Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Fire!



Anyone have any experience with a portable "fireplace" like these?  I saw one awhile back and thought it was awesome.  My condo doesn't have a fireplace, and I would love to emulate the effect.  I really want one but would love to hear feedback first.  I would have to be super careful because of Georgia, but we can swing it.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Stay warm!

On cold, rainy, and possibly snowy days like today, all I want to do is relax in a cabin in the mountains.  I want to drink wine, watch movies, and read by a fire.  
Any of these houses would do the trick!




Stay warm & enjoy your day!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Reuse!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  With Christmas in mind, make sure to go green by reusing old gift bags.  I cringe when I see people throw away barely used gift bags (which aren't cheap!), tissue paper, etc.  Be a friend to the environment by saving these items to use again.  When you go to wrap your gifts, you'll have everything you need.  I'm going to keep writing about this every year until I don't see people throw this stuff away anymore.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thankful

I'm not going to lie; it's been a rough year.  I lost my job in May-for the 3rd year in a row.  A person can only handle getting laid off so many times, right?  As always, God carried me through this trying time and blessed me in so many other ways.  I'm thankful for countless blessings this year, but these are the top ones:


1) An amazing trip to Haiti with an AWESOME team of people.  The trip was quite challenging, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.
2) Finally getting a job that I LOVE.  I was beginning to think that this might not ever happen, and it did.  I love my job, and I'm incredibly thankful for this opportunity.
3) A wonderful trip to Italy to see my brother and sister-in-law.  It was my first real vacation in years, and it was perfect.  
4) My wonderful friends who always support me, love me, and make me laugh.  I could not have gotten through the past 3 years without them.
5) My family.  I love them SO much.  They inspire me to be a better person every single day.
6) My sweet dog Georgia.  She is my little ray of sunshine, and I love her more and more each day.
7) My Heavenly Father.  He's the man.  I absolutely could NOT have gotten through the past 3-4 years without His love, grace, and mercy.  He just plain rocks.  He's the God of second (okay countless) changes, and He never fails to amaze me with His blessings.


I'm also thankful for you, dear readers.  Thanks for letting me share my thoughts, opinions, hopes, and dreams with you. I know they're ALL over the place, but so am I.  I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, no matter where you are or what you do.  If you're thankful for someone this year, let them know.  Life is short, so let's lift each other up with encouraging words.  Happy Thanksgiving sweet friends!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Wildly Fancy

I spied these amazing photos on this blog and had to share them with all of you.  Artist Karen Knorr created a series called India Song, and it is absolutely breathtaking.  Here are my three favorite pieces.


We all know I'm obsessed with wild animals and anything bright, colorful, and interesting, so these pieces are right up my alley.  To see all of the series, go here.  Enjoy!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Small Business Saturday

As you start to think about shopping on Black Friday, (I do not participate in the madness and prefer to shop online or at later date) consider Small Business Saturday as well.  According to the movement's site, "The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.  On November 26, we're asking millions of people to shop small at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy.  When we all shop small, it will be huge."  


I saw a commercial for this last week and think it is super cool.  Go green this year and shop small this Saturday.  Your local businesses will appreciate your patronage.


For more information, go to http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Happy Friday Twihards!

Which Breaking Dawn: Part One star's look is your favorite?
Ashley Greene in Donna Karan
 Nikki Reed in Michael Kors
 or Kristen Stewart in Roberto Cavalli?
Ashley Greene is best dressed in my opinion.  It's not my style, but girlfriend sure can rock the red carpet.  Happy Friday Twihards!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Enjoy life!

Work hard, be yourself, live for today, love others, and enjoy life!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Somber style

(photo courtesy of WireImage)
The Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Cambridge, and the Countess of Wessex sport simple black attire with stunning head wear for Britain's Remembrance Day ceremony.  This day, similar to Veteran's Day, honors fallen soldiers in Great Britain.  The royal ladies sure know how to look stylish while honoring their fallen countrymen.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Be thankful for leftovers

If you read my blog on a regular basis, you know that I write about leftovers frequently.  As the holiday season gets into full swing over the next few weeks, please keep leftovers in mind.  Try your best to make the appropriate amount of food, so you don't end up with tons of leftovers.  If you find yourself with leftovers on your hands, go green by sending leftovers home with friends or making sure to eat them, freeze them, etc.  


Leftovers can be tricky.  I know that it's not always exciting to eat the same thing 4-5 times.  When I don't feel like eating my leftover soup, casserole, or other item, I try to think about the millions of people who are starving all over the world.  I know they would give anything for food (of any kind) to eat.  That definitely changes my attitude about my meal.  Let's all be thankful for having food to eat at each meal because many people don't have anything to eat and go to bed hungry each night.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Thank you veterans!




Please take a moment to say a prayer of thanks for our country's veterans today.  They are the real heroes in society and deserve all the recognition, honor, and respect in the world.  Let's show them how much we appreciate them today and always.  Don't forget to thank their families as well.  Coming from a military family, I know how hard it can be to rarely see your loved one who serves in the military.  I don't get to see my brother often, but he I hold him close by in my heart and in my prayers.  Happy Veteran's Day!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Georgia's own Jennifer Nettles

(photo courtesy of Jemal Countess/WireImage)
The lovely Jennifer Nettles stole the red carpet at last night's CMA Awards.  Her glittery, sea foam green Kotur gown was THE look of the evening.  Congratulations to Miss Nettles on all of her success!  You've made Georgia proud.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Don't be afraid to ask

I’m a firm believer in asking for what you want.  You’d be surprised that sometimes, all you have to do to get what you want is to ASK FOR IT.  This simple concept eludes many people because they are either too scared to ask for what they want, or they don’t want to come across as rude, demanding, or high maintenance.  Since I don’t fall into either of these two categories (scared or extreme people pleaser), I have a lot of experience in this arena.

I have gotten many cool things in life because I asked for them.  Often times it’s something simple like a better table at a restaurant (or sitting in the private dough room at Antico) or a complimentary sample of an item.  But sometimes it’s something bigger-like an upgrade at a nice hotel or the chance to do something amazing.

Always remember to ask nicely-this is the most important thing.  Smiling and being genuinely friendly can get you far in life.  People like to help nice people.  I’m pretty sure it also helps to be a Southern woman, but not everyone has that going for them.
 
When it comes to getting what you want in life, don’t be afraid to ask for it.  The answer will always be no if you don’t ask.  But it just might be yes if you do.  

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Sometimes, simple is best

(photo courtesy of Venturelli/WireImage)
Nikki Reed owns the red carpet in this stunning Maria Lucia Hohan gown at the Rome International Film Festival last week.  I love the simplicity of her dress-SO chic!  I actually watched Miss Reed, along with fellow cast mates Jackson Rathbone and Ashley Greene, walk the red carpet at a local Breaking Dawn promo event last night.  They were all gorgeous and seemed very friendly.  Can't WAIT to see the new movie!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Go local

As you start thinking about Christmas shopping, events, and other holiday activities, go green by supporting local businesses.  Check out craft fairs and local boutiques for unique gift items.  Hit up a farmer's market to support local farmers and artisans.  Buy gift cards to local businesses instead of giant retailers.  Let's do what we can to stimulate our own local economies.  What do you like to buy locally?

Friday, November 4, 2011

Feathery Friday

Have a feathery, fashionable Friday!
Roger Vivier clutch-yes please.

The Duchess & her feathered fascinator.

These feathery Christian Louboutin's will be mine.
Cheers!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Going red in Copenhagen

Don't think one week could go by without a dosage of Kate Middleton!


(photos courtesy of www.celebuzz.com)
The Duchess of Cambridge warms up the streets of Copenhagen during a UNICEF trip with her husband.  The royal newlyweds (along with Princess Mary & Prince Frederik of Denmark) visited a center that distributes emergency supplies to east Africa. 
Kate's LK Bennett jacket is just stunning.  Pretty sure she has the best hair in the world.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011