Domesticated Bliss

Blogging in 2012?

2012-01-12T16:32:00.002-05:00

To blog or not to blog? That is a serious question that I have been pondering for the last couple of months. If I'm being honest I've really enjoyed the break that I've been taking but things have been a bit hectic lately so that makes perfect sense. Removing the commitment to blog was necessary at the time and I'm still not 100% sure that I've got the free time to return to my normal schedule, BUT...

I do miss all of you deeply and didn't realize the impact blogging has on my day to day relating. It hasn't just been a break from blogging, it's been a break from reading blogs, talking about blogs, tweeting and commenting. So, I really feel disconnected from the gang. Thanks to all of you that have checked on me by leaving comments or reaching out through twitter, it means a lot :)

So, I can't make any promises, but I'm dipping my toe back in the still waters of this place I've created and I am blessed to have any of you that have hung on in my absence. I look forward to reconnecting and can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for us.

Blog Vacation

2011-09-08T09:14:00.001-04:00

Good Morning Everyone!

In case you haven't noticed, this week I've been taking a blog vacation but I thought I'd pop in and say hello before I leave for my real vacation :)

The time has finally come for our trip to Islamorada!

You won't hear from me for the next week or so but I promise I'll come back strong when we return :)

Have a blessed week!

It's OK #3

2011-09-01T10:55:00.000-04:00

I'm joining in with Neely for this week's installment of It's OK:to kind of feel out of the blogging spirit every now and then, this week has been a bit of a drought for me.
to be extremely excited to see my Mommy this weekend, I'm driving tomorrow to see her in Myrtle Beach for the holiday weekend!
to be super happy that my vacation to Islamorada is only nine days from now, but to be a little sad-face that it's a bathing suit vacation and I'm not feeling my best right now.
to contradictoraly be happy that it is a bathing suit vacation so I can get my tan back before football season officially starts.
to love football more than my husband does. GO NOLES & JAGS!
to be excited to go to the last pre-season game tonight and cheer on my Jaguars, we will do better this year, we will do better this year!
to really want to plan a Florida Blogger meetup since the Texas bloggers get together so often :)
to both love my long hair and want to chop it off all in the span of five minutes.
to walk around with toes that really need to be repainted but to be too lazy to take the old polish off.
to try new things - I had a pineapple basil Popsicle last night and it was DIVINE! It reminded me of Kristin a little :)
What's ok with you today?

Miscellany Monday 8.29.11 Savannah Style

2011-08-29T11:43:00.001-04:00

This weekend I went to Savannah with a couple of girlfriends and had a fabulous time. I actually remembered my camera and took pictures *gasp*! Here is a pictorial review of our shenanigans :)

Boya found a comfortable seat in the lobby

Savannah has many many steep old stairwells to get down to River Street, this was just one of many.

Meghan found an awesome hat in an antique store.

Don't know why this won't rotate, but I found an awesome hat too lol :)

A statue in a shade tree covered square, also very plentiful in Savannah.

Boya, Me and Meghan resting in a park :)

The fountain at Forsyth Square.

Cool mer-dude with a horn

We did a Haunted Pub Tour and this was one stop amongst many :)

Last stop on the tour

Negro Modelo, yum :)

That was my weekend ladies, how was yours?

Can't find your phone?

2011-08-27T10:04:00.001-04:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sprint for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

How many times has this happened to you? Lose your phone somewhere in the house and you can't find it. Even if you had a home phone (1 in 6 households don't) I still wouldn't be able to find it because I turned it on vibrate/silent mode. Well, Sprint is looking to help you resolve this and a few other issues with their new Sprint Total Equipment Protection App!

If you have a fancy Android phone or Blackberry, you can download this really cool app as part of Sprint's overall Total Equipment Protection (TEP) plan. The plan costs you $8/month per phone but it's definitely worth the money. My husband and I are both Sprint subscribers, he has the HTC EVO and I have the Google Motorola Nexus S. If we broke either of our phones, it would be almost $500 to replace just one phone without the TEP, having the TEP it would be either a $50 or $100 deductible - huge difference!

And if that isn't enough reason for you to be convinced you need this plan/app - here's what the app will do for you.

Find your misplaced phone with an audible alarm.
Locate your phone on a map using GPS - you can use a computer to conduct this search.
Remotely lock a missing phone to protect your info.
Remotely wipe your personal info from a really lost phone.
Wirelessly sync, manage and restore your contacts.

The best part is that regardless of when you bought your phone Sprint is allowing you to sign up for the Total Equipment Protection plan between now and August 31st! So what are you waiting for? Visit their website and sign up! http://www.tepenroll.com/

Oh, How Pinteresting! Wedded Bliss

2011-08-24T11:52:00.000-04:00

I'm a bit obsessed with Pinterest lately. And weddings are always on my brain so here are a few notable pins of late :)

Source: vangelisphotography.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: fromportlandtopeonies.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

What inspires you?
Oh yeah and...

Vocabulary!

2011-08-23T11:03:00.001-04:00

Sorry but I think this blog post might veer towards rant territory, but it's ok because I'm warning you in advance :)

Just thought I'd point out that in the day and age of social media, texting, IM'ing and slang, we are doing ourselves and our children a serious injustice. It's pretty sad when you throw out a word that isn't commonly used and you get the "deer in the headlights" look from people or even worse when they say something like "Oh, so you're pulling out the SAT words today are you?"

When did it become a negative thing to expand your vocabulary or to even aspire to enhance it?

Therefore, in honor of Back to School week, I do solemnly pledge to use my vocabulary to its fullest extent and work to add more words to my repertoire.

Starting with this one that I picked up from reading Emma last week:

in·do·lentAdjective/ˈindələnt/

1. Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.

2. (of a disease condition) Causing little or no pain.

Would anyone else like to join me in this challenge??

Miscellany Monday 8.22.11

2011-08-22T11:45:00.000-04:00

Thank you for all your kind words following my post on Friday where I ask for help. Lately I've been a little down in the dumps about my lack of progress with my fitness/healthy living quest. I'm reinvigorated and dedicated to my success so come what may, I'll be alright :)

This week I'm going to be focusing on eating the right foods and trying to do something active for at least 30 minutes every day.

I'm also scheduling a physical and blood panel with my doctor to see what my actual stats are when it comes to my health.

And, I'm going to take it one step farther and consult a therapist who specializes in weight management and issues. I've struggled with my relationship with food for many years and in order to make a lasting change, I'm told I need to get my head right. I think this is going to be the step that really helps me this time.

I leave you with this wonderful song that is "Keeping my Head Up" right now! Happy Monday :)

I need your help...

2011-08-19T15:58:00.000-04:00

If you know me well you know that I'm on a path to better health and fitness.

I struggle daily with making healthy choices.

I fight with myself to exercise.

I feel like I'm failing lately.

So I'm asking for your help.

To keep me accountable.

To pray for me.

To pray with me.

I want to pay it forward too.

Let me know if you might be feeling the same way.

If I don't do something I'm going to spiral back out of control.

I don't want to give up but I can't do it alone.

Small steps are needed.

Step one. Ask for help.

Book Review: Emma by Jane Austen

2011-08-19T10:20:00.000-04:00

Continuing on with my goal of reading all of Jane Austen's books, I have finally finished reading Emma. I must say that right now it holds a very close second place standing in my heart behind Pride and Prejudice.

What I particularly enjoyed about reading this book was that I had so many movies to compare it to in my mind. Most prominently I pictured the version with Gwenyth Paltrow, she does a great job capturing the "essence" of Emma.

But surprisingly enough I also spent a good amount of time imagining the plot from Clueless! They followed the story line pretty closely!

Here's a brief synopsis from wikipedia in case you've never read the book or seen the movies - and if you haven't you should at least watch the movie, come on add it to your Netflix queue!

Emma, by Jane Austen, is a novel about the perils of misconstrued romance. The novel was first published in December 1815. As in her other novels, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian-Regency England; she also creates a lively 'comedy of manners' among her characters. Emma, however, is also rather spoiled; she greatly overestimates her own matchmaking abilities; and she is blind to the dangers of meddling in other people's lives and is often mistaken about the meanings of others' actions.

Have you read Emma? What were your thoughts?

It's OK # 2

2011-08-18T09:46:00.001-04:00

This linkup is rapidly becoming my favorite linkup of the week! You should totally check it out and join in :)
It's OK......to prefer blogging to actually working.
...to be totally in love with your husband because he cooked dinner last night.
...and to love him even more because he is taking ballroom dance lessons with you and dances like a champ!
...that I ride an emotional roller coaster some days, I don't have to be perky all the time people.
...that I'm already planning for something that is more than three months away!
...that my countdown clock isn't moving fast enough for my vacation, 23 days!
...to be completely in love with the pictures my friend Georgia took of my brother's little family :)

What's ok with you this week?

Oh, How Pinteresting! Randomness

2011-08-17T11:12:00.000-04:00

I am wholly addicted to Pinterest. It is making me want to start so many projects and get back in the kitchen! Here are my last 10 pins to show you how random my pinning has been lately!

Source: caylascorner.com via Jessica on Pinterest

I really want to decorate our master bedroom right now!

Source: short-hair-styles-magazine.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

I love my long hair right now, but when it's time for a change, I think this cut will do the trick!

Source: christyrobbins.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Adorable idea for leftover wedding programs!

Source: fortheloveofcooking-recipes.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

YUM!

Source: junebugweddings.com via Jessica on Pinterest

I love peacock feathers and these bouquets are amazing!

Source: readymade.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Simple art project accomplished by using masking tape and then painting the whole canvas, then peel tape away and ta-da!

Source: youfillmylifewithlove.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

More wedding photo inspiration for future clients!

Source: futurewedding.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Love this flower girl's tutu!

Source: realsimple.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Need to finish my painting projects at the house and using aluminum foil to protect hardware is genius.

Source: whimsicalwallmurals.com via Jessica on Pinterest

For when the time comes :)

What's Pinteresting to you lately?

Target Tuesday - Master Bedroom

2011-08-16T11:59:00.000-04:00

Our master bedroom has been quietly ignored for the five years we've been married. The priority has always been to get the common areas decorated first and then think about where we rest our heads.

Therefore our bedroom is sadly barren. We are using second hand country style furniture (not my style) and our mattress is on one of those metal twisty frame thingy's that come with the mattress. Here are some things I wouldn't mind having from Tar-jay to complete our bedroom :)

These would make pretty sweet side tables

With this bed

These lamps with a turquoise or navy blue shade

Those simple changes and my bedding would make our room look much more lived in :)

What are you loving at Target right now?

Most Fun 5K Ever!

2011-08-15T11:02:00.001-04:00

This weekend a couple of friends and I decided to participate in a 5K being held at the Jacksonville Jaguars stadium. It was the first time this race had been held and it looked like it would be a lot of fun. Let me preface this recap by saying that I am not by any stretch of the imagination a competitive runner, but this race had a bunch of "just for fun" time slots so I signed right up!

The course was a doozy but it was a really cool experience! Here's the breakdown: run a lap around the perimeter of the practice fields, then up 4 ramps to the top of the stadium, then take a lap around the top level, then down four ramps and repeat. Then run out the team tunnel and onto the field for a lap around the actual field and out the opposite chute to the finish line!

My friend Jen and I were just having fun so we decided to take pictures!

You can see the Jacksonville Suns minor league baseball stadium and downtown Jacksonville in this picture.

Me at the top of the stadium

It was really weird to see the stadium completely empty and kind of awesome too!

As we were running back down the ramps we had a perfect shot into the practice fields where my beloved Jags were practicing!

This was a cool picture of one of the seven, that's right I said seven, bridges in Jacksonville.

This was the chute for running onto the field!

My friend Tia who finished way faster than Jen and I did!

Celebratory smoothies!

And here is a really shaky video of me running around the field! You really only need to watch like 10 seconds of it to get the feel...any more than that and you might get vertigo from the bouncing lol!

So that was the highlight of my weekend - other than spending some much needed time with my pal Meghan and going to a baby shower :)

How was your weekend?

Birchbox: August

2011-08-11T11:13:00.000-04:00

Guess what came in the mail yesterday? My August Birchbox was sitting on my doorstep :)

This month had some interesting items that I'm looking forward to trying out.

If you got this month's box, were you as confused as I was about the bit of elastic? I almost threw it away until I saw the note card with the descriptions on it. Who would pay $5 for 3 bits of elastic that are knotted on one end? This is just strange to me.

Moving on - here's the rundown of what I got this month:

June Jacobs Papaya Purifying Masque:

To be honest I probably won't use this item. I don't like to do masques and the like because of how sensitive my skin is. However, it will find a home in my makeup sample drawer for future miscellaneous gift bags.

Ouidad Climate Controlled Heat and Humidity Gel:

I used this product this morning and I can't decide if it works or doesn't work for my straight hair. I could be imagining it, but it seems like I have less flyaways - I'll try it again tomorrow to see if I'm right. It doesn't really have a smell which is fine by me because I prefer the scent of my shampoo/conditioner.

Shaveworks Soothing Gel:

This I haven't tried yet, but if it works I'm going to buy a gallon of it. I have extremely sensitive skin so I always have razor burn when I shave my bikini line.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I've tried this before and it feels a bit heavy/sticky on my skin. Not really a fan, but again it'll find a home eventually.

What was in your box this month?

My Teams!

2011-08-09T16:23:00.000-04:00

I'm linking up with Mrs. Smith over at Running Down a Dream for today's Show Us Your Team party.

Like any good girl raised in the South I was brought up watching all kinds of football. My brother played from Pop Warner through high school and my high school team went to State every year (they won my senior year!).

Add to that my Dad watches sports year round and you'll understand why this girl loves football so much.

I knew when I was a little girl that I would definitely be going to Florida State University for college, I was raised to love the Noles and despise the Gators ;)

Me and my friend Elise on Graduation Day :)

The Unconquered Statue at the Stadium

I was lucky to get to attend the Gator Bowl two years ago for Bobby Bowden's last game and it was pretty amazing!

Bobby holding the flaming spear!

Chief Osceola

Marching Chiefs!

I can't wait to see what this season brings!

The NFL team I have adopted and come to love are my ever beleaguered Jacksonville Jaguars. I love this team and I watch them try so hard every year. Maybe this year will be the one! It's nice to win of course but I love watching the game - maybe this year will be the year they connect all the dots.

What team do you cheer for?

Book Review: The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

2011-08-08T10:41:00.001-04:00

Unless you live under a rock or are not a big fan of chick-lit you've probably seen the movie version of The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. But if living under a rock is your thing...here's a synopsis from amazon.com:

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA gives a rich and hilarious new meaning to complaints about “The Boss from Hell.” Narrated in Andrea’s smart, refreshingly disarming voice, it traces a deep, dark, devilish view of life at the top only hinted at in gossip columns and over Cosmopolitans at the trendiest cocktail parties. From sending the latest, not-yet-in-stores Harry Potter to Miranda’s children in Paris by private jet, to locating an unnamed antique store where Miranda had at some point admired a vintage dresser, to serving lattes to Miranda at precisely the piping hot temperature she prefers, Andrea is sorely tested each and every day—and often late into the night with orders barked over the phone.

So, shocker of all shockers, and I am not exaggerating when I say this - I never think the movie version of a book is better than the book - until now. I absolutely LOVED the movie and any time it happens to be on TV I will sit and watch it. The book unfortunately...pales in comparison. Hollywood actually got it right when they added in new characters arcs and story lines and when I read the actual book, I was disappointed. Though you have to give props to the author, Lauren Weisberger, for coming up with the concept, I think all credit is due to the screenwriter for making this such an interesting story :)

Has this ever happened to you before? What movies did you think were better than the original book?

True Life: I'm a General Life Blogger!

2011-08-05T10:45:00.000-04:00

Those of you that have been around my blog for awhile know that I tend to be pretty darn random. You can see this for yourself if you scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and look at my numerous and random "labels" for this blog!

Perfect example of picture taken in my car lol!

But the things I like to blog about the most are:

Friends/Silliness

I try to keep things light on here but I'm still me. I'm still a real life, honest to goodness, southern girl who loves her husband, her mama & daddy, her family and her friends. Every now and again I do a "this is me" post. Here are some past ones if you want to know more about me :)

I'm Telling You!

Meet and Greet

Random Stuff About Me

Finally here are some fun facts:

If you are in the car next to me on any highway and you look into my window you will find me singing AND dancing to the music!
I also take self portraits in the car...at stop lights...when I'm bored.
I can play the piano and love to sing and dance!
I am a new member of DANCE TRANCE in Jacksonville - if you don't know what it is, you're missing out!
The DH and I are taking ballroom dance lessons and we love it!
I have at least 4 best friends on any given day :)
My husband and I will be celebrating our 13 year "Date-a-versary" on October 20, 2011!

Ok that is all! Hope you enjoyed the randomness that is me!

It's OK.

2011-08-04T10:38:00.000-04:00

It's ok that I am doing a meme for the third time this week. I'm just not in a creative mood this week.It's ok that I'm feeling a bit underwhelmed lately.It's ok that I'm already planning my DH's birthday party and it's still 2 months away :)It's ok that I haven't really washed my coffee cup in like 2 weeks just rinsing it out is ok right?? It's ok that even though it's eleventy billion degrees outside I still turn my heater on at my desk because the AC in my office is sub-zero.It's ok that I inherited my mother's feet, it just means I need regular pedicures. Like weekly. Do you hear me mom?? Thanks for the genetics lol!It's ok to put prayer reminder sticky notes all over my computer so I don't forget to send up a prayer every day for certain people.It's ok that I keep downloading free books onto my nook and I haven't read any of them yet.It's ok to wish that cheeseburgers were fat free wouldn't that be awesome??
I had fun linking up with Neely today - won't you join in?

Target Tuesday - Activewear

2011-08-02T16:17:00.000-04:00

Linking up with Tara is always fun and it makes me want to spend money :)

This week I'm talking about Activewear, exercise clothes, spandex/lycra or whatever it is you call that stuff you wear to the gym to get sweaty in.

Target has really comfortable and durable workout gear so I almost always get my stuff from there. Here's what I want right now!

C9 Baby doll tank $19.99

I love this because it's the good moisture wicking fabric but it's not all tight that it accentuates the extra baggage I'm toting around :)

C9 Seamless Mosaic Tank $19.99

I just bought one of these in black recently in the clearance section, I'll let you know if I like it!

C9 Seamless Fashion Sports Bra $16.99

Hands down the C9 sports bras are the best out there. Comfortable - no "pick" teeth marks from the bottom of the bra - my absolute go-to sports bra brand.

C9 Cardio Tank w/Inner Bra $14.99

However, Target please explain to me why I would buy just a bra when I can get a whole shirt for $2 less?? This thing has a built-in bra and a shirt's worth of fabric...either your bras are overpriced or you are seriously undercharging for the shirts...am I right??

What are you loving at Target right now?

Miscellany Monday 8.1.11

2011-08-01T11:35:00.000-04:00

I thought today would be a great day to update everyone on the status of my Summer Fun List! I've actually checked a good deal of them off and am poised to accomplish all 25!

(#2) I took my nephew Liam to Disney earlier this month and we had a blast! I challenge anyone to take a 4 year old to Disney World and not have a blast :)

He fell asleep about half way through the day when we stopped to watch the parade

He was so excited to see the Pirates of the Caribbean ride!

(#14) I watched the last installment of Harry Potter and was alright with it for the most part, but in my opinion they could've done it a little better. I was ready to see the movie, but not ready for the story to be over :(

(#16) I paid off my car!!!! The car I'm driving now is the first car I ever bought brand new. It had ZERO miles on it when I signed the paperwork and five years later it is finally paid off :)

This was my car on our wedding day :)

(#23) My wonderful husband and I spent all day Saturday just hanging out and spending time together. One of our activities for the day was playing Frisbee golf (disc golf, ultimate Frisbee)! I had never played before, but the DH loves it and he taught me the rules. I had a blast but man it was hot and I got really dirty walking the course.

This summer is shaping up to be pretty awesome!

Just me.

2011-07-29T12:01:00.000-04:00

It's the last day of this challenge so we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming next week.

Final item is a picture of myself. This was me on Wednesday, I was having a good lazy hair day. I literally rolled out of bed after having slept on wet hair the night before and put a little water and hair gel in my hair to encourage the waves then plopped a headband from Jenn at Starving, Insatiable on and walked out the door. Don't you love it when the hair gods shine down on you?

Anyhow, it was a good day :) Have a great weekend!

The Songs in My Heart

2011-07-27T10:37:00.000-04:00

Hmmm...two songs. I love music, it feeds my soul. I have decided to pick two songs that make me feel like singing from the rooftops when I hear them. Classics that stir me no matter how long its been since I heard the opening notes. It's amazing how music can affect you, can improve your mood, can inspire you, can make you feel like a natural woman.

Here are the ones I want to share.

Dancing by Elisa. I heard this one for the first time a couple of years ago on So You Think You Can Dance. The music was so powerful and the routine was haunting. It's on my iPod and remains one of my ultimate favorites.

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. This song just makes me think of college. The DH and I love Queen and he bought a greatest hit CD when we were at FSU and we all just used to jam out to it. Bohemian Rhapsody is just quintessential Queen. The music is awesome, the vocals are unreal and just the opening bars make me nostalgic. Plus it's super fun to sing :)

What two songs would you have shared?

Favorite Movies

2011-07-26T13:52:00.000-04:00

I have watched a lot of movies in my life. I mean A LOT. But there are only a handful that I want to watch and rewatch and watch again. Here are my top three from that list.

Dirty Dancing. I remember the first time I saw this movie. I was in the fourth grade and my mom let me have a slumber party for my birthday. We went to the local movie rental place and picked out 5 VHS tapes for $5. We may have watched the other movies, I can't really recall, but I know for a fact we watched Dirty Dancing 2 times that night :) I have the original VHS tape, the DVD and the anniversary DVD and it doesn't matter that I own the movie and can quote the entire thing - if it's playing on TV I will watch it over anything else.

McLintock. I am a huge John Wayne fan thanks to my dad raising me on all his movies. I love many many more of them, but I swear I wore out a VHS tape I watched this movie so many times. It's another one that I can quote word for word and it really shows off the softer side of ole John. He had great comedic timing and if you haven't seen this classic, you're missing out!

Indiana Jones Series. I know it's a cop out but I love all of these movies (even the new one) and Harrison Ford is an amazing leading man. These movies have it all, excitement, intrigue, romance, action and comedy. What could be better? My favorite of the 4 films is the Last Crusade because I love Sean Connery!

What are your favorite movies? Have you seen my favorites?

Nerd Alert!

2011-07-25T11:47:00.002-04:00

It is really difficult for me to choose only four books to list as my faves of all time so I decided to list my four favorite series of books!

1. Harry Potter Books by J.K. Rowling - I realize this is totally predictable and that there are bajillions of people who love this series but I can honestly say it's my favorite series. I've read all 7 of the books at least 3 times each. And I will read them again.

2. The Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris - I may not like the show True Blood - but the books are fangtastic. Little joke there. The show gets it all wrong and ruins what is a great story of the supernatural underworld coming out to play. I wrote a review about the series here and I love the longevity the author has built in - with all the off shoots she's created this series could last a really long time.

3. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins - These books are amazing! My dear friend Mrs. Blimes introduced me to Katniss Everdeen and I read through them in a matter of days. I love that they're making these into movies, but I'm a little nervous about how it's going to turn out. If you haven't read these books do it now! My review can be found here.

4. The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J. R. Ward - These books are well written and known for action and steaminess :) Yes they are also about vampires and I realize that makes 2 vampire series that I'm reading. I don't even want to admit to the others I'm not mentioning, but c'est la vie! I love every single character in every single book of this series. If you enjoy the combination of sex and intrigue this is your series! Review here.

What books or series are you into?