Five on Friday {November 22}

Hey y'all,

I cannot believe that it is already FRIDAY! The week has gone by and I am excited for a somewhat calm weekend and next week is a short work week before I spend some time with the family for the holidays. 

one. Today is my work's Thanksgiving luncheon! I am so excited for yummy food and a break in the work day to hang out with my co-workers. Last year this was my first social function with the office and I was so nervous, now I am so comfortable with people and have some really great friends in the office.

two. catching fire. Yep, I went to see it last night at 8:30pm (I'm a grandma so who wants to stay up until midnight, as it was I didn't get home until 11:40pm). I am not going to spoil the film but I really enjoyed it! I think it helped that it has been almost two years since I read the book so I wasn't so nit-picky. I will say the movie moved very well and when it was coming to an end I felt like it had just started instead of the 2+hours it was. 

Also have you seen this parody on the film from Sesame Street?

three. relaxing weekends in. Tonight I plan to watch Reign & Scandal from last night with the roomie since she was working and missed them and then we are off to celebrate tPn's birthday! If you are not watching Reign or Scandal you need to check out Netflix and Hulu and get to it! I am loving both shows and it makes my Thursday nights in perfect! The rest of the weekend is pretty free except for Sunday when we will be activating another class of PBX members!

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four. kate spade new york on Ebay. This weekend Ebay is teaming up with Kate Spade again and I am trying really hard to resist the urge of grabbing the Wellesley Rachelle bag I have been eyeing since it is 60%off or the grove court blaine at 55% off. This event is held every few months and it is not a typical ebay sale but I think of them as another Kate Spade surprise sale, no bidding, no extra shipping costs, it's pretty great. Now to be good with my money, especially with Christmas presents coming up and resist but I could always have Santa surprise me with one of them (or a birthday elf).

five. reading. I am really trying to find time to fit in some books but my weeks seem to get filled rather quickly. I just finished a short book I got from Netgalley called In Pursuit of a Princess by Leona Worth and while it was a Harlequin novel it was more of a mystery adventure than a romance dealing with art theft. Goodreads describes the book below:
Princess Lara Kincade returned home to New Orleans to continue her late husband's humanitarian work. She also hopes to force his killer out of hiding. But a priceless painting has put her plans—and life—at risk. Embroiled in a deadly art scandal, Lara must depend on handsome photojournalist Gabriel Murdock to help her expose a murderer. Gabriel's determination to keep her safe has softened her heart to love's possibilities again. Somewhere among his photos lies the identity of the murderer, but can they uncover the killer before this heist turns deadly?

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 What are you currently reading?

30 days of thanks {health & health coach}

Hi y'all,

So today I am very thankful for my health and my health coach. So I went to the doctor for my yearly physical at the beginning of the month and it was my very first visit at this office and I am now in love with my doctor's office. I love how they spent time with me, I was not waiting around forever, and they really listened to my concerns. Well, I have always had a struggle with my weight and that is one of my only health issues which is such a blessing when I know individuals who are currently battling cancer. Weight is something I know a lot of women struggle with and maybe one day I will post my story but there was a major shift from working as a sales floor person on my feet for eight hours to sitting behind a desk for my job. Plus, for six months after college my mom was still preparing my meals and then I took over. So with a lot of life changes So praise God that I have great health! 

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 But on that note, my doctor recommended I visit the health coach and the dietitian in their office. So I went last week and I was a little nervous but ended up feeling really comfortable with my health coach and the dietitian. We set some goals in my meeting as well as some homework and today was my day for my health coach to check in. It is so great to know that I have someone that will hold me accountable as well as maintainable goals. This week I have been really good about following my goals so it was great to have the coach write back with a lot of encouragement as well as this note:  "Obviously Thanksgiving can be a nutrition challenge, but it is not the end of the world or your new commitment to yourself! Be mindful of portions and don’t deprive yourself. It’s one day out of the year, indulge, just don’t overindulge. And, if you do overindulge…Black Friday is a new day!! Ha!"

So I hope you are thankful for your health! 

What are your thankful for today?

OOTD {A little touch of fall}

Hey y'all,

I know that it is almost the end of November but North Carolina weather is unpredictable and this past weekend it was in the 60s and 70s! Talk about beautiful but I wanted to have my first photo shoot with Allison to include a lot of fall touches so here is an outfit for when you want to look the season but not be in a puddle by the end of the day. I hope y'all enjoy, I'm a little nervous since this is my first "real" ootd day post not taken in my apartment.

Enjoy the little details.

Top: Banana Republic (on sale!)/Jeggings: Target/Scarf: H&M (similar)/Boots: Belk (old, similar)/ Necklace: JC Penny (old, similar, similar)/ Watch: Anne Klein (similar)/ Bracelets: Kate Spade & Groopdealz (similar)/ Sunglasses: Target/ Wallet: Hobo Lauren in Stone via RueLaLa/Nail Polish: OPI Manicurist of Seville

30 days of thanks {rHm aka the roomie}

Hey y'all,

So today's 30 days of thanks goes to the girl that makes sure I am alive daily, eats all of my crazy recipes, inspires me to be healthy, will dance with me in the living room, understands Scandal, Reign, Alias, and Gilmore Girls are all great shows, is the only one who makes cooked spinach that I will eat, and so much more, yep I'm talking about my fabulous roommate rHm!

rHm and I met way back in the fall of our first year of college in Art History class aka "Art in the Dark." Our friendship continued when she was the suitemate of one of my friends, rMc and in Spring 2010 we became sorority sisters! When we were at our last alumni event in the spring we were both talking about looking for places to live and people to live with since I was living alone and hating it and she was living with some people but it wasn't the best situation. I know God placed us in each other's lives since we are so similar and great friends and roomies.

 rHm is a great church buddy, a running motivator, a great confidante, a good ear for all kinds of rants especially about stupid boys, a country music lover,  the person who understands all my funny faces and so much more. I wish I could explain all of my thanks for having this friend as my roommate when I come home after a long day she is there to listen, help me to have fun and even if it is just running to the grocery store we have so much fun!

What are you thankful for?

Sunday Sayings {November 17}

Hey y'all,

I hope each of you has had a lovely weekend and while it is almost Monday I thought I should squeeze this little bit of motivation as you celebrate the last few hours of the weekend and plan for your week. I hope everyone's stress levels are not shooting through the roof with Thanksgiving next week especially my college students, the semester is almost over and YOU CAN DO IT!

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30 days of thanks x4 {quiet time, random dance parties, crock-posts & ibuprofen}

Hey y'all,

So I have been lacking on the postings this week but my job has had me running all over with UNC registration for the spring semester. To make it up here are all the things I have been thankful for the past four days:

quiet time. One thing I love about my job is that I get there in the mornings before the office is officially open so I am able to spend some time getting ready for the day and I try to read a devotional online. I am currently reading through Good Morning Girls' Thanksgiving series as well as She Read's Truth series on the Women of the Bible that came out a while ago. You can find both on Youversion so if you have 15 mins in the morning or during a lunch break I highly recommend devoting that time to the Lord. 

crock-pots. As a girl that loves to cook it is weird to write that my slow-cooker is something I am thankful but there are always those nights when you actually want to come home and do nothing, well those nights I am thankful for meal planning and my crock-pot. I mean some days you want to hit the gym after work and not eat at 7pm or later. This weekend I tried this healthy chicken stroganoff recipe and I recommend it! It was perfect for a night where I left work, ran home, then was off to a choir concert at church. With only four ingredients (plus noodles) I have made 5+ meals for this week with all the leftovers after one day of a crock-pot cooking for work. 

random dance parties. Tonight my roommate and I were talking about motivation to work out and she pulled up her playlist from when she was really determined and diligent to a workout regimen and we then had a mini dance party to Cher Lloyd's "Want you back" and One Direction's "You don't know you're beautiful." Yep, my roomie is great and who doesn't love dance parties in your living room. What is your motivation to workout/lose weight?

ibuprofen. I had the worst headache/migraine thing this afternoon. I don't get headaches often and when I do they tend to be terrible so I sleep them off. Most medicines don't really change it so it sucks but such is my head. However, after taking a bubble bath to relax, taking my allergy pill, and sitting in a dark room for over an hour nothing had changed but ibuprofen when was taken helped tremendously and so I was able to feel better and have a small dinner at 9pm. YAY for no more headaches.

What are you thankful for?

Tea Time

Hey y'all,

This morning I woke up to the temperature being 25 degrees! IT IS ONLY NOVEMBER! I am liking that the cold weather is ending after today with this weekend being back in the 60s but all I really wanted to do today was stay in my pjs, find my flannel sheets, and cuddle up under a blanket with some tea in hand. I do not drink coffee so tea, cider, and hot chocolate are my go to's during the cold winter months. While I have a large collection of tea cups already including one of King Henry VIII and his wives disappear when you pour the tea. However, the following tea items have caught my eye and with Christmas coming up I wouldn't hate to find these:

I am in love with the entire line of Tazo Rococo at Starbucks. From the mug to the to go cup and even the iced tea tumbler I want it all!

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World Market always has amazing items including this stack of mugs that my roommate got us and how adorable is the tea pot?

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And for the girl on the go, Lifeguard Press has lots of options from kate spade, Lilly Pulitzer, Jonathan Adler and more!

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Where do you find your tea cups? What's your favorite drink to starve off cold mornings?

30 days of thanks {cars & jobs}

Hey y'all,

So yesterday was my one year anniversary at my job! It is so weird to think that I have been out of college and working at UNC for an entire year. I can still remember getting the call for the interview and being so nervous since I thought the position was perfect. Now a year later I am still loving my job. I am blessed to work with some amazing people that I also call friends, spend some time everyday laughing and get to help lots of undergraduate students. It is really a great job and on Monday I even saw my boss of my first job at Carolina back when I was a work study student in 2008! For all of you postgrads still looking for jobs I say good luck to you! After lots and lots of cover letters and resumes I know that I found the job God had planned for me. Look for a job that is not just a paycheck but a blessing. I can honestly say that my diploma might not be getting a whole lot of use but the skills I learned in college are and I recommend finding a job with lots of great people. People to look up to and ones who can bring joy to your day. I have found the best people and whether it is grabbing lunch with the girls during Lunch Loser Tuesdays, shopping during pantervention, book club, potlucks, or just the large amount of sarcasm that occurs on my floor, I have had the best year and cannot fathom starting my life in the "real world" anywhere else than my alma mater.

My office loves Halloween so eCs was Mary Poppins and I was Audrey Hepburn.
Also if you ever wondered what my desk looks like it's behind us.

Today I would have to say that I am so grateful for my car on chilly mornings since it is a great form of transportation as well as keeping me warm on my ride to work. Apart from being a reliable car though I have to say thanks to my Daddy who understood me freaking out over the low tire pressure light, talking me through everything and even offering to drive two hours to check out my car if it wasn't fixed easily. Yep, best Dad ever, and I am pretty sure, little Cora who was my biggest purchase to date is one of my greatest blessings. Often we take things for granted but I often seeing individuals on the side of the road or walking across streets in uniforms and I always say a prayer to remember all of my blessings even if it is the blessing of a car and gas in my tank.  

 What are you thankful for today?

30 days of thanks {veterans and service members}

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Hey y'all,

Since today is Veteran's day I thought it was only appropriate that today's 30 days of thanks went out to all the service men and women out there especially to those members of my family that have served to protect our nation. I am very blessed to have had so many family members show so much selflessness in serving our nation and I am so honored to call myself a military brat. While everyone wonders what the experience is like I have had a wonderful life with an amazing father showing each day service to others no matter the risk to his life. Through many tours overseas to various places I learned a love of travel, connection to my family, and a love of serving others in everything I do. 

So if you had anytime today I hope that you were able to celebrate those members out there serving the country, those who have lost their lives, and those out there who have served and are now out in the community in various other capacities. 

I am blessed to have both grandfathers and my dad as role models of service members so I hope that you are able to celebrate our country through the various people who have protected it and will protect it!

What are you thankful for this holiday?

30 days of thanks {surprises}

Hey y'all,

So this weekend I was only planning to go to the Homecoming game, head to church and then have a relaxing Sunday. Little did I know that I would be surprised with my college bestie coming down for the weekend for her birthday. I mean I think it was more of a gift for me than for her but I mean who doesn't want to see their best friend after 10 months! It was an unexpected event and I am so glad I got to spend time with her including going to the UVA game!

I would say it was a pretty special game and I am so glad I also got to share it with one of my work friends, eCs!

This Clemson girl got to experience UNC Homecoming including a squirrel crossing the field during a time out, a veteran being united with his family, the alumni band playing Cobra Starship from the "Snakes on a Plane" soundtrack, lots of flags, and some pretty great seats. The game itself included a lot of surprises and I was so happy to see UNC pull through with a win! I am so thankful that I have friends at work who are just as crazy about football as me and will jump at the chance for cheap lower level tickets. I mean we were in row F so it wasn't the best view of the entire field we did see a lot of the Virginia players and saw some great football including a 83 yard punt return touchdown!

So I am blessed by these two women and the surprises I am sure will continue to occur as we grow in friendship. 

How was your weekend?

Sunday Sayings

Hey y'all,

I hope this verse and encouraging pins help lift you up as you prepare for your upcoming week!

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Have a great Sunday night and start to the work week. For those of you that have Veteran's day off enjoy!

30 days of thanks {UNC}

Hey y'all,

So if you have not been reading around these parts than you might not know that I bleed Carolina blue. However, if you knew me before May 2008 that would be an entirely different story. After junior year I went on a roadtrip to visit colleges with my Mom and I fell in love with the University of Richmond and University of Virginia. UNC was always a school that was on my list to apply to but was more of a safety for me than where I thought I would end up. I mean it had everything I was looking for: green spaces, pretty brick buildings, great English program, below the Mason Dixon line, and greek life to boot. UNC was also only 1.5 hours from my parents and included instate tuition but I thought I wanted to cross over the boarder to Virginia. Fast forward to college acceptances and low and behold UNC's early decisions came and I got in! I had also gotten into Meredith College (my super safety school) and I anxiously waited to hear back from my top two. Well, unfortunately UVA did not want me and UofR is a bit pricey seeing as it is a private school. So I decided that UNC was the way to go and upon moving day I did not feel homesick but very excited and content. 

My first dorm room

Tradition states that if your drink from the Old Well on the first day of classes you will have a great semester.

Fast forward 4 years and I was so upset to be leaving the one place that felt like home outside of my family. Chapel Hill and UNC area magical combination and there is even a quote about it:

“Without even noticing, UNC seeps into your pores. By junior year, she’s in your blood. You can’t remember a time when you didn’t have moments on campus where you lose your breath for a second and all you can think is, ‘Wow, I love this place.’ …You find yourself loving a state you’d never given a thought three years prior. Loving North Carolina because if the University so tirelessly seeks to serve it, it must be worthwhile... And then UNC tells you to leave. And it hurts. But I understand. Four years have taught me what loyalty is about, what being a Tar Heel is about.”-Elyse Ashburn DTH editor 2004

To say I was sad to leave Carolina after four years of learning, loving, and finding the best sisters ever was an understatement. Upon graduation I had no idea where my life would lead. During my junior year I had a mini crisis and decided my dream/goal of becoming a book editor was no longer my path and I had no clue what to do with my life. After lots of cover letters and a few interviews I received a call for a job at no other than my alma mater. It seemed like I was no longer done with UNC and I am so blessed that I get to participate in other students' journeys at Carolina. So on this day of Homecoming I have to say I am thankful that the Lord saw that I needed UNC rather than UVA and saw fit to change my life in so many ways over the last 5 years so that I would follow his plan including back to the small town of Chapel Hill.I am sure UNC will continue to bless me in so many ways but I am so thankful for my acceptance to the oldest public university and the many ways that I was challenged and changed into the woman I currently am. 

 Charles Kuralt, Journalist, at the UNC Bicentennial in 1993

“What is it that binds us to this place as to no other? It is not the well or the bell or the stone walls. Or the crisp October nights or the memory of dogwoods blooming. Our loyalty is not only to William Richardson Davie, though we are proud of what he did 200 years ago today. Nor even to Dean Smith, though we are proud of what he did last March. No, our love for this place is based on the fact that it is, as it was meant to be, the University of the people.

 

“I love UNC. I love the quad in the spring and the arboretum in the fall. I love the Pit on a sunny day and Graham Memorial Lounge on a rainy one. I love Roy [Williams] all the time. But what makes UNC truly special is not our beautiful campus, our distinguished reputation or even our basketball team. It’s us—the student body—who make UNC what it is.”-Eve M Carson. Student Body President 2007

5 on Friday

Hey y'all,

This week has gone by so fast and I am ready for the weekend so that I can possibly organize my life to be a bit less crazy next week. Anyway, there are a few things this week that I am celebrating so lets get to it:

1. Carolina's Homecoming! Yep, UNC plays UVA tomorrow at 12:30 and I am so lucky to have snagged some seats through work so eCs and I are going and will be almost at the 50 yard line! Woot Woot! I have always loved going to the UNC/UVA game since there is a long standing rivalry between the two schools and I was also denied admission to UVA back in high school so I love when Carolina grabs the win. 

If you will be at the game let me know! I would love to meet some of y'all!

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Also, shameless plug if you are a Carolina student go vote for Mr. & Ms. UNC! The candidates work really hard on putting together service projects the money will go towards and two of my sorority sisters are running on platforms that benefit children so Chelsea & Jordan are great choices!

2. Prep in your blood. So this weekend while I was in the guest room of my parent's house I found this treasure. 

Yep that is a needlepoint bean boot. My grandmother actually did this piece and since she was from New Hampshire. I had always grown up around bean boots and nautical things so I have always had a mixture of northern prep from my family and southern prep from my surroundings. Bean boots have always been in my life and yet I still do not have a pair since to me they were always reserved for living with snow and ice and not a fashion statement. 

What are your thoughts on bean boots?

3. Executive Board Elections. So Monday night was elections for Phi Beta Chi's Kappa chapter and I was so proud of how the night went. It was filled with tough decisions but I am excited to work with these women over the next year especially my great-grandlittle who is the incoming Fundraising chair. 

4. Boo-lated Halloween presents. So my office did the tradition of booing offices last year and talking to work friends a lot of them didn't get boo-ed. So since it is such a big deal in my parent's neighborhood I figured I would begin the booing this year. 

 Trying to be sneaky one morning to deliver the gifts.

 So I was not boo-ed during the month of October but neither was CW so on Halloween I gave CW a Halloween goodie bag and this morning she delivered this "boo-lated" gift. I now have more Halloween candy and a bit of decor to put in storage until next year.

5. 30 days of thanks. Blog Friends. Last night I went to my first TriFabb event and it was great to meet some other bloggers and hang out with Allison again!

Lauren, Myself, Allison, Molly, and Justiss

I am so thankful for the blogging community, through it I have made some amazing friends and some people I can call friends in real life as well. There are the sweetest people out there blogging and through swaps, emails, meet-ups, and link-ups I have met such a diverse group of people who all love to share things and are there for you no matter what. While I wish I could met all of y'all in person I am slowly growing my blog circle and that is a great thing!

What are you loving this week?