Listable Life - 5 People You Treasure the Most

I'm linking up today with Moments That Define Life for my first Listable Life. I've seen several of you guys link up with her and I love how she always offers fun, yet thought provoking ideas for the link ups.

Narrowing down 5 people in your life who you treasure the most is not an easy task! These are in no particular order.

1. The obvious answer -My immediate family and Skye - they are my never ending support and encouragement. Without my family - my mom & dad, my aunt and cousin, my grandparents and especially my baby brother - I would be nothing. Without Skye, I would be a different girl than I am today. I am beyond thankful for the blessing of having all of them close to me. It's true that you can't choose your family, and sometimes we all feel that pain. But I did have the opportunity to choose Skye, and I think I did a pretty good job - if I do say so myself.

2. My pups - Technically I guess they aren't people, but to me they are my daughters. Nothing can turn my day around faster than coming home to their furry faces. The love we share with a pet is so special, and I'm blessed to have 2 of the most insane sweetest girls in the world. Check out their cuteness here.

3. My career role models & female trailblazers - past & present - Interesting choice maybe? But it's true. I have been blessed with some of the most amazing bosses that a girl could wish for. My current boss and one ex-sales manager boss I had in particular. They have both become great friends to me, in addition to career mentors. They are both fun, always encouraging, energetic and they don't let their work define them solely. Both are women too, which I think is why I admire and connect with them on a different level. (Hi Brandi - if you're reading this :), yes I'm talking about YOU!) Not to mention, the women who came before us and blazed the trail so that I could have an option to go to college, and foster my career before I got married and had babies. Girl power!

4. The amazingly brave women & men who serve to protect me - This means all branches of military, police officers & firefighters. If you're new to my blog you may not realize that I come from a long line of police & firefighters. There are 4 generations in my family on my dad's side of police officers & firefighters. I grew up defining my papaw & dad as police officers. And now, I'm proud to add Skye into that as well. My baby brother is a firefighter. I have several family members and very close friends who have served in the military. Without the people who volunteer their lives for the cause of freedom and protection, none of us would be able to lives the rich lives that we do. They often make great sacrifices to do their jobs and do them well. They are under-appreciated. I have an insane amount of pride in my family's history with these types of services. Hug a police officer, solider or firefighter today!

5. Great Friends - In Real Life Friends & Blog Friends - Nothing is better for the soul than a girl's night. Which I always try to squeeze one in at least every 2 weeks with all my different sets of girlfriends. A feeling that comes in a close second, is getting a new follower or comment on your blog. It's so nice to be appreciated - in real life and online. Good friends have an amazing way of lifting you up when you're down, and making you laugh until your stomach aches. Good friends are hard to find too - so when you snag one, treasure them with all your heart!

There we go - my first Listable Life link up! Come link up with us and tell me who do you treasure the most in your life??

The Hunger Games

I'm a little slow to jump on The Hunger Games bandwagon. Slowly, but surely I've come around though because I hate being left out! I was ahead of the game with Harry Potter and a little slow to get on board with Twilight. My honey got me The Hunger Games book for Valentine's Day and I started reading it last Thursday. Finished it Saturday. I bought Catching Fire today on my lunch break so I can't wait to read it and see what happens.

About a year ago, I started hearing all the buzz about the books and the fact that they were making a movie for the first book. I read the synopsis of the book and it didn't sound like something I would enjoy so I held off. I saw the trailer for the movie the first time back in November when I saw Breaking Dawn Part 1 in theaters. I was a little intrigued by the look of the movie so I decided that at some point. before the movie came out, I would give in and read the book. It's a very short book - like 347 pages- so even if I hated it, it wouldn't be a huge time loss.

Well I'm one book in and I was surprised by how much I was into it. I loved it and it was an easy read. Suzanne Collins does a great job at creating this futuristic fantasy type of world - similar to JK Rowling with Harry Potter.
This might sound stupid - but one of my encouragements to really get going on reading the book was this post by my sweet friend Vanessa about the Hunger Games nail polish coming out. I got so excited when I saw this, and that was the final push of motivation that I needed to get on board with all the excitement.

Team Peeta! :)

So tell me - are you into the Hunger Games series?

Here's one of the trailers for the movie...in case you haven't seen it.

Game Plan for GFC Going Away

As a fairly new blogger, I can't deny that I'm a little squeamish about Google Friend Connect going away on March 1st. Which by the way March 1st is this Thursday! Eek!! I still feel like I don't know all the details about how this will affect my blog. I'm just hoping that it doesn't cause me to lose any of my follower friends. #1 I can't afford to lose any because I don't have many and #2 I love all my bloggy friends and I don't want to lose touch with anyone.

I joined Linky Followers - but I'm not crazy about it so far. I had signed up on BlogLovin', but I haven't really used it yet. I'm not sure which one I should go with - any advice???

You can always find me on Twitter too!

Those of you who are Blogger people - what is your game plan for GFC going away? Help me!

Our Love Story - Part 1

I’ve wanted to tell this story – our love story – for a while, but it’s detailed and I don’t want to overkill on the blog. But it’s an idea that has stuck with me so I feel like it needs to be told. I think I’ve broken it all down into 3 parts that sufficiently cover all the bases. Plus, it’s my story so naturally I think it’s quite romantic how fate works on our side. Disclaimer: If any of this sounds juvenile, that’s probably because it is. We were teenagers and it didn’t take much.

So here you go Part I –

Back story-

Throughout my senior year in high school, I dated a real jerk. Don’t we all fall into this trap at this age? I was a cheerleader and he was on the football and basketball teams and had the most gorgeous green eyes. Obviously, a match made in Heaven. He was seeing another girl when he and I first started talking…and turns out they were more involved than he let on. Red flag! So of course this boy ends up becoming the center of my world for the better portion of the school year – all the while making me look like a jack ass by cheating along the way. Classic. Long story short – I was burned pretty badly by him and afterwards had basically given up faith in the male species.

December 2003-

I had just started a job working at Curves for Women in October 2003. I was in my first semester as a college freshman with a full course load, but I still needed a part time job. A good friend of mine started at Curves and told me they were still looking for people. I got the job easily. High school boyfriend and I were still talking every now and then, but I was making a conscious effort to get away from him because I knew he was trash. This new job + my full school schedule were a perfect opportunity to busy myself. Don’t get me wrong, I was casually seeing 2 other guys who I’d been long time friends with and we were just testing the waters. So it’s not like I was crying my eyes out over the X, while waiting on prince charming. I was actually having a pretty good time being single and just dating.

December 2003 rolls around and my franchise owner at Curves was throwing a Christmas party for the employees. My friend and I show up at the restaurant for the Christmas party and see our boss and our co-workers, but our boss has also brought her family with her – including her super hot son. I know this sounds very cliche, but instantly I was attracted to him. He was totally not “my type” of guy, but I just could not stop thinking about how freaking cute he was! I don’t want to say this for fear of sounding horribly stupid, but it was like love at first sight. And it smacked me in the face…hard. So being the outgoing and playful soul that I am, after our introduction, I speak to him first and comment on the fact that I liked his jacket. He smiles his incredibly sexy smile at me and it strikes up a conversation. We move on to our table for dinner and he sits right across from me. We just clicked and I caught him staring at me all night, even when I was talking to other people. There are so many details that I can fill in for you here, but I won’t bore you. Basically flirting goes on all night long and then it’s time to leave. I was a little nervous about whether he would ask me for my number or if I was misreading the signals. Out in the parking lot, I get in the car with my friend and he gets in the car with his friends after giving me a goodbye hug. As they drove past us to leave, his friend yelled out the window to ask for my number…but alas they were driving off and it was too late. I was a little disappointed, not gonna lie.



My friend and I the night I met Skye. That's him to the left in the pic.



Fast forward 2 days-

I’ve been thinking about him non-stop. His face, his cute little swoopy hair, his smile, his voice – I was a girl obsessed. However, with all the adrenaline came doubts because he’s my boss’s son. He’s younger than me and STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL. I cannot be that loser girl that is out of high school but dates someone still in high school. All kinds of scenarios swirled around in my head, but in reality it didn’t matter because he didn’t even ask for my number.

Then 2 days after we initially met, I pick up my phone to see that I have a voicemail from a number that I don’t recognize. The voicemail is from him. How in the hell did he get my number?? Who cares?? I need to call him back. So I call him back to find out that he had gotten my number from his mom’s phone the night we met, but had been unsure whether or not to call since then. Finally he thought the hell with it and gave me a call. Weird that it came from his mom’s phone, but it struck me as sweet. We made plans to hang out with some of his friends that night. I already had a movie date scheduled for earlier in the evening, so my plan was to meet up with him after. Player-ish of me, I know. I'm sure I was feeling quite sassy with my 2 dates in one night.

Anyhow, I met up with him and his friends after I ditched date #1. It was surprisingly fun and easy to hang out with them. They were very much like me and my friends. Again, won’t bore you with the details but on our first “date” I got my first kiss. And this first kiss knocked my socks off. Hello again, to this chemistry that we had! This felt totally different than anything that I had experienced before. It was the hardest and fastest crush I’d ever been hit with.

I was smitten. Little did I realize the roller coaster ride I had ahead of me in dealing with this boy!

To be continued…. STAY TUNED for Part 2!!

5 Question Friday/Fur Baby Friday!

Happy Friday everybody! Boy do I have a treat for you today too! I am finally finished with my Part 1 draft of mine and Skye's love story and I'm going to post it for you this evening. I am super excited to share this part of our story with you all, from the get go. I hope you like it! Also, this weekend I should have time FINALLY to get my "before" bathroom pictures together for a post.

But for now, I will just give you some Tilly love.

I LOVE Fur Baby Friday! I know it's so stupid but I swear I look forward to linking up with Mrs. Monologues every Friday and showing you pictures of Sweet Tilly. I need to get one soon of Sadie Girl so you can see her pretty face too.

I actually have a double treat for you this week - so enjoy!

First, her face that only a Pom mama could love.

Then, her precious face that everyone loves.

You know the drill here, come link up and get your 5 Question Friday on. It's fun!

1. What's your favorite way to spend down time (alone or with a significant other)?

Playing with my dogs, reading, shopping, in the summer we are always at the lake, cleaning, Interneting.

 I feel like I haven't had much down time lately, but this weekend I'm planning a full fledged clean-fest at mi casa. You don't even want to know the state my floors are in right now after all this rain we've had and little pup paw prints everywhere. Also, in store for this weekend, finishing the first book in the Hunger Games trilogy and posting my "before" bathroom remodel pictures for you to gawk at in disgust at the ugliness.

2. Are you the kind of person that wants things more as soon as you know you can't have it?

Sometimes - depends on what it is. Usually I'm pretty good with the self discipline, but there are areas where I fall short. Diets I can usually tackle with ease because they are temporary. One thing that I know I can't have right now (at least until after June) is a vacation, yet what do I do every day? Get on vacation sites and browse. Win some, lose some I guess.

 

3. If you were given $1000 to spend on yourself, what would you buy?

Work Clothes, Extensions - I'm on this kick of wanting hair extensions right now, Tanning Bed Package because I'm a pasty little ghost, and some sessions with a personal trainer so I can get bikini ready.

 

4. Do you ever go out to eat by yourself?

I have never been to a sit down restaurant by myself to eat. I have briefly sat in a fast food type of environment to eat alone, but I don't even like that. If I'm lacking on lunch plans while at work, I will run through a drive through and either read a book in my car when the weather is nice or catch up on phone calls with friends. The only thing I really like to do alone is shop sometimes.

 

5. What company would you want to do a blog review for?

Any makeup company or hair products. I love that stuff and I'm always trying new things and looking for the next best thing.

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Happy Weekend!!

All That Glitters

I know that you guys have been missing me....right?!?!?!?

Well it's been almost one week since my last post...and I'm happy to say that's because I had a lovely snowboarding mini-vacay! We didn't quite make it to West Virginia like we had planned because we found out we had to be back in town by yesterday for Skye's work. It just wasn't worth it to drive for 7 hours one way for 2 days on the slopes. So we just hit up our favorite spots in Boone/Banner Elk, NC. That's only about a 2.5 hour drive from us. I absolutely love it there and I wish I could move there tomorrow. The snow was decent, but we had a blast. It was a much needed break from reality! Now I'm facing a 2 day work week then a weekend. A girl could get used to a work schedule like that!

I wasn't very good at taking pictures while we were gone so I don't really have much to show you...so sorry!

Luckily, I do have something to brag about today.
I'm feeling fancy because I'm blinged out with gold! I'm talking nails, eyeshadow and accessories. Check it out -

not really a great picture, but the gold is pretty!

You know I LOVE my Coach Nailpolish!

One of my fav necklaces that Skye got me a from PacSun

Hope you guys are having a great week and I can't wait to get caught up reading all my fav blogs!


PS - Do I need a tan or what??

5 Question Friday/Fur Baby Friday!

Howdy - Yesterday felt like the longest day of my life! However, today is flying by and that makes me a happy girl. We have a long weekend with President's Day off and then I'm also off Tuesday & Wednesday. We are packing our snow gear and heading up north (just a little) to West Virigina to do a little snowboarding. I'm super excited because we've had an extreme lack of snow here in East TN this winter, and I've really missed being on the slopes. I haven't had 5 days off since last July so I won't know what to do with myself! Also, this weekend I'm hoping to finalize all my color selections for my bathroom redesign. I swear one day I'm going to post those damn "before" pictures.

Also, coming soon - I've been working on writing a 3-Part Series about our Love Story. I guess I was inspired by all the lovey Valentine's Day posts. I've thought of doing this for a long time and I'm finally doing it. I'm done with Part 1 and it's been more fun than I anticipated to take that walk down memory lane. It's sweet to remember how it all started 7 years ago. STAY TUNED!

I really love the Fur Baby Friday idea! I know that most of you have kids, but I don't and my fur babies are my kids so I love showing them off. Hop on over and link up with us!

Sweet Tilly in all her glory - just as lazy as she can be.



1. What do you do when you are really upset to calm yourself down?

I have really found that working out is a such a great release for me. It's an automatic stress reliever, plus it usually puts me in a much better mood after from my adrenedline rush.

I know this is horrible because it's the polar opposite of my first answer but secondly, if I'm feeling upset I really like to vent and indulge in a milkshake. Then go workout :)

2. Do you go all out for V-day or is it just another day?

I don't think that we have ever been out on a romantic V-day date. As I mentioned in my V-day post, we are not really big into celebrating for Valentines. I never have been so luckily, I don't set the bar very high. I know we've been out to dinner before, but my brother was with us. This year Skye was working night shift and had to leave home by 9 so we kept it very low key. I'm perfectly ok with that though.

3. Are you more or less productive when Hubs is away?

We'll just go ahead and pretend like he's my Hubs...since he practically is.

Usually more productive. I definitely prefer to get all my cleaning, laundry, etc done while he's gone. It's just easier with no interferences. However, we are still getting all settled into shift work so if I don't see him for a week or so, I get very non-productive. I've learned an interesting fact about myself that I'm much more boring when he's not around.

4. What is your favorite time of day and why?

Morning! I'm a morning person all the way. Just not quite morning person enough to get my workouts in before work - but that's my goal!

5. What is your go to karaoke song?

Funny you should ask because we went to sing karakoe last Saturday night! I'm usually more of an observer, but I've been known to get a little too much alcohol in me and attempt a song or two. Typically I go for a country song like Carrie Underwood, Before He Cheats. I know I've tried that one. Miranda Lambert would work too. I definitely steer clear of any ballads, or songs that require greater singing skills than I possess. Skye loves to sing karaoke and his favorite song is Warren G, Regulators. It cracks my ass up. He always wants to sing it, every single time we go. Love him!

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Happy Friday - Have a great weekend!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm not really a big Valentine's Day celebrator. I just never have been, but this year I'm feeling the love. This old picture sits on my desk and I manage to sneak a glance at it at least once everyday. This was 7 years ago, and he's still putting up with me today. I am beyond blessed to have a man like this in my life - and I hope that one day soon he will make an honest woman out of me. We've known each other since we were in high school, and as we grow up we just grow closer. He's the best valentine a girl could ask for!

Then

Now

Happy Valentine's Day to you and your sweethearts!

We Will Always Love You

First off, I had such a great weekend but I feel a little guilty admitting that here. A)- it was great because it was mine and Skye's first weekend off together in about 3 weeks. Sometimes I don't realize how much I miss spending everyday with him until I get to again. B) - I feel guilty admitting that here because I was completely stuck up his ass and unplugged from the internet world. No tweeting, no blogging, no blog reading, not even Facebook. It was nice actually to catch a break because lately I've been quite obsessive with my internet habits.

One piece of news that I was not able to avoid despite being unplugged, was the news of Whitney Houston's death. We were actually on our way out Saturday night to sing karaoke and Skye looked up from his phone and said "Whitney Houston died." I was shocked and upset and I didn't really know how to feel about it. We all know that Whitney has struggled over the past several years in her battle with divorce, drugs and the tabloids. However, last I had heard she was on the up and up and trying to plan for a comeback. Whitney has been an icon for my entire life. I remember listening to her in elementary, middle, high school and beyond. I still want to get up and dance when I hear "I wanna dance with somebody" and I think that song came out the year I was born maybe? She's iconic.

I never know how to feel when mega celebrities like this die. I always feel such mixed emotions, and it doesn't feel real. It's very surreal and strange. I'm sure that everyone is, or soon will be, sick of hearing about her because the media does just totally engulf these situations. But I have found out two things about Whitney that I didn't know. Did you know that her daughter with Bobby Brown is 18 years old? I didn't even realize she was that old now! She's beautiful and I so feel for her during this difficult time.

And the second, did you know that she was dating Ray J? Maybe I've been living under a rock but I had no idea they were together. Apparently it was very well known.

I definitely think this is one of those moments in my life that I will always remember where I was when I heard the news. I have always loved Whitney - her amazingly blessed voice, her beauty, her bold personality. So tonight, I am leaving you with this video - one of my very favorite Whitney songs that I've loved since elementary school. RIP Whitney.

5 Question Friday/Fur Baby Friday!

Happy Friday - Thank the Lord this day has finally come! Last night brought me absolutely no sleep (the reason why is a story for an entirely different post), and today is a 12+ hour work day for me. I have a feeling that I might be a little grumpy tonight - based on last night's events, lack of sleep and feeling slightly over worked this week. I need a weekend like it's nobodys business!

One thing that does make me happy is posting here, especially when it's about my favorite girl Tilly!

I'm linking up again this week with Mrs. Monologues, for the 2nd week of Fur Baby Friday! I love this idea because as you can tell, I'm obsessed with my sweet furry girl. Come link up with us and share pictures of your sweet furry friends!

I snapped this last night while Tilly was mid-lick. She's a licker that girl. She actually licks the air all the time and it's quite funny. I think the poor thing has OCD about it or something. She's definitely her mama's girl!

You can't help but love her!

Next up, the usual Friday link up with Mama M for 5QF!

 Special Shout Out to my friend, Erin, for getting one of her questions on the list this week! 1. How often do you shave your legs in the winter?I love this question because you know we are all like never! Unless you live in Florida where it's probably still warm enough to show off legs this time of the year. I try to shave every week in the winter, but my leg hair isn't the pokey itchy kind and it's pretty light colored so you can't really tell when I go longer. I did notice at the gym the other day while I was wearing capris that it's definitely time for a little shave!
 2. Valentine's Day cards for your spouse: funny or romantic?Depends on the year. I've done both. This year for Christmas I did a funny card, so I will probably go with romantic for Valentine's. We are not big V-day celebraters though, so I don't think it really matters to him either way.3. What are you most looking forward to about spring?wearing cute open toe shoes! That's always my favorite about spring! And getting some color on this pale winter body.4. What's your favorite way to pamper yourself?A massage and a mini shopping spree would be a day of my dreams. I need work clothes so bad it's not funny. My work pants are all so baggy and saggy - which is a great problem to have, but I just haven't bought new ones in a while. When you've lost weight you want people to be able to tell and wearing pants that are 3 sizes too big is not the way to show off.5. Does your tax return go into savings or do you spend it instantly?Mine always goes towards a special purchase I've been eyeing but didn't want to dip into savings for.This year it will be used for my exciting bathroom re-design project. I took some "before" pictures last weekend but haven't had time to put them up this week...so stay tuned for the ugliness before the duckling reveal.-------------------------------------------------
 



Thursday Things to Love

Hi - remember me? Yeah I know I've been a bad little blogger this week, but I promise you I have a good excuse. Work has been kicking my ass, and while it's definitely good to be busy but I've been coming in early and working late and it has really interfered with my posting. So sorry - sometimes I have to put work first because it pays the bills and all. I will get around to catching up on my blog readings and commenting very soon.

Here we go with Thursday Things to Love this week...beauty edition.

• Moroccan Miracle Oil for my hair - have y'all ever used this? If you haven't, you need to rush out today and buy some because it's AM-AZ-ING! I've had this bottle for about 3 1/2 years, and since you only need a little drop each time it's really lasted me. A little pricey - I think this bottle was $45, but like I said I've had it for a while. I don't use it everyday, but I 100% notice a difference in the smoothness of my hair when I do use it. My hair is super fine, and lately I've been experiencing lots of breakage - remember I told ya all about that? I highly recommend it. Plus, it has a really nice smell. But remember you only need a little bit, not even dime size amount. If you have fine/oily hair like I do, then using more than you need will make you look like you didn't shower.

• Olay - Night of Olay Firming Cream - My aunt swears by this stuff, and even though it's not the super expensive brand, I have to believe it's working for her because she's 43 and looks fabulous. I haven't been using it long enough yet to see results, but I definitely don't want my age to ever show in my face so I took my aunt's advice and got some. I have a hard time remembering to dab the cream vs. smear it, but I'm sure the dabbing pays off. Do you use any night creams? I'm really starting to get into a preventative beauty regimen so I need advice!

• Estee Lauder - Idealist Skin Refresher. I love love love this product - cannot say enough good things about it. Again, my age conscious aunt got me turned onto this maybe 4-5 years ago. Like my hair, my face tends to get oily (especially in the T-zone) so I'm constantly searching for a moisturizer that is oil-free and keeps me looking fresh all day without too many powder touch ups. BINGO - found it here! Again, it's pricey but well worth it. It doesn't take much for your entire face/neck area, and it leave my face feeling smooth and silky but never greasy.

• Lastly, not beauty related at all, but I'm so excited that the temperature is supposed to get to actual winter norms this weekend! We are hoping to make a quick trip to NC to go snowboarding hopefully Saturday. Plus, Skye is all off all weekend - our first weekend off together in 3 weeks- so we are doing our Valentine's day celebrations over the weekend.

So tell me about your daily/nightly preventative beauty routines. I want to know what works for you and what doesn't, and what products you absolutely couldn't live without.

7 x 7 Blog Award

7x7 Blog Award!
Number 1.  Thank the person who nominated you.  
Vanessa over at Vanessa Schrotenboer - THANK YOU! I found Vanessa through the SITS GIRLS 31 days to a Better Blog Challenge. She is so cute and sweet, and I've really enjoyed getting to know her! Check out her blog!

Number 2.  Share 7 things about yourself. 
1. I am obsessed with the Real Housewives franchise on Bravo. I watch all the seasons. I met Gretchen Rossi last year from RH of Orange County and I have shopped at Kandi from RH of Atlanta's Store. I'm tracking them down - one season at a time!

Me with Gretchen from RH Orange County (PS - this is the shirt I bought below at Kandi's store)
Disregard my chubbiness - this was pre-weight loss

Me with a bag from Tags, ATL boutique owned by Kandi from RH of Atlanta

2. My boyfriend and I have been dating for a little over 7 years. One of these days we will make it official! He gave me a "promise ring" after 6 months, we just haven't upgraded it yet.

3. I come from a family of police officers and firefighters. Two firefighters and Six police officers.
4. I tried out for the MTV reality show The Real World in Nashville with my best friend when we were 18.
5. I treat my dog, Tilly, like a child.

6. All three of the cars I've owned have been green. I don't even love the color green...
7. I'm a girly girl, but I'm also one of the guys. I know this sounds like an oxymoron, but it's true for me. I love pink and glitter, and beer and dirtbikes.

Number 3.  Share 7 of your blog posts that fit into the following categories…
Most beautiful: Beauty = healthy and I'm on a healthy kick this year.
Most Helpful:  Sort of a funny, but this is helpful to me when I'm feeling left behind by everyone else my age.
Most Popular: Recent Post about my crazy alfalfa hair situation.
Most Controversial:  Hands Down. Craziest thing that has ever happened to me!
Most Surprisingly Successful: Gel Blush Post. I love my girly girl readers! :)

Most Underrated: Justice for Henry. Henry was a boy from my town who died tragically, I have been very attracted to his Mama's posts about him - even though I can't explain why. Dateline is currently filming his story to air. If you have known anyone who has fallen to a struggle with drugs, Henry's Story is one to check out.

Most Pride Worthy: Proud of Him - Skye's new job makes me beyond proud that he will one day be a part of my family's traditions.

Number 4. Nominate 7 other bloggers.  

(I tried to think of different girls that the ones I've seen already given shout-outs)

1. Cami at First Day of My Life

2. Taylor at Goings On In Texas 

3. Holly at Precisely Holly

4. Erin at The Life & Times of E1

5. Ashley at First Home Dreams

6. Briana at Sweet Carolina Grace

7. Whitney at Just A Country Girl

5 Question Friday/Fur Baby Friday!

Today I am trying something new and doing a double link up! So I hope this doesn't feel too cluttered.

First off, I'm linking up with the fabulous Mrs. Monologues for the VERY FIRST Fur Baby Friday! I absolutely love this idea and of course, I love to show off my pretty girls.

My precious Tilly  has a new favorite toy this week. A random ping pong ball that she found in our garage. She's been playing with this ball like crazy and she loves to pounce on it when it goes bouncing across our hardwood floors.

Per usual on Fridays, next up is 5 Question Friday! Hosted by Mama M.

 

1. What have you done recently that you are proud of?

I've managed to lose about 6-7lbs. in the past 2 1/2 weeks! This gets me closer to my ideal weight goal! I'm not sure how in the world I've managed to accomplish this because I've been a major slacker in the workout department. I'm giving all the credit here to my diet. My original "2012 goal" was to lose about 10 more pounds, but now that I'm down 6.5, I feel like maybe I should have aimed for 15 total lbs. Maybe I'm becoming obsessed? It's so easy to get obsessed with losing weight!

Now I need to get back in the gym hardcore because summer is just around the corner!

2. What is your favorite way to work out? Or if you don't workout, what are you wanting to try?

I love Zumba, it's so fun and one of the best cardio workouts I've done. Other than that, I like running outside when the weather allows. I did a bootcamp at my gym last summer that was AMAZING, and it totally kicked my ass.

I like trying new things all the time. I'm not a run on the treadmill for hours kind of girl.

3. If you knew you best friend was cheating on spouse would you tell?

I want to say no. Skye always tells me to mind my own business when it comes to peoples relationships because I'm always curious about what's going on. I want to think I would be able to mind my own business, especially if the cheat-er was my best friend. Maybe I would just offer advice to her? Never been in this situation so I can't say for sure.

4. If you could afford a live-in maid or nanny, would you have one?

HELL YES! I would have a live-in maid, no need for a nanny around here.

5. Do you stress out about birthdays (specifically the age) or do you enjoy them?

Both. My last birthday was probably the first (of many) that I will be a little shy about telling people how old I am. As I get closer to 30, I'm sure it will only get worse. But in the end, my birthday is my favorite holiday so you have to enjoy it!

Bonus: Lights off or on?

Depends...It doesn't bother me with lights on, but sometimes it's not the right mood.

 

So come on over and link up with me in both places! It's fun!

 

PS - I got my hair done tonight...and I got a little advice on how to fix my alfalfa hair. Plus, I got a wild hair and added a little red this go around. I've had my hair exactly like this before, with the blonde, red and low lights, but it's been years. Kinda hard to tell in this picture, but gives you an idea.

 

Hairy Business

I have a hair appointment on Friday and I am oh so excited about it! I so look forward to getting my hair done. It’s almost as good as getting a pedicure or a massage.

One of the main reasons I’m looking forward to going this time (not to mention the fact that it’s been 8 weeks so my roots are out of control) is because I’ve developed these little Alfalfa like hairs over the past 8 weeks.

I’ve done a little research on this and the trusty Internet tells me often these breakages are caused by blow dryers, flat irons and other heat sources. I have purchased a new flat iron since then, but one of the reasons I got a new flat iron was because these little rascals popped up. (haha get it? Little Rascals? Alfalfa? At least I can laugh at myself.) But y’all seriously, it looks insane! It’s not just one or two little hairs, it’s a whole chunk of hair right at the front of my part. It almost looks like I have tried to cut this section of hair, but I haven’t I promise. In the past, I have been known to dabble in trimming my own bangs between hair appointments, but not this time.

I use product and hairspray and all kinds of gunk but they won’t stay down! I’m hoping that my wonderful hair stylist can fix it or semi-fix it even. I swear to you it seems like they have just developed since the last time I had my hair done. It’s a little embarrassing and I feel like people stare all the time. I hope there’s a cure and I hope we find that cure on Friday.

Have you ever had this happen? Leave it up to me to have strange things happen, even with my hair!