Monday, March 31, 2014

Clinique Skin Care Diagnostic

Hey y'all,

I have some exciting news thanks to Macy's and Clinique! I have been a big fan of Clinique for a few years using the 3-step system and then I currently use either the Even Better Foundation or the Acne Solutions Foundation whenever I have any special events. I have sensitive skin since I am allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide and with my blemishes/acne that means that I am always looking for great skin care! 
Well it is your lucky day since Clinique is great and known for their skin care. Typically you would go to the counter and they would have you take a quiz in order to determine your skin type for the best type of skin care but now the Clinique Skin Care Diagnostic is not just at your beauty counter but you can access it on your own online. This quiz is packed with all the knowledge of a beauty consultant. Of course you can still head to Macy's Clinique counter to see a beauty consultant if you need more assistance but you can check out the simple quiz here.

Also, not only can you check out which skin care is best for you, Clinique's Bonus Days are running from March 31-April 19. You receive a free 7-piece gift with any $27 Clinique purchase through Macys.com. I mean, now that you know what to order, why not get a free gift?  I am currently debating trying out the BB or CC Cream. If you have tried them let me know! The gift with purchase includes free makeup valued at $70 available only through Macy's so head on over there!

Have you tried any Clinique products?
Any makeup or skin care items you reach for most during the Spring months?
What is your favorite skincare brand?
  
*I was contacted about the Clinique Skin Care Diagnostic for Macy's and given the images but I have been a Clinique user for over 4 years and all opinions are my own.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Desk Darling

Hey y'all,

So sorry for the late post! Today was a bit crazy but I was able to find a dress for Formal on Saturday and I currently have banana bread in the oven so I call the day a success. I am really excited to link up with Rebecca, Dorothy, and Carlee for the #ShowUsWhereYouWork link-up.

I actually have two work spaces. The desk in my apartment for blogging, fiddling around on the internet, and life things and then my desk at work. I figured though that you guys care more about my desk at home. I actually want to paint and change my desk to match my bedding more and I am thinking some thing along the lines of this pin and Shannon's desk.

I just got this bulletin board so I have yet to hang it and I can't find the push pins I have so the board is not complete. Right now it has some of the Save the Dates/Invitations for the Weddings this year, some of my Senior Year photos and then a couple of things I need to get done.
 Where is your favorite workspace located?
While in college I loved heading to the library and grabbing a table so I could spread out all my work or find a table in a study lounge. Now that I am post-grad, my desk is in my room and I am either there, or I might move my laptop to the kitchen table or work on the couch.
 Do you prefer a sleek desk or are you an "organized chaos" person?
My desk drawers can be "organized chaos" but the top of the desk has to be clean since I love to spread out with my planner on one side, my to-do list, and then my work.
 What is your favorite kind of writing utensil?
I am a pen and pencil snob. I am just really picky. For my planner I use Sharpie Pens but I also like Papermate Flair markers. For everyday writing I like these pens and these ones.
Show us your calendar/agenda:
I love my Kate Spade Agenda!

What are you looking forward to most about spring?
I am looking forward to warm weather and spending nights reading on the porch.

What does your workspace look like?

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Off to the Races

Hey y'all, 

Today marks the 82nd Carolina Cup races! While I am not off enjoying people watching and betting on horses I thought it would still be fun to make a few outfits that I would wear since I know there are plenty more races at Keeneland, Foxfield and Churchhill Downs this season.

As far as dressing for the event a lot of girls automatically look at Lilly. While I love Lilly and they make wonderful sundresses for occasions like theses, for this post I decided to go a bit out of the box. I mean, do you really want to be wearing the same dress as 20+ other people? I checked out the Vineyard Vines' Kentucky Derby Collection as well as Belk (and found some cute ones for under $100). Remember to find a dress you are comfortable in and is your personality. Do not shy away from color or pattern and have fun, but remember you are will be outside all day as well! Here are some of my favorites:
Off to the Races: Dresses

Off to the Races: Dresses by postgradprep featuring a pink dress

Now that you have found the perfect dress, it is time for accessories. Since today is pretty rainy and gloomy, I thought I would go with some practical choices. Yes, there are so many sun hats that will be worn but it is okay to go outside the box. You do not have to wear a hat. You could wear a nice big bow or headband, or a baseball cap with the rain. I also added some coats to protect your fine frock you purchased and boots while they might not look the best with your dress are practical if the fields are wet and muddy. I mean do you want your jacks covered in dirt? I do not recommend heels for the event ever since you are going to be doing a lot of standing and walking. 
Top It All Off

Top It All Off by postgradprep featuring a grey jacket

Did I forget anything? 
Do you have advice for race go-ers? 
Are you headed to the Cup?

Friday, March 28, 2014

5 on Friday

Hey y'all,

I caught a weird stomach bug/fever thing so the past few days have been a blur. Yay for a short work week though since I sequestered myself at home in my room to stop the germs. As usual, here are 5 things that I am loving this Friday!

one. The new season of musicals have come out for the DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center) and I am possibly getting season tickets with friends from work! I mean, it is a lot of money but Phantom of the Opera, Dirty Dancing, Cinderella, and more are all coming this next season!

two. Caitlin tweeted this Buzzfeed article of the 53 thoughts Every Girl Has While Shopping at Target and I thought it was spot on! 

three. Wednesday was Phi Beta Chi's Founder's Day! I am so grateful that 36 years ago a sisterhood was born that truly transformed my college experience.


four. this dress from Old Navy looks like the perfect dress for Easter/Spring!
Strapless Floral-Print Dress

five. Planning all my blog posts for next week. I think sometimes the reasons I do not blog daily is the lack of inspirations for my posts but I have already written out my posts for the next week and I thought I would share them to add in some accountability/get y'all excited for the first week of April (yes we are already in April starting next week!).


Tomorrow: My thoughts on Divergent and Derby Dresses
Sunday: Sunday Sayings & Link-up to Show Off Your Workspace #showuswhereyouwork
Monday: My Favorite Make-up/Skincare
Tuesday: Top 5 Tuesday Linkup
Wednesday: 200 Follower Giveaway!
Thursday: Book Reviews
Friday: 5 on Friday
Saturday: Formal Fun
Sunday: Mama D's Birthday!

What are you loving this Friday?

Friday, March 21, 2014

Book Club Friday {Accidental Series}

Hey y'all,

So I realized I never reviewed the Accidental Series I have been reading. So if you have been following along you know that my main book genres are young adult, 19th century British novels (think Jane Austen), paranormal romance stories and then historical romances. I hadn't read a good historical romance in a while but I am back on the bandwagon this week with Michelle Willingham's Accidental Series. I read the series a bit out of order but I am all ok now. So let's get started with my review:

Emily Barrow once dreamed that she could marry Stephen Chesterfield, the Earl of Whitmore, and be saved from her dreary life. Then Stephen's father sent him away, leaving Emily broken-hearted...
Now Stephen has returned to find Emily destitute and alone. He has vowed to help her without compromising her honor...but Emily has other ideas. She doesn't want his charity, but she does long to know what it would be like to take him as a lover, even if marriage is out of the question. Confined to close quarters with their passion burning as brightly as ever, will Stephen be able to resist the temptation and rescue her, or give in to his desire and completely ruin her?

My Opinion
So this book is the prequel of the series but I actually read it last. Whoops. I liked having the glimpse of the character's pasts and how they got together because the Accidental Countess alludes to the past of Emily and Stephen but the story line leaves their past murky. It was a really short story but I enjoyed it and it made me love Emily as a character better. 

When Stephen Chesterfield, the Earl of Whitmore, awakes to find a beautiful woman berating him, he knows he is in trouble! He cannot recall the past three months of his life, never mind having a wife! What's more, someone is trying to silence him before his memory returns....Emily Chesterfield is trapped in a marriage of convenience with a man who doesn't remember her. Stephen clearly thinks she is the most unsuitable countess, but she is falling for her enigmatic husband.... Can they find trust and love before it is too late?

My Opinion
Back in January I found The Accidental Countess at the beginning of the year through the North Carolina Digital Library and thought, why not. It is a really interesting tale with some mystery involved trying to figure out Stephen and Emily's love story as well as what happened to Stephen and Emily's brother. It was a great story which led me to the next book...

FROM DUTIFUL DEBUTANTE
Lieutenant Michael Thorpe is a forbidden temptation for Lady Hannah Chesterfield. Etiquette demands Hannah ignore the shivers of desire his wicked gaze provokes, but he's the only man to recognize her restless spirit, and her unawakened body is clamoring for his touch ...
TO PASSIONATE PRINCESS!
Thrown together by scandal, a defiant Hannah joins Michael on an adventure to uncover the secret of his birth --- is this common soldier really a prince? If so, will the ordinary man who has taught Hannah the meaning of pleasure now make her his royal bride?

My Opinion
While some of this story was predictable, I mean we are talking romance novels, I really liked this tale of Lady Hannah, Stephen's sister. While there was a random country no one had ever heard of and some murder attempts it ended up having a really sweet romance story. Let's all be happy that we no longer live in times that spending a few hours with a guy alone during a migraine meant that you were ruined and no husband for you.


Up next is The Accidental Prince which just came out last month!
What are you reading this week?

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Things I'm Loving Thursday

Hey y'all,

I thought I would compile a list of ten things I am loving today. I know that sometimes we get so bogged down it is great to have a reminder of all the good things.

I'm loving...

...today is the start of Spring! Bring out the sundresses, sandals, Claritin and open the windows to enjoy fresh air and sun.

...speaking about Spring today's weather is beautiful! It is currently 59 degrees outside and I just want to go lay on the quad and enjoy the day.

...lunch dates with Katie Perk. I loved that I was able to catch up with this sweet girl. We enjoyed some McAllister's sweet tea and talked about all things movies, books, tv shows and life. I call that a great lunch hour.

...Divergent the film comes out tomorrow (well technically tonight at 8pm). I am currently trying to find time that my roommate and I can find to go see the film together.

...bridesmaid dress shopping for jCm is today! I am so excited to be Jenn's MOH and today myself and the other bridesmaids are going to check out some dresses.

...it's Big/Little week! While my family is not expecting a new addition it was still fun to go to chapter and enjoy the serenading boys while the little's got flowers from their bigs.

...these PJ pants from Old Navy are my favorite and some of them are on sale! I am trying really hard not to buy them all but they are the best!

...The NCAA tournament is underway! Do you have your bracket ready? Who are your final four?

...starting a new book. I started Love Starts with Elle the other day and I think I will be finishing it up shortly. I loved Once Upon a Prince and A March Bride, so I think this book will keep me occupied before I can find Princess Ever After at the library.  

...getting to see my baby sister kDi Saturday, possibly. My baby sister went home for her spring break last week and my parent's sent her back with a book and some Vera Bradley accessories my Mom grabbed at the Outlet that matched the duffel I got for my birthday. I think matching travel accessories are the best and while I have no travel plans in the future I am ready to have my set all together.


What are you loving today?

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Top 5 Tuesday {Top Netflix Binge TV Shows}

Hey y'all,

I am so excited for this week's Top 5 Tuesday theme. I remember my very first binge TV watching experience was Grey's Anatomy back in December of 2007. I had just gotten into watching Grey's and so I binged on seasons 1 and 2 over two days during winter break with a friends DVDs. Thanks to Netflix and Hulu I have lots of opportunities to binge on TV shows especially during the winter when no one wants to go outside.


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House of Cards. I started this show after a lot of friends recommended it to me based on my love of Scandal. I think that Kevin Spacey does a phenomenal job playing Frank Underwood but the show does wonder about Congress and I think I would lose some faith in our government if any of it was actually real. I am not big into politics if you are worried about that aspect don't be, most of the show is trying to figure out how all the chess pieces are in play and moving. Season 2 has had so many crazy moments and I am trying to make it last so I still have about 3 episodes since it came out on Valentine's Day.
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Greek. ABC Family produced this gem during my high school and early college days. I loved Casey and Cappie together and it was a nice show although not representative of greek life completely. I mean, Casey taking Rebecca as her little out of spite is not very sisterly. I mean I love my littles! It is a fun show to watch especially during the summer.
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Gilmore Girls. I might have the entire series of Gilmore Girls on DVD and have watched them all in order a few times. I mean, who didn't love Lorelei and Rory. I also back in High School loved that ABC Family would re-run the episodes whenever I came home from school. I must say though, the last season is not my favorite and I will always be a Jess fan over Logan.
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Say Yes to the Dress. I think we all need to watch some fluff every now and then and I love watching all of the SYTTD shows whether Kleinfeld's or Bridals by Lori this is the perfect show to put on and clean your room to or spend a Friday night eating ice cream with your friends and discussing your perfect dream wedding even if you have no Mr. in sight.


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The Tudors. I have always loved English History and when HBO started the Tudors I knew I had to watch it. I loved the show and yes it can have its graphic moments but I love all the costuming and getting out of our modern world for an hour or two. I think this is also why I love Reign on the CW even though it is not the most accurate of shows.
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Lost Girl. #6 but I stumbled upon this show over Christmas and became obsessed. I watched all three seasons on Netflix pretty quickly. The fourth season is currently airing in Canada and on Syfy so I am trying to wait patiently but that really means I have been buying episodes on iTunes. The show is about a succubus named Beau and her journey of finding her self and navigating the fey world. There are a lot of paranormal creatures which is interesting but like the Tudors there are some more graphic bits and she is a succubi so just to warn you.


Other shows I love: Gossip Girl, Better Off Ted, Switched at Birth, Sherlock and Scrubs. 
Just Peachy
What shows do you recommend?

Monday, March 17, 2014

Music Monday {Happy: UNC Edition}

Hey y'all,

This video produced by the Biology Department at UNC has made me have Pharrell's song Happy stuck in my head all day. It is true though that during Spring Break, without the students UNC is a different atmosphere and work was very quiet.

Enjoy!



Sunday, March 16, 2014

Sunday Sayings...

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Hey y'all,

I know it is late Sunday night but I just made my lunch for work tomorrow and laid out my clothes so I am ready to take on the week and thought I should share some motivation for your week with some quotes below.
Add caption

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Have a wonderful start to your week!

Friday, March 14, 2014

5 on Friday

Hey y'all,

We have made it to the weekend! This week has been nice and relaxing with the students on Spring Break but I am excited for my routine to come back and Monday I welcome a new co-worker so that should be exciting. Also, HAPPY PI DAY! I always loved Pi Day back in high school. I mean who doesn't love pie and a day not crunching numbers. Let's get to some of the things I have been loving this week:

one. Fage Fruyo Greek Yogurt. I have always loved yogurt but when greek yogurt became popular in the states I could never find one that I enjoyed. I am a picky eater and a lot of my pickyness I know comes from texture. I love frozen greek yogurt but it was hard to find one I could enjoy for breakfast or a snack. Well when I went to the Teeter I tried this one out and loved it! I would tell you if you haven't enjoyed greek yogurt in the past try this one.

two. Adorable mugs from UNC's Student Stores. I spotted these mugs while running to the post office(MY TAXES ARE DONE AND MAILED!) inside the student stores and I am really trying not to buy all of them!

three. Lauren Conrad for Kohls. I know that LC has been designing a collection for Kohls for forever but the new spring collection has a lot of adorable things and I am trying to not spend money but they are really tempting. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:
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How adorable are these throw pillows?
Faux-Pearl Decorative Pillow
Bow Decorative Pillow

four. workout tanks. I am running a 5k in less than a month! I am back to being able to run a mile without stopping! WOOHOO! Really y'all it had been about a year since I had been running so I'm pretty excited. The race I am going to run is the Girls on the Run 5k in Durham so I have been looking for cute, kid appropriate tanks on etsy and here are a few of my favorites:
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five. relaxing weekends ahead! I am excited for a relaxing weekend. I have a couple of commitments but I plan on doing lots of reading, cleaning, and running.


I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Book Club Friday {Allegiant}


Hi y'all,

This whole, students on Spring Break, thing has made my week all out of whack. I need my schedule and while the silence is nice it is also unproductive for me. Anyway, I have finally finished the last book in the Divergent series, Allegiant, and I thought I would review it for Book Club Friday. Don't worry I am also planning to link-up for 5 on Friday since I haven't blogged much this week.


Just to warn you there are Spoilers ahead so if you have not read Divergent or Insurgent leave now or enter at your own risk.

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Description:
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

My Opinion:
I was hopeful for this book after loving Divergent and Insurgent but this book was like pulling teeth to get started. I bought this book for my nook the day it came to print, so excited to see where the story led but I am now just finishing. The story moves away from the city with it's factions and I think the change in scenery slowed down the story. The split perspectives made Tris sound like she was whiny a lot and not how her character was originally created. I also saw Tobias/Four doubt himself and perform actions I thought were out of character. I thought the choice for the story to not be a happy ending was fine however, the dramatic change from the factions to a corrupt government experiment and stopping the government was hard. I felt that this ending reminded me a lot of the final Hunger Games, Mockingjay, and I disliked both. I thought the death of Tris was okay in that it was part of her character and I felt bad for Tobias to live on but life is like that and we lose loved ones all the time and learn to live without them. I would say that you should read Divergent and Insurgent since they were fantastic but this book does not help the series. I don't think I have found anyone that loved this book either so it was hard to motivate myself to even finish the book. It was kind of a let down after the other two books being so strong.


Have you read the Divergent series? What were your thoughts?

I am excited about the movie coming out next Friday! 
Will you go see the film?

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

{Top 5 Tuesday} Top 5 iPhone Apps

Hey y'all,

I'm linking up with the lovely Rachel of just peachy for Top 5 Tuesday. This week's topic is iPhone Apps. I have only had my iPhone since the end of September so all iPhone app suggestions are welcome! Here is my Top 5, they are kind of boring but I was raised by parents that instilled in me that a phone is a phone not our entire lives. Let's get started:
My iPhone
1. Instagram. Kind of obvious but I love Instagram, it is just a great way to share photos and experiences with all of your friends. I also use PicStitch to make some collages for Instagram. I now check Instagram I think more than I check Facebook.

2. Spotify. This is the best app for going to the gym. I typically elliptical while watching one of the shows on the big screens but if I am going for a run I grab one of the treadmills upstairs and plug into my phone. I have a really long 5K playlist that I continually add to and would love your playlist or favorite song to run to.

3. Goodreads. The website Goodreads is great but the app is better! Do you ever wander around Barnes and Noble and find a book you want to read, you can scan the book and add it to your to-read list. If you are a bookworm like me I think you should check out the app.

4. WhatsApp. I am currently using WhatsApp while my best guy friend travels the world. This app helps you send texts to friends with smartphones using your 3G or Wifi so for those in other countries they are not having crazy fees and charges. I don't know, I mean I am only using it for communication with him while he is traveling. 

5. Facebook. Another obvious choice but I mean, we all love some social media and having the app on my phone helps me to stay connected when I am taking a break from the world. 

*Honorable Mention: Bible App. I love that I can have the bible at my fingertips. I do not look that often on this app but I use YouVersion on my computer a lot when I do a devotion in the morning. I just tend to be near a computer or my actual bible when working on a devotion.

What are your favorite apps? 
Just Peachy
Link up with Rachel

Monday, March 10, 2014

Monday Meal Planning

Hey y'all,

So today I thought I would share with you my entire week's plans of meals. I have been trying to be really healthy as far as cooking and this is just another way to be accountable and make sure that I am not stuck in a rut with my meals. I tend to keep breakfast pretty simple and the same throughout the week so I mainly need to plan for lunch and dinners only.

Monday
Lunch: Shrimp Stirfry with Brown Rice
Dinner: Dinner at tPr's house--Homemade Pizza and Salad

Tuesday
Lunch: Lunch Loser Tuesday! *Tuesdays my work group always goes out to eat for lunch
Dinner: Lemon, Garlic & Herb Grilled Chicken with veggies

Wednesday
Lunch: Leftover Grilled Chicken and Veggies
Dinner: Spaghetti Squash & Homemade Meat Sauce(I made this for the first time ever Sunday night and it was really good!)

Thursday
Lunch: Chicken Noodle Soup
Dinner: Breakfast Wraps: scrambled eggs, turkey sausage and cheese in a tortilla

Meatless Friday
Lunch: Cheese Quesadilla 
Dinner: Grilled Garlic Butter Fish Fillet with Couscous

Saturday
Lunch: Chicken Noodle Soup
Dinner: Leftover Couscous and Fish Fillets

Sunday
Lunch: Breakfast Wrap or Brunch foods
Dinner: Skinny Chicken Pesto Bake

What's on your menu for the week? Do you have a specific website you go to for dinner inspiration?

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Sunday Sayings...

Hey y'all,

I hope you have had a wonderful day today and are preparing for the week ahead with little to no stress. This week UNC students are on Spring Break so my work life will be very calm! YAY! I hope these pins help you out.

With daylights savings time occurring last night this pin is the truth:
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Liebster Award x2

Hi y'all,

Wow this week flew by! Between having Monday and Tuesday half-days from work due to ice and then Wednesday being the busiest day at the office all semester I cannot believe it is already Saturday morning and I neglected this little blog here since Monday. My apologies! Also, I am still working on collecting items for my 200 follower giveaway so watch out for that! Anyway, I have had this post in draft form for weeks so it is finally time to post it. I was very honored to be nominated for the Liebster award twice and since I like to make Saturday posts more get to know you things I thought this would be a great idea!


From Sydney at A Thousand Tomorrows

1.What is your proudest moment of your life thus far?
I would think it would be graduating from Carolina and subsequently finding a job at UNC that I love. Carolina is a tough school to get into and I did not recognize that until coming to UNC and being really challenged in school for the first time ever. I mean, in high school I was a straight A student and while I did study and take academics seriously, UNC was a whole other level. It is also hard to go from being a straight A student at the top of the class to going to an entire group of people just like you so you are now the average and need to really study and try to be above average. Getting a job after college can be a challenge. It was a lot of cover letters, resumes, applying and never hearing a word, and being patient. I think I ended up right where God meant me to be though so I just had to wait for the right fit and my job has been a wonderful position to start my career at.

2.Dream place to live?
EUROPE! Ok, more like have a summer home in Europe (anywhere will do, I mean the trains there make traveling so easy) and then a normal home here in the South maybe South Carolina or Georgia.
3.What would you say a "staple item" is for every girl's closet?
Staples: an LBD of course. I mean if you find the perfect one you can wear it to work, going out to dinner on a date, out with friends grabbing drinks, it really is the best thing in your closet. Other items I love: a big work tote that works with everything. I love my Longchamp Le Pilage and then I switch it out sometimes with my Kate Spade Flicker Sophie. I love that you can carry so much in it without looking like you are a pack horse. I am also not someone that likes to carry two bags to work so it is just my preference.
4.Who is your inspiration?
Daily inspiration has to be my Mom. She is the best and I love that she is always just a phone call away to inspire and encourage me or just listen to me rant.

5.Favorite quotation?
There are so many but I have been loving this one recently:

6.What is your favorite meal of the day?
Hmmm...I would probably say dinner. I have never been a big breakfast person. I love breakfast foods but never get excited for breakfast in the mornings unless we are talking brunch!

7.What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
TMI moment but I typically get out of bed, turn off my alarm and go to the bathroom.

8.Favorite movie of all time?
I am such a movie buff so this question is always really hard. I would say that I can watch Two Weeks Notice, Sweet Home Alabama, Pride and Prejudice (2005) and Beauty and the Beast any time and not complain.

9.What website/social media are you loving right now? (Let us know how to find you!)
I am loving Instagram right now. As far as websites right now I am currently loving Skinnytaste since I am looking for some good recipes and I will let you know if I try anything and then I am loving She Reads Truth since they just began their plan for Lent.

10.What book should I read next?
This is another hard question since I don't know y'all well enough to feel like I can recommend a book. I am currently reading Allegiant (#3 in the Divergent series) and I loved the first two books but I am hesitant about this one since a lot of my friends that read it as soon as it did not love it as much.

11. How are your New Year's Resolutions going?
You can read my resolutions here. They are going. Some are going better than others but that is why I tend to call them goals and not resolutions.

From Alyssa at Southern Abundance
1. Why did you start blogging?
Ok, this is my third blog. I actually began on Tumblr and had a blog there for a really long time and began one blog that lasted about a week. Then I blogged during my senior year at Carolina and it was more of a scrapbook but I was able to connect with a lot of different bloggers so when I switched over to my postgrad blog I finally has a bit of a groove and some kinks worked out.

2. What is one goal you have for this year?

I have 14 goals that you can read about here.

3. If you could go back in your life and relive one moment, what would that one moment be?

I have a couple regrets in my life and they typically involve my friends but I don't think I would really go back and relive them or change them since I love my current life and I don't want to mess with it by changing the past. 

4. When you were younger, what was your dream job?

When I was really young I thought I wanted to be a teacher and then I realized how hard it was to teach and I didn't have the passion for it but then I thought I would be a book editor since who doesn't want to spend their day reading books?

5. If you could live in another state, what state would you live in and why?

I am actually pretty fond of North Carolina after living here since 8th grade but I wouldn't mind going back to Texas where I was born or trying out South Carolina or Georgia.

6. What is your favorite winter Olympic sport?

ICE SKATING!

7. If you could switch lives for one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

I have no idea. It would be cool to switch lives with someone who designs the Lilly or J.Crew collections...

8. Favorite organizer/planner/calendar company (because I love organization!) 

My current planner is a Kate Spade one from Lifeguard Press. It is organized the same way as the Lilly Pulitzer agendas. I had an Erin Condren one but it didn't work as well since my life is not really morning, day and night with work.

9. Where would you like to see your blog be in 6 months?

I would love to see my blog grow and maybe a lot more consistency with my posts. I am so blessed to have so many people reading it anyhow that any growth is progress to me!

10. If you could only read one blog for the rest of time, what would that one blog be?

Only one! I think this is to tough to choose and I would probably stop reading blogs if I can't read a lot of people's words. I think blogging is such a community and without that it is just writing in a journal. 

11. What is your biggest advice to any bloggers?

I think the typical you need to be honest and be you is really the most important. Do not compare yourself to others and as long as you are happy that is what matters. Yes there are people with thousands of followers and that might not be you (Yet) but write about what makes you happy, what challenges you, and what scares you. Write about your passions and your dreams. I love books, clothes, my sorority, the Tar Heels, and my faith and so I try to make sure that those all have a presence on this blog.


Thank you Sydney and Alyssa for nominating me and for your great questions. It is way to early for me to think and nominate blogs so if you want to participate in this award feel free to answer 10 out of the 20 questions Alyssa and Sydney asked and comment with a link to your post.

Have a lovely weekend!

Monday, March 3, 2014

Weekend Update

Hey y'all,

This weekend was pretty jam packed and not with only babysitting or teaching Sunday School although that was mixed in as well.

The weekend started Friday evening with a quick dinner, running to the grocery store and then heading to my friends' book club! In February we were discussing John Green's The 
Fault in Our Stars which I reviewed a bit last January. It was interesting to see everyone's thoughts about it and I am glad I was not alone in people who were not in love with the book. Next month's book is The Sword in the Stone (it's part of The Once And Future King by T.H. White). So if you have read the Fault In Our Stars or The Sword in the Stone please leave a comment with your opinion on the book!

After book club I headed over to babysit for a couple of hours, translation I watched the 30 for 30: The Price of Gold on Netflix since the kids were asleep by the time I arrived. I guess I am having Olympic withdrawals already but it was an interesting documentary on the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan story. I know that NBC aired a special called Nancy & Tonya on the day of the closing ceremonies this year so the story will never really go away.

Saturday morning began with a quick run to Rite Aid to grab wrapping paper and a card for Laura & Chuck's wedding that morning. I must say I am disappointed in Rite Aid though, the wrapping paper was expensive ($5) for a small amount of paper that was thin and ripped easily. I know you pay for convenience but next time I will have to not procrastinate and hit up Target. Rant over. Then it was time to get ready for the wedding.

The wedding was beautiful, although a bit cold since we were outside and for some reason NC decided to freak out with freezing temperatures. Luckily, the heaters were a lifesaver and our table was under some heating as well. Laura was a beautiful bride and the moment she 
walked out with her Dad I began to cry. The ceremony was so meaningful and filled with lots of prayer, laughter and heart and yes I cried some more. After the ceremony it was time for hor d'oeuvres:fried green tomatoes, vegetarian spring rolls, and chicken biscuits! After that we began brunch: biscuits, eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, grits, fruit, and waffles. YUM! Then the party began and yes more crying during toasts and the father daughter dance. I am so happy for the new Mr & Mrs! There are a few photos from the day on my Instagram as well.

The rest of Saturday was spent at church teaching Sunday School, attending church and then heading to dinner at Firewurst and ended the night at Mary's enjoying homemade cinnamon rolls. Sounds like a perfect day to me.

Oh, and Saturday I received my February necklace of the necklace club from Caroline G Shop. It's the White Teardrop Necklace. I believe the necklace club is closed but Carrie posted an opening not to long ago on her Instagram so follow her for great inspiration and deals!

Sunday began with my typical babysitting followed by a trip to the gym. I recently (Thursday) signed up for the Girls on the Run 5k on April 12th which means I have 6 weeks to train to run 3+miles and I have not really run since June. So there is that so I was expecting to have a rough time yesterday but I hopped on the treadmill and was able to crank out 0.5miles no problem. I thought to take it easy so after my mile (walking and running) I hit the elliptical. Then a quick shower and lunch happened before I called my Daddy to go over my taxes. It was a long call and I misplaced a sheet of paper so I kind of destroyed my room but it has been found and this week the room will go back together somehow. Then it was off to babysit for a family attending an Oscar party and staying up until midnight watching the big show. 


Anyone surprised by an of the awards? Favorite dress?

How was your weekend?