? And -- what does that mean, exactly? If you are so tired, go to bed earlier. If you are so stressed, do some meditating or yoga. If you are -- well, you get the point.

I have a two-part theory.

Part One: Many of us actually opt to feel terrible and stressed (or at least say so repeatedly). Sure we could do yoga or meditation or take a run to feel better. And we do those things. But we keep saying we are feeling so stressed out. Because we want to feel this way. We need to feel this way because...

Part Two: Being stressed out and tired validates our existence as being, in some way, indispensable. If you are relaxed, happy and rested, you must be a real slouch. But being tired, well, that means you are on the go, a real mover and shaker -- what you do is important!
We say it constantly -- I'm a wreck! The kids drove me crazy today! You wouldn't believe the day I had! I have so much to do!

But -- was it that bad? Is this how we really want to feel in the day-to-day?

I absolutely believe that we can, moment by moment, choose how we feel. And no, it's not easy. It's not easy at all, to choose to feel good when one feels excluded, or unimportant or overwhelmed. But it is possible to feel, if not good, a little bit better.

Ask yourself how you want to feel, most of the time. Most of us would say peaceful, happy and relaxed. Well, of course. But many of us proclaim just the opposite, over and over again each day.

In America, we value working hard and being tired. Our personal and professional lives are blurred beyond recognition. Being tired is a badge of honor. Being jaded is a badge of experience. Being sarcastic is a badge of great intellect.

I suppose it's just all too boring to be rested, optimistic and kind. There is no positive measure of success, only the reverse. Especially in Hollywood, the town of smoke, mirrors and broken dreams where to be hopeful is to be naive and to be happy with who you are is delusional.

To be a woman in this illusory city, this tinsel town, is to be challenged constantly:

If you live in a city of beautiful, young, thin, blonde women, can you still know you are beautiful just as you are?

If you live in a city of obscenely expensive sports cars but drive something older, can you still know you are successful?

Can you still know that what you are doing matters and is important -- even if the movie/show doesn't get made or the promotion never comes?

In a city, a country and a time full of people convinced that money and material trappings are equal to success and happiness, can you still know that this is not true and be happy just to be living and breathing?

Can you know that your conscious choices and thoughts can direct your life to new vistas -- just because you believe what you think about and you think about good things, even in a society that seems to value negative thinking?

It is truly revolutionary to opt to feel good, as much as you can. To describe your days positively, to self-soothe when it wasn't so positive, to be kind to oneself and to stop caring what everybody else thinks. You can change your life by adopting this way of thinking, a thousand times more effectively than taking up yoga to feel better. It's not the yoga, it's the thought behind it that makes you feel better. It's the choosing to feel better and recognizing that feeling good, as much as one can, is what life is all about.

For in feeling good, you are a more effective, loving mother, father, employee, performer, friend or boss. You enjoy your days and nights more -- for you don't really know how many of those were allotted you. So feel good. And stop saying you don't. Believe that you are needed, important, effective and hard-working simply because you live and breathe on this planet -- the weight room of the universe. It's not only okay to feel good, it's your prerogative and your birthright.

My Supermodel Is Growing Up

"God, can you please give me a kid one day as cute and as special as her?"

This is my prayer everyday, honestly.

I am the proudest Aunt ever. It's a little obsessive and ridiculous but...I just can't help myself. I would give this little girl the world!

Like stated in my earlier post, I am headed home this weekend to help Livi celebrate her 1st birthday and I can't wait to kiss that sweet little face!

Olivia's Party Dress for tomorrow!

Mimi and Poppie (my parents) were going to give Livi a sandbox for her birthday, but...for some reason she is already playing in it! Spoiled...I think so! (maybe sand will be the birthday present!)

She gets her studiousness from her Aunt :)

Babies in Polo....PRECIOUS!

 

The Sun Always Shines In The Morning

“Charleston” and I were having a “heart-to-heart” the other night right before bed, discussing just about everything. We don’t do it often but we discussed our relationship, where we saw things going in the future and what each of us wanted out of life. We were discussing our living situation, our desires to own houses, everyday and vacation. I was really getting into it because how often can you sit a man down and honestly get him to talk about these things?

The conversation was going PERFECT (of course with several immature comments from the male species that kept the mood light). We were just about to fall asleep when “Charleston” started being really sweet and telling me why he loved me (something must have been in the water today). I laid there quietly soaking up every drop when all of a sudden “Charleston” quickly rolled over and said… “I really do love you but….why does the sun always shine out of your butt hole in the morning?” (Said with an honest straight forward face)

I started cracking up.

I am a morning person and as soon as my feet hit the ground I am like: lets-have-a-conversation!, lets- talk!, lets-snuggle!, lets-get-up-and-make-up- the-bed-and-clean-the-house!, lets-cook-breakfast!, lets-take-a-shower-and-start-the-day!, lets-call-all-of-our-friends-and-see-what-they-are-doing-no-matter-what-time-it-is!, lets-have-fun!, happy-Monday!, happy-Tuesday!, happy-Wednesday!….

I am sorry. I am a morning person and I get excited to wake up and greet everyone else to a new day!

“Charleston” on the other hand doesn’t like to interact or talk for the first 20 minutes that his eyes are open. Don’t talk to him; don’t touch him…just let him go downstairs and get a diet coke and wake up ALONE.

That night I went to bed happy with myself that yes, the sun does shine out of my butt hole in the morning and I am darn proud of the girl I am!

What's Your Ringtone?

Have you ever thought that your cell phone was silent and then at the least expecting time, it went off and you were totally embarrassed? It always seems like a great idea to put one of the latest hit songs as your ringtone but….

A lady at my office walked onto the trading floor today with her cell phone in her pocket and it went off …

[Usher:]
A Town's Down!

[Lil' Jon:]
Yeah, Ok! Lil' Jon!

[Usher:]
Yeah, Yeah Yeah, Yeah yeah, Yeaah
Yeah, Yeah yeah, Yeah yeah, Yeaah

Ummmm….BAH HA HA HA HA. Bless her heart.

This entire situation took me right back to college. I was notorious in class for forgetting to turn my cell phone on silent. Never failed, at least once a week I was “that girl” who disrupted class. The worst part is, I disrupted it with some of the most cheesiest songs as ring tons!

The ones that survived the longest on my phone were Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield, Summertime by Kenny Chesney and Your Love by The Outfield.

Did anyone else have total cheese ball ringtones that you questioned why you chose them because it embarrassed you every time it went off?

A Perfect Saturday

I missed Mother’s Day the other weekend because I went to the beach with “Charleston” and some friends. Therefore this weekend was my “make up” Mothers day! My momma and Aunt Sharon came down to Charlotte for a little day trip and some girlie time. When they arrived to my house around 9 I had coffee and Monkey bread waiting as a breakfast treat!

Monkey Bread

3 cans buttermilk biscuits (the cheap ones)
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 stick margarine
1 cup light brown sugar

Cut biscuits in quarters. Shake biscuit pieces in a bag of sugar and cinnamon mixture. Place pieces in a tube or bundt pan. Do not grease pan. Boil the stick of margarine and cup of brown sugar for one minute. Pour this mixture over the biscuits. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Leave in pan for 5-10 minutes. Dump onto plate.

We continued the day with a trip to Southpark to shoe shop. Because my Mom has been wearing a pair of my hand-me-down black flip flops that I bought in college, she wanted a new pair of black sandals to replace my old ones that had seen better days. The search resulted in mom finding two pair from Nine West that she absolutely loved. Because she is the most amazing momma in the entire world, I didn’t want to see her have to chose one over the other so I just got her both! She is totally worth it in every way!

Mom is stylin' in her new kicks!

Our shopping journey then took us to Handpicked and Paper Skyscraper before settling into a booth for lunch at 300 East. It was my first time at 300 East for lunch and like their dinner menu, I was just as highly impressed. We all three ordered The Usual and hands down, I would recommend it to anyone! It was amazing!

300 East

Overall I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day with my momma and aunt. I love the fact that my family is only an hour and a half away so days like this can happen!

Almost A Full Year Has Passed

I got this in the mail last week.....

It is so hard to believe that almost a year has already passed since this: She Is My Little Supermodel

Our family has been truly blessed with this new little addition and it is so hard to believe that I am going to have the most amazing opportunity to watch Livi grow, go to school, play sports, have boyfriends, go to college, get married, and the list goes on and on.

I know how much I look up to my aunts, Aunt Lori and Aunt Sharon for not only being amazing women but because they were my second mothers with a little "flair!" They let me stay up late; bedtimes were a "rough" estimate. They took Blair and I on trips to the beach and the mountains where it was fun to be away from Mom and Dad for the week. They spoiled us. Aunt Sharon always had the best crafts to do and Aunt Lori turned me onto shopping! They let us cook and bake and make messes in the kitchen. They were idols when I was five and they are still very much idols today. They have been 100% involved in my life since the second I was born and for this I will always be grateful.

I want to be this for Olivia and can't wait to be able to provide her with a second mother figure like my aunts have always done for me. I know my mom would not have survived raising twins without these women's help and I want to be there for Sister when it comes to raising Olivia!

Happy almost Birthday little peanut! I can not wait to celebrate with you on the 21st!

Through The Conflict

When I first moved to Charlotte, my roomie Jenna found a church that had just started establishing its roots in Charlotte, Elevation. We attended on Sundays and I can honestly say that it was a life changing experience. For once, I understood what being a Christian meant. I was experiencing and hearing the bible in ways that I never knew were possible. I was learning and growing and understanding my purpose that He put me here for. Sunday worships were experiences that stuck with me all week until next Sunday when new words were spoken.

I grew up in the Methodist church, Main Street Methodist, in Kernersville where everyone in my family was involved in every aspect of the ministry and congregation. After moving to Charlotte and attending this contemporary form of worship I started to miss the more traditional aspects of what I grew up knowing. Therefore when “Charleston” and I started dating, I began to attend church with him and his family at Myers Park Presbyterian. It felt like home and I loved it. But again, there were some Sunday’s where I longed for the inspiring words of Pastor Steven as he connected bible verses directly to the aspects of my life.

Something had to give.

I made the choice to continue to attend Myers Park Presbyterian on Sunday’s with “Charleston” and his family and then listen to Pastor Steven preach online through Elevations online video sermon archive. Therefore I was able to experience traditional church on Sunday and then also have Pastor Steven “speak to me” on Monday nights! The best part for me about experiencing Pastor Steven’s sermons online is that because he says SO many good things, I am able to rewind and go back and hear it over and over again until it really sinks in, and trust me, I go back over and over and listen to the same sentence to make sure I really get the point.
Sometimes when I get in a rut or a predicament and need someone to “preach” to me, I go back and re-listen to Pastor Steven preach on specific topics.

Today was that day. I needed to hear it. I needed it to connect to the Bible and what God would want me to do in these situations.

Therefore, I remembered a relationship series we covered over the course of several months called Visionary Love, Dream Sex. And in that serious was a sermon entitled Through The Conflict. Today I listened and took notes all over again.

The entire sermon was how to handle conflicts in your relationships. I scribbled thoughts, versus and specific points that Pastor Steven spoke of and walked away with a little of this:

You have to speak life into your relationships. When I open my mouth to speak to the people in my life, I have the ability to either kill or to bring alive. You have to speak to their potential.

Many people can speak words. “I love you” means nothing if you can’t back it up. You have to back up your words. If you are really going to love someone and prioritize someone you have to spend time with them. Spend time with your children. You can’t just say you love your wife, you have to take initiative to serve your wife (or husband).

“Too many people are waiting on their prince (or princess) to come instead of crowning the prince they already have.”

1. The success of a relationship doesn’t depend on IF you fight but HOW you fight
2. Conflict is the result of UNMET EXPECTATIONS and UNFULFILLED NEEDS.
3. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
4. Leave room for God to change the heart. Only God can open certain doors.
5. Make it right before the sun goes down. (and not the 24 hours sun)

I don’t even know how to put into words everything I pulled from this sermon but above is a wonderful summary. My eyes were open again and I realized how I needed to handle conflict in my relationship as a woman and as a Christian. If you have the free time to spare, and even if you don’t, I suggest searching the Elevation archive yourself…there is some powerful material in there!

Obama vs Osama...too funny!

Osama or Obama....eh, who cares :) Bless some of these reporters hearts who didn't even notice they had said something wrong! I don't know why I found this comical but I did! Enjoy