Things I'm not.

There comes a point in life when you realize all the things you are in life, as well of all the things you aren't.  That's just a fact.  A fact like champs is always classy - even in plastic "glasses"

yes. So here are a few things I'm not.    I'm not a savvy shopper, by any means. I'm more than obsessed with Target...which is about as savvy as it gets. Except for the fact that I just bought a bathing suit top...in January. Compulsive, much? It's a cute one

 I'm not a girl that's good at "getting ready". I hardly know how to straighten my hair,  which means that  I can't even pretend to know how to curl it. I never paint my fingernails (see the picture above) and my toe nails are always some shade of pink. Let's just be thankful I get out of the house..mmkay. I'm not good with advice. Like any kind of it. BUT, I'm an excellent person to forget your problems and go drinking with. Yup, that's just the friend I am. I'm not a sing-along person. Is there such a thing? Basically, I forget the words to every song....but I still belt it out with the best of them. I'm not a girl at the gym just working on my fitness. I'm trying to be, but I'm not. Screw you, New Years Resolutions. Screw you! I'm not a aunt that can build a car out of wood. Nope, not me. As you can see I coerced my nephew into doing a truck for his derby - 4 cuts, that's my limit.

I'm not a "real" blogger. I don't have a fancy schmacy camera (I really wish I did!), I don't even know if I want to look into the sponsorships thing and I don't schedule or plan posts. I tried it, and it didn't work. I'm just not that interesting. With all that said, I love love love the blogging community. Especially the empowerment and praise I see each day. Bloggers are doing big things and it's so awe-inspiring to see their dreams take off! I'm not good at signing off posts. I was never good at conclusions on essays and I'm not good at this either. bam!

(Day) Dream Believer

I'd like to thank you all for giving me all your thoughts on the closet doors yesterday. The french doors were by far my favorite, just needed a little help convincing Jason. You guys sealed the deal for me!  Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU.
*** I'm not necessarily well versed in astrology. But I do that because I'm a March baby (holla!), that my sun sign is a Pisces. I also know that Pisces are, by nature, dreamers. Dream lovers if you will, Mariah. As a Pisces, I tend to envision my life in the future. In almost every detail. At least that is what I'm chalking up my crazy imagination too. Whoa, that almost got deep there for a second.
After a brief twitter conversation last night, I started thinking about my dream job. If I could get paid for anything in the world, what would it be?
My top two picks were, of course, Reality TV expert and Professional Pinner. I mean those would seriously be dream jobs. While we talking about those... Does anyone want to create those positions for me? I'd love you for.eve.r.
In terms of actual jobs, here are my top three "wish I could be you" jobs.
The one that started this whole thing:  Morning Talk Show Host and not just any talk show host. I'd like to be the ones who drink on air. i.e. Kathy Lee
I mean...just look at the things we have in common

The ladies wake up, get their hair and makeup done for them. Put on clothes that someone else has picked out, and then head out on stage. Where they proceed to talk about gossip, trends and of course drink some booze. SIGN.ME.UP.
If for some stupid reason that doesn't happen for me, I'd also consider being a  Personal Shopper

Preferably for someone like Kim K. (pre-Kanye style) who doesn't wear things more than once. Um, helllllo - I'd go shopping for all the things they love (and that I was secretly obsessed with). Once they were photographed in those clothes, I would simply "take them off their hands". They don't need those clothes taking up priceless room in their closet.
Once I started getting on this topic of helping the very fortunate, I thought about my love for dogs. Which is the main reason I think I would be a fantastic Professional Dog Walker

ehhh. no

Not like that at all

I'm thinking this picture of CoCo is more my speed

I'll be a professional bulldog walker, with a 4 dog maximum. 

Basically I might actually be horrible at this job.  But who doesn't love to get 'out of the office' every once and a while. And bullies are my favorite lazy dogs, so we'd make a perfect companion.

So, yup. This is where all of my brain cells went last night. Of course, after I lost half of them watching Real Housewives of New Jersey. Which I can sum up for you in three words:

Bishes be cray

If you really knew me...

I'm sure you've seen this around the Blogo'sphere lately, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Howard both did this and I couldn't WAIT to jump in.  What a fun way for us all to get to know eachother.

...you would know that

I'm the biggest people pleaser, and basically can't say "no" to anyone. I have to think of things WAY ahead of time to get out of certain situations

I am super lazy and hate to clean. Although I also hate being disorganized, so my hate for disorganization usually wins out in the end and I clean.

I'm extremely insecure. About everything. I'm probably the only 27 year old that feels "left out" on the reg. I blame it on being the 'baby' in the family. But I really just need to grow up. 

My hair is as coarse and as dry as can be. Thankfully, that means I don't have to wash it every day, or even every other day. Right now I try to go around 4-5 days before washing my hair. Any less and my hair is dry, and looks like a scarecrow.

While I like to think of myself as a girly-girl, I am a complete idiot when it comes to hair, makeup, and nails. I just recently learned to put eyeliner on my top lid. And basically the only thing I can do to my hair is straighten it. I'm missing the "primping" gene. (ps, Steph curled my hair in the above picture)

I have a horrible habit of not listening when people are talking.

I also have a horrible memory.

I'm a lover, not a fighter. I've never ever been in a physical fight, nor do I really raise my voice unless I'm really angry. Which happens once every few years or so.

My sense of style, is the first pair of jeans/shorts I spot and a top. Something I add heels or wedges to the mix. I love when girls put outfits together, jewelry and all... I just don't ever think about it. I rarely wear more jewelry than my wedding ring and watch.

I'm horrible at letting go things. I hold onto anger and resentment like it's nobodies business. 

I'm obsessed with live music, concerts are my happy place. Luckily Jason has the same obsession, so I always have someone to go with.

I'm a big home body, but no one else in my life is. I usually drag myself out of the house to hang out with Jason, or my friends. But if it's after 9pm, and I'm already in my PJs, watching reality shows - chances are I'm not budging.

I fall asleep almost every single time that I watch a movie at home. And sometimes can't even make it through a 1 hour TV show.

It's a sip of wine, It's summertime

There are sooo many things that make me happy about summer. I love sunday-fundays, pool parties,  beach trips, 4th of July, BBQs and even sometimes the stormy weather/hurricane days. Which sounds weird, I know. 
This summer will be a tad different. Cause, we're gettttttttttting marrrried.and, going to Jamaica (which hopefully won't be those stormy weather/hurricane days)

In Jamaica, I'll obviously be parking my butt at the swim-up bar. Is there any other place? 
For the rest of summer - Oh, you'll be able to find me here:

Or on this thing floating in the lake

Cause that's my style.laaaid back(with my mind on my money, and my money on my mind)
I might also do a little sun-bathing with these fellas

all with a cocktail in tow.
What are your plans for summer?

Keep it on the hush

Today, I have a question for you ladies. When did you feel comfortable openly talking about your blog?
Blogging is something I started for me to document my journey over our engagement, and then I decided a few months ago to keep it up past our wedding. Which is why I decided to go ahead and change over the name to something a bit more general.  I've just passed my 100th post (yipee) and I'm started to feel a bit more confident in my "blogger" title.
SOME of my close friends know about le blog, all in all it's probably about 10 people. That is as far as I have felt comfortable with. I've been asked by co-workers before (I work at a Blog/Social Media Company) but I haven't said that I have a blog. Although, a part of me is thinking I should - just to start doing fun campaigns. It really just isn't something I'm comfortable with disclosing. I feel like this blog is  a little private to me at the time, and quite honestly...I'm scared of being judged.
Is there a point that you felt comfortable enough to share your blog with other people? Or just generally talk openly about it? 
It's weird, but I feel like I'm almost living a double life.  My real-world life, with my friends, family and all that jazz. And, then my little circle of blog friends - it's like a nice little house in the pleasantville where everyone is encouraging and helpful.  Plus, let's just mention that it's REALLY nice to have an outsiders opinion on things like pinatas and mean girls.
Sorry for the short and random post today, but I really can't wait to hear your thoughts! 
Have a great weekend :) 

Happy Dance

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek.
It's time for a Happy Dance, complete with Jazz Hands of course!

If you haven't already noticed, the new blog design is here! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Melissa from Cherry on Top design did an amazing job, Thank you so much Melissa. 
What do you guys think?

It's just one of them days

Ah, who remembers that song? Here's a refresher:

sing it girl.

Seriously though, today is not one of the "best" days. I just feel alone, upset, hurt, left-out about nothing in particular...but a lot of things at the same time. It's probably the hardest feeling to convey to someone. I know it's probably just my sensitivity, and I can hear Jason telling me that I'm too emotional. But I just need some cheering up. Ya know?

Today would be a great day to talk to someone who won't say "You're Crazy" as guys tend to do. 

Instead of writing a blog about how down I am (who really wants to read that) - I need to take a deep breath and:

Or perhaps....

Okay, for the positive side in me...I'm looking forward to a few things

Tomorrow is my first dress fitting and I can't tell you how much this excites me! I can wait to put on my dress again.

Tomorrow is also friday.. 'nuff said

That pretty much everyone has received our invitations. I received a bunch of sweet texts from girls that told me how much they loved it. Made my heart sing.

That May is so close away. I love Cinco De Mayo, I'll love my bachelorette party and I'll love saying that I'm getting married "next month"

and, that I'm just a few hours away from going home and cuddling with this little one

Yup, all better now...

Fun Photo Fridays & $6 Manis!

I recently came across Shannon's adorable blog, and she's having a link up today. Swing by and check her out, while you're at it join me in her link up!

Today's concept is "If you could transport yourself back to a moment in one of your favorite photographs which one would you choose today??
If I could, I would jump back in to this photo

Jason and I took a trip to Nashville last year (around Valentine's day), the entire trip was so much fun! It's without a doubt, my favorite city. We let loose and had a blast, it's a trip that I will always remember.

This particular picture is from the tour we went on. If you ever go to Nashville, please check out NashTrash Tours. These ladies are HYSTERICAL. They sing, They dance, you booze - it's amazing! They just loved Jason too and kept involving him in their routine.

__________

On Tuesday I commented on one of my co-worker's nails. They were gorgeous! She told me they we're "press-ons"- Say WHHHATTTT?

She wasn't lying. I immediately went to Target that night and picked up these nails.

I had a bit of trouble with the glue at first. Once I got it going, they were SUPER easy to apply. These nails are thinner than "salon" nails, which makes them feel more natural to me. They are perfect for weekends or a night out,  but do last up to 7 days. Each pack is just under $6, but comes with 28 nails so it can last for two manicures!

I love them!

If they are still intact after this weekend, I'm going to try to paint them and see how they hold up!
Have a good weekend ladies!

Raves, Trucks, Movies and more

That's our weekend in a nutshell basically! We had an incredibly busy weekend, but got so much done. Here's a little recap.

Friday:

This may of been the most empowering day of my life. I quit my second job, after months and months of dreading it. I just couldn't take the drama and didn't need the negativity it brought to me. Hooray for a a happier life, more freedom, and more time to do wedding stuff!

We had a BeeRave at my workplace. Basically, our whole office brought a 6-pack of beer and one of our co-workers DJ'ed.  So. much. fun.

After work, I met up with my lovely Steph for celebratory drinks for quitting!


Saturday


We woke up early and headed out to the other side of town! We've been wanting to find a really old Truck to drive us away for our Wedding. I think we've found it! Perfect is an understatement!!

After we fell in love with a truck, I dragged Jason over to the movie theatre to catch the earliest possible showing of "The Vow". I honestly LOVED this movie. I was in tears the entire time. It was so endearing to see him try everything to keep his love alive. Jason didn't hate it, which means it was good in his terms! Win-Win.

Once the movie ended, we decided to check out Men's Wearhouse for his Tuxes. Unfortunately we didn't have that great of an experience. Besides the crowded store and the lack of knowledge by the associates - We came up empty handed because they didn't have a single Tux, Vest or Tie color that we liked. How is that possible? We're going to check around town for smaller tux rentals, this is basically what we're looking for - except Jason wants a bowtie.

Later on Saturday, we met up with my Cousin for her birthday Celebration. We went to Sloppy Taco Palace for dinner, and Scruffy Murphys for drinks!

Sunday


We started our morning with crossing another item of our wedding to do list.

1st stop, Crate and Barrel! We rounded out our registries with this store. I loved EVERYTHING in this store, and was just zapping away. I love the plates and silverware we picked out, fingers crossed!

Once we left Crate and Barrel. We headed back to our side of town for another movie, SafeHouse! We needed to waste time for the Mall to open, and Jason really wanted to see this. It was so good!

We left the movie, and headed straight to the Mall. We picked up a friend's wedding gift and then decided to head to our jewelry store to check out their Valentine's Day sale. We were in luck, their sale was pretty awesome and we walked out with his wedding band! Well not technically, we walked out with a receipt while his band was getting sized. That boy has a size 14 finger, so it's going to take a few days!  I loved buying this, we're another step closer to the day!

Here's to a fabulous week!

Gotta get down on Friday

Yup, that would be RB

We play her every Friday morning at the office, neva gets old! Did you know that she is only 14? I feel like that's crazy young.

I'm excited for the weekend! Tomorrow I have a bridal brunch party for one of my close friends. It's at an adorable restaurant in Winter Park - but, I won't be eating. 

After the Bridal Shower, I'm quickly changing out of my dress and hoping into island gear for the Jimmy Buffett Tailgate. A bunch of us go every year, This year we're skipping out on the concert and just Tailgating all day. Couldn't be more excited. Here is a few pictures from a couple of the tailgates from year's past!

anddddd, that's the man I'm marrying!

This year's tailgate should be a blast, I"m so looking forward to it!

I'm still participating in A photo a day.

Today's challenge was to take a picture of your hands! Y'all are in for a treat! nail unpainted + last minute idea = boring photo.

Today deserves a Thumbs up for 3 reasons!

1. Submitted my Taxes: Hello Tax-Refund... Let's pay off our HoneyMoon

2.  Had a little tasting for our Rehearsal Dinner. We're doing an I do BBQ. Jason's Mom and I met up this afternoon at our local BBQ place (best everrr!) and tried everything.on.the.menu. It wasn't really inline with my diet, but a small bite never hurt anyone. Right?

3. Reference that lil' video above - It's FRIDAY

Have a good weekend, ladies!

Feels like Christmas Morning

I'm not quite sure why I have a giddy-excited feeling, I feel like I'm finally coming out of this funk I have been in lately. At least I hope I am. You know what stinks about those types of funks? I cannot, for the life of me, figure out what is going. How am I supposed to be happy if I can't figure out why I'm sad? I woke up today and said a little blessing for what I'm grateful for today. I'm not sure if it was me putting a positive spin on my agony mornings or not, but I'm having a wonderful day so far...

Anyways, back to the whole Christmas morning talk. I'm am so so excited for tonight, Monday, and next weekend. I feel like I have things to look forward to (again), and it feels great.

I'm looking forward to watching this tonight with my hunny:

Aaah! I not only love those two but, I'm extremely excited to see Mr. and Mrs. Blake Shelton. I can't get enough of them. I'm going to scour Pinterest for a Country themed (low-carb..ugh Wedding diet) dinner for tonight. Am I the only one who loves to theme their dinner? 

I'm looking forward to next Monday night as it is the final night of our Church's pre-marital counseling classes. I've actually really enjoyed doing this with Jason, it's been a great bonding experience for us. We've grown a lot in these short 8 weeks spiritually, as a couple, and as adults in general. We've talked about things that are extremely important and close to our hearts. We have really noticed how amazing it is to be on the same page with our values and views. For, that I am so Thankful.  It's just that I would really reallllly am excited to have  my Monday's back- It's hard trying to juggle everything when I have no time to do so. 

Next weekend, is Jason's 27th birthday. OLD MAN, right? 

That was from his last birthday :)

I've been thinking about gifts for him, but he's so hard to buy for. I think I've finally found something practical and that he'll love. 

Why? Because:

1. It's Camo

2. It will have the Gator logo on it.

Those two things together, will equal AWESOME in his book. 

Ladies, please keep your fingers crossed that I get my engagement pictures this week. I'm ready to show you them! 

Ode to the Weekend

I'm currently laid up at home today because I woke up with a nasty, horrible, pounding migraine. What a miserable day to start a Monday. What's even worse is that my lovely neighboor decided to do his yard work today, right by my bedroom window. Ouch.... Thanks, Guy! My head has finally stopped pounding so much and I'm able to turn on the TV and Computer. 

This weekend was a busy one, but it was so much fun. Saturday I ran around town all day in preparation for our engagement pictures on Sunday. I had a blonde appointment then I went and got a little spray tan. Afterwards, I met up with a few of my gorgeous bridesmaids to get an idea of Bridesmaid dresses. It was a surprisingly quick appointment, because we narrowed it down pretty quickly. We weren't allowed to take pictures, but that didn't stop us from snapping pictures in the dressing room

 
These pictures do not do the dresses justice! They are about 10 sizes too big for my MOH, and the not-so-nice sales associate wasn't helping us with clips.  I'm in LOVE with the coral dress. We're going to check out one more spot on Wednesday before deciding on the dress! 


After dress shopping, my MOH and her beau double dated with Jason and I at Arabian Nights. Being a born and bred Central Floridian, there are still a bunch of attractions that I haven't been to. This was one of them. Tiffany was able to get discounted tickets through her work, so it was a perfect opportunity to enjoy this dinner show (and the unlimited booze)

The show was about a princess finding her prince (very disney-ish), My favorite parts of course was the unicorn, the USA "dance" and the horses free playing at the end. Can ya'll see the white horse rolling around in the back? So cute!


On Sunday, we had our engagement pictures. AH! I cannot thank you guys enough for all of your kind words. I took your advice and contacted my photographer before the shoot about the styles. I think we achieved exactly what I was hoping, I should be getting the pictures any time now. I'm checking my emails like cray-cray!


My amazing bridesmaid Wendy did my makeup before the shoot. If she wasn't so goshdarn smart and amazing at her day job, I would advise her to quit and become a makeup artist. She works wonders

5 points for wearing a seatbelt in her parking lot! :) holla!


I just loved my eyes, I wish I had her amazing talent. I'm crossing my fingers about my pictures, we really got along great with the photographer and she made me feel so at ease. We took a couple with Bailey, but after his first shoot he escaped his collar and went running down the railroad tracks towards a busy street.  Poor Jason had to sprint after him. Luckily, Bailey was sidetracked by the smell of food from a wedding right behind us and slowed down quite a bit. 


We were all anxious to get home after a long day

Love them!


Hope ya'll have a fabulous week :)