Etc in Atl

✿ Weekend Updates ✿ Monday Randomness ✿

2012-01-30T12:11:00.050-05:00

Had a low key weekend around Atl despite feeling a tad cabin fever from being out sick the previous week. So many people are sick at my office blah. But I had a very nice weekend filled with hanging out with friends, cleaning my condo and downtime.

Friday night had a work happy hour at The Family Dog in the Highlands, had never been there before it was super fun - Split apps of turkey queso covered nachos and pimento cheese with spicy saltines that were YUM, a very healthy dinner.

Sorry no pics taken at HH

Saturday was a beautiful day - Went for a run in Piedmont Park, lots of cavalier spottings! I make a point to run by the dog park a time or 2 :-)

After the park I went on a crazy cleaning spree. Wiped down every surface, mopped, vacuumed (thanks to my neighbor who lets me borrow her amazing vacuum), shook out rugs like an insane person on my mini balcony and did laundry. It's the best feeling to have everything fresh and clean after being sick. Next big chore is to clean out some clothes, try to do it a couple times a year.

I had an extremely exciting Saturday night, stayed in and caught up on Gossip Girl, XOXO

At Blair's Tiffany themed wedding shower where all of Gossip Girl's sources were revealed, DRAMA. Oh and is it just me or is Chuck Bass way less attractive as a "good" guy? He's just kind of creepy and weird now. And Louis's accent is just ridic.

Happens more than I care to admit...

Sunday was church and brunch with my small group girls, we went to R. Thomas, one of my fav spots, where we met our friend Brittnye's baby Journey, he was adorable and so well behaved!

He was very happy sitting in my lap despite his wary expression and Lori's comments saying otherwise

With his Auntie Lori

Baby J's mom Brittnye on the right

The rest of Sunday was spent napping, gym and other typical Sunday stuff. And was craving chocolate so went and got a Frosty from Wendy's because there are no fro-yo places that close to me which needs to be fixed ASAP. Yoforia please open in the Peachtree Battle shopping center in place of the Baskin-Robbins, thank you!

I guess you'll do :-/

A real Wendy's Google review from my friend Devon's blog -

And I finished "The Host" by Twilight author Stephenie Meyer, it's a lengthy sci-fi novel that several friends and coworkers had recommended, had been on my reading list for awhile. I liked it and think it would be a fun movie, would love to see the cave setting created. Much more action packed than the Twilight books and more likeable characters if you ask me.

Other fun books on my reading list:

Game of Throne series
And recommended by Chelsea (Chels let me know if I don't have any of these right):
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah E. Harkness

Movies I want to see:

Beauty and the Beast 3D
Mission Impossible
Young Adult (my cousin has a cameo in it)
We Bought A Zoo
Drive
Hunger Games duh, can't wait! Must see it at CineBistro.
Morning Glory (it's not in any of the Red Boxes)

And I am now officially obsessed and on the Pinterest bandwagon, as I'm sure you can see from my giant red "Follow my Pinterest" icon on the left. A few (of many) of my favs I pinned this weekend -

This is so true for me, you know how they say it's 80% diet and 20% exercise - I enjoy food waaay too much to deprive myself, so an extra mile on the treadmill for all those Reeses I piled on top of my yogurt!

Gag!

K so question since it's mostly my close friends and family that read this ridiculousness I call a blog, I had dinner with the Boob Trotters last week which got us talking about fundraising ideas for this year (Don't worry we won't be nearly as intense and annoying as last year). Well this past year I unsuccessfully looked for pink candy to give out at our events, and since I'm getting started much earlier this year was wondering if it would be too gross to buy Valentine's Day candy, that would be a good 8 months of holding on to them...Thoughts? Hmmm, yeah ok ew. Anyways! Found tons of cute stuff on Pinterest that we will definitely have to get!

So cute!

I love pink and green together - Instant mood lifter! Having fresh flowers around makes me so happy :-)

And I would just like to say that I hate the Super Bowl because it's keeping Sarah from coming to Atl with Rachel this weekend :-(

Out with the Old

2012-01-24T15:09:00.050-05:00

In with the bigger, better and more fabulous!

Saturday night Allison's husband Mark said goodbye to 27, Allison made these sinful chocolate peanut butter cupcakes and squares. I stopped by the party for just an hour or so because I was still sickly (am just now feeling human again) but of course could not resist one of Allison's homemade cupcakes. Sadly I didn't partake in the rainbow jello shots, and we all know how much I love jello shots.

Ashlison Benzzort!

OK, this is so embarrassing I don't even want to post a pic of it but we can't exactly get any worse than my post hiking picture of me gnawing on a fried chicken leg at Ryan's now can we? So this is how my makeup has been stored for the past couple of years -

Yep just haphazardly thrown in a plastic Target basket thing. Every morning is a hunt to find what I need and in the process get eye liner and lip gloss on my hand. When I travel it goes in a toiletry bag. SHOCKING REVELATION: Forever 21 lip gloss packaging is not very resilient.

So I decided I can no longer live like an animal and some drastic action must be taken immediately.

Ahhhh just a tad better :-)

Despite permanent makeup stains on the basket I am now using it for my nail stuff.

Isn't it funny how we get so accustomed to seeing things everyday that we no longer see them anymore? That's my theory about old women who cake on clown makeup. Oh and I love this cucumber scented Method all purpose cleaner. I like light, fresh scents.
My new way of slicing apples thanks to my apple corer I got for Christmas!

Sliced apple and peanut butter is one of my go to snacks

My number one is a Luna bar and this new flavor is SO good

My new Design Sponge coffee table book I got from Tim and Shana for Christmas -

Never a shortage of celeb mags at my place, one thing that will never change ;-)

I also got my soda water maker for Christmas. It eyed me menacingly from the box on the floor for about a week, I eventually took it out and set it up. After that it taunted me some more because I was scared to try and figure out how to use it (anything involving reading a manual is the worst), but it was actually really easy! Hence why I could figure it out.

Don't be jels you can't make diet grapefruit soda at home

Something else new I recently acquired and slightly more exciting than household cleaners and apple corers is my new car!

A Volvo S60 - Obsessed! Her name is Baby Pearl, Baby P for short. She is the sister to Tim and Shana's Volvo who is named Baby V, and every time "Baby V" is uttered Tim on autopilot says, "Soo stupid."

This is how I feel about my new car :)
I drove my little Honda Civic for almost 8 years, so def time for an upgrade!

I would have been 5 million times more hyper if I wasn't feeling so sick at the time of buying it, plus it was a tsunami out and the power at the dealership even went out at one point. The only places I've driven it to are Mark's party, the office, drugstore and Whole Foods. Baby P wants to go on a road trip soon!

Drinking a a WF juice blend in Baby P

At Home

2012-01-20T12:37:00.019-05:00

Home today still feeling under the weather, started antibiotics this morning so will hopefully be up and about soon - Baby Pearl is waiting for me to go get her!

A few things that are making me feel better while home in bed and working -

I am not one of those people who when they're sick lose their appetite - Thank you Jimmy John's for delivering this giant turkey sub that I just inhaled, and I'm not even stuffed. And those new Special K cracker chip things are super yum, pretty much like pop chips. 30 chips = 110 calories

This Voluspa candle Brit sent me for my birthday, my fav kind of candle in the entire world

And of course looking at pics of bichon puppies in a basket

Ok Pinterest is the best distraction ever when sick, it's entertaining and I feel productive and social, feel being the operative word.

Funny pins -

I know this happens to me way more than the average person

True story

Worst feeling ever to pour the bowl back into the box (I'm a cereal addict btw)

If I haven't gotten it by now I think I'll be fine. Although I did feel rather odd the last time I consumed too much brownie batter while making brownies for the Boob Trotter yard sale back in Sept., ask Louisa how unloading furniture went. At one point I had a mini meltdown and crashed on one of the couches, as we were carrying it. Louisa, the "chipper trotter," stepped up and gave me a pep talk to keep me going. Although I think the amount of red wine I'd consumed may also have been a factor...

In my perfect world

This makes me laugh every time I look at it, reminds me of myself (CBF - chronic bitch face). My parents said when I was a baby people would stand on their head to try and make me smile and I would just stare at them straight on and not crack a smile haha.

What Jennifer Aniston would look like if she lived in Oklahoma - If Celebrities Moved to Oklahoma

Oh Brittney

Just a few thoughts

2012-01-18T13:49:00.035-05:00

Happy Wednesday!

Just because!

I woke up feeling a little ick this morning but the hot tea I've been drinking all day and thinking about my new car I'm going to be getting soon (hopefully in the next day or so!) are making me feel much better. Will blog it immediately upon getting. HINT: Her name will be Baby Pearl. eeee!

Embarrassing/Annoying story: I went to Publix Monday night after spin class, made a beeline to all my regular items - lots of fruit (bananas, apple and oranges), cereal, frozen Kashi meals for lunch, milk, yogurt and 40 calorie bread. I checkout, drive home, lug all my stuff inside (which is a ton with my laptop and gym bag), put things away and then realize I left one of the grocery bags at the store. Ugh. Take my cold sweaty self back to Publix, go to customer service and frantically show my receipt and ask how I can get the rest of my groceries. Worker seemed amused and told me to just go get whatever, I assured him I would go by the receipt and he just shrugged and laughed. I go collect my fruit and frozen meals and show him on the way out as he just nodded and waved. So got my groceries back but minus a few limes.

Embarrassing/Funny story that wasn't me: IM from a coworker today (I'll leave the person's name out):
Coworker: omg so this morning i was taking my lunch stuff to the kitchen and dropped my cottage cheese!
and it exploded!
ashley4848: LOL
Coworker: no, im so upset
thats my 4 pm snack
ashley4848: i know i know that sounds awful
ashley4848: lol
coworker: no im going to starve
and be too weak to drive home which cause me to end up in a car accident
help

bahaha!

This past Sunday I rode up with HayHay/Bat and friends to Amicalola Falls in North GA, it was a perf way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The falls and mountains were so beautiful!

I got really fixed up

Then something very bad happened. So after hiking all the way up the falls (lots and lots of steps) we were ready for lunch afterwards. When asked what I felt like I said I didn't care just no fatty fast food. As we're driving by the North GA outlets Hay spots Ryan's and jokingly suggests it, and I jokingly said okay then she jokingly pulled in and we got out and ate there.

It was there the most disgusting and awful pic of me was taken (be warned it is up there with my Giant Baby pic for those who know about that one):

Get ready...

No seriously get ready

AHHHHH it's so gross! Eating a fried chicken leg with a plate of fried food in front of me like Precious + Shiny, big forehead + No makeup + Just got done hiking = AHHHHH!

I'm still recovering. And I hope you enjoyed that pic at my expense.

Then I had to ride back to Atl in the backseat with Frank who did such a great job hiking I brought him ham wrapped up in a napkin from the buffet.

Mkay moving on, now what better to talk about after the worst picture ever of me than the best looks from this past Sunday's Golden Globes -

Gorg dress on Glee's Dianna Agron, I'm sure it was even more amazing in person

Emma Stone always goes fresh in a dress unlike everyone else, love the colors, cut and material

Jenna Dewan doing young Hollywood right

Classic Charlize Theron, I think she is one of the most beautiful celebs

Love Salma Hayek's hair and gown, so fashion forward and fun!

More pics on People!

Oh and quick comments on the Bachelor, I haven't been watching at all but flipped it on Monday night (after my grocery drama) and I just have to say 1. Why is he the bachelor, he has a butt cut 2. The girls are as crazy as ever 3. The girl who works at a funeral home and who randomly showed up is creepy but I like her style 4. It made me miss my BB Rachel! We used to watch it together every Monday night after the gym and Jalepino's, our fav Mex restaurant where everyone knew our name.

No thank you

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-15T20:26:00.006-05:00

*Do more volunteer work within the community*

*Get certified to teach spin class*

*Eat less sugar and drink less alcohol*

*Quality over quantity mentality when shopping*

*Trade in Chami, my Civic, for a newer, adult car*

*Run my second half marathon and walk in my second 3-Day for the Cure*

*Keep up more with politics and current events (listening to the Today show while getting ready for work is the extent I do now)*

*Finish reading my One Year Bible I started Jan. 1 last year*

*Continue to blog :)*

*Be more aware of everything I do have as opposed to what I don't*

*Get my condo painted and crown molding added*

*Be the best bridesmaid ever in Tim and Shana's wedding in VT this fall!*

*Be less whiney ;)*

Monday Randomness

2012-01-09T14:38:00.029-05:00

Very hard to get up this morning despite my slightly earlier than usual bedtime last night. I had a great weekend, one of those weekends with just the right balance of fun stuff out and about and some time to relax and unwind.

Friday after work met some of my animal friends (soo weird I know haha) out for dinner and then out for a birthday. Buckhead Pizza definitely hit the spot. (first meal of my out of control eating weekend)

Pony wearing Kitty's glasses, Kitty refused to have his picture taken that night. He deleted the ones we took of him :(

Random pic...Love those earrings you gave me for Christmas Allison, I have been wearing them a lot! And that is new'ish Aveda lipstick in berry.

No I didn't just happen to catch him for a moment holding Chrissy's new Speedy, this went on the majority of the night at the Ivy, haha -

Slept in late on Saturday, did some cleaning then went for a run along my usual route. (felt amazing outside) My fellow runner friend Rachel (who has been into running much longer than me) recommended the Nike GPS app and I just got it a few weeks ago and love it, it tells your distance and speed and pretty much anything else. Dinner that night at the Oceanaire, my first time eating there and it was SO good, prob the best seafood I've had in Atl. Then I went to a fundraising event that night that was casino themed and my ignorance for playing craps and Texas Holdem was on full display. I'll spare you everything I did on Sunday, I know you all just love to hear all the details of my exciting life ;)

Some randomness for your Monday...

I got this pink pig calendar for my desk, presh. In case I haven't mentioned it before Chrissy and I desperately want sibling teacup piglets, her's will be named Bit Bit Wiggles and mine will be Bent Bent Squirmy.

You are never fully dressed until you wear a smile - Words to live by...

Okay maybe I'll share a little bit about my Sunday :) I went to Roswell to celebrate my dad's birthday. We watched the Secretariat and it was really good, I didn't even fall asleep despite watching it during my regularly scheduled Sunday afternoon nap time. After that I ate she-crab soup and chicken potpie at the the Salt Factory in downtown Roswell, oh and then ate an embarrassingly big yogurt from Menchie's, whipped cream, vanilla wafers and cookie dough on top :( I wasn't kidding about my bad eating weekend. One app I definitely do NOT like is the MyFitnessPal app where you record everything you eat and your exercise and then it totals how many calories you're allowed for the rest of the day based on how much weight you want to lose. A coworker who dramatically sits and eats celery sticks at his desk everyday recommended it to me. Yeah we def had Mexican and Yoforia for lunch on Friday :)

Watching it made me miss Ky!

My dad, "Excited about the big game tomorrow night?"
Me, "What game?"

But I could tell you Beyonce had her baby today...

I suppose I will turn it on while doing the treadmill tonight

NYE

2012-01-05T16:31:00.029-05:00

Had a fun new year's in Atl! We started the night out at Scott's -

I was going to wear a leopard print F21 dress I got in Charleston while there for Chrissy's bachelorette trip, but at the last minute changed my mind to something sparkly. Wore a blue skirt from K-la (love that store), tank from JCrew, blazer from F21, black pumps from Target and Allison gave me that headband for my last birthday.

We had tons of food! Chrissy's good friend from college made us lots of delish stuff like spinach dip covered in bacon, baked brie and these flaky sausage cups.

Pony got herself a Speedy earlier that day with her Christmas $

Dramatic champagne opening (I was trying to capture Scott in the background who 1 second earlier was drinking straight from the bottle haha)

Intense...

Bat wore her Pam jacket

Bat nuzzling the kitty

At Whiskey Blue we sat at a reserved table the whole night that we definitely hadn't reserved or paid for, no one ever kicked us off it, great way to start the new year ;)

Rach came in from Ky that day and we had been in touch about trying to meet up at some point but we both happened to end up at the same place with our separate group of friends, yay!

New year's day consisted of sleeping until about noon, going for a long run then seeing Sherlock Holmes with Bat at CineBistro, the new theater in Brookhaven where you can eat dinner during the movie. It is so nice, like a million times better than noisy and gross Fork and Screen in Buckhead. I will be seeing as many movies there as I can, and bonus you have to be 18 to go so I will def be seeing Twilight and Hunger Games there!

Christmas Vacation

2012-01-03T15:16:00.051-05:00

I didn't go into the office for about a week and a half, definitely nice to have a breather and to be able to spend time with family and friends. It went by in a blur, can't believe new year's is already behind us!

Allison and I got dinner one night (Nuevo Laredo yum) and exchanged presents, one of the gifts she gave me was this awesome jewelry hanger (and those gold and teal earrings to the very left), and confession I definitely set it up within like 15 minutes of getting home from dinner :)

bahaha Sarah I know you love that ancient pic of us all holding you

Spent a week at my parent's house in Roswell where Tim and Chris flew down from VT and NYC. While there my routine went something like this - in bed around midnight, up around 9ish and would make a big pot of coffee, wrapped up in a soft blanket contently reading, squeezed in a run where I could and did some kind of activity with the bros during the day.

Annie (who will be 14 in March!) not pleased to have her afternoon nap disrupted by present opening on Christmas. And yes you read afternoon, present opening happens in the afternoon when everyone is 27 and older :)

When are they all going to leave me in peace? she was thinking.

So you could say that my interests do not always seamlessly align with my family's, but me being the great sister and daughter I am I often go along with things I wouldn't do on my own or with friends, as long as a snack is involved at some point. Me + low blood sugar = not pleasant. Here we are at a historic grave site in Roswell that included the grave of Roswell King, the founder of Roswell. And it was not my first visit, my dad had brought me there before but thought Chris would like it, so along I went.

Then strolled around the Old Mill Park

I love hiking and walking trails

however I do not love waiting for what felt like hours for my dad and Chris to take pictures, even more painful when I was being photographed, ugh.

But then we stopped and got a snack so I was okay after all!

I didn't take many pics over the break, all these were just snapped with my phone. And I will attempt to start doing some posts that consist more than just recaps of weekends and trips :)

The bros and I went to the High Museum one day, here are some of my favs that I captured to use as backgrounds on my phone -

I know I have such an artistic eye ;)

Played some bocce at Ormsby's later

We also played darts and my right arm was embarrassingly sore when I woke up the next morning.

(Please refer to the above reference of me being such a good daughter and sister) We went to The King Center in downtown Atlanta, too.

MLK Jr's grave

And a church he used to preach at

After meeting our history quota for the day my dad led us to a secret destination which was scary for a few reasons: 1. Chris, being a New Yorker who doesn't drive, was driving 2. We were downtown, and no matter what time or who I'm with I'm usually scared when I'm downtown 3. My dad being the one dictating the destination, there was no telling where we could end up.

We ended up here, at Busy Bee Cafe

where Chris ate stewed oxtail. I ate fried chicken, fried okra, mac and cheese, cornbread and banana pudding. I'm watching my figure. So yeah my dad doesn't even have to ask if we were in the mood to eat a giant lunch he knows it is a given that we will, haha.

After lunch we hiked and then I ran 5 miles. Kidding! I took a nap. And then ate Italian for dinner. Unfortunately not kidding.

I got everything I wanted that I blogged about in my previous post for Christmas! Except instead of the Tory purse I opted for the classic tortoiseshell Michael Kors watch. Love it. Bat got one too but the larger style.

And for Christmas I gave Hayley/Bat and Chrissy/Pony this pic framed. I know I know it's a new low but isn't it hilare! We all look just like our animal counterparts. I showed it to Chris and he asked if next year I was going to give them a pic of the animals thinking about us, haha. Tim just snarled at it.

New year's recap for my next post, try to contain your excitement!

The most wonderful time of the year!

2011-12-16T14:03:00.041-05:00

At my small group this week we drank wine, ate pizza and wrapped the presents we bought for our Angel Tree kids. Oh and our small group leader made Louisa decorate her tree haha, Louisa is always a chipper trotter!

Just a few things on my Christmas list this year...

The Tory Bombe Reva clutch, I have wanted it for like 2 years -

A portable fabric steamer, I have needed this for 2 years haha -

I cut up apples all the time at work and one day a coworker busted out this apple corer and divider. It rocked my world, like my iphone I don't know how I have survived this long without it -

Chelsea told me about her soda water maker she got last Christmas and I've decided this is also something I can no longer live without. I drink LaCroix like it's my job, so I think I need this one -

Other items on my list: Any products by Kiehl's, Bliss, Benefit and OPI and Essie nail polish. DVDs I want are Bridesmaids, Eat Pray Love, The Help and Water for Elephants. Oh and I may be asking for an US subscription...Hey I took a year off from getting it!

Here is my condo decorated for Christmas!

Snowflakes on my already vibrant Ikea chandelier

Love these cheerful, fun place mats from Target

I just could not bear to throw or put away my pumpkins, so I painted them haha

Strung lights everywhere...

Definitely felt a little like Buddy the elf hanging those everything

And I love this old manger scene that was my dad's when he was little, and it even was displayed on that same desk that was my grandmother's.

Just 9 days until Christmas!

Tis the Season!

2011-12-11T23:06:00.038-05:00

I hope everyone had a fun, festive weekend! I was off work on Friday and did some shopping, running, cleaning and got ready for having my best Atl girlfriends over that night for a little holiday get together.

I made Brittany's bean dip that I have eaten "viciously" (quoting Sarah) over the years, really easy to make and not that bad for you -

Just make the layers and eat! You can add toppings like olives, onions, lettuce and tomato's but I opted not to.

I also made croissants filled with mozzarella cheese and turkey pepperoni with pizza dipping sauce, got the idea from Pinterest, and as you can see we had plenty of other snacks, too.

Just a laid back, holiday happy hour :)

Hayley made a really good hot cider made with apple cider from North GA, whiskey and oranges and I made some Christmas sangria! I used red and green fruit - strawberries, apples, pears and limes, soaked in chardonnay over night then mixed with chardonnay and strawberry sparkling water.

Former coworkers :) Molly is one cute mom to be!

Trotter reunion!

Trotting!

We did a white elephant gift swap, I got the cutest frame from Hannah

Baby bwown beayah crawled out of his cave and joined us later on in the evening

Matt/BBB commented that there was so much food leftover because it was all girls whereas if guys had been there everything would have been gone, haha.

But no cheese was left, we LOVE cheese!

Saturday night was my company's holiday party, at Vanquish in midtown. Scott, who we refer to as "kitty" after the fancy feast white cat because, well it just fits him ;)

haha who knows...

Bein' a kitty

Definitely not a quiet night out... mental note for next year: eat dinner.

My team - When you see me check into "Team Hosting" on fourquare, it's the hosting team - these guys!

More coworkers

Pom manhandling the kitty (I know the animal names are getting OOC)

Finished the night out at Opera, I said and did absolutely nothing embarrassing the whole night, I'm always a perfect lady ;)

Oh and I found this note -

Dear Ashley, It's time to grow up and be nicer to me. From, Your Liver

Weekend in Kentucky

2011-12-04T22:31:00.094-05:00

Had a wonderful weekend in Ky! I hadn't been up there since my visit in October of last year, I will definitely not wait that long again for my next visit.

Drove into town through lots of horse farms, the weather was beautiful my whole time there.

Headed straight to Panera to meet Chelsea and Baby P. This is what he looked like the last time I saw him earlier this year -

Baby P now!

So full of energy and can do so many cute things! My fav was his gorilla noise that he can do on command.

Oh Mom...

I stayed Friday night at Sarah's parents house which is becoming my regular spot I stay whenever I visit. Before it got too dark we took their labs, Charlie and Buford, for a walk, which as you can tell from the blurriness they were very excited about!

We walked across the street to Brittany's parents' farm to see their camels

Remember when I blogged about him when he was a baby? :)

There was a little spastic movement when we first walked up with the dogs but they quickly warmed up to us. Tried to feed them grass but no luck. Sarah was concerned they were going to spit at us.

They also have a baby zebra that I was dying to see but he was back in one of the barns, we were afraid to walk back there with the dogs.

That night we met up with Rachel, saw her new townhouse (well not really new anymore) and it was so cute and I loved how she had it decorated (PS - I'm on the lookout for a vintagey looking wine bottle holder).

Here are my raccoon friends downtown outside Jonathan at Gratz Park where we stopped for a drink while waiting for our table.

Nothing better than sharing a bottle of wine with old friends :) We had an amazing meal at a la lucie -an appetizer of honey and almond glazed brie and fruit, I had grilled bourbon tabasco pork chops, Sarah had cordon bleu and Rachel had the lamb. I think it's safe to say none of us are considering becoming vegetarians.

After dinner Sarah and I got a beer and played darts at Bluegrass Tavern, a spot that wasn't in Lexington when I lived there. Shockingly it felt age appropriate, I didn't feel twice the age of everyone there as I usually do when I'm out in downtown Lexingon.

I never drank Kentucky Ale when I lived in Lex. but you know since I'm all adult now I have a more refined pallet when it comes to my beer of choice, and it was so good! Next time I'm in town I really want to checkout the breweries and distilleries around the area, another thing I've never done. I am so proud at how well rounded I've become ;)

Saturday morning up bright and early'ish to celebrate Caris's soon to be born baby! Passed by the privately owned castle in Versailles on my way there (which caught on fire when I was in college and caused quite the sensation) -

The adorable table spread at Caris's shower

And the mom to be :)

Chelsea's iced sugar cookies are my fav cookies in the world (she put glitter on them this year which I was immensely excited about)

Strawberry and Caramel, just the names we gave for our hair in college, totally normal.

From left - Brit, Chels, Me, Caris, Sarah and Rachel (just a refresher :)

Caris and her bump :) I decided she is having a boy and will be called lil Ricky after her husband Rick.

Their cat, named Kitty, trying to get into the kitchen by frantically clawing at the window.

Saturday afternoon we went to Chelsea's family lake house for the night, you might remember it from our trip there earlier this year :)

We played lots of Dutch Blitz, a really fast and stressful game where your friends turn mean and aggressive, it was super fun! (Notice the SweetWater Blue I brought!)

Don't let their smiles fool you...

And played our now annual game of charades. We don't keep score just get endlessly entertained from watching each other act ridiculously. We all wrote down things to act out and the thought process behind each one was what would be the most entertaining to see, haha.

I think everyone's fav was Brit acting out "grizzly bear," which consisted of her holding her arms up completely straight and making a scary face. And her "sliding into home" was pretty amazing, too (but sounded really painful) Sarah what were you doing here?

Who knows

And did lots of this, lounging and talking. Sarah got some great pics from laying down on the floor...

Sunday morning

We walked around the lake and neighborhood then ate a very healthy lunch of snacks outside.

It felt really nice out, I was expecting it to be freezing up there but was pretty mild.

We all exchanged gifts, love this tradition that we have been doing since high school. Chels made this bag, even sewed the intricate design and we all had different ones. I don't think I've ever even mended anything in my life so I can't even wrap my brain around how she does it.

Check out her Etsy store, SewBold, and blog!

Caris gave us this flower dish for used teabags but I'm using it for earrings, and Brit gave us these handmade earrings from her sister's Etsy store, Color Me Fabric.

Snowflake ornament from Chels

Super cute towel and pot holder from Sarah, love!

And love this vintage looking towel from Caris

Treats from Sarah and Chels (macaroons from New Orleans, almost too pretty to eat)

Homemade vanilla, sugary almonds from Caris (that I cancelled out my spin class from eating afterwards last night) and hot cocoa mix from Sarah

Feeling very blessed after this weekend! Already looking forward to next year :)

Oh and Tim and Shana gave me an early Christmas gift over Thanksgiving, "How to Be Famous: Our Guide to Looking the Part, Playing the Press, and Becoming a Tabloid Fixture" by Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. I will be intensely reading, highlighting and making notes in it. As many of you know it is one of my life's goals to become a Bravo reality star. Love it in my bookcase tucked in with my classic lit and poetry books, haha -

Heading up to Kentucky for a festive weekend!

2011-12-01T17:54:00.003-05:00

Going to visit some of my college besties for a long overdue visit to the bluegrass, be back next week!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-11-30T10:38:00.024-05:00

'ello!

I am just now feeling back to normal'ish, I stayed at my parent's house in Roswell last Wednesday to this Monday. Always nice to get out of the city and actually sleep in a house. I think I ate my weight in gravy and watched about 30 hours of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Atlanta.

I would say this pretty much captures my time there, me laying on the couch wrapped in one of my grandma's handmade blankets with Annie curled up on my lap, reading a magazine and watching DVR -

My grandparents, Mama and Papa Kidd, came over from Prattville, Ala. and brought us this puzzle called, "Vision of Grandeur," my contribution was the tail.

I was too comatose to take any pics on Thanksgiving day or the day after. I did go on a run in Wills Park on Friday at least, my Pandora rap strength training mix kept me going!

Saturday we watched the Iron Bowl at Taco Mac -

And something very important was decided there, Tim and Shana's animal names! Tim is a baby red panda and Shana is a unicorn.

haha Tim's face in this one, Shana looks wise -

Bat came too!

After cheering on Alabama we went to downtown Roswell for more glutinous eating and drinking at INC Street Food

Tim paused from eating his skirt steak taco

Oh and Tim's friend Josh came who likes to grill me on my dating life and told me I have 2 good years left to get married. He goes for the shock value.

I guess at the time we thought it was important to get a well lit pic of us, haha. Oh and I'm eating Bat's queso, "Make sure you get a chunk!" she said, yum.

And then this happened, yep I ordered this hotdog with every artery clogging topping known in the south. Feeling super healthy and fit!

Sunday, Tim and Shana's (or should I say Shania, Shana's southern name) last day in Atlanta, we went shopping in Buckhead then ate leftovers and decorated the tree that night. My mom gave Shana framed pictures of her and Tim on their first day of school when they were little. "It could have been the exact same day!" she said.

Annie was very alert with all the activity

But then she got bored and tired and wanted everyone to leave

Weekend Updates

2011-11-20T22:13:00.027-05:00

Had a fun night out Thursday night at the Junior League LBD Affair thanks to Katy!

Katy is holding my lime ginger martini, it was delish. And they had these deconstructed Twix bar cookies that you dunked in caramel sauce that were amazing.

Friday after work Allison and I met up for dinner and Twilight Breaking Dawn - We really liked it! A coworker told me his Twihard friends saw the midnight showing the night before and said it was so bad they thought they'd been punked, so I was a little concerned going into it. But I was entertained the whole time and thought it was a lot faster moving than the other ones, and I thought they ended it at a good place (as opposed to part 1 of the last HP where I left the theater angry). When leaving the theater Allison said she wanted to watch it immediately again :-)

And let me vent for the thousandth time how much I dislike Atlantic Station (ghetto Disneyland). We chose that theater because it is much bigger and offered more showing than Phipps, and Fork & Screen in Buckhead, the theater where you can order food and drinks throughout the movie, is not a good choice for a movie you really want to see (too distracting and the chairs are too straight!), so Ghetto Disneyland it was. Okay 1. Our theater-mates were so loud and I don't think 90% of them had even read the book, as they would gasp at basic plot twists (why they were seeing it opening night Allison and I wondered). And my absolutely most hated aspect of G.D. is the parking garage = an underground hell maze. My anxiety level raises immediately when I ride the escalator down into the pit. Allison was just 1 MINUTE over her time allotted for the parking validation and they still charged her $4. But at that point you would give them your soul just to be let out.

Was up bright and early Saturday morning and headed to Athens for the UK/GA game with Sheena and her husband Ben (the lyrical genius). We met up with some of their friends and had a few beers on campus -

Yay for Ky blue!

Since it was my first time in Athens Sheena and Emily showed me part of the downtown, we popped into one of the bars for a bloody mary and mimosa.

(experimenting with the flash)

I know me doing the cats cheer never got old (ooooo C-A-T-S cats cats cats!)

Athens was so fun!

Sunday was typical Sunday stuff, I went to ICE - the Indie Craft Experience for some Christmas shopping. Found lots of good stuff!

Foggy morning on Monday

Friday Randomness

2011-11-18T15:24:00.020-05:00

Here's some fun images just because :-)

At my office, I've never wanted to unplug something more -

Ready to see Breaking Dawn, part 1 of the last movie, with all the Twihards tonight!

From Pinterest:

I'm imagining this room tucked in the Alps

Cannot believe Chrissy says cavs look snotty :*( If by snotty she means the most adorable creatures on the planet!

Julianne Hough takes hers' everywhere, so jealous!

In about 2 hours I'll be having a glass of wine with Allison! Except not anywhere this cute because we'll be in Atlantic Station, what I call ghetto Disneyland.

My friend Rachel has these and I almost stole them when she brought them to Atl a few weeks ago. We wear the same size after all...

or yogurt!

Happy Friday!

Thankful For

2011-11-16T13:25:00.020-05:00

That I get to work from home today, esp when it's a grey, rainy day -

enjoy coffee in bed

and have this Harry Potter on :)

We had a Taqueria del Sol buffet at the office yesterday, omg it was so good. And yes those 3 plates were all mine. (I didn't want to have to stack things) There was also a cinnamon chip pita bar where you could pile on whipped cream, chocolate and caramel sauce, nuts and cherries. It was basically one of the best days of my life ;) Oh and I definitely went to Cantina after work for a happy hour, but just had a ridiculously expensive skinny marg ($9, ridic) and a few chips and salsa. Oh and then I ate a kid's size pumpkin YogurBerry, sigh. It was right next door!

These fun, cheap boots I got from Old Navy this past weekend. Hayley/Bat informed me they look like real Uggs :) What I love me some f'uggs!

That I got to kickback and relax on Chrissy's amazing Restoration Hardware couch and cuddle with her Pottery Barn blanket last night. We watched (aka had on in the background while we chatted) Going the Distance with Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. We decided that neither of them are attractive enough to be starring in a romantic comedy and that it makes us really angry that Drew Barrymore is a Cover Girl spokesperson. (Chrissy, "It's not a charity!") Reminds me of something Hayley said awhile back, "Guys, it's a good thing we love each other, because we're bitches!"

Speaking of Hayley her blanket was rolled up and unused because she went home after Cantina :*(

A yummy, healthy snack of apples with cinnamon and warm honey while working late the other night.

So I'm all about the sparkling water right now, such a good alternative from soda and I just get tired of drinking regular old water. In addition to the Fresh Market pomegranate kind I mentioned in my previous post I am loving the raspberry lime kind from Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. LaCroix's coconut and apple cranberry is super good too!

I am thankful I caught the story and interview on 20/20 about congresswoman Gabby Gifford. She was shot in the left side of her brain from an attack at a meet-and-greet in Tuscon in Jan. It showed her recovery in the hospital and it was so inspirational and humbling. She says, "I'm beat up, not beaten." Her and her husband are so positive it's amazing!

Little things that make me happy

2011-11-14T12:40:00.043-05:00

A few things I'm loving right now...

~Smith's Rosebud Salve, you can get it at Anthro or Sephora -

~Sparking pomegranate water from Fresh Market

~Bliss hand cream, got mine from Nordstrom Rack. The blood orange white pepper scent smells amazing.

~The latest two movies that Justin Timberlake was in, still so weird seeing him act:

Rented Bad Teacher over the weekend

Saw In Time in the theater last night with Hayley/Bat, it was actually really good.

~My iPhone, I mentioned in a previous post that I recently got one, have had it about a month now. Something that is so not new to anyone that I am obsessed with right now is Pandora. Usually I run with my tiny iPod shuffle but have started running with my phone to be able to listen to fun, new music. Running and any kind of cardio is pure torture without upbeat music, and I get tired of music pretty quickly so I am constantly on the lookout for new playlists.

~Healthy, yummy breakfasts like the one I made yesterday - a spinach, asparagus and swiss cheese omelet with mild salsa from Fresh Market (made a trip there a couple nights ago, there's one super close to me :) and toast with pumpkin maple butter from VT (of course with coffee):

~That someone came over to estimate painting and adding molding to my condo yesterday!!! EEEEEE! Here in order are things I want: 1. Condo painted and molding added around the ceiling of my den area and all the little nicks and marks on my walls to be GONE 2. A new (to me) car 3. A small, older rescue dog 4. New stainless steel appliances 5. For Mad Men and True Blood to come back on. That's all! ;)

~Christmas decorations! At Phipps over the weekend:

The Beltline trail that is super close to me, went for a long jog/walk there and around Memorial Park yesterday, it was a perfect day to be outside.

Now for a couple things that won't come as a shock to anyone that I'm currently loving, (I know all the other things were completely out of my element ;) as always I LOVE working in an office with dogs, this sweet little chihuahua just came over to visit me but as you can see was not very cooperative in posing -

~On the fro-yo front I am obsessed with Yoforia's pumpkin flavor, I put graham cracker crumbs, white chocolate chips and if I really want to go crazy cinnamon toast crunch, too. And I usually mix it with the dark chocolate made with stevia flavor. (only 15 calories an ounce!)

And I really like the new peppermint flavor at Pinkberry, so good with lots of chocolatey things, but adds quite a few more calories. Pb has a pumpkin flavor too but I don't really like it, too tart tasting.

In my belly!

~Real Housewives of Atlanta season 4 has started! Just as dramatic and trashy as ever, so it goes without saying it's one of my fav shows. Kim is pregnant with a 25 y/o football player and lays in bed and shoves food in her face and yells at her assistant all day ("Sweeeeetiiiieeee!" Yes her assistant's name is Sweetie), Kandi looks cute with long hair, NeNe is out of control more than ever since she went on Celebrity Apprentice ("I am rich!" she yelled to Sheree at The Grape in Atlantic Station), Phaedra who is a lawyer for some reason wants to open a funeral home and I think Cynthia is so pretty and I really hope her and her husband don't get a divorce. I cancelled my cable so I watch it on Hulu or at the gym. I lose a little self respect every time I type in Real H (then autotype quickly pops up) online.

~Excited for a fun, busy week - Thanksgiving potlucks, the Junior League's Little Black Dress event (Here's pics from last year. Katy is always so sweet to invite me every year, who doesn't love to drink, shop and eat at the same time?! If there were puppies there it would be like the best night of my life), Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 out on Friday and making my first trip ever to Athens on Saturday for the UK/GA football game. Then Thanksgiving and a long over due trip up to Kentucky! :D

Weekend Updates

2011-11-07T11:42:00.042-05:00

Was glad to have a chill weekend to hangout around Atlanta. I can't believe October is gone. Now on to the holidays!

After work on Friday met up with Chrissy and friends at her apartment. I'm so happy they live in Buckhead now! We got drinks and dinner at Truffles.

Friday HH's are my fav because it means an early bedtime :)

Saturday was a gorg fall day so I went jogging in Chastain

I had no idea that the Chastain Arts Festival would be going on. After my jog I strolled through all the stands and even bought a few Christmas presents. There were so many, it went on and on. I love arts and crafts festivals!

Snapped a pic of this for my dad who is an Auburn alum and fan

And this pic for Chrissy, in case you don't remember she had peacock feathers as part of her wedding theme :)

This guy was hanging out at a stand that sold really cool barrel wine bottle holders.

And of course I got hungry so I got this beef quesadilla from the Yumbii food truck, it was amazing and what the guy recommended. ("Do you like sweet, salty or spicy?" Me, "Salty.") It always dawns on me to take a pic of my food after I've taken a giant bite.

I got my hair trimmed at Van Michael Salon that night. I told my hairdresser to take as little off as possible but he had to take off 3 inches :( He said my hair looked like a fish tail in the back and that because my hair is so fine it may never be able to be super long. Ensue foot stop and whiny noise.

Then I met up with a former coworker and a few others for a drink at the Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park.

Afterwards we walked to Savvi Urban Market to get some drinks and snacks where I was introduced to Rooster cookies. My friend kept talking about them and I had no idea what she was talking about. It was maybe the best cookie I've ever had. They look like the pic and they are a not super sweet shortbread with chocolate chips, it tasted like cookie dough laced with crack. They're sold around Atl. Something else added to my list of food obsessions.

Sunday up and went to church where they've just started a new series that is just what I needed to hear called The Immeasurable Life, you can listen or watch online but I don't think it's up yet.

I headed to my parent's house in Roswell to be productive and relax, my mom made me this hot chocolate while my dad and I did my 2010 taxes, yep you read right. I just did last year's taxes in November. I'm really winning in life right now.

Annie acting like she's hearing and seeing things that no one else can, it doesn't take much to throw her out of her routine.

After tax hell and a nap I jogged at Hembree Park, pretty fall leaves on the path

and lots of pretty fall colors.

Mondays are much better when I have coworkers like Snarf the maltese!

A fun, festive weekend with friends!

2011-11-02T21:23:00.091-04:00

College besties came to Atlanta this past weekend for our friends' Eric and Shannon's wedding and to hangout out and enjoy the city life ;) So good to see them, hadn't seen Sarah and Rachel since their last visit to Atl and Brit, Seth and Josh since their visit over NYE. Way too long! Whenever I see them it makes me realize how much I've missed them and I'm always so sad to see them go back to their homes in Lexington, Cincinnati and Seattle. Growing up sucks :( Why can't it be like college when we would go days on end living in sweats, eating crap and just hanging out all the time?

Brit, Seth and Sarah got in Friday afternoon. I met up with them at my place after I got off work. They said they feel like my condo is like their Atlanta vacation home and that made me really happy because my place is far from being that with just only one bedroom, haha. But since we don't get to see each other nearly enough it's nice to all be chatting and sipping wine (or vodka, whatevs) in the same room as we're getting ready and sharing mirror space.

We cabbed it over in the rain to Shout in midtown for dinner -

Shout's tagline is "Food Fun Flirt!" so Brit got her flirt on while there

Sarah's birthday was Sunday so of course we had to start celebrating! An intense chocolate souffle.

So flirty! And I've recently joined the 21st century by acquiring my first iphone, more on that in another post :)

Obsessed with her feather earrings, I almost hid them at my place so I could keep them.

After dinner we walked over to Cosmo Lava where we were the only people not in costumes, Sarah was not pleased about this since she had been encouraging everyone to bring costumes during the week leading up to their visit. Josh met up with us after the rehearsal dinner and Thomas and Liz drove in from Columbus, GA to hangout for the night.

Annnnd we acted like it was our first time ever being in a bar, Liz and I playing with the cobweb decorations -

Flirty Brit Brit! Intense Josh.

Who knows

I vaguely remember swiping these beads

That hand became a center point of our night, I think we just pulled it down off the wall and then danced with it all night, haha. Don't worry we put hand sanitizer on it. Gaw we are so weird.

This is just out of control, seemed like a great idea at the time.

Saturday we got up and hit Lenox Mall after a breakfast of Chick-Fil-A and Panera (Sarah and I had 2 breakfasts, oh and we had Sbux). Um can we please talk about the new Forever XXI in Lenox Mall and how amazing it is?! (Rachel Sol. you will be obsessed) But I didn't buy anything because I'm trying to pay off my stupid credit card. Yes I am aware how much I sound like this video, reminds me of the impressions Tim does of me.

Then we headed to the Frazier Center late that afternoon for the wedding. I had never heard of that venue before, it was tucked back and so pretty and peaceful. Such a beautiful wedding that really fit Eric and Shannon.

A little chilly... Rachel got in late the night before.

After the wedding we went to Noche in the Va Highlands for tapas and drinks. Rachel and I had really delish sangria. We also ate nachos because Sarah and I always seem to eat nachos when we get together and an antipasto platter and fried calamari. The food at the wedding was awesome - fried chicken, pork tenderloin, grilled veggies, potato salad, rolls and corn bread with pimento cheese and wine, beer and champagne. Needless to say a good eating and drinking night :)

Heath bar cheesecake for Sarah's birthday eve! I highly recommend it as I was the one to eat almost all of it :)

After Noche we met up with the whole wedding party at Hand In Hand, once again we were the only people not in costumes, even people who had attended the wedding changed into costumes. Although Josh did get free drinks because people thought he was the groom. He was at the bar area for maybe 15 minutes and when he came back over to Sarah and I he said (or shouted), "I just got 3 free bourbon shots!"

I was drinking a pumpkin beer but it wasn't very good because it had a really high IPA so was a little too strong for my taste. I think Josh finished it for me, haha.

Josh's third night out in a row! Thursday night he did karaoke with the wedding party straight from flying in from Seattle.

Once again behaving like we'd never been out at a public bar before, we spotted Josh with this mask placed on the back of his head that he got from someone there. So of course we had to take pics each wearing it -

Sarah in it, this is a seriously scary pic!

Me, it was so gross

And Josh. Remind me to never make that face again.

Sunday morning up and through the Sbux drive thru, I was attempting to capture the pretty fall leaves. It was a perf fall day.

After brunch at Flying Biscuit in midtown everyone headed home :( I slept all Sunday afternoon.

Here's what I wore to work on Monday for Halloween, we had a "cat walk" and banjo music played when I walked out -

It's Allison's Rocky Mountain ranger costume from two years ago, she has become my go to for costumes because she has a big trunk full. That ladybug outfit is hers, too. She loves Halloween almost as much as Twilight!

Some of my coworkers -

Halloween night I went over to Sheena and Ben's house along with Allison and Mark for a dinner of cheeseburgers and yummy sides, watched Casper and handed out candy to trick or treater's.

Austin was an adorable baby elephant! He was cuddlier than ever in it :)

Sheena made this pumpkin punch, sooo good and very strong!

I love this time of year :)

Day 3!

2011-10-31T14:10:00.026-04:00

Feels like it's been months since the 3-Day, but it was just a week ago! Recap of the 3rd and final day, last Sunday:

Up bright and early and lined up to start the day's route -

I think this day's route was my fav, walked from GWCC through Ga Tech, from there Midtown and Piedmont Park, Virginia Highlands, Druid Hills, Emory, Inman Park, through downtown and ended at Turner Field.

So chilly in the morning shade. Love Piedmont Park on a Sunday :)

But it warmed up soon enough. Sheena and I at the candy land pit stop!

The candy was especially out of control that day, supporters would line up with bowls of really good candy, and when a sweet little kid personally tried to hand you a piece you couldn't say no! I was forced to reserve a whole zipper pouch in my waist pack just for candy. I think my fav was early in the day a group was giving out coffee and each kid had a job, one offered sugar, one cream, one stirred - So sweet!

I think all firetrucks should be pink, much prettier. Reminds me of the girly lego's I used to play with.

Presh!

This was around Emory, we had just walked through a whole cheer leading squad out cheering for all the walkers. Earlier in the day there was a squad that cheered, "Jump shake your boobies, jump jump shake your boobies!" There was never a shortage of entertainment!

Made it up a steep hill to lunch/a luau!

Most of the police officers were really into the festivities, they wore pink flare and ribbons and had music blaring from their cars or motorcycles. This one was especially full of energy, the previous day he led us in the YMCA while waiting to let us cross.

So weird to be downtown, I never go there.

Trotters spotting on the steps of the capital!

Homestretch!

They would tell you anything to keep you walking.

First glimpse of Turner Field!

Oh we know, thanks!

Louisa's boyfriend, Chad, waiting for her at the end :)

She said when she first saw the sign she thought, weird someone else is named "Weeza" haha

Yeah! Walking into what they called the "holding area," you know because we're cattle.

We sat down and waited to walk into the closing ceremonies that were held in the parking lot.

Cheers for all the finishers!

Go Trotters!

About to be let out

We got long sleeved white tee's. Survivors got light pink and crew members got grey.

All the walkers linked arms and walked out of Turner Field through a tunnel made up of family, friends and crew. The survivors then followed after us and we all raised a walking shoe in honor of them.

They announced that 6.5 million was raised!

A great end to the 3 days. I miss the trotters!

Allison and Mark came out to support us! The trotters just love them :)

After the ceremonies I found my parents who came out too (more pics on their camera!) and they drove me to my car at Stone Mountain (that was fun), and then despite having already eaten a ton that day I gorged at Fellini's - Blue Moon beer on tap, big salad and mushroom and pepperoni pizza - YUM. Then crashed after that, so thankful to be back in my bed! Oh and to shower in an actual building.

So will I do the 3-Day next year? Yes!!! It was such an awesome experience, so positive and inspirational. And Allison is going to do it who was an original trotter before she had to go get engaged and married a few weeks before the walk ;) I'm working on a couple Kentucky friends, too. (Sarah and Brittany you know you want to!) And Alison, the veteran 3 Day'er says fundraising gets easier with every year. Since this year was our first time for all four of us trotters we were really stressing and nervous about it, but I think next year the yard sales are the way to go and Sheena is all about having a Booby-Cue (a BBQ).

Once again thanks so much to all my family, friends, neighbors and coworkers that live near and far who supported me! Whether it was a donation, encouraging words and messages, asking how everything was going, attending fundraisers or tuning into our morning news segment ;) - My team and I appreciate it so much! I ended up surpassing my goal of $2,300 and raised a total of $2,406.25. Thank you! :)

Walkers were given a rose donated by 1-800-FLOWERS at the end, too.

I've just about recovered, but my feet are in not so great shape. I'm sure the Target pumps I wore out this past weekend really helped their appearance. They're not really sore anymore but am in need of a pedi ASAP. I had blisters on my two smallest toes that were bigger than the actual toes, ick. Reminds me of this one sign we saw on the walk that kind of scared me, said "Blisters don't need chemo!" I know it was meant to be encouraging and put perspective on why we were walking but geez, no one said they did, haha.

Did I mentioned how much I miss the trotters?!

Day 2 of the 3-Day

2011-10-27T14:19:00.024-04:00

Here's day 2 pics!

Saturday morning walked from the GWCC through the Westside and then through Buckhead, was so fun to actually get to see the pretty houses along West Paces Ferry, am usually driving fast through there and have never really been able to see the houses tucked back. I had to pee really bad and seriously considered knocking on one of their doors to ask to use their bathroom. I know I'm just such a great 3-Day representative :)

At a Mardi Gras themed lunch in the parking lot of Peachtree Presb. They gave us beads that rubbed pink all over my t-shirt neckline :(

Lunchtime entertainment

Who doesn't love a man in a pink tutu?

I made a beeline to this sweet maltese out on Piedmont

Her name is Daisy and her owner said she's a therapy dog. Doesn't she look like Annie?

Never too tired to trot! We sang a lot of random songs all weekend, one of them LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," and when Louisa would sing the lyric's "Everyday I'm shuffling" I would have to literally shuffle my feet every time, now that I did get tired of doing because my feet were sore. We had to resort to "climbing the ladder," which was basically a combination of double fist pumps and ladder climbing with our arms. Once again being the ideal 3-Day'ers, they should really ask us to be the faces of Komen.

Sheena's fav sign. Glad we had this very important reminder every couple miles.

One of the many pit stops

After walking the looong stretch along Piedmont Rd. into the afternoon sun, was so glad to get back into a more urban setting.

Dressed slightly differently than the last time I was at the Fox for Chrissy's reception :)

We had to set up the tents ourselves, thankfully a nice man helped me with ours. Lights went out at 9ish and were on at like 5am. And the shower situation...let's just say there was a trailer and a line involved :(

So many cute tent decorations, wish I had gotten more pics of them. Here are a couple of my favs -

I took a pic of ours but it was so awful I decided not to post it because we had our crap spread out everywhere, haha. No decorations were involved even tho props to Louisa for bringing our boob trotters signs and some ribbon.

Trotters and Austin (not to be confused with Sheena's cavalier, who btw is going to be Dumbo for Halloween eeeee!)

Alexis has the hots for Fabio

So on the homestretch of our day 2 route we thought about making a detour to a bar, but since the GWCC is so massive a small detour was a trek. So we got inside and put on flip flops and then after we ate we started moving in slow motion, so the bar idea was quickly nixed, but Alexis's husband, Brandon, brought the bar to us!

Alexis offered a beer to one of the girls in the tent next door and she politely declined saying, "No thank you I'm 17." Like I said, rebellious trotters!

This definitely put perspective on why we do the 3-Day, notes honoring loved ones affected by breast cancer. There was also a remembrance tent that Alison, the veteran 3-Day'er, told me I should make a priority to checkout. It was a row of white tents from all the cities the 3-Day is held that people had written messages on, and then there was a big tent and inside was pictures of former walkers who had recently lost their battle to breast cancer, as well as a journal and an Atlanta tent inside. Some of the messages like, "Smile at us as we walk by, Mom" and "This one's for you" were so sad and reinforced my decision to do the 3-Day.

Day 3 recap up next!

3-Day for the Cure Day 1

2011-10-25T23:23:00.031-04:00

Cannot believe the Atlanta 3-Day is over! It's been such a big part of my life for the past 6 months. Fundraising goal met and 60 miles walked, YEAH!!! Thank you again for all the support - the encouraging words, texts and messages meant so much throughout the walk!

Here's Day 1's recap:

Set my alarm for 5am (and a second one across the room) on Friday but was so excited I had no trouble getting up at all. Left home in the cold darkness clutching a giant coffee that I chugged on my drive to Stone Mountain, which caused me to have to pee immediately, really fun going in the cold porta potty.

Arrived at Opening Ceremonies at 6:30am, they wanted walkers there between 6 and 7. Louisa got there at 6 on the dot, she is one punctual trotter! The text I got from her when she arrived said, "So excited! Can't contain myself!" :)

There was so much going on, and it was SO cold, in the 30's and whatever you wore you had to walk with the whole day.

Wide awake!

Being told to stretch, but I didn't stretch because I was way too cold.

Oh thank you for finally deciding to show up, sun.

Had to wait in line a really long time to start walking the course, there were 2,400 walkers! Started walking around 8:30, I think.

Ready to go! Louisa got us these hats and tiaras at dollar store, anyone want to borrow to wear in real life? :)

So many fun decorations! This truck was one of my favs.

It was recommended to stretch for 5 minutes every hour of walking, or check your phone whatever.

Walking around the town of Stone Mountain. Yeah those hats were annoying and the slightest gust of wind blew them off. Alexis's sunglasses definitely took some getting used to, caught me off guard every time I looked at her during the first day haha.

Danger!

Arrived at lunch! Felt like it took a really long time to get there. I stopped believing anything they told me, was told "You're just a mile away!" for about 3 miles.

Every pit stop had a different theme, this one obvi Hawaiian. They gave out schedules everyday and the stops were open during a scheduled time frame.

So over the cowboy hats

These turtle bras made me laugh, they said it was because they were as slow as turtles.

Trotters fed and ready to walk again. They gave us Panera sandwiches, chips, an apple and a cookie everyday for lunch.

We walked from Stone Mountain through Avondale and then through Decatur. I loved walking through the neighborhoods and downtown Decatur, so many people out cheering and drivers would honk at us, we started feeling like celebrities as we would wave and say "thank you, thank you!"

Movie themed pit stop in downtown Decatur, sent a pic of this poster to Allison as we all know she kind of likes Twiligh t ;)

And sent this one to Chrissy, we walked into her wedding reception with music from Gone with the Wind.

They gave us soda only at dinner, and those who know me well know I can't have caffeine that late, so we had to make a stop at Jimmy John's to get a Diet Coke fix.

Celebrity trotter spotting on the red carpet! We would joke around saying that we're the famous Harlem Boob Trotters (only to each other), when Louisa wanted to get further up in line of the medic tent she was going to say, "Now I didn't want to have to do this, but I'm a boob trotter" haha.

This one neighborhood in Decatur had more Halloween decorations than I'd ever seen in my life, we decided they must have some kind of neighborhood contest. I made Louisa pose against her protests of "It's private property!"

Sheena posing with a mom and baby skeleton because she loves taking care of babies so much ;)

Needless to say I loved all the dogs that were out and dressed in pink :)

Finally entering Atlanta!

Walked through neighborhoods all around Little 5 Points, we even walked by Sheena's boss's house. So they had these "sweep vans" that went around cheering on the walkers and picking anyone up who needed help getting to the next stop or medical attention. They were all themed of course, 80's, island, can't remember what else, and had music blaring. We crossed the street to say hi to Sheena's boss right in front of one of the vans and they seemed very concerned that we were getting even slightly off course. Sheena's boss's son was out in the yard and one of the crew members from the van worriedly asked, "Do y'all know that little boy?" Like we were going to kidnap him or something, haha. Unfortunately that was not our first or last time being reprimanded for something :/ We're rebellious trotters what can we do?!

Princess trotters walking through the Little 5 Points town square

All walkers had to be done walking by 6:45pm and on the shuttle to take us to our base camp, the GA World Congress Center. Since we weren't chomping at the bit (my mom says that a lot) to get there and just sit by our tents for the rest of the night (or until 9pm when it was lights out) we thought we'd follow some other walkers' examples and stop for a beer. At The Porter Beer Bar, just about a mile from the end of day 1's route and had about an hour to go.

I was obsessed with this pumpkin Terrapin beer, fall in a glass. The beer definitely made that last mile a lot more fun!

At every pit stop there was TONS of food - granola bars, bananas, apples, wheat thins, chips, cheese string, bagels, etc. And supporters would have bowls of candy and treats for us to grab as we walked by, so I think it's safe to say no one will ever go hungry on the 3-Day. My friend Alison who was on crew and this one her 10th 3-Day calls it the 3-Day buffet.

Barely made it to the shuttle on time, after being told to leave the bar by a crew member, oops. We could hear them talking on their walky talkies, "There are walkers still at the Porter bar!" I think it's also safe to say that there's no shortage of liveliness and spirit on the 3-Day :) Please enjoy this beautiful music -

At the GWCC after a dinner of pasta, veggies and salad picked up our "sweet dreams treats," a piece of chocolate someone can order for you. A lady who lives in my building got me one, so sweet. That's Alison, the veteran 3-Day'er, in the blue tee and flair. I know my endless questions never got old, throughout the weekend I would text her stuff like "So what's going to happen now?" She never acted annoyed, so thanks for being so sweet and helpful Alison :)

Recaps of days 2-3 coming next!

Ready or Not

2011-10-20T14:52:00.004-04:00

The Atlanta 3-Day is tomorrow!

Walkers are to report to Stone Mountain Park bright and early between 6 and 7am tomorrow, ahhh I don't feel ready at all!

Here are all the cheering stations:

Friday, October 21

Mile 4, 8:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Downtown Stone Mountain, Stone Mountain Welcome Center
891 Main Street
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Mile 14.2, 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Dekalb History Center - Old Courthouse Building
101 E. Court Square
Decatur, GA 30030

Saturday, October 22

Mile 13.4, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lindbergh City Center
520 Main Street N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30324

Mile 17.7, 12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Peachtree Street between 3rd Street & 6th Street
701 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30308
* Please do not park in Redeemer Church parking lots.

Sunday, October 23

Mile 5.0, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
John Howell Park
833 Virginia Avenue N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30306

Mile 10.3, 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Freedom Park, between Euclid Avenue & Moreland Avenue
1284 North Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307
* Please do not park at Inman Middle School or in church parking lots.

Closing Ceremonies!

Sunday, 5:00 p.m.
Turner Field
755 Hank Aaron Drive
Atlanta, GA 30015

You can find more info on the Spectator Information Page

Look for us in our Harlem Boob Trotter tees! We'll also be wearing lots of fun pink accessories, so I'm sure we'll be super easy to spot ;)

Go Trotters!!!

Chrissy and Matt's Wedding

2011-10-10T19:51:00.083-04:00

I cannot believe Chrissy and Matt's wedding extravaganza was just last Saturday. Feels like they have been honeymooning in Sardinia, Italy for a month! Btw Chrissy I have been very jealous of all the amazing places you've been checking yourself into on FB - spas, restaurants, etc. Hope you're eating extra cheese and pasta for me!

Here's my photo-blogging recap of all the food, fun and festivities of last weekend -

Thursday night we met up with some of the groomsmen that had just got in town, but first we needed wolf pack time at my place where we had some sparkling white wine before heading over to groomsman Scott's apartment down the road.

How much like opposites do Bat and Pony look here? We're one special little pack. We might have completely different styles and perspectives on some stuff (don't ever bring up politics with those two), but if any one messes with one of us you can bet you'll have to face yaps and clawing from a ferocious bat, pomeranian or pony. I can share some examples of this if you're interested :)

Poor little bat had her teeth professionally whitened that morning so she had to drink her wine with a straw.

Bridesmaid luncheon at Swan Coach House on Friday. It was an absolutely beautiful fall day. When I said this I was quickly reprimanded by Bat who expected dark clouds to immediately appear after this observation. She watches way too much Harry Potter.

Oh hi!

Pretty earrings us bridesmaids got to wear on the big day, this redhead will be wearing them again.

Chicken and fruit salad, I ate every scrap of it along with all my champagne punch.

This was to die for - meringue, chocolate moose and whipped cream in the shape of a swan.

Stephanie on the left came in from Birmingham, and Amanda being her beautiful "white tiger" self as always

All but 3 of the bridesmaids

Rehearsal at Peachtree Christian Church. I'd never been in there before and was not disappointed. Someone said it felt like we were in The Sound of Music, but since I haven't seen that in at least 15 years don't really know what that means.

Then the wedding party made our way to 103 West in Buckhead for the rehearsal dinner. How ador is Chrissy's dress?!

Pom, Pony and Bat - I don't think Pony was feeling her animal counterpart that night.

In case you're wondering I got my dress on sale at Anthro and Bat's is a Helmut Lang :)

Scott and Chrissy went to Samford together and have stayed good friends over the years. Chrissy and Matt almost moved into an apartment in Scott's building which I would have loved to have heard the endless entertaining stories that were bound to ensue, such as Scott banging on their door demanding nourishment since all the food in his kitchen has been spoiled for years. Not even kidding. He had flour tortillas in his fridge that had been in there since the first week he moved in, like 2 years ago, and a pot of plain, cooked ziti noodles that were in his fridge for at least a year. Chrissy and I whine about how disgusting it is every time we go over there so we finally took it upon ourselves to throw them away Thursday night. That went over really well, especially when Chrissy put the noodles underneath Scott's pillow. Apparently he prides himself in his bachelor pad filth.

After the rehearsal dinner Hayley and Stephanie stayed with me and were literally asleep within 15 minutes of us getting back, so by 11pm we were all out.

Saturday was go time from the minute we got up. I went for a walk/jog to feel better from all my glutinous eating and for 3-Day training (you know I have to mention it in every post, don't worry it's almost here so I'll eventually stop), coffee and cereal, did our makeup and packed our bags, then headed over to Salon Red to get our hair done. There was so much going on in Atl so traffic was super fun. But thankfully Bat's driving in her Mini Cooper got us to the Georgian Terrace right when we were supposed to be. ("What I'm a good driver!" She always bellows as I'm clutching the door handle, my knuckles an inhuman shade of purplish white)

6 out of 10 of the bridesmaids. Love our dresses here! And Chrissy I'm glad you had us wear our hair down :)

Hayley, Hannah and I got our hair done together

Blurry but kinda artsy

Hannah had actually just got into Atlanta that morning, she was in a wedding in Michigan the night before. I don't know where she gets her energy from!

Hayley with Rebeccah, the MOH, Chrissy's former college roomie. I love hearing stories from their college escapades. Some of my favs: 1. Rebeccah used to have to do almost everything for Chrissy. She went to NYC one semester and while gone Chrissy spotted a giant roach in the hallway of their apartment and she just put a shoebox over it and left it there the entire time Rebeccah was away, so Rebeccah had to take care of the scary roach when she got back. 2. Some woman tried relentlessly to get them to fill out some kind of censorship form, she would knock on their door and they would hide and not answer and the lady would be like, "I know you're in there!" And would plead with them to fill out the form. This went on for a really long time. K I feel kind of weird blogging about stories I was not even there for or knew them then...

The groom arrived in all his dapper'ness

En route to the church

The ceremony went so smoothly and was absolutely beautiful.

Mr. and Mrs. McDonald - Now that's going to take some getting used to!

After pictures it was Team Bustle time! Bat tying the bustle up with her nimble, little bat fingers

She looked like a princess, we decided she could be a professional bride, whatever that is.

go go go!

Keeping her entertained

And done! Hey we put that bustle up fast.

Walking out of the church to the shuttle to take us to the Fox with the rest of the wedding party

While waiting to be announced at the reception the peacocks came out to play! Groomsman Bryan from Hawaii even flexed his plumes with us.

Elegant peacocks (Random side note: We talked about how funny it'd be if there had been an actual live peacock that walked down the aisle. Chrissy don't even pretend like you didn't look into it...)

First dance

Father daughter dance

Randy's sweet toast

Our table

My fav southern food for dinner - fried chicken, mac and cheese, green beans, cheese grits, black eyed peas, lima beans and fried okra.

Have I mentioned how much I love wedding cake? White cake and icing with strawberry filling. I ate a giant piece and enjoyed every bit of it.

White Tiger and Bat got cutout, sad

We love Lori, our small group leader

Amanda rockin' a groomsman's glove

Just dance!

Drinking a vodka cranberry, when I ordered it I said cranberry with vodka and the bartender then asked how old I was, because apparently you're always supposed to say the liquor first or they think you're underage, hmph.

A sassy dirty martini

Just threw the bouquet!

Outside the Fox, I tried to take a pic of the newlyweds as they ran by me but they were too fast!

Our bridesmaid bouquet, has there ever been a more vibrant, happier bouquet?

Stephanie managed to get one! They headed back to the Georgian Terrace then left for Sardinia late Sunday afternoon.

After the reception a few of us finished the night with drinks, live music and chips and queso at Black Bear Tavern

and a Moon Pie!

A perf wedding celebration!

Love you, Chrissy and Matt! So happy I got to share in your special day with you :)

Condo Decorating Update!

2011-10-10T10:38:00.020-04:00

Happy Monday! It is for me because my office is closed for Columbus Day :) I just had a pink ribbon bagel (made with cherry chips, dried cranberry, vanilla, honey and brown sugar) and hazelnut coffee at Panera and am about to go on a long walk because the 3-Day is practically here!!! I read over the route for the first time last night and am so excited about our scenic walk all over Atlanta (literally all over) starting at Stone Mountain Park and ending at Turner Field for closing ceremonies.

This past Saturday was Chrissy's wedding and was absolutely beautiful - will post pics ASAP!

Confession - So you know how we had our yard sale fundraiser a few weeks ago, well I donated tons of stuff for it and in exchange may have kept a few items from my friend Amy who recently got married and donated a bunch of home goods...

This mirror was just too amazing to sell for like $15, the pic doesn't do it justice it is gorg.

I donated the massive chair that used to live in my parent's living room that was rarely ever sat in but took up 1/4 of the room. I think it would be cute to make a mock fireplace with big candles. Amy said the mirror used to be over her fireplace. And note the pumpkins, yay fall! I really want to carve a pumpkin I couldn't tell you the last time I've done that.

Chrissy's vibrant and happy bridesmaid bouquet

Allison's on my other end table - Why do flowers have to die, tear :(

Plant to the right a birthday gift from my parents, and Allison's bouquet to the left.

This red jar also came from Amy :) It matches a bowl I have from Crate&Barrel on my table a few feet away. Allison made these coffee filter flowers for us to carry in the rehearsal, love them!

And I promise this is the last thing I kept, this adorable wine sign that I am going to hang by my other wine signs.

And just because this is what the view from my balcony is looking like right now, cloudy and fall in the air today.

I didn't leave my condo yesterday and it was fabulous - I slept, ate, drank coffee, read, watched Modern Family, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Millionaire Matchmaker and Parks and Recreation, did a couple loads of laundry, a Kiehl's white clay face mask and caught up with my mom on the phone who is always a source of strength and encouragement for me.