Show Us Your Life: Fashion Tips

Kelly's Korner is hosting "Fashion Tips" today so I thought I'd chime in since I've dedicated the past however many years of my life to the fashion world. Now please note-I do not consider myself a die hard fashionista. I like to look good and feel cute but comfort always wins with me. That being said, these are my tried and true fashion tips, learned best by none other than yours truly.
**ALWAYS and I do mean ALWAYS buy the size that fits you. No one knows what size you wear unless you tell them. Size does not matter. I can't stress it enough. Do not try to squeeze into a smaller size just because you like that number better!! People will notice the muffin top hanging over your pants. They will notice if your shirt pulls because your chest is too big for the size you are wearing. Wear what fits you. Rip out the size tag if it bugs you.
**Shop your closet. Throw a cardigan over a summer dress, add tights and boots and you have a new winter outfit!
**Accessories go a long way. They can change your entire outfit and you don't even have to spend much money! I love Forever 21, Sam Moon, Aldo, Target, and Stein Mart for accessories like scarves, jewelry, headbands, etc. Etsy is also a great place to find unique pieces.
**Use resources. If you see a picture of an outfit you like in a magazine, rip it out and bring it with you when you go shopping. Celebrities have stylists who are paid big bucks to make them look good, so use their outfits as inspiration!!
**When picking a celebrity style, use a celebrity who has a similar body type to you. If you're tall, don't pick a petite celebrity. Look at people who look similar to you.
**Plan, plan, plan. I've started to plan my outfits because I got tired of wearing the same type of thing all the time. It's easy to go for the same thing in your closet when you know it works. I know we're all short on time but just giving yourself 10 minutes will make a difference. Do a test run if you can. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but there is nothing worse than going out when you don't feel good about yourself. We all deserve to feel good about ourselves!! Make the effort to take care of you. It'll go a long way.
**If you're completely lost on your style and what works for you, then utilize the services that department stores offer!! Nordstrom's personal shopping service is free. And I know this b/c I used to be a Nordstrom Personal Shopper. The stylists there will work with you, help you find a style and work pieces into your existing wardrobe...and the only thing you pay for is the merchandise you buy!!

I hope this gives some of ya'll ideas! Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous weekend. :o)

The Importance of Deodorant

This morning I was quite proud when I found myself walking into the gym at 9:05am thinking I was going to avoid the "rush"...and ya'll today I almost passed out by the time I got to the front desk. When did people stop wearing deodorant?!? And who told them this was okay?!? Now I realize I'm a little paranoid about smells. I mean, I carry deodorant in my purse!! (It's my worst fear in life to be the girl who doesn't smell good...hence the deodorant in the purse.) And I think it's absolutely appaling that Matthew McCounaghey hasn't worn deodorant in 20 years. The man lost major hotness points with me when he mentioned that in an interview. So yes, I do realize I'm a little sensitive to this situation.
Anyway, back to the point...the whole point of working out early (other than to avoid talking myself out of working out completely) is to avoid the bad odor that seems to accumulate at the gym over the course of the day. I don't really enjoy sweat odor...or I should say (since I don't think anyone really enjoys it) that sometimes the odor gets to me more than other times. And seriously, every gym seems to smell sweaty...no matter how well ventilated they are.
Now please note, I do realize my gym is called 24 Hour Fitness. So I know people are working out at all hours of the day there...literally. It's probably not really ever "empty." But I would think the early morning rush would be well over by 9am therefore giving the space time to refresh! Well guess what. I think every other unemployed person in the metroplex also decided to work out around 9am because this morning it was b-u-s-y. OR everyone else working out at that hour just has the luxury of getting to the office after 9. Maybe I should ask them where they work...
Anyway, this morning it was more crowded than it used to be when I went after work. And you know what that means. It smells the exact same at 9am as it does at 5:30pm!! I know what you're asking (yes, I can hear you) "why not go later in the morning Jen?" Well guess what...I have also tried going at 11am. And that's no good because it's "Children's Hour." Have you ever witnessed a child almost getting injured by the eliptical?? There's no experience quite like it.
There has GOT to be a solution to this. I guess I could drown myself in perfume and deodorant but then I'd be that girl who puts on way too much perfume to go to the gym and I definitely don't want to be that girl. Plus, too much perfume gives me a headache so that's not really benefitting me. Has anyone else experienced this problem?? Hmmm...I wonder if I'm super sensitive to smell since I haven't been able to smell anything for the past week.
I'm starting a movement. Please ya'll, whatever you do, do not forget to put on your deodorant before leaving your house! If you don't want to do it for yourself, do it for the people who love you. And the people working out on the machine next to you at the gym. Here's hoping for an odorless adventure tomorrow!!

This is a VERY Important Day...

Sometime in the 1900s (because let's face it, we were all born in the 1900s) a VERY special man was born...





















NORMAN CHRISTENSEN!!!!







Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!!





I thank God for you everyday and I love you very, VERY much!!! Happy 30th!!!

I'm so special...

I have a reputation for leaving things at friend's houses. It's normal, right? You bring food, you may leave the dish you brought food in at the hostess' house on accident...or you know, leave a glass or something. Me? I leave anything and everything. One time, and I'm not kidding, I left an entire outfit at a friend's house. I should explain...we went out and to be safe, we cabbed it back to my friend's house since she lived closest to the bar we went to. Well I got up the next morning in my pjs, went home and left my outfit from the night before at her house. Shoes and all. Who does that?? She called me on my way home to tell me and I just said "oops! I'll get it later." Wouldn't a normal person turn around??
So my friend Tessa posted a comment on my facebook wall last week saying she would be returning my martini glasses to me shortly since she'd only had them for two years. I know, I know. You'd think I'd want them back, right? Well whenever someone calls to tell me I left something at their house (because they always do), I simply say, "as long as I know where it is, it's okay." It's when I can't find something that I get upset!
Anyway, Tessa came over to hang out for a bit on Sunday b/c I hadn't seen her in a while. She walks in with a canvas shopping bag. Like one of the ones you bring grocery shopping so the store doesn't charge you for the plastic ones they "give" out. This is what was in it:

I totally forgot what these looked like!! Aren't they pretty?? I'm so excited to get them back! I think I even told Tessa "oooohhh I remember those!!" So I now have two fully stocked martini sets. (I already had one before I got these back.) I need to have a martini party now. Who's in??

A Good Reason to Get Outta Bed

I finally went to the doctor this morning (my appt was at 7:45!) b/c I am OVER being sick. I tried to suck it up and see if I could get better on my own and well...that wasn't happening.
So I woke up early and went to see my beloved doctor, Dr. Walters. I drive far to see her b/c I absolutely love her. This may sound weird, but I like her b/c she talks to you when you visit. She wants to know what's going on with you and treats you like a person, not a patient. And when I come in sick, she babies me and I love that, I'll admit it. :o)
I'm by myself down here, so I don't really have anyone to take care of me when I am sick or hurt. But honestly, I'm not that great with people taking care of me. My friends try and I shoo them away. When I feel bad, I really just like to be alone!
Anyway, on to the diagnosis....dum dum dum dum....Bronchitis AND Sinusitis! NO WONDER WHY I FEEL AWFUL. I was kinda worried that this was in my head and I was being dramatic and it was really just a cold. But nope, it's not. So I actually feel better knowing it is something. (I guess not having a voice all week should've been my first clue that it was more than a cold.) I got a steroid shot this morning and I don't do shots. OUCH!! I also got a decongestant, an antibiotic and an inhaler.
I hope I feel better by tomorrow. I actually miss the gym...and I need to get focused again on finding a job.
I hope ya'll have had a much better week than I have!!
PS-Please continue to keep the victims of the Haiti earthquake in your prayers. There's a huge star studded telethon scheduled to air tomorrow night. Go to Hope for Haiti Telethon for more info!

You know I'm sick when...

I post a blog the day after a major awards show and forget to talk about it. Clearly I have lost my mind.
Did ya'll watch the Golden Globes?? I am always glued to my tv for the pre-show. It's one of the few things I will actually sit and watch. No phone, no computer, no magazine, I'm not ever working on a project, I just sit and watch. I am obsessed with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. And I'm obsessed with fashion. So when you put the two together, it's like my heaven.


Who was your best dressed last night? I absolutely LOVED Olivia Wilde. I think she looked absolutely gorgeous and her dress was by far one of my favorites. Other than looking absolutely stunning, Olivia said that her dress was going to be auctioned to help Haiti. A stunning dress for a good cause...does it get any better??



Zoe Saldana was another favorite of mine. I thought she looked absolutely fabulous and I love anything with ruffles! I adore the wine color of her dress, and I'm so glad she chose that over basic black (not that there's anything wrong with basic black!)


I am sure this is gonna be controversial but another one I adored was Jennifer Morrison. (I told you I love ruffles!) Her dress was so unique and just utterly beautiful to me.




Other favorites: Courtney Cox Arquette was stunning and I love that her dress was designed by Victoria Beckham. (I'm a huge fan of anything Victoria Beckham!) Dianna Agron and Lea Michele from Glee looked beautiful. I loved both of their dresses. (I'm also a huge fan of anything pretty and comfortable.) I thought Sandra Bullock looked amazing. I am SOO happy she won!! Jennifer Aniston was gorgeous but I wish she would wear something different. It seems like she's always wearing a black dress!
It's hard for me to talk about the guys fashion wise, b/c they always wear a tux! Chace Crawford looked amazing. I was so glad Michael C. Hall won!! He looked so handsome even with the hat. He's going through cancer treatment, give the guy a break! Josh Duhamel always looks good to me. Sam Worthington looked great! And as far as I'm concerned Gerard Butler can do no wrong.

Sigh...I would love to go to the Golden Globes. Or the Oscars. Or the Grammys. A girl can dream, right??

A Shower, Mardi Gras and King Cake!

Hi ya'll, how was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?
My friends Lesli & Whitey are getting married in April so this past weekend we hosted a couple's shower for them. It went really well, thank goodness! I'm thinking if the teaching thing doesn't work out, I might start looking into event planning! I like being part of a team and planning things, as stressful as it can be. For the shower, everyone had their own part. I found the location and corresponded with the caterer. It was fun to work with the other girls in the bridal party and see it all come together...we made a good team!
Lesli and Whitey are both from the New Orleans area (Lesli and I were actually born in the same hospital!) so we did a Mardi Gras theme. We hosted the party at a bar called The Quarter...of course I didn't realize until the night before that the name is actually The French Quarter Bar...as in New Orleans French Quarter. Yes people, I am just that good. I plan things better than I ever thought possible! Actually it was a total coincidence and we laughed about it on the way to be the bar b/c I am an idiot. :o) Here are some pics from the shower.


Bride and Groom with most of the bridal party (missing a few guys.)

You can't have a Mardi Gras party without King Cake...flown in straight from New Orleans!


I woke up Sunday with a fever and no voice, which I still have. I always seem to get sick whenever I get stressed out and 99% of the time it's either bronchitis, laryngitis or strep. I'm hoping for bronchitis...that always goes away the fastest!
On that note, I'm gonna go cuddle with Toby on the couch. I hope ya'll have a fabulous week. :o)

Show us your Life: Weight Loss, Diet Tips, Workout Ideas

My sisters are probably cracking up reading this because I have never been one to be serious about "working out." I've been very lucky and never really struggled with my weight (other than in college) but I work out for other reasons. Other than wanting to feel good, I have a bad back. Working out is the only thing that has kept my back in good shape and I notice that when I drop the ball on going to the gym, I start to hurt.
I'm very lucky and have a good friend, Whitey, who has a love for fitness. He used to be a personal trainer and just has a knack for all things health related. So he built a plan for me based on what I need to do to achieve my goals (fight fat, build
muscle and keep my back in shape.)
My Workout Plan-
Let me say, I've come up with every excuse not to work out! Truth be told, this is my daily motivation:
-I live in Dallas where it's swimsuit season 5 months out of the year.
-Working out keeps my back in shape better than medicine ever did.
-If I don't work out, I either become skinny flab or I gain weight and get a puffy face. And the puffy face/skinny calves combo does not cute on me!
I love the feeling I get after I work out and I love seeing change in my body. Plus, I know I'll regret if I don't.
Whitey told me to lift heavy weights 2-4x a week. I usually do 2 sets of 10-12 reps. The last 2 reps are HARD!! I lift at home b/c the weight room at the gym scares me and I think I look weird when I work out. (And if I have the weights at home, then there is no excuse to skip my work out!) I alternate between upper and lower body so I end up lifting both areas 1-2x a week. It depends on how my back feels and how sore I am.
I do cardio 3x a week for 30 minutes each session. And I really DO NOT LIKE cardio. But I have a new found love with the treadmill. I love walking on an incline b/c you burn more calories and tone your legs on top of getting the benefits of cardio. It's like a 2 in 1 workout!
Diet- Protein helps build muscle so I eat a lot of it. In the summer, dinner is often fish, brown rice and steamed veggies. I really like to cook and I spend a lot of time looking for healthy recipes.
Pirate's Booty is my favorite snack and apples, grapes, cottage cheese, and nuts are filling and healthy "mini meals". A great snack is cottage cheese and sliced apples sprinkled with cinnamon. YUM!!
My diet is hardly perfect...I have a weakness for Diet Coke, I drink alcohol, and if I see 100 Grand candy bar, I'm eating it. Tex-Mex is my favorite food group. :o) I have an abnormal love for lemon bars, lemon cookies, lemon cupcakes (anything lemon basically) and if I gain a pound or two over it, then I'm fine with that. It's worth it!
These are some other tips Whitey gave me:
- Trade in your "whites" for whole grains. Brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, etc.
-Lift heavy and do fewer reps. You'll build more lean muscle and don't worry about getting big. Women don't have the hormones for that. (And if ya'll do get big, I know where he lives!!)
-Eat something every 3-4 hours even if it's just a piece of fruit or granola bar. This will keep your metabolism up and prevent binging later.
- Use your time in front of the tv. Do abs, stretch, get on an exercise bike if you have one.
- Park far away from your destination. It sounds silly but if you can't get to the gym, then try to walk as much as you can that day.
- Drink as many ounces of water as at least half your weight per day. Drink it throughout the day to remain hydrated.
-Avoid dieting. Make lifestyle changes.
-Be realistic. If you eat a cookie, your day is not ruined. Instead, eat a healthier dinner or add 5 minutes to your workout.
-Be honest with yourself. Write things down to keep track of your workouts and eating habits. Calorie Counter is a free website where you can track your calories and workouts. I used it last year to get in shape for my best friend's wedding and it was great!
-Don't get obsessed with the scale. Pay attention to how you feel and how your clothes fit.
I hope this gives ya'll ideas! Thanks for stopping by. :o

Haiti

I feel pretty selfish and petty after focusing on myself yesterday when what I should've done is focus on the devastation that Haiti is facing right now.
We all have our problems, we know that. And for the most part, we can be prepared for anything. But how do you prepare yourself for a catastrophic event, such as a 7.0 magnitude earthquake? I was looking at pictures on cnn.com today and the visible damage is absolutely heartbreaking. What do you do when there's actually nothing you can do to prepare for something?
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti, the brave and selfless men and women who are helping them, the armed forces who are trying to get to them and everyone else who has stopped for even a minute during the day to pray for relief.
I saw this on another blog and wanted to pass along the info.
If you'd like to donate $10 to the Red Cross, text "Haiti" to 90999. The amount will show up on your next phone bill.
Another blogger has set up a website, hope-for-haiti. Please take a look if you get a minute during the day.
Otherwise, please pray for relief for the nation of Haiti, for the relief workers, and for everyone else who is trying to help in some way. I don't normally ask people to pray, but I think this is one moment we can all take a minute and be grateful for what we have and pray for those who don't have anything. Literally, anything.
I don't mean to bring ya'll down by talking about such a serious topic! It just amazes me to see the things we are able to survive. And I think it's even more amazing to watch strangers come together and provide such selfless acts for other people they don't even know. People can be really fabulous when they want to be, can't they?

All I need is 100 Grand...

So today I had my first unemployment panic attack. I'm not really surprised since today is also the first day I accidently slept in. I've been trying to get up every day between 7:30 and 8:00 so that when I do return to work, it won't be so hard. Every morning (since Monday) I wake up, turn on Kidd Kraddick, take Toby out, make breakfast, check my email, etc. Well this morning I woke up at 10. HUH?!? What happened to 8am?? I didn't sleep very well until about 6 this morning so maybe that's what happened. ANYWAY, today didn't start off exactly as I had planned.
Once I did get my day started, I decided to go grocery shopping. I should mention that I got my last paycheck today. So I made a list, grabbed my coupon envelope (because I'm 80 years old and actually have a coupon evelope) and walked out the door.
I always try to guesstimate my total as I'm shopping so that I don't get caught off guard when I check out. It's just a habit and a game I like to entertain myself with when I'm shopping alone. And yes, (for those wondering) sometimes I am the crazy lady talking to myself in the middle of the store. If I'm okay with it then ya'll should be too! :o)
Well today I was in Target, normal as could be and suddenly I just teared up as I put paper towels in my basket. There is absolutely nothing emotional about paper towels. So there was absolutely no reason why I should have been tearing up. But there I was, tearing up, talking myself into actually buying the paper towels because 1) I needed them and 2) the double roll 12 pack was on sale for $8.99. So I put them in my basket and walked down the aisle asking myself "what am I going to do??" (For the record, I have no idea why it was paper towels that brought on this sudden surge of emotion. I'm still trying to figure that out...)
This is my last paycheck. Today I bought things I actually need, it's not like I was being extravagant and looking at makeup or buying clothes. These are necessities. So in two weeks, when I don't get a paycheck and need food, then what am I going to do? I know I won't starve to death, I'm not trying to be dramatic. But this is scary. The unknown is scary. And even the known (such as a lack of paycheck in two weeks) is nerve-wracking.
So there I was, walking towards the check out, trying to get outta there before the sobbing started and then I saw the ONE thing that could make me feel better. I swear I heard angels singing...

And suddenly, all was right in the world. If you don't know, these things are my most favorite chocolate candy bar ever. And I haven't seen them since high school. I literally closed my eyes and said "Thank you Lord" when I saw huge bags of them in the sale section. And you better believe I bought the biggest bag I could find. I won't tell you how many I ate in the car on the way home. But I was happy. :o)
I won't mention that I couldn't find Pirate's Booty at Sprouts today (Sprouts is the go to store in Dallas for produce. I got 4 zucchinis, a huge stalk of celery, 5 apples, a carton of mushrooms and a carton of blackberries for $7.98 today. It's amazing!!) I almost started having heart palpitations b/c that is my I-can't-live-without-it favorite snack but I just reminded myself that I had a huge bag of 100 Grands in the car and I was okay. The heart palpitations stopped. :o)
I know I'm silly. And I'm definitely trying to use humor to get through the hard parts of the day. There aren't many but they're there. I know some people are jealous and would love to trade places with me. I won't lie, it's nice to be home and I love going to the gym when I want and getting to do what I want most of the day but I've applied to 35 jobs in the past 96 hours and I haven't gotten one response. I know these things take time. But 35 jobs?? And not one response??? It's discouraging. And I have no choice but to keep trying and remain positive. I spend my days wondering if I can bartend somehwere, or be a cocktail server or even babysit. Anything to broaden my horizons. I would LOVE to pursue teaching. But I can't wait until August to get a paycheck.
What would ya'll do? If you were in my position, and could pursue anything, what would it be?
Ya'll are fabulous for listening to me ramble. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my thoughts. :o)

A New Beginninng

Well 2010 is off to a very interesting start. I just got laid of from my job and before you gasp and offer apologies, I'm telling you now, it's okay! I'm okay. I promise! :o)
I actually think this might be a good thing for many reasons. To be honest, I was miserable at this job and I've been looking at other opportunities for a while now.
I was actually a little upset when I was let go, as anyone would be. The company is downsizing and as I told my bosses, I would be much more upset if my being let go was because of me. If the company is downsizing, then the company is downsizing. I respect the decision and I do think it's in their best interest. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter what I think.
Even though I was told there was nothing I could do to avoid this, it still hurt. But then I callled my parents who both said "Congratulations!" Ha. So that made me feel better. Seriously though, this is kind of a relief and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. That's weird to say given the economy and the fact that I now have no income. But I'm sorry, it's just the way I feel...today at least. Tomorrow, maybe not. But I'm gonna take this one day at a time.
I made no secret of being miserable at my job. And no, I'm not proud of myself for handling things the way I did. But I'm glad this decision was made for me. (I'm sure everyone in my life is thrilled that they don't have to listen to me complain anymore too! How embarrassing is it that I feel the need to say that? Ugh.)
Trust me, I pictured quitting and being fired for months. And months. I imagined how everything would happen and let me tell you, the actual scenario went much better in real life than it ever did in my head. And for that, I am extremely grateful and relieved.
My first day of unemployment, so far, has been very productive! I've filed for unemployment, I've applied to 20 jobs since Friday, I went to the chiropractor, I made some phone calls and I found the gumbo mix I've been on a mission to find since last week!
I think everything happens for a reason. And I've been looking to make a change in my life for a long time now. It's funny, I would buy a new outfit hoping it would make me feel better. I'd cook a new recipe hoping it would give me the satisfaction of doing something successful with my day. I spent days looking at new home decor thinking that if I changed something at home then maybe my attitude at work would change too. But I think maybe letting go of that job is the relief and change I need.
Today, I'm excited about making a positive change. I feel as lucky and blessed as I ever have. I'm excited for the future. (And I'm REALLY excited I can avoid the crowds at the gym and work out during the day!) Tomorrow I may be nervous and antsy and scared to death. But for now, I'm gonna embrace the change, use my time as wisely as I can and pray for the best.
I know there will be ups and downs. There always are. And it's not what happens to you, it's how you handle it. I know people are nervous for me and there are moments during the day I just stop and cry. (You'll probably read a post about that later this week when everything actually settles in.)
But I'm going to remain as positive as I can. And I want to use this time in my life to volunteer, find out what I really want to do and be smart about it. :o)
I hope ya'll have a fabulous night!

Happy Thursday...or Friday Eve as Katie calls it

Have ya'll ever just had a blah week? Nothing bad happens, but nothing great happens either. I mean it's life...let's face it, not every week can be fabulous.
But I get so annoyed with myself when I get in these moods b/c the majority of my life IS fabulous. I am so lucky to be rich in the things that matter...I have my health, my family, my friends, and my dog. And on top of all that, I'm lucky enough to be able to afford the things I need which is way more than a lot of people can say right now. So I get REALLY annoyed with myself when I get depressed about trivial things. (See? I told ya'll I frustrate myself!)
I've struggled to write this week because I haven't really decided how personal I want this blog to be. I don't want to write super personal things on here but then again, the reason I started this blog is so that I can share things with loved ones I don't get to talk to everyday. So I don't know...hopefully I'll figure it out soon! I definitely don't want to look back at these entries in a couple months and cringe at what I wrote.
ANYWAY, I hope ya'll are having a better week than I am. I had a rough couple days with my back (insert eye roll here) and I went to the chiropractor for the first time on Wednesday in a year and a half. Honestly, I'm thrilled I was able to go that long without a treatment. I guess the working out thing actually does work. :o)
I actually do have a humorous story for you...the bad day with my back was Tuesday and if you haven't dealt with me and my back pain, you need to drop to your knees right now and thank the angels above! There is nothing cute or fun about it and let me tell you, I was in some serious pain. And I wanted my mom's gumbo soup for dinner. It's easy to make and so yummy so I thought I could at least handle that and maybe I'd feel better if I got a healthy, warm dinner in me. (The lean cuisine I had at lunch just wasn't cutting it.) So I stopped at the store, got the stuff I needed to make it and went straight home thinking I had the gumbo mix at home. Well I didn't. And I was so upset. All I wanted was a nice bowl of gumbo for dinner!! Is that too much to ask?!?
So I did what any mature, pained woman would do...I poured myself a big glass of wine, got an ice pack, plopped my pathetic booty on the couch and watched Sex and The City. (Don't worry, I got soup from Whole Foods over the weekend so I just ate that for dinner instead...not quite the same but close enough.) It was probably the most pathetic sight no one got to see. If I had cried, it would've been a full fledged tantrum.
Thankfully for me, no one was around so no one got to witness the disgrace that was my life. Even though I just shared it with you.
If you still love me after hearing that story, thank you. I wouldn't blame you if ya'll turned around and ran.
PS- I did just get good news. I just found out that between me and my sisters, I didn't have the highest cell phone roaming charges while in Canada. WOO-HOO!!!

A Party, A Brunch and A Wedding...

I know this is a couple days late, but I just want to say...HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I don't know about ya'll, but I had a really busy and fabulous first weekend in 2010. Thursday night the new year started with great friends, a lot of food & wine, a few cellular mishaps, and a (jokingly) offended mother. Sigh...you just kinda had to be there! This is one of our pics from the night:


Compliments of Lesli...Apparently I don't take pictures in 2010!


Friday was great for many reasons...among them: no work (yeah!), The Gator Bowl (Go 'Eers!!) and my friend Leah's Rehearsal Dinner.
Yes, I know the 'Eers lost the Gator Bowl. :o( I have to say though (just in case anyone was losing sleep over this...ha!) this is probably the ONE game I think we're okay with losing. It was Bobby Bowden's final game after 30 years of coaching so that really would've been a bittersweet loss for FSU. It STINKS that they weren't even ranked but at least Bobby Bowden got one last victory.
ANYWAY, back to the most important part of the weekend...LEAH GOT MARRIED! She & Cam hosted their rehearsal dinner at Blue Goose and Jill flew in just in time to get in the House Party Picture.

These girls and I have been friends since 8TH GRADE! I love them so much and I felt honored to be part of Leah's special day. Jill stayed with me over the weekend so we went home and watched my most favorite show ever. If you know me, you know I absolutely love The Nanny. (Don't groan...I heard that!) I'm sorry, but I really do love it.

Saturday morning Leah & her mom hosted a bridal brunch. Do ya'll have this tradition in the north? The morning of the wedding, the bride and her mother host a brunch for close girlfriends and family to attend. It's very informal and the bridal party gets ready while the others watch and eat...and of course, drink mimosas! The wedding was gorgeous and Leah made a STUNNING bride. Here are some pics from the ceremony and reception...thank you Whitney for taking these! Take a look at my facebook if you want to see more. :o)




These two are next! Wedding season has officially begun...



I hope ya'll had a great weekend and I hope you have a fabulous week!