signing nelle

You had me at Definitely

2011-11-03T08:43:00.000-06:00

These days, I'm cringing when I read my facebook

people post the most atrocious things

(impressed? don't be, I had to google it..)

They say 'there,' not 'they're'

'ain't' not 'isn't'

and many many many more

crimes against the English language

That's why when I stumbled upon these

I thought it'll be nice

to ~~stick~~ show it to those people

who just can't respect the English language

No offense to any bloggers

I love reading blogs

full of fun words and exciting sentence formations.

(did I mention I'm writing a thesis? .. it's dull)

Feel free to steal it from me

if you ever want to make a point

or just have reached your breaking point

like this sad blogger

Day 5: From a High Angle plus an Aggie Weekend

2011-11-02T13:55:00.000-06:00

Who's ready for knocking out some photography challenges!

I have just the thing for you.

Last weekend I went to go visit a dear friend/old roommate in none else but College Station, Tx.

The weekend was full of laughter, 'ohmigods', teletubbies, puppies, cheeseburgers, and beer

(no beer for me because I had a major migraine Saturday night)

(#partyfoul)

But since most of these pictures were taken from a high angle.

I'm devoting this fun post to Day 5 of the 30 day photography challenge

Which is where we were considering we were standing on the third deck

at a cool 74ft 3in above ground.

We literally looked down at birds flying.

But that's that and I enjoyed the weekend

regardless of A&M's shaming OT loss

ridiculous.

The capacity that day advertised on the billboard

was a cool 87,000 people.

Take that Missouri

Fighting Aggie Band!

youtube them

they're outta this world

Honey and I enjoying the game

did I mention we were 74 feet above ground?

Look how little the players look!

We met a few friendly teletubbies

honey's serious face..

Rockstars at the top of Kyle Field

All in all.. it was a great weekend!

30 day photography challenge

~~Day 1~~ - ~~Day 2~~ - ~~Day 3~~ - ~~Day 4~~ -

~~Day 5: From a High Angle~~

Have y'all ever sat at the top of a stadium during a sports game?

Wasn't it a different experience??

Remind me not to do this at my wedding..

2011-11-01T15:07:00.002-06:00

Unless you've been living under a rock,

you've likely heard of the Kardashian 'fairy-tale' wedding

the huge shing-ding for a couple who've known each other

for three months..

and now with a whole lotta fanfare

(#kardashian=mediawhores)

comes the fairy-tale divorce.

This compares the cost of their wedding

to a wedding of an average American..

much like everyone I know.

Just looking at the comparison, I start to wonder if Obama's really to blame

for this lackluster economy,

when Kim over here and her clan

can spend that much on a wedding.

Where did they even get that much money?

and now I feel dirty..

I have Kardashians on my blog.

Bucket List

2011-10-27T08:43:00.000-05:00

Something changed around here..

Something is not the same..

I'm through playing with the rules

of anybody's game…

I love the broadway show, Wicked,

even though I've yet to see it live.

So I've resigned myself to owning the cd

and obsessing over clips on YouTube.

I also have a Pandora station devoted to Broadway musicals.

(can you say rockstar?)

But after thinking about the show,

and how much I'd like to go see it,

I got to thinking

of other things I'd like to do.

Such as:

~~Start a Bucket List~~

Learn to Scuba Dive

Have a day of shopping regret-free

Learn another Language

Climb a mountain

Learn to Snowboard

Watch 'The Bucket List'

and so forth..

So I decided to start a bucket list

and have it posted up there..

See it?

Little letters "Bucket List"

right next to the little "Home"?

(I know, I know.. I need a new design)

If you have any ideas to add to my bucket list, feel free to tell me!

After all, you only live once.

What's on your bucket list?

Real life Princesses and a fun award

2011-10-26T09:29:00.000-05:00

Growing up I loved the Disney princesses,

Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Belle and all the rest.

I envied their hair, their clothes, their castles, their men

(I wasn't too keen on Beast though)

Then I stumbled on this

A graphic designer, Jirka Väätäinen, created 'real life' images of

each Disney Princess, and also of one bad chick.

The photos were beautiful

and I still felt some princess envy..

My favorite was Belle

She looks so delicate and sweet.

Jasmine was also stunning.

(hair envy)

Ariel seemed to be the most spot on:

This photo makes me want to become a mermaid,

just to go play with her.

(again with the hair envy)

She was a favorite of mine growing up,

but for some reason, I'm not loving the 'real life' of Aurora.

(but still… cheekbone envy)

Along with the princesses, Jirka also created a rendering of Ursula:

ah.. she scares me.

Ursula, you biscuit.

I also stumbled on Jirka's blog.

There are a few more photos along with an explanation

of the purpose for creating these 'real life' renderings.

Check it out!

Who was your favorite Disney princess growing up?

Or did you have a different favorite character?

I also received an award from sweet Kelly over at Corner of Main

Be on the lookout for this post soon!

Thank you Kelly!

How to feel better..

2011-10-25T07:37:00.000-05:00

Well, I feel better already!

After a weekend of crying and whining,

moaning and groaning,

ok ok..

anyways, my Jeep's been acting funny recently,

remember this?

Well, it cost a pretty penny to fix

and wasn't pretty to boot.

The joke's on me,

I named my Jeep after Miranda from Sex and the City

because I thought it had that sassy attitude..

no.. my car wasn't a lesbian..

nor did it have boobs.

I just thought it was a good idea at the time..

but turns out that attitude was more than I could handle.

So after reeling from the sticker shock of fixing it,

it was decided it was time for a new one

so I spent quite a bit of time researching and reviewing options,

you know eliminating all the ~~ones I can't afford~~ unpractical ones..

Here's my list:

~~Mercedes~~

~~Audi~~

~~Lexus~~

~~BMW~~

~~Fiat~~

~~Smart Car~~

~~Mini Cooper~~

Toyota

Chevy

Ford (eh)

ahem..

Stay tuned to see what happened!

Did anyone recently buy a car?

How did you narrow down all the choices?!

Get a Shot..

2011-10-24T14:40:00.000-05:00

Please..
spare yourself the misery I just went through.

Flu.. sinus infection.. cold..
now, coughing is taking its turn.
#puremisery

My weekend consisted of me walking about
leaving a trail of tissues
and sneezing all over goodness knows what.
(my nose was rivaling that of Niagara Falls y'all)

I need to get better stat!
then, I'm going to get myself one of these..

I kid..

I'll probably be more like this..

but still..
tissue box=new bestie

Have y'all gotten your shots yet?
Did they hurt?!?

Getting better.. one episode at a time

2011-10-19T14:17:00.000-05:00

Today has been hump day in all its glory.

Nothing is getting done..

nothing..

but reading blogs, drinking chocolate milk, eating peppermints, wearing socks, and watching an ironman marathon of How I Met Your Mother.

I should be doing homework, thesis, classwork, or work,

but no thanks..

I'll take Marshall and Lily over my bosses anyday.

Have y'all ever seen the series?

I fully recommend it.

It's full of fabulousness and legendaryness and all sorts of goodness..

check it out..

You will thank me!

via

I just love them..

via

Do y'all have a favorite feel-better show to watch?

I'm taking submissions since I'm just about all through this show..

sad.

Smithsonians and a Curse

2011-10-18T07:13:00.000-05:00

Washington D.C. is great.

We had a wedding Friday and basically had the rest of the weekend to explore

the wonders of D.C.

By far, walking around the Mall on Saturday was my favorite activity.

(besides the wedding ofcourse)

We got to see history and explore interesting exhibits.

My favorite exhibit?

Why what a good question..

..all of them.

But the best had to be the Hope Diamond exhibit.

just the size of that thing made my jaw hit the floor.

In fact, I was too fascinated to take a photo

(thank goodness for the internet)

via

holey moley..

Christmas gift anyone?

but I think it's the curse that fascinates me.

apparently, according to the legend, a curse befell the large, blue diamond when it was stolen from an idol in India. This curse foretold bad luck and death not only for the owner of the diamond but for all who touched it.

I loved it..

If you click here, it'll show more information about the curse.

Have y'all ever been in the Smithsonians?

Or have a certain favorite 'curse' story?

Weekend fevers

2011-10-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

My weekend was wonderful.

We danced, partied, tripped, laughed, ate cupcakes,

and enjoyed each other's company.

However, the night before we flew, honey didn't feel so hot

so I put on my nursing cap

(from Halloween 2008)

and checked his temperature.

100.8 f

aw. crud.

So my family called in a prescription

and scolded him for not taking care of himself.

Then decided to go ahead and go,

and drag sick baby along.

(he came willingly, promise)

After pumping him full of medicine, he felt better

so we frolicked around D.C.

and I got to wear all my fall outfits.

But then,

the day we left.

I woke up..

not feeling so hot.

aw. crud.

via

At least I made it through the weekend.

I'm working and calling in sick after lunch

for some recovery snuggle time.

My cat missed me.

What did y'all do this weekend??

Fantastic Friday: Washington D.C.

2011-10-14T08:25:00.000-05:00

By the time you read this, I'm kicking up my heels

and swallowing all the cool air in Washington D.C.

I unpacked all my sweaters and scarves just for this trip.

My pets thought I was a bit insane..

"80 degrees outside and she's unpacking winter clothes?

and dancing to ABBA on Pandora?

..must be the food."

This Friday, I'm counting the five things I'm looking forward to doing

in our majestic nation's capitol.

1. Wearing Scarves

via

I cannot emphasize how excited I am

to put on a scarf

and not melting.

2. Smithsonians

via

In my defense, I liked these museums before Night At the Museum

but now I have to admit,

I kinda hope they come to life.

3. Georgetown

via

My cousin's getting married in Georgetown

so we'll be overtaking this part

of the glorious D.C.

I just want to find the Cupcake Girls

and have a delicious cupcake.

4. The Kennedy Center

via

My family purchased tickets to see Shear Madness on Saturday.

It's a mystery which involves the audience,

(click here for info)

I'm super confident I'll solve the mystery,

I've even packed my magnifying glass.

(#sherlockholmes)

5. Vino and family

via

No rentals for me this weekend..

it's all about the wine, fun, and safeyness..

What are y'all's exciting plans for the weekend?

Or are y'all planning on a quiet, blessed weekend at home?

Day 4: Something Green

2011-10-13T07:15:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy

scrambling here and there

in between resting with my honey,
packing for D.C.,

and starting the plans for the wedding

that I completely forgot about the 30 day photography challenge

and Day Four: something green.

Green?

not my favorite.

Give me a pretty blue any day, but

green?

I think of

this:

via

or this..

via

I personally liked Idina Menzel better tan.

(#justsaying)

But, as I was out at the ranch again recently,

the Pond Down the Hill was a pretty green

(despite the drought)

so I snapped a few more pictures..

strolling down to the Pond Down the Hill

The Pond Down the Hill..
in lack of a better name
p.s. this is where honey proposed!

not necessarily green
but he popped in for an impromptu photoshoot

So, despite my distaste for the color green

I was able to appreciate

some aspects of it.

All we need is more rain.

30 day photography challenge

~~Day 1: Self-portrait~~

~~Day 2: What I Wore Today~~

~~Day 3: Clouds~~

~~Day 4: Something Green~~

(#challengechamp)

What do y'all think?

Do you disagree and believe Idina Menzel looks better green?

Personally, I wouldn't mind being green if I had her voice!

Fall Fashion: Looking good for Abe

2011-10-12T07:54:00.003-05:00

I'm packing for my trip today.

So far its been rough,

my cat jumped in right after

I started putting in my black dresses.

So I had to vigoursly attack each dress

with a sticky roll of tape

while cursing existence of said cat.

Needless to say,

the cat is forever banned.

(until next Monday that is..)

But as I was scrolling for inspiration,

I played around with Polyvore

and spent all my imaginary money

to score some sweet outfits.

Night at the Museum

Harvard Pretender

The girl with the green purse

After all, I do want to look good for this guy:

via

I'm excited about wearing some fall clothes.

Down here we still have 90 degree weather

and a jean/scarf combination seems ages away

when it's all about the tanks and cut-offs here.

Do y'all have any suggestions?

or advice of how you celebrate Fall with cute clothes?

just being engaged doing stuff

2011-10-11T06:16:00.001-05:00

Hi loves,

Is today really Tuesday? noo..

I could've sworn today was Monday?

My honey was off work yesterday due to the government holiday

(Thank you Columbus!)

and since I work from home,

I was off too.

We spent the day snoozing and enjoying the rain

(yes, we had exactly 5 brilliant hours of rain)

(I counted)

watching football and talking mushy to each other

about our wedding.

It was an interesting combination.

We have a short week this week

since bright and early Thursday,

we're jetting off to our capital.

no. not Austin.

Washington, D.C.!

for wine, weddings, museums, babies, and reunions.

I'm excited!

Since tomorrow is devoted to flinging clothes around my room

and cursing at my monster of a closet

who ate all of my 'good' clothes,

right when I try to pack for a 4 day weekend.

(#nothingtowear!)
Today, I'm tackling my to-do list.
appointments and papers begone!

What are y'all's brilliant plans for the day?

Do you have any recommendations for Washington D.C??

p.s. I got my ring back!

it was only a week and four days but about time!

Fantastic Friday: Wedding Dresses

2011-10-07T08:28:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all the sweet e-mails and comments about my engagement!

I'm thrilled and still so surprised!

I've not gotten my ring back.. sad.

but distract myself by looking at photos of wedding dresses

in all their princessy splendor.

If I had the money, I would pull a Kate Middleton and have Sarah Burton from McQueen design a vision for me to walk in.

And then display it in a museum to make me a pretty penny.

But I can dream and enjoy some of these beauts I found on the internet!

(did I mention I love the internet?)

1. Kate Middleton (Sarah Burton for McQueen Dress)

via
This dress makes me want to move to England and be posh.

2. Valentino Sposa

via
I'm drawn to the three-quarters length sleeve and the gorgeous detail at the neck.
The hair bun I'm not digging so much..

3. Pronovias Iman

via
This one is really growing on me.
I love the back part and the lace train with the asymmetrical cut on the front.
Can I see myself saying 'I do' in this?

4. Alfred Angelo

via

This is the Cinderella dress from the Alfred Angelo Disney Princesses collection.
A dress modeled after a Disney princess?
Where's my wallet?!

5. Elie Saab

via
I could be in this dress everyday, day and night
and be perfectly content.

Wedding dress shopping will probably be the highlight of wedding planning.
I signed up for pilates and zumba classes yesterday,
I'm going to need to be in fine form next year!

Did y'all have fun wedding dress shopping?
Which designer do you like best?

girlfriend to fiancee?

2011-10-06T13:33:00.001-05:00

I'm still in shock that ~~I'm~~ we're engaged??

It seems surreal to me but maybe that's because I still don't have my ring back.

It's been a WEEK!

what are they doing?!

Eating rice krispies and watching movies probably instead of working??

..or that might be just me.

When I wake up, I'm the same as the night before. There's no difference in my identity than the switch from 'girlfriend' to 'fiancee'.

I can still throw down with my friends though..

(oh snap girlfriend! Look at the size of that thing!)

(I love my friends)

All kidding aside, I didn't expect to be engaged this soon, this fast. We did discuss the commitment issue and were both comfortable, if not ready, to take the next step. However, theses, finances, and other things were in the way, so to the backburner it went for now.. so I thought. Talking with my honey about the wedding and plans for a life together, I can see the excitement on his face and that makes me excited. I'm looking forward to growing up more and sharing my experiences with him as he shares his with me. If it wasn't a reality a few weeks ago, it just settled on me now..

its time to plan a wedding!

Thank goodness for blogs, pinterest, and all the yummy goodies out there on the internet.

(did I mention I love the internet?)

However..

I can hear my thesis chanting at me about the little time I have

to get it started so this isn't going to be a pretty semester..

I'm excited tomorrow's Friday and that's one more day I could get my ring back

because (sorry thesis) that's all I can think of right now.

a.week.and.half.is.too.long.seriously.

I hope y'all are having a wonderful day.

Is there anything fun going on in your life?

Day 2: What I Wore Today.. Holy Moley!

2011-10-05T08:15:00.000-05:00

I had no idea what I was going to post for Day 2 of the 30 day photography challenge..

but something happened.

that changed my life
(and gave me a great blog post)

Remember my darling honey that I was stressing over purchasing an anniversary gift for?

Well, he was one step ahead of me the entire time.

He gave me the material for the ultimate 'what I wore' post..
and didn't even know it!

drum-roll please
(badumbadumbadumbadumbadumbadum…. ok that's enough..)

yes.. that is an engagement ring

(on my untanned, un-manicured hand.. but I don't care)

I am just over the moon!

Promise to share the story later,
my ring got taken away to be resized.
so currently I'm waiting the longest week and half to get my ring back.
(#nopatience)
I may have told them a little white lie
that I was leaving for vacation in a week..
so hopefully I get it back sooner.

Therefore, Day 2 of the 30 day photography challenge.. check!
~~Day 1: Self portrait~~
~~Day 2: What I wore~~
~~Day 3: Clouds~~

I hope y'all will forgive me that this wasn't an actual what I wore post showing my outfit,
but I had just come home from hunting and wasn't a pretty sight.
I'll challenge myself sometime and do a post with various outfits that best display the sparkler on my left hand.

I'm thrilled and still stare at my (currently ring-less) hand all day long..
I have a fiance' now?
whoaa..

Were y'all this excited when your honey proposed?
or what would your dream proposal be?

Weekend visitors

2011-10-04T08:27:00.000-05:00

We had the best little guys come visit and entertain us last week.

They were patient, precious, and largely entertaining.

Checking out the scene

Three or four little hummingbirds stopped by in our courtyard last week.

They are on their annual migration and we happened to be on the way.

It was amazing seeing their wings beat so fast

and how they hovered and darted everywhere.

It was entertaining because there were some intense competition between them for the food. Two or three little big hummingbirds would fight, zoom after each other, and push each other off.

but there was this little green one.

Who never came until there was nobody around

and hung out to his (and ours) heart's delight

drinking all that syrupy goodness.

(and posing for photos.. naturally)

It really was a treat, and we loved having these little visitors.

We told them to come again soon!

Did y'all have any hummingbirds or fun little visitors at your home?

my, my miss american pie.. and a little surprise

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

How was your weekend?

Mine was wonderful!

I'll share why in a little bit but first, look what I did..

I made apple pie!

I used 5 pounds of apples in this monster.

(maybe I can do this cooking thing..)

Trust me, there's no one more surprised than my mother.

Check out this yummy goodness..

want some?

I'm really sorry, I ate it all already..

(#glutton)

But I'll make you another one if you want.

and try not to forget the apples this time.

Also, something happened this weekend..

Something that made me rush out and grab myself some of these..

I'll leave you in suspense..

but promise it's worth it.

However, y'all are smart readers; I bet some of you guessed already..

What did y'all do this weekend?

Fantastic Friday: Fashion Week

2011-09-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Fashion is great.
It gives women well made tools for self-confidence and for looking amazing.
The Spring/Summer shows are always my favorite because they hold the promise of a beautiful spring with plentiful opportunities to wear bright, beautiful clothes after a dark winter.

Or put it this way,
It gives you something to hold on to when you're sick of hearing 'Jingle Bells' for the quadzillionth time…
(And again! 'jingle bells,..')
(argh!!..)

I wish I knew more about the creation and process of designing and
love ~~obsessing over~~ watching new clothes and inspiration sashaying down the runway.

But.. unfortunately, instead of filling my closet up with all the lovelies,
my imagination hits the ground running as I imagine myself sashaying down.. the grocery aisle in one of these beauties.

A girl can dream right??
(Christmas is only 3 months away!)

1. Christian Siriano
I loved him and his fierceness on Project Runway.
I'm so glad he's still going strong because he's bringing us lovelies such as:

Wouldn't this be fierce in a dark blue with a teal belt?

All Christian Siriano via

2. Burberry
I'm a huge fan of Burberry but this year they disappointed me with the loud prints and awkward styling.
I didn't want to say it but this jacket looks like the Smurfs and Pooh got together and had themselves a love child.

All Burberry via

3. Diane Von Furstenberg
I love DVF so much that I actually bought a dress made by her.
Cost me a pretty penny and I ate beans for about… a month.
so worth it.

All DVF via

4. Temperley London
I actually discovered this brand after watching Kate and Pippa Middleton simply look amazing in her clothes.
It makes me feel better knowing that Prince Harry's single and I still have a chance..
(sorry honey)

The headscarf and sunglasses are questionable..
but I'll take it with the dress
One please!
All Temperley via

5. Jenny Packham
I have no words..
I'll let her dresses speak for themselves.

swoon..

quoting my favorite reality-tv-fashionita Rachel Zoe:

'I die.'

All Jenny Packham via

Are there any good, favorite labels of y'alls that I missed?
I'd love to know!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-09-29T13:02:00.000-05:00

No.. not mine, it's still a few weeks away.

(darn)

But I wanted to holla at my parents for their wedding anniversary!

(I can see my mother sternly disapproving of the use of 'holla')

Anyhoo..
My parents have been together for 27 years!
They were together though rough and good times and I can see the shared love as they go about their daily lives. They've wanted nothing but the best for each other and their family; I'm very blessed to be a part of their family and also inherit some good-looking genes..

They look fantastic but this isn't quite how they are normally..

Now this is more like it..

(I crack up everytime I look at this)

Happy anniversary parentals

now go party!

I don't know what to get!

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

I need some help..

My honey and my 4 year anniversary is coming up soon and I'm super excited.

But I don't know what to give/make him?

He's a manly man. He doesn't 'do' creative or romantic things unless I throw a fit.

However, he is the biggest cuddler on earth and always shows me through little touches and gestures
how much he loves me.

It's a fair trade but it leaves me blank for what kind of gift to give him?

I'm living on a scholar salary so it can't be crazy expensive,

like a trip to Daytona, Florida for the manlyish NASCAR race..

or super sappy because he'll love it for a day and then back to the bottom of the sock drawer it goes..

I feel that tools or sunglasses are a cop-out, plus his birthday & Christmas are quickly approaching

(weee!..)

So I'm in the hunt for something creative and sweet, but not so over the top that he grimaces when he tells me he loves it.

Posing prettily in Leavenworth, WA
I made him tuck his shirt in because it had a hole.
(#whippedbutIlovehim)

Do y'all have any ideas for a great anniversary gift?

What are your experiences giving your significant others gifts?

Day 3: Clouds

2011-09-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy with writing my thesis, working, and hunting that I didn't have a day where I dressed up to do Day 2 of the 30 day photography challenge. The point of the challenge was to challenge myself and I need to get my butt in gear...

Perhaps ~~tomorrow~~... in a few days, I'll dress up passably enough for a good photo?

To be fair, I'll include a photo of how I normally look throughout the week in that post. Admittedly, it would be better if I started dressing up a little more and wore some of my cute tops instead of slouchy attire.
It's tough to dress up when you work from home and your daily friends are highlighters and a laptop.
(I know, I know.. I do love working from home though!)

If y'all have any motivation tips or advice to pass along, I'd love to hear them.
Consider me a starving scholar
(well not literally..)
and please share some tidbits of how I can motivate myself to put aside my comfy work-out attire and unleash my inner diva!
(now would be the moment when John Travolta dances on the screen from Saturday Night Fever..)
(you know you like it!)

So without further ado, stay tuned for Day 2!

However, I hope to mollify outraged readers with Day 3 of the challenge:

Clouds!

I took many pictures of pretty clouds this weekend when I was outside ~~stalking birds~~ enjoying nature.

The skills behind the camera are questionable but I'm quite proud of these accomplishments.

On a somber note, you can see how bad the drought is here.
Normally this time of year, the fields would be golden with waist high grass
Send Rain!

Unrelated to clouds, one amazing thing we did see at the ranch,

a rosetta spoonbill!

It was very graceful and pretty..

and no, we didn't try to shoot it.

quit tripping y'all..

On that great note, Day 3 complete!

30 Day Photography Challenge

~~Day 1: Self Portrait~~

Day 2: What I Wore Today

~~Day 3: Clouds~~

Do y'all have any good photography or dressing up tips?

I would love any feedback!

Bang Bang: Dove Hunting Season

2011-09-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Last Friday was a source of great anticipation,

the start of Dove hunting season for South Texas.

I mean no disrespect for any vegetarians or pro-animal life individuals, dove hunting is not a source of torture in our opinion but another way to reconnect with nature. Being out there on the ranch at 6 in the evening is soothing,
I've not found a similar kind of peace anywhere else.

The sun's going down while the air is becoming cooler.

There's life all around even though you can't see it.

It's wonderful.

My family, honey, dogs, and I spent it out at our family's ranch.

The weather was perfect and we enjoyed the weekend away from schedules and dull to-do's.

However, occasional bang-bangs cracked out against the quiet, but it was a nice sound.

But one of the guns jammed.. sad!

So my sister and I traded off with a gun and the camera to take some fun shots

while honey was focused and zoned in..

(notice Jackaroo hiding out.. he hated the sound of the guns)
(#wimpbutIstilllovehim)

We have an old Pearl keg for used bullets near the pond

but instead of bullets,

sissy thought it be better for some posing y'all!..

Life's all fun and games
until you get stuck..
I wasn't too much help, being doubled over laughing and all..

honey didn't really understand the concept of 'Charlie's Angels'

My honey, jackaroo, and I

We had a great time being with family, hunting, and playing with the camera when the birds wised up to where we were hiding.

I came back refreshed and engerized for the week.
I'm looking forward to good things being done and honoring the shot dove
with a delicious bbq..
We are southern after all.

Don't you love it when you come back Sunday night refreshed and ready for the week?
Is there anything that makes you feel refreshed and ready to go?

Fantastic Friday: Addicted to Pinterest

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love the web.

It's my bestie, shoulder to cry on, motivation booster, as well as a great procrastation tool.

(write my thesis? nah, J-crew's got a sale!)

I worked really hard this week just to bring you some top 5 faves from Pinterest.

(I'll give you a moment to be grateful)

1: shoes in colors that make my feet happy

Pinterest via Lauren Majesty-Randall

aren't these shoes amazeballs?

I would wear them everyday and expect people to think I'm just amazeballs.

2: ideas for decorating

Pinterest via here

I wish I was crafty, or that I had a home to decorate.

But this thrilled me because once I find a house to ~~dominate~~ live in, you betcha my walls will look good.

3: rainy day projects

Pinterest via here

This would be cute in all different colors and patterns?

Now all we need is a rainy day.

(nonexistent in Texas right now unfortunately)

4: recipes to die for

Pinterest via here

Try this recipe but please don't die.

superb pieces of heaven.

5: amazing randiomites

Pinterest via here
I dissent. There is no argument.

Did I miss any of your Pinterest faves?
Follow me on Pinterest. Please?
I love followers. No joke.

Linking up here today!

Emily and Devin's Wedding: a happy occasion?

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, we drove up to see my cousin, Emily, marry the ~~guy she's known for less than a year~~ love of her life. The story is that he's in the Army, getting deployed soon, and wanted the higher salary granted to married couples, so they got married!

(intense stare there Devin)

The whole weekend was bittersweet. I loved hanging out with my family and seeing another cousin, John, play football. They won!

Yes, my cousin is a stud.

winners

favorite picture of two of my cousins watching their brother ~~dominate~~ play.

But the majority of the family avoided talking about the wedding.

We were excited to be there yes, but the upset emotions shown by my aunt, Emily's mother, really made us feel awkward. Emily and her mother had grown distant and my aunt and uncle didn't really approve of the wedding. They felt that it was too fast and too soon.

This saddened me because I believed weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions full of family, friends, ~~booze~~(ahem!), cake, and jamming, regardless of the situation. Physically, my family was there celebrating, but mentally we were tense. My aunt wearing funeral clothes to her daughter's wedding may have not helped the situation.

My anticipation of an exciting wedding contrasted starkly with the actual response of Emily's and my family. The groom's family however, were over the moon and just so excited. Regardless of Emily and Devin's relationship and my aunt's reaction, I feel that my extended family did a good job of coming out to support Emily and wishing them nothing but the best.

This made me wonder about my wedding. I've dated the same honey steadily for four years and envision my future with him. I wonder if when, or if, we tie the knot, would my family have a different reaction? I hope so because wedding's aren't fun when tension is rampant. I'm hoping that in whatever shape or form my wedding is with my husband, the celebration will be full of goodwill and happiness.

(now all I need is a ring!)

But their cupcakes rocked.

No joke.

So many irresistible flavors just begging me to eat them all..

(so I did.)

The groom's cake had a neat wood grain design.

(I really had to stop drooling)

Some snapshots of family:

My second cousin, Eli, hiding out between momma's legs

I love her.

Long story short: my uncle and aunt adopted a precious little boy and girl from Africa, and Fin was the ring boy.

I was glad he was there.. picking his nose.. the entire time.

My cousin, Liz, jamming with the little girl, Leya.

She was amazingly mature for a 7 year old, until she hit the dance floor that is.

Liz with football player stud, John

(told you he was good lookin')

And for my favorite picture of the night,

my poor honey completely blanked on how to tie a tie so sweet John helped him out a bit. The situation produced this little gem.

Just look at honey's face!

I love it!!

Do y'all have any stories of weddings that didn't go quite how you envisioned?

Just a bit of humor for your day

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have a lot to do today.

And I'm still feeling guilty about my shaming attempt at Day 1 of the 30 day photography challenge.

So to make up for it, I found this gem.

As I was trolling the internet, like the vamp I am, I came across this photo that literally made me lol. Laugh. Out. Loud.

via

you're welcome friends

Day 1: Self-Portraits

2011-09-20T08:38:00.000-05:00

Top of the 'morn all you great readers out there..

can you tell I'm in a great mood this morning? not..

I'm sorry, it's me, not you.

I stayed out late last night cheering on my honey during his softball playoff game.

(They lost (17-9) but you didn't hear it from me!)

(#thenextA-Rod)

Isn't he a cutie?

Nevertheless, he was happy I was there,

and that's what counts right?

Anyhoo! Today I'm presenting to you.. Day 1 of the 30 day photography challenge.

(check it out here!)

Word of ~~extreme~~ caution, I'm not friends with the camera.

Reading over the challenge, all the ideas made my heart putter and ideas swarm in my head, except Day 1 and Day 30: self portraits.

Yikes!

I blame it on my overanalytical skills.

(yes, they are skills)

I nitpick each photo of myself apart seeing each flaw that should remain hidden so I can unconsciously still like the way I look in the mirror.

But this is a challenge, so for you dear readers,

I did it, but I'm being honest here!

This is not what I look like on a daily basis,

but close to how..

(Normally, I'm in trusty adidas, running shorts, witty t-shirts, and hair thrown up in a ponytail set to rival that of any Arabian. neigh!)

Let us begin!

You see, I obviously am not a good photographer.

1. there's a trashcan in the photo.

2. this was taken in the bathroom of my workplace which has a terrific gigantic mirror-I ran in, changed clothes, took a photo and bolted, hence I only have one photo.

3. sad, but I promise to do better.. in a solemnly swear, cross my heart kind of way.

So in a tentative sort of way, we can declare Day 1 complete!

30 Day Photography Challenge

~~Day 1: Self Portrait~~

Do y'all have any tips for how I can improve my self-photography skills?

I'd love to hear them!

To-Die-For Chocolate Cake

2011-09-19T10:23:00.000-05:00

This past ~~week~~ month was my mother's birthday.

(where has the time gone??)

And in honor of celebrating her 21st birthday for oh, say the 30th time, I decided I would try to make a good chocolate cake that gets eaten within two days of creation.

You see, me saying that I'm the chef of the family is quite an understatement.

Cooking is foreign, the stove and I are frenemies, and don't get me started on the oven (little miss attitude). The microwave and toaster have been my long-time loyal allies.

So one can only imagine the shock and dismay that covered my mother's face when I announced that I would, yes indeed, make her birthday cake. It was priceless.

(#onlyamotherslove)

So.. I ~~searched the internet~~ went to Pinterest and found this gem of a thing sitting over there just waiting to be baked.

Pinterest via Food Network

Please don't be fooled by the above photo because.. Holy snoodles, It was good! Over ~~where the professionals are~~ at the Food Network, it's known as Beatty's Chocolate Cake.

You think they could come up with something original so I renamed it the To-Die-For Chocolate Cake. It has a better ring to it.

Recipe after the jump!

Ingredients

Butter, for greasing the pans
1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cups good cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk, shaken
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee (for COOKING, not for drinking as you mix.. error of my ways)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 8-inch x 2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pans.
Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer and mix on low speed until combined. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry. With the mixer still on low, add the coffee and stir just to combine, scraping the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a cake tester (toothpick) comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.
Place 1 layer, flat side up, on a flat plate or cake pedestal. With a knife or offset spatula, spread the top with frosting. Place the second layer on top, rounded side up, and spread the frosting evenly on the top and sides of the cake.

Because I'm a rebel, I went with a cream cheese frosting and doubled the recipe.

(you may be amazed now)

Frosting-via

Ingredients

4 ounces unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar a cup at a time until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract.

Now frost the dang thing!

Voila!

It also would be a good idea to ..try.. to stay tidy during cooking.

Elsewise, your cooking station may just look like this.

smart computer.. staying far away from the mess

I apologize for the lack of quality blogphotos.. I was concentrating on producing cake that I neglected the photosnapping element.

Linking up here.

Please go check out the yummy goodness going on all up in there!

Keep Calm and Pretend It's Not Monday

2011-09-19T06:34:00.000-05:00

Ack.. 'tis Monday..

Where did the weekend go??

via
I had a brilliant weekend in Tyler, Tx with family for a cousin's wedding. Loads of gossip was exchanged during the wedding as well as lots of 'you're next!' (#joy..)
(don't fear! I'll post some juicy stories as well as some photas of my amazeballs family)

However, brilliant=no work done..
So I have loads of work to catch up on.
Isn't it irritating?

You have a splendid weekend and come home only to discover that your to-do list multiplied three times over?

Today, I'm dedicated to tackling the to-do list as well as taking self-photos for day 1 of the 30 day photography challenge! I'm nervous because I don't do self portraits very often so I can't ~~warn~~ tell you what to expect so you don't run from my blog screaming.
(you've been duly warned)

How do y'all balance terrific weekends with Monday's blahness??

Fantastic Friday: Fall Favorites

2011-09-16T09:53:00.000-05:00

I sure like Fridays.. and I think 99% of the population may be in agreement. (holla!)

In honor of Fall, the start of the new NFL season, college football, and all things plaid, five favorite things will be posted.

Why five you ask?

Well... I like that number. It could quite possibly be my favorite.

Hence numbero uno: the number 5
I like the shape; the swirl at the bottom with her jaunty little hat. It's also pretty naughty and plays a game between shy 4 and manly 6
(with his swirl of a beard).
look at this fun 5..

via
Super interesting random little fact: according to the above image/website:
The energy vibration of number 5 "is open-minded and enthusiastic about the unknown. Therefore, it enjoys traveling, social gatherings, making new friends, and going to new places."

A match made in heaven? I quite think so.
High five number five!
(I crack myself up sometimes)
Ahem.. numbero dos: Mexican food

What's not to love?

via

Living in South Texas, you get your share of excellent Mexican food.
However, this site offers free salsa dancing.
Holy Crap, I'm moving to Richmond, Virginia just for the salsa twirl!

Perhaps I'll find a sexy Zorro with an amazing mustache
and be able to finally use the line:
"I mustache tell you something
but I've decided to shave it for later."
you're welcome friends.

Numbero tres: Texas A&M Aggies
Best team. (period!)
And no I don't (ahem!) claim this because I graduated from this fine university.

via
We're quite ready to dominate the field this year.
(#thankyouverymuch)

Numbero cuatro: Washington Redskins
I'll employ the military's tactics here: Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
Being a 'skins fan in Cowboys territory is well… suicide.
I've come close myself but I'm loyal and my moment'll come when those Redskins dominate!
(#Romowho?)

via

(Disclaimer: this logo does not represent the blogger's view of the negative stereotype against Native Americans. I understand and respect the struggles and values of our land's heritage.)

Numbero cinco: Burberry coats and plaid

To me, Burberry represents all things fall. I don't have a Burberry scarf (yet!) but always imagined wrapping it around my neck on a chilly fall day.

(I'll probably also have to move north to do this. Fall in South Texas is one day in December)

I could rock this but with knee high brown boots.

If you listen, you can hear this quietly screaming 'fall!'

~~want~~, ~~need~~, must have!
all Burberry images via

The wonders of fall..

Well, there you have it! The start of (I hope) many Fantastic Fridays to come!

What are your fall favorites?

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

2011-09-15T12:21:00.000-05:00

So.. Fall's coming up!

Most of the precious people out there have visions of pumpkins, Cool weather, Halloween, fall leaves, hot apple cider, scarves, boots, and frothy beers from Oktoberfest.. (ok maybe the last one's mine)

But recently, many of my friends and cousins have been getting engaged, married, preggo, or celebrating some sort of milestone with their significant others. Yay!

(#freecake)

Don't get me wrong, I have a sweetheart and am head over heels for him.

If the time is right, it'll happen, but until then
I'm just drooling over these beauts!

via

One carat, round diamond in such a classic setting!

Can you see me casually (on purpose) sipping coffee

blinding everyone with this stud on?

via

Rose gold is the new trend walking the aisle.. (did that make sense? no? drat.)

Such a pretty combination and I like the 'updated' twist on the classic design.

via

The marquise cut is definitely not trendy but there's

something regal about the shape.

Plus, who's not to love all that extra bling around the band?!

via

The three stone setting is definitely popular now.

The notion that each stone represents the past, present, and future is a

great sentimental thing for the couple to share.

via
Just look at this ~~monster~~ gem of a thing!
an 11.28 Round carat diamond worth $1,611,594.
Naturally I love it..

Any volunteers to get me one?
:)

Insert Sad Face

2011-09-14T08:43:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a sad day.

Right after I had completed a brilliant day at work, committed to a 30 day photography challenge

(check it out here! - shameless self plug, yes I know),

and was driving home in anticipation of lunch, my jeep (in the middle of a busy road mind you..) give a little shriek and died on the spot.

Whoa.. NO!

The culmination of the next hour or so resulted in this..

Sad Face :(

That car has been with me for six years throughout college and seen my every up and down.

We ~~survived~~ lived through a failed transmission, fender benders, break-ups, failed tests, job interviews, late-night roomie sojourns to the ice cream shop, and the trials and tribulations of being.. well, me.

I love you ~~Miranda~~, ~~Tom~~, ~~Steve~~, ~~Molly~~,.. whatever was the last name I decided to bless you with.

Prayers for my little one and hope for a full recovery!

30 day photography challenge

2011-09-13T10:53:00.000-05:00

I am wish to be skilled in photography. Being able to capture a moment perfectly appeals to me because of the challenge and pride of having such a lovely photo and being able to say,

"Heck ya! I took that bad boy!"

So, how to improve.. tsk, tsk..

1. Read Photography blogs.

I found all these great blogs and tutorials to ~~obsess~~ browse through when I'm not ~~obsessing~~ browsing through Pinterest/Blogger/Facebook/StumbleUpon..

Pinned from Elizabeth Pavlik

(I have no life but look at this darling thing!)

2. Practice on my own.

Hold your breath.. this is fun but often turns out less than stellar photos because I'm fiddling and cursing at/with the controls too much to realize that my honey's at bat and have to scramble to get the camera in focus for a snap.. whew!

Go honey!!

(He struck out but you didn't hear it from me)

(#bigstar)

3. Find random challenges to inspire me to pick up the camera?

Voila!

via

Inspiration from Jenni over at Story of My Life.
(I love her blog.. therefore you should too)

I can do this (I think). I'll be like that little train chugging up the mountain but with camera in hand.
But, ah! ah!.. Remember, this is my blog and I make the rules.
Nowhere does it say 30 consecutive days
(whoo! Procrastination!)
so I'll be employing creative license to get this challenge done!

Are there any other inspirations I could use to become better at photography or just taking pictures in general?

Linking here!
Check out all the fabulousness (and envy-inducing phototaking skills)

Missoni stole my heart

2011-09-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

I like to impulse shop (but my wallet disagrees) so as a compromise between cashflow and unbridled joy, I've conquered the land of Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and good ol' Target.

During the college days, the clothing choices provided by said stores were.. eh, questionable. It took a bit of mixing and finger crossing to wear something coming from their racks.

However, glory above, the selections have improved over the past couple year to the joy of myself and my wallet. Drumroll please.. (bumbumbumbumbumbumbum…ding)

via

So, needless to say, I'm anticipating the release of the Missoni for Target Collection which opens Today!
(be still my heart.. or is that my wallet I hear fluttering out the door?)
Go Target, you sassy thing you!

Go check out the awesomeness.. but leave some for me!

Are there any other sales that you're excited for and I should know about?
After all, I'm single-handily trying to save the economy.

Check out Cassie from Hi Sugarplum!. She has more links and Missoni eye-candy!

In rememberance..

2011-09-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

September 11, 2001

Never forgotten..

link

When 9/11 happened, I was in Arizona going through my own personal pain. I like to think that the significance of the day and the reaction of the people surrounding me contributed to a personal turn for the better.

Nevertheless, the personal sacrifice, willing or unwilling, of the people of 9/11 will always remain important to America.

I'm curious where you were when 9/11 happened?

Running like mad?

2011-09-07T13:19:00.000-05:00

Often I have fantasies about being able to run (far that is). I see myself rising gracefully from a peaceful night of slumber (with a dog, cat, and teddy bear..), slipping on my clothes in the quiet of the morning, and striding purposefully out the door for a 'refreshing' run.

Yeah.. right.

Reality, it's 5 in the morning, buzz goes the alarm… BAM goes my hand on that little snooze sucker; wait 5 minutes and then repeat for about.. oh say two hours.

I need motivation, STAT!

So.. what better motivation is there than new shoes? In bright colors that is?

Check out this awesomeness

Adidas ClimaCool Ride Shoes

Isn't that yellow like a punch to the face? Now I'm imagining kicking butt on the pavement but I couldn't wear these in the gym? How would my personal trainer take me seriously with these color bombs on my feet?

I could go the more subtle way and ~~stride~~ walk about in these?

Adidas ClimaCool Ride

They made me add this..

(I don't know who they are but they were convincing)

Vibram FiveFingers Treksport

Eh... not digging the toe action.

New Balance Minimus

Now these are fun.. colorful yet simple. If I got a pair of these, do you think I'll go the distance?

or maybe try a little harder to?

Labor Day labours

2011-09-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

This past Labor Day weekend was as low-key as imaginable.. (ha!)

I got to spend time with some of my favorite people and went to the ranch and did laborious things.. you know, your standard demolishing fences, feeding horses, fighting off snakes, wasps, and bears oh my! (I kid about the bears but still..)

I also got a little time to make a new camera cord cover for my camera. I'm quite pleased with the result and more motivated to pull it out more often! One of these days I'll post a little tutorial so if anyone's interested (or I break mine) it'll be up for easy access. Lately, I'm starting to swallow my words as I'm getting into sewing because I recall giving my mom such a hard time when I was younger for busting out that 60 year old Kenmore sewing machine every now and then. Whoops…

While using my camera and fancy new camera cord (shameless self-plug yes I'm aware), I snapped some shots of my lovely assistants

Griffster.. our little lion

Jackaroo

Needless to say, they weren't much help.

I hope everyone's Labor Day shenanigans were as productive as mine! I want to send some happy thoughts to the families and individuals affected by the wildfire in Bastrop, Tx; over 500 homes lost, unbelievable..

Starting anew (again)

2011-09-02T14:27:00.000-05:00

Goodness Gracious..
My apologies.. I'm admittedly not a very good blogger!

I keep ~~stalking~~ browsing others' blogs and am always impressed by their dedication, creativity, and skill! Along with writing a thesis, doing graduate level work, and working part-time, I've decided to ~~attempt~~ start blogging more often.

Motivation for this would be to see what could come out of it?

In my ~~obsessive~~ scholarly way, I've made a list of all the benefits of blogging..

1. Meeting new friends: I want to meet all of you!

2. A visual scrapbook: recording memories, likes, dislikes, and projects on here will give me a place to scroll back and laugh, or groan..

3. Focus for an alternative hobby: like said above, I have a ton of projects on a constant basis and blogging will be a creative outlet

4. Gaining new ideas for decorating, photography, and crafting

I'm looking forward to this!

Apologies for the wordy post.. I'll leave you with a photo of the recent wedding of my bestie..

(I was blessed to be the maid of honor!)

Just precious!