Monday, September 30, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KID!

Hey y'all,

Today is my baby sister's birthday! I cannot believe that she is a whole 21 years old. 
Seriously, how did she go from fitting in my arms circa 1992 to being an adult?

While we were not the best of friends when we were little I can't even begin to explain the blessing she has been in my life. I truly would not be the same without her and I am so blessed to have her in my life and just a short drive away so we can continue our relationship. 
From marching band, to a capella concerts, to a House Divided, I am so lucky to have an amazing little sister who loves the Lord, everyone she meets, and the giant cats she will eventually work with (she is a zoology major that loves Big Cats).

Here's to the happiest of birthdays, and excitement of celebrating tomorrow night!


LOVE YOU kDi!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

WILW & OHP

Hey y'all,

This week I am loving...

Catching up with lSc this week at Wine & Design's event, "Monograms and Mimosas." I had literally not seen LC since we had graduated and I am soooo glad we were able to catch up while being crafty. LC is on of my sweet sorority sisters and one of my favorite people, even though we had a rough patch while in college we are back to being great friends, monogramaholics, and sports fans.


Owly Images
Our beautiful Lilly inspired creations

Speaking of sports, LC had an extra ticket so this girl is going to the UNC/ECU game Saturday! It is also Military Appreciation day for that game making it extra special. Look at what they are currently painting on the field in honor of the game:
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Heart-to-hearts with my roommate. Seriously, rHm is a huge blessing in my life and I love being able to come home and just talk with someone who gets it and has similar struggles. I know that God placed her in my life five years ago for an amazing friendship and I am so blessed to call her my friend/sister/roommate/person.

Pantervention. My work friends are seriously great and make the office so much fun. Well yesterday after a normal Lunch Loser Tuesday we headed to the mall after work. I found some tops at steals (think 40%off a sale price) and am so glad that I had some fun extra time with cWn and eCs.
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Only 3 more months until CHRISTMAS! We are finally to my favorite time of the year! FALL is my favorite season so my personal Pinterest boards have been going a bit overboard with recipes, decor and outfit inspiration. Here are some of my favorites...
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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

It's Fall, Y'all!

Hey y'all,

It is officially Fall and I have finally come up with a great bucket list to celebrate the season with! I hope I can cross everything off but who knows what will happen before December comes with Winter.

Carve a Pumpkin
Go to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Go to a Football Game/Tailgate
Make Smores
Go to the State Fair
Decorate my Apartment for the Season
Celebrate Halloween at the Office
Go Stargazing
Celebrate my baby sister's 21st B-day
Drink Apple Cidar
Enjoy Beauty & the Beast at the DPAC
Have a Photo Shoot in a Pile of Leaves
Celebrate Thanksgiving with my Parents
Make an Apple Pie
Go On A Hike
Spoil my Great-Great-Grandlittle
Host a Dinner Party/Gathering

Did I miss anything on my list? 
I am not a Pumpkin Flavored person, so no PSLs on this blog.

Monday, September 23, 2013

I have the best sisters....

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Hey y'all,

I need to brag on my sorority for a minute and if you are new to the blog or do not understand greek life I am sorry but these women have shaped my college experience and life and I am blessed to serve along side them as an adviser, sister and friend. My sorority chapter has a blog component on the website and one of our new members wrote a beautiful post today that had me reaching for a tissue. This young woman has been a part of my sisterhood for just over a week and already feels so comfortable and excited about PBX. This post shows that although there is a stereotype of Greek life it means so much more to wear letters, it is not about Lilly, monograms and pearls but rather about finding people to love on you, accept you, and help you grow. It is about the service of others, scholarship, and being a part of something greater than yourself during college and afterwards. 

If you have a free moment please read Hailey's post here. Ashley another one of our new members wrote a sweet post on her blog


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I am so proud of my sisters for recruiting an amazing class of new members and for each one since together we create PBX. Ok, I will stop talking about these amazing girls for now. 
After Fall 2012's recruitment

Weekend Shenanigans.

Hey y'all,

It is now officially fall! I had a weekend filled with lots of fun and a splash of relaxation.

Friday kicked off with some exciting news with one of my besties, jCm and I was able to catch up via phone with guy bestie, Ty and my Mommy. I always love chatting with my mom and after an hour I let her go so I could make some dinner. While watching re-runs of the Big Bang Theory the roomie rHm, texted me asking if I wanted to go out that night. I had no plans so after we caught up on our lives and had a roomie heart to heart we got ready and headed to downtown Raleigh. We met up with one of rHm's co-workers and went to Tir na Nog an Irish pub that happened to be having an 80s night Friday. 
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It was a lot of fun hearing songs from the 80s and some individuals were dressed up for the occasion (there also was a man in a kilt but I mean, what do you expect from an Irish pub). After dancing the night away and trying out Ace's Pumpkin cider, it was time to head out. 
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This weekend also happened to be bike weekend in Raleigh so it was an interesting walk back to the car and I must say the walk was the most interesting thing of the night. There were at least 10 different guys who approached us asking where we were going including lines like "stop, stop, oh I just thought you were pretty and could not think of anything else to get you to stay" and a group of birthday celebrators who we had a group hug with after talking to for five minutes on the side of the street. Yep, Downtown is an interesting scene.

Saturday I was able to sleep in after all the fun the previous night/that morning, and then went to meet the little animal I will be pet sitting this weekend. Upon coming home (with Munchkins from DD) I worked on my computer again and it looks like I will be needing to replace it in the next month or so (IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR A PC LAPTOP FOR BASIC LIFE NEEDS PLEASE COMMENT BELOW ). 
The best kind of breakfast.
 Then it was time to hit the gym. I ran back home, changed and was off to Summit Kids to teach my preschoolers. After a great sermon I ran back home to change before heading to PBX's semi-formal. I was there for emergencies since the house mom had to be gone this weekend. It seemed like a lot of people had a really great time and I am glad the new members were able to have fun and dance the night away. 

Sunday started with babysitting for my PKs for the very last time. I have been with this family for half a year and I am not ready for them to move so far away though I am happy for them. I then had a migraine so a two hour nap was the way to go. After that it was some cleaning time and relaxing. I finished the day off with hot chocolate at Starbucks with my small group leader and a trip to Kroger before doing some prep work for lunches for the rest of the week. 

While Saturday was non-stop and yes I did wear a total of four different outfits that day, I was happy to have Sunday to relax and become a normal person again. I only wish I had a computer that would work outside of safe mode or have a display without squiggly lines so I could catch up on Downton and DCC: making the team 8.
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Sami's Shenanigans

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Sunday Sayings: Luke 1:45

Hey y'all,

I am starting to read through the Gospel of Luke and this verse really spoke to me, I hope it will help you as you prepare for your week.


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Saturday, September 21, 2013

Fall Gamedays

Hey y'all,

Today my Tar Heels take on Georgia Tech down in GA. If I had made it down south I think I would wear something like this. It is beautiful weather right now but it is supposed to rain up here and GA is expected to be in the 80s. So here is a great transition to fall tailgate outfit.

gameday fall transition



WRECK TECH!
GO HEELS!

Friday, September 20, 2013

5 on Friday

Hey y'all,

It's my first time for 5 on Friday and though the rainy weather makes me wish I was in my apartment, wrapped in a blanket, in my pjs reading we will have to get through the rest of the work day.


1. FALL IS COMING! Y'all don't understand that Fall and Spring have to be my favorite seasons. Between actually getting my hair under control (curly hair+humidty=disaster), cardigans, boots, falling leaves, jeans, candles, hot chocolate and Halloween who wouldn't want to spend their evenings with a cup of tea enjoying the fall leaves. What is really great is I already have a plan to head to the mountains for the first weekend in November!
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2. FOOTBALL. With Fall comes football and while I have already been to one Carolina game, one of the perks of my job is the occasional deal on seats. A few weeks ago one came out for the Miami game with upper level seats but this morning I was able to snag lower level seats near the 50 yard line for the UVA game with one of my co-workers for $20! It is eCs's first Carolina game at Kenan so I am excited plus, a few of my other co-workers have hopped on the deal including getting the seats behind us. 
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3. Running for the first time in forever happened. So this week, on the "absolute beginners guide to running a half-marathon" was the first week with actual running. I went to the gym Tuesday night and I did the 2min walk/1 min run for a mile with no extra stops. :) I am not a runner but a swimmer so it was a mini accomplishment for me since the last time I went running was back in May.
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4. Crafting this weekend. this weekend I promise to actually put things on the walls/craft for the new place. After living there for almost two months, it is time to make it perfect and cozy. I mean, after all we have had our first gathering with the Miss America viewing party.I think I will tackle the living room and dining room walls this weekend and I am still on the hunt for the perfect mirror and shelves for my bedroom.
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5. Wholly Guacamole Minis. If y'all don't know I crave guacamole a lot and it is weird to me since I am such a picky eater. These little guys allow me to have my craving in a proportioned size. I use Tostitos Simply Naked chips and it is the perfect snack. Speaking of green food, this week my roomie, rHm, cooked salmon, quinoa and spinach and it was delicious. Mom if you are reading this you know this is an accomplishment.
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I hope y'all had a great end to your week and have a fantastic weekend!


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Computer Issues!

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Hey y'all,

I hate to make excuses but Tuesday night right when I was sitting down to blog, my computer started acting up. It spent the entire night trying to restore itself and then yesterday I had to reset it to factory settings. This morning it looked ok, but I had to run off to work so let's hope it is ok! I have had it since I started college so it is on it's 5th year and I do not want to have to purchase a new computer since they are expensive! On the bright side I have been loving a few things this week I thought I should share them.

I'm loving...

Meeting up with Allison from Always Allison for dinner and bible study Monday was the perfect start to this week! Allison is so sweet and I am blessed to know her through the blogging and our church and can't wait to see where this small group leads us. We are currently going through the book of Acts.
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The weather in NC has been perfect! I even wore boots to work the other day. With 60s in the mornings and no hotter than 80 I have been loving the transitional weather going on. 

Speaking of beautiful weather, I just spotted these boots for JC Penny and I think I need to make a trip there tonight. These look like a much more expensive pair and for $60 they are great!
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Splurge
I think that is about all I can think of off the top of my head right now but I currently have a list of 10 posts I am going to be writtng up this weekend if my computer is back to normal!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Weekend Shenanigans x2

Hey y'all,

The past two weekends I have been super busy and that is typically the time that I spend organizing and figuring out my blog. So let's get started updating my past two weekends, beginning with last weekend. 

So Friday, Sept 6th I took the day off since my best guy friend was flying in. He ended up getting a later flight so I slept in, hung out with my roomie, baked some chocolate chip cookies for the Pre-Recruitment event and then went out to lunch with eCs. We went to Carrboro Pizza Oven, and if you are familiar with UNC its the same as Franklin Pizza and Pasta so you know I had Penne in a Pink Basil sauce.
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After a nice lunch I went off to the PBX house to help set up for recruitment that weekend/the following week which included making cute lamb door decs for the new members after bid day. 
One of the sweet new member signs
The rest of Friday was picking up Ty at the airport and we made perfect timing. I mean I entered the terminal as he was coming out so we met halfway. I haven't seen him in a year and a half and it was perfect. We immediately headed to B*Skis (it's a wrap place) and then had drinks at Topo (or Top of the Hill). We might have FaceTimed my Big for her birthday while at the bar. Then a quick walk around campus and a night cap at my place ended Friday.

Saturday meant pancakes before heading to Chapel Hill again for the UNC vs. Middle Tennessee State football game. 

We left the game a little early since the security folks were not doing the best job policing and some international students found their way in front of us and were chatting about inappropriate actions with male cheerleaders in order to determine their sexual orientation and there was a small child right next to us. We got back to my place and I hurried up to get ready for the wedding of Ty's friends Paige and Hugh. The wedding attire was very confusing for me since their 5pm indoor wedding had a "casual semi-formal" note. I went with this dress  (in teal) from Vestique with this necklace and some nude pumps (we totally were too busy having fun all weekend to take any photos).


Congrats guys!
After the wedding we went to Rum Runners, a dueling piano bar with the wedding party and the guys might have gotten up on stage for Copperhead road.

We then grabbed milkshakes and hushpuppies at Cookout since Ty now lives in the North East and was missing the beauty of cookout and sweet tea. We stayed up until 3am chatting like old times and playing 20 questions as was our tradition whenever we went on midnight cookout runs back in college.

SUNDAY. 
So we got up at 9am to attend Summit and then went to Buns for lunch with some old co-workers. It was a great day of relaxing around UNC and the pit and then we took a trip to South campus to visit our old stomping grounds. We ended our Chapel Hill adventures with Sweet Frog and then hung out at my place until it was time for his flight. 


The week between was crazy filled with catching up on sleep from the weekend along with long nights of recruitment/crafting signs for the new members on bid day.
Sisterhood/House Tours
My Fam on Pref night.
great-grandlittle, myself, grandlittle

THIS WEEKEND.

Friday. It was BID DAY! I am blessed to be one of the advisors this year for my alum chapter and we welcomed home 37 beautiful new members! The evening included some a capella, cupcakes, smores, and other festivities.
Reading their bids
Running Home!
All the new members have a hand on the tree.
Saturday. With all of the fun of bid day past, Saturday meant sleeping in, catching up on DCC: Making the Team 8, Suits and ANTM. I spent the afternoon at the house for the Induction ceremony where we welcomed our new members as Associate Members. It was crazy to think that five year ago, I was in the same shoes and had no idea how PBX would shape and change my time at Carolina and my life.
With my glittle
The rest of the night included hanging out with the roommate watching Easy A, grocery shopping and having a night relaxing night.

Sunday. I wish I could have made it to Church at the Ballpark to witness all of God's work but I was babysitting for a sweet family at a different church. After that I baked some cupcakes, cleaned my apartment, watched episodes of Scandal season two in time for the premiere in October and then it was time for Miss America. I had a small gathering of friends: co-workers and sorority sisters over to watch the event and found some ballots from pinterest to compliment the poster-board I had which we kept the official results/notes from the competition.

Now you might understand while I neglected this little piece of the internet for a while. 

How was your weekend?
Sami's Shenanigans