Bella Cene

Sundays

2012-02-12T09:47:00.000-06:00

Sundays are for sleeping in

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Sundays are for enjoying your coffee

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Sundays are for spiritual renewal

photo by Sarah's View

Sundays are for day dreaming

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Sundays are for family (and for spending time with this little guy!)

Sunday has always been my favorite day of the week. In my childhood and adulthood, it's always been a day for family, relaxing, laughing, shopping, and whatever else your heart desires -

and Sundays are for reminiscing on the best Sunday of my life:

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Well hello stranger! And holy cow - Valentine's Day is soon approaching!

2012-02-12T08:43:00.000-06:00

Well so far married life is great! Everyone kept telling us how different things will be but so far it seems pretty much the same :) We were together for 5 1/2 years before we got married so maybe that's why!

me & the hubs

Of course the question everyone loves to ask is "When are you having kids??" My Facebook news feed is COVERED in adorable baby photos. I must say it's hard to keep the baby fever away! lol But we want to enjoy being married for a little bit first. You know, enjoy our freedom! haha lol

If you haven't been to Starbucks this Valentine season, you have to go order you a drink and get this adorable cup :) It's a shame it's a throwaway...

Speaking of Valentine's Day... it's coming up quick! I still have no idea what I'm doing for my husband. (Still sounds a little weird to call him my "husband" lol). Is it just me or are men so hard to buy for?? They are such simple creatures yet I have the hardest time picking out presents! I mean, sure - he'd love an iPad or some other expensive gadget but when it comes to the little things... I have no clue! I'll probably just get him cologne which is by no means will be a surprise to him. haha

His favorite (and I must say mine too!) -

via google

What are you getting your Valentine this year?

How to Utilize Your Style Inspiration in Real Life

2012-02-11T11:55:00.000-06:00

If you are like me, you follow A LOT of blogs, read A LOT of magazines, and see of lot of real-life women who dress the way you wish you could. Well, guess what... YOU CAN. I'm finally starting to figure this out I think. lol Here are a few tips that finally got my ball rollin' -

I read in "The No Brainer Wardrobe" that you should create a Style Inspiration board and pin any pictures that tap into your personal style. Not what you wear daily, but what you want to wear daily. I personally like to only pin outfits that I completely love. If it's just the shirt, I won't pin it. If it's something I know in real life I'd never wear (i.e., a short dress *bc I'm not a fan of my legs lol) then I don't pin it. I only pin complete outfits I would 100% wear. Of course, this is a personal preference! You learn a lot about yourself on Pinterest lol

Check out my style board in full here.

Follow your favorite fashion bloggers.

There are bloggers who hit the nail on the head when it comes to my personal style like Lilly's Style.

Then there are bloggers who's style I admire but isn't necessarily "me". These are the blogs that I suggest you follow to gain inspiration, then tweak their personal style to make it yours. A lot of times, I'll love the top she's wearing, but I'd switch the shirt for skinny jeans or something more "me".

...love Maegan is a perfect example.

My last piece of advice is only shop for the items you NEED. And make a list! Shopping can be overwhelming but when I look at all the outfits on my "Style Inspiration" board, I clearly see the items that I need to buy. (i.e., black skinny jeans, denim shirt, brown/black riding boots, etc) Dig around in your closet and try to create outfits you've never worn before. You would be really surprised at what you already own!

Hope this helps :)

Newlywed

2012-02-01T10:31:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you but January has been a whirlwind for me! I got married Jan 8th and it's been so wonderful! My fiance and I finally tied the knot :)

I am now a Mrs.

Everyone has always told me what a blur the wedding will be and it goes by so fast. They were certainly right! Everything that could go wrong on that day, did... yet it was still the most perfect day!

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I definitely want to blog more. I've had to clean out my closet and squeeze my stuff with his. lol (not fun) I've picked up a few tricks here and there. I bought the ebook The No Brainer Wardrobe and it has really changed my outlook on how I shop! I'm so excited :) I'm learning new things on Pinterest. There's just so much to share! Hope all of y'all are doing well!!

I now pronounce you...

2012-01-12T17:02:00.000-06:00

Mr. & Mrs

As soon as I get the professional pictures I'll share them with all of you! :)

How The Glitz Stole Christmas Blogger Swap

2011-12-12T08:00:00.003-06:00

I decided to participate in a unique experience through Lindsey & Raven. They thought up a blogger Christmas swap and called it "How The Glitz Stole Christmas". How cute is that?? I was assigned to swap with Jennifer over at Life as Jane Doe. Shopping for Jennifer was so much fun and I really hope she loves everything I got for her :) My favorite part about this swap though was discovering new bloggers!!

Now let me share with you what Jennifer sent to me :)

It's hard to tell in this picture but these are two VERY pretty nail polishes! The one to the left is a light purple while the opposite side is a deep purple.

Now I LOVE me some e.l.f. products!! I was so tickled when I open this package from Jennifer because I sent her the same e.l.f. pallet in neutral colors. lol

These colors are going to be so perfect for the holiday season!!!

A girl can never get too many lip products!

The bracelet is so pretty too. It sparkles like crazy! (And as you know, I love all things that sparkle!)

I'm so happy I participated in this blogger Christmas swap. :) I had a blast!

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Christmas is sneaking up on us!!!!

I'm getting married! 1/8/2012

2011-12-11T21:59:00.000-06:00

I haven't blogged in so long! I really miss it and I've got so many new ideas to share with you! My fiance and I have been very busy bees planning our wedding. On 11/11/11 we decided to get it done... finally! Our date is set for 1/8/2012. Yes, we're planning our WHOLE wedding in a little less than 2 months!

How To: Make Your Own Floral Bouquet

2011-11-17T17:50:00.001-06:00

Whether you're getting married, your friend is getting married (and you want to help her!), or you just want a beautiful bouquet to display in your home - You'll find this quick and easy tutorial very useful! (If you're like me, you'll begin to aspire to become a florist... BAM! Just like that.) lol

I went to Walmart and bought a glass vase for $2.97 and a dozen roses for $12. You know the kind, the ones that come in the plastic with the "flower food" attached with a rubber band. You need floral tape but I bought the wrong kind so I had to ghetto rig my bouquet with a ponytail holder.

1. Lay out all the flowers in front of you like below.

2. Discard the greenery.

3. Start with the largest bloom in the center, and start "building" the bouquet by placing the rest of the flowers around it in a circular motion. Make sure you always bring the stem around to the front (see picture - how it spirals) and while you hold the flowers at the base, be sure not to squeeze too hard or you'll break the stem. (I did it twice) lol

4. Even out your bouquet. See how some flowers are sitting higher than others in the picture below (to the right)? You want to carefully pull the lower flowers up to be even with the higher flowers.

5. Look in the mirror to make sure you like the way your bouquet looks from the front. Make any final adjustments. Once your bouquet is how you want it, wrap the floral tape around the base (where your hands have been) OR this is the time to ghetto rig it with a ponytail holder. lol

6. Also wrap the bouquet with the floral tape a little lower (however low you please) then cut the stems evenly across. At this point, you can put them in a vase or wrap the base in ribbon or whatever decor you or the bride wishes.

Now what about those flowers you broke? (Because you will, most likely. lol) Use them to pin on the suit for the groom and groomsmen (see below) OR you can tear the petals off for the flower girl :)

This was pretty simple and so much fun! I can't wait to practice with more flowers and different kinds :) For my wedding, I plan on going to the farmer's market and buying a ton of fresh flowers and doing everything myself. I'll have to refer my bridesmaids to this tutorial and volunteer them to help! lol

Here's the video where I learned this technique.

11/11/11

2011-11-14T19:21:00.000-06:00

My fiance and I have been together a little over 5 years. We've had our ups and downs and gone through many trials and tribulations. We've separated and ran back to each other... twice. I have learned that a healthy, functional relationship where two people can truly be happy cannot be centered around him or her. It must revolve around God. It's amazing how when you let go of the wheel (a la Carrie Underwood lol) and let God take control - things just fall into place.

I took the photo above to remember the 3rd and final time he'll have to ask me to marry him <3

Review: Conair Pro 1 inch Ceramic Flat Iron & How I Straighten My Unruly Hair

2011-11-14T08:00:00.002-06:00

This is my natural hair. Now, let me preface this picture below by saying that this picture makes my hair look slightly better than in reality. I have thick, coarse, frizzy, curly hair. I've always sworn by my beloved Sedu 1 Inch flat iron but recently, I found myself wanting something that packs a little more heat...

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The Conair Infiniti Pro 1 Inch Ceramic Flat Iron (Ulta - $39.99)

- heats up to 455 degrees

- 30 heat settings

- 15 second heat up

It promises high shine and smoothness - which I found to be true!

How I straighten my hair:

- I spray my hair all over with the Tresemme Heat Protector spray

- I start at the bottom and work my way to the top

- I section off about an inch of hair, brush it, and respray it with the heat protector

- I glide the flat iron down the hair in a constant motion

**NEVER stop moving the flat iron when it's touching your hair!

- I get the best results when I use the brush to hold my hair and "chase" the brush with my flat iron to insure that my hair stays taut and separated.

The picture below is from the next day after sleeping on it. (And just between us, I didn't even brush it! lol I was running late... don't judge me.)

This is my new favorite straightener. It's better than the Chi and my old Sedu AND it's only $40! I would most definitely repurchase. It straightens my coarse, curly hair easily and my hair stays frizz free for days after. If you're in the market for a straightener that works, then I highly suggest this!

(and Conair or Ulta aren't paying me... pshhh, I wish! I just really love it and wanted to share my discovery with you!)

Are we Twitter friends yet???

Twitter --> lindsaycene

Happy Monday! I hope you all have a beautiful week!

CMA Awards 2011 - Fashion

2011-11-10T17:53:00.003-06:00

Carrie - I love this look. And those cap sleeves are perfect! The color of that dress really makes her skin glow. Bring on the sparkle girl! (On a side note - she has got to have the best legs in the business!!)

Faith - Love it all except the back and girl, you gotta do something with that hair!

Hilary - see Carrie's comments. lol I really love the top of Hilary's dress except I would've gone with a conservative sweetheart bodice instead of the plunging neckline.

Jennifer - This dress is stunning! Minus those pocket-looking excess fabric at her hips.

Kellie - Gorgeous dress but I would've went with a more sophisticated hairstyle. She would've looked so chic with a messy updo!

Kimberly - She's so cute! I just love her. That dress suits her perfectly in my eyes.

Miranda - I love her and Blake! They seem so down to earth. This dress is gorgeous but is it just me, or does it seem like the neckline is sitting low on her chest? (You guys see the "x" on the ground?? lol I've never noticed those before on the red carpet!)

Taylor - This dress is gorgeous!!! So soft and perfect. And her makeup is stunning to! Not sure if this is true or not but Covergirl wrote on Facebook all the products she used last night. What do you guys think?

My favorite? - Taylor Swift

What was your favorite look at this year's CMA's???

all images via usmagazine.com

If it were up to me...

2011-11-09T21:29:00.001-06:00

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I would -

photograph beautiful things

be a country music artist

be a paid writer

see the sun more than on my way to and from work

have a creative profession

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and lastly,

be a permanent character on Saturday Night Live

seriously.

Target Haul and First Impressions

2011-09-22T18:51:00.002-05:00

I give you props if you can walk into Target and only leave what you came for! Me? I'm not so strong... these are my extra goodies I picked up. I wanted to share them with you and my first impressions!

1. Sonia Kashuk Small Duo Fibre Multipurpose Brush - $10.99

A nice, soft brush. Good quality. I've used this brush twice to apply my foundation (Maybelline FIT Me) and I really like it! It blends well. Honest first impression - It blends no different than my ELF Angled Foundation Brush. But I can always clean it and use it to apply a highlighter or something!

2. NYC Smooth Skin Loose Face Powder in Translucent - $2.79

Very nice!! I am actually surprised at how much I like this powder. It's very fine so it's blends out seamlessly. Definitely not a "cake face" product. I bought this to use as a setting powder with my Maybelline FIT Me foundation. Honest first impression - I'm hooked!

3. Wet n Wild nail polish in Private Viewing - $1.99

The color is beautiful but it's very thin. After 2 coats, it's still pretty transparent. I've had it on over 24 hours and it still hasn't chipped! (That's a plus!) But I must say... I have to agree with The Bargain Blonde's theory about nail polish. Honest first impression - Pretty, but I wish it weren't so watery.

4. Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in Dawn - $7.09

I'm split 50/50 on this product as of now. It's a little darker than you would imagine. I was wanting a natural color I can slap on my lips and not worry about the rest of the day! I have to apply very lightly to make sure it's not too dark. After I apply and let it dry for a moment, I wipe my lips with a towel to tone the color down still. After that it's a pretty nice color for me. As for the balm on the opposite end, I love that! It leaves a gorgeous shine but it's not messy. Honest first impression - good product but no different from cheaper alternatives (Covergirl, Maybelline, NYC).

5. Milani Crystal Gloss in Whisper - $3.99

This is a gorgeous lip gloss! It's a soft neutral color with just enough shimmer but not thick glitter chunks. It smells delicious too! (BONUS!) lol Good quality for only $3.99. I believe it would look great on any skin tone. Honest first impression - Love it!

Have you discovered any new products you love or are worth sharing? Please let me know!

*Prices are from Target in Dallas, TX - may differ in your city!

End of Summer Shopping

2011-09-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

I leave for my very first cruise in just 1 day! I've been doing a lot of shopping here lately and I just figured I'd share some of my finds with you guys!

I found this adorable pen holder at Forever 21 for only $5. Sounded like a great deal until I went to Burlington Coat Factory and found it priced there for $3. Hey, what's $2? lol I will not complain!

keeping my desk in style :)

I bought this adorable swimsuit top yesterday at Target for $17.99. I love the simplicity with a touch of glam! It'll look good against my spray-tanned body :)

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If you are in need of some sandels, hit up Burlington Coat Factory! They had SO many on sale! Every color/style you can imagine! I bought both of these for just $6 each. I'm a very happy girl :)

We leave on Saturday and I am so excited! A bit anxious but I can't wait to just be able to relax for a whole week. Ahhh, no work for a whole week. :)

"Only worry in the world is the tide gonna reach my chair."

Oh Monday...

2011-08-29T19:07:00.000-05:00

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Today was the epitome of a Monday.

I woke up at 2:45am with Mother Nature's monthly gift.

I stumble down the stairs to make my way to the bathroom. In an effort not to wake anyone else, I shut the bathroom door before turning on the light. As I flip the light switch, I must have startled one of those huge waterbugs because it flew at my face, bounced off my forehead, landed on my shoulder and proceeded to crawl around to my back. I start jumping and turning in circles while flailing my arms around like a crazy person trying to knock it off of me...

I was eventually successful.

I finally get up again to head out the door and I'm running late for work. On top of that, there's an accident on the freeway, traffic out the wazoo, and I needed gas. Triple whammy.

I make it to work a little over an hour late and the work day is just about normal... It was as good as any day can be when it's accompanied by cramps and more than necessary trips to the bathroom.

I get in the car to head home from work and my "check engine light" comes on. Oh joy.

I have to say... I'm still in pretty good spirits after today!

Now, it's time for some Moose Tracks ice cream :) (My fav!) & some Bachelor Pad. (no pun intended)

Red & Leopard

2011-08-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Just a look I'm loving -

What do you guys think?

Ok so I leave for my very first cruise in 2 weeks! The past month all I've talked about is "losing for the cruise" and that hasn't gone over so well. So, I'm going to depend on a spray tan instead. (That'll shave off a good 10lbs, right?) Works for me! I bought the 30 day shred and I can't even FINISH level one. :( No bueno! I've got 2 weeks to whip my body into some resemblance of in shape!

You guys got any tips for me??

Heaven in a cup - almost.

2011-08-10T18:13:00.002-05:00

I have found Heaven! Who knew it's been hiding in your local grocers' freezer isle... Skinny Cow Strawberry Cheesecake is the most delicious (guilt-free!) dessert I've had in a long while! (Okay, maybe ever) It's so smoothe and perfectly sweet! It's a MUST TRY.

Skinny Cow

So in order to prepare for my cruise (which I leave for in 1 month!!) - I bought the Jillian Michaels' DVD 30 Day Shred. I'm hoping it whips me into bikini shape quick! (I'm ignoring the fact that summer is almost over and I'm still not in "bikini" shape - that's pathetic.)

Walmart - $10 (in store)

(Seems to have worked for her!)

And I really love this swimsuit by H&M -

H&M

Alright, enough procrastination - I need to get to my workout.

My Skincare Routine

2011-07-27T23:14:00.000-05:00

I have oily, sensitive skin. Finding what works for me has been a long uphill battle. Every now and then I like to venture out and try something new but I always go back to what works. I don't buy those pre-packaged "sets". I finally found what products work for me and they come from 4 different companies. Now, my skin is not perfect (because really, whose is...) but it's most definitely tolerable. I figured I'd share with you what works for me! (Hey, you never know!)

First, I wash my face with the new Neutrogena Naturals face wash. I love this stuff! Most products break me out (sensitive skin... bleh) so I used Johnson's Baby Soap for a long time. THEN I gave this stuff a try and I love it! I definitely recommend this if you tend to have a bad reaction to most washes.

about $7 (drugstores)

I always use the Olay facial brush when I wash my face. (I put the Neutrogena Naturals on it). I love this thing! It's $180 cheaper than the Clarisonic and works just as well. I highly recommend using one when washing your face - You'll never go back to that rag or just your hands :)

about $25 (drugstores)

This is the only product I use that contains any "acne fighters". I apply a thin layer all over (to treat and prevent) and this stuff works really well for me. I can't tell you how many tubes I've gone through!

about $6 (drugstores)

This is by far my favorite moisturizer. It smells good (to me at least) and it leaves my skin so soft. A little goes a long way too... So it's definitely a great bang for your buck!

about $15 (drugstores)

And that's it! Remember, to have the best skin you must wash your face every night. Consistency is key! (Now I admit - I'm not perfect but I try to wash my face every night lol) Also, prices may be different depending where you live and where you shop.

Please keep in mind that this is just what works for me. I am by no means a doctor! lol

What are your favorite skincare products?

Oh, and all images are from Google. :)

Forever 21 - New Purse

2011-07-19T21:41:00.000-05:00

Sure, I'm like most girls. I love clothes, shoes, and makeup... but they all fall to the wayside compared to handbags. I just don't know what it is. I am a purse girl. It doesn't matter how many I have, I'm always on the lookout for a new one. I'll buy my clothes secondhand and I won't spend over $20 on a pair of shoes but handbags have no limitations.

If money grew on trees (legally, that is) -

via - My "dream" handbag - One day I will own you! lol

But for now - I'd been itching for a new purse. (And this was completely justified by a broken strap on 1 of the 10 handbags I already have) Now, I'm not a huge fan of Forever 21. Most of the clothes are ridiculous, the music gives me a headache, and the quality is not all there BUT I like to look anyway for interesting pieces. Luckily, I found a purse I loved for only $25.

I am SO beyond picky when I shop. Whatever I buy has to be perfect. I have to 100% WANT whatever I'm about to buy. I'm talking no reservations. This purse passed the test in affordability, color, size, style, length/type of straps... It has to fit perfectly under my arm. lol (Hey, this can be annoying since I put down 99% of anything I "pick up" to buy... I'm notorious for convincing myself out of purchases) BUT I sure save a lot of money that way :)

Have you guys ever noticed that Forever 21 puts a scripture reference on the bottom of their bags?

JOHN 3:16 -

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Very cool F21... very cool.

What's your dream handbag??

My first cruise!!!!

2011-07-14T22:06:00.000-05:00

I'm going on my very first cruise this September and I am BEYOND excited!! So of course, when my work besties wanted to hit up Ross for our lunch break... I couldn't resist but to search for cruise-worthy clothing.

I found this gorgeous dress for only $15.99!

I apologize for the lack of artistic quality in these photos but they get the point across.

If you've ever been on a cruise, what's your best advice to me??

Skydiving?

2011-07-11T22:37:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking about skydiving for my 25th birthday in October.

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Yes or no?

I need your opinion!

2011-07-07T19:32:00.000-05:00

This swimsuit:

Yes or no? I think it's super cute and I love the style... What do you think?

This is a completely random topic but I decided to pick up the new NatureLuxe Mascara by Covergirl and I actually really like it! My lashes are light to the touch, not chunky thick with product. The wand separates really well and doesn't clump at all! This mascara is perfect for day time - and it's build-able for a dramatic look but not over-the-top. I really really like it!! :)

Hope all is well with you guys!!

Mending a broken heart...

2011-06-14T21:56:00.000-05:00

A few tips for mending a broken heart -

1. Having a pet :) My dogs are my saving grace right now.

2. Calling a friend - just having someone to talk to helps you to feel not so alone. (Your mother can count as a friend too... mine sure has!)

3. Eat all the chocolate you want - I've got some oreos here that are tempting me. They just might be my dinner tonight. According to "My Fitness Pal" app I've got 764 calories left to eat for today. 764 calories worth of Oreos it is then!!! :)

4. A bubble bath and a magazine - nothing better than beauty and fashion to get your mind off things!

Things are a little rough around here right now... I hope you'll stick with me! Just give me a couple of days to let the dust settle a bit.

I'm still reading all your blogs - just not writing yet. :)

Currently Adoring: Bethenny Frankel

2011-06-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

If you ~~are~~ were like me, you probably only relate Bethenny Frankel with unimportant reality TV (such as the Real Housewives or maybe even Bethenny Ever After). I will admit, when I first heard of "Bethenny Getting Married?", my initial thought was something like, "Wow, looks like everyone is getting a reality show these days." Then one day, (yes, ONE day) this all changed. I heard about the beginning of her 2nd season of Bethenny Ever After and I was intrigued to see what this show was all about... and I've been hooked ever since!

Bethenny Frankel is so much more than your typical reality TV starlet. She is a very empowering, successful business woman!

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Forbes Magazine named her a leading entrepreneur with over $100 million in sales of her SkinnyGirl Margarita brand. (read the article here)

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I am currently reading her book "A Place of Yes" and I would most definitely recommend it!

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Get "A Place of Yes" on Amazon for way less than at any bookstore! (But if you're like me, i.e., no patience, I got my copy at Walmart for $17.)

I read recently that Bethenny stays in amazing shape with the combination of yoga 3 days a week and using the elliptical during the week too. US Weekly magazine had a great article where Bethenny talked about fitness and health AND they included her favorite 15 minute yoga workout!

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Don't want to run out to buy the magazine? Get the workout from there website here!

If you don't adore her already, then you haven't done enough research. :)

Who are some of your most inspirational women?

These are my confessions

2011-06-05T10:12:00.003-05:00

Ok so I was inspired to write a little confessional post after I've seen a few from The Bargain Blonde.

So here goes!

I confess - that I am a notorious procrastinator! (Hence, "confessions" are usually written on Fridays but today is Sunday lol) My record procrastination situation: A 14 page psychology paper I started the night before (around 8pm actually) and finished at 5am. (AND got an A :) Go me!)

I confess - that I have a serious complex about spending a lot of money on clothes. 90% of my closet comes from thrift/consignment stores or stores like Ross or Marshalls. Last weekend my mother took me to Ann Taylor because she wanted to buy me a few items and I about had a panic attack in the store. I just can't see spending that much or letting her! I find these same great items at places like Clothes Mentor (LOVE it!)

via Facebook

I confess - that lately, I've been wishing for a magic time machine. Reminiscing with old friends makes me realize how much I miss the way life used to be and how fast time flies. I really need to stop taking advantage of the time in the present because I'm going to look up one day and wish I could come back to here. (I think Trace Adkins sings a song about this. Seriously, go listen to this song.)

I confess - that I'm SUPER jealous of 57-year-old Christie Brinkley! Um, I'll have what she's having please!

photos via

I confess - that summer has arrived (at least here in Texas... hello 100 degrees!) and I am NOT "summer" ready. I am winter pale, haven't dropped that 15lbs yet, and my toe nail polish is chipped. I've got some work to do!! (At least I've started! I bought some Banana Boat self-tanner (which I love by the way!) and I think I'll paint my toe nails after I write this blog)

I confess - that I am LOVING Katy Perry's Last Friday Night. Summer anthem anyone??

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"Last Friday night
Yeah we danced on table tops.

And we took too many shots.
I think we kissed but I forgot."

... move over Rebecca Black!