Potluck Life

Photo-a-day: Week 14

2012-04-08T12:24:00.000-05:00

April 1 - April 7

This was the week prior to Easter. I love Easter; it may be my favorite holiday. Any holiday that centers around Jesus, candy, and pretty dresses is always going to hold a special place in my heart. Anywho... I spent this week getting ready for Easter Sunday (I teach kindergarten Sunday School), and one of my dear coworkers got married on Saturday as well.

Also, the weather lately has reaffirmed why I would have a hard time living anywhere other than Alabama.

This is why I love my Honda.

I love my medicine cabinet. In all seriousness.

EASTER CANDY!!

My favorite sight from my hometown.

Stormy skies on the way home from Trussville.

Beautiful weather on Good Friday.

Groom's cake... love it.

Photo-a-day: Week 13

2012-04-01T12:16:00.000-05:00

March 25 - March 31

My roommate was on Spring Break this week (she's a teacher), so I was left home alone. I love alone time. I like to just watch movies that others would make fun of, and have peace and quiet. So, I apologize, but my pictures are boring this week. I was a tad antisocial.

I did ALL the laundry.

I take Humira twice a month for my Crohn's Disease.

My friend's robot from DrawSome... cracked me up.

I like the way the moon was aligned with the steeple.

I live near a Gap Outlet. It brings me joy.

Yeah I made my bed. It's a big deal.

And I cooked breakfast... alert the presses!

Photo-a-day: Week 12

2012-03-25T12:11:00.000-05:00

March 18 - March 24

This was a busy week. United Way holds an annual fundraiser called the Girlfriend Gala, and I decorated a table (and attended) with my girlfriends. Also, two of my best friends had a baby (they're married to each other), and the Hunger Games movie premiered at midnight. Fun all around :)

Some bottles I wrapped for the Gala

Baby Will barely 7 hours old

Our centerpiece at the Gala

Our table after decorating for 2 days

The line for the HG premiere

I binge on candy when I'm left alone

I liked the contrast of the nature and the power lines

Am I not a woman??

2012-03-21T13:09:00.002-05:00

Today was my yearly visit to see my dear ole gyno. I actually don't mind going. It's faster than the dentist, and they don't insist on making small talk while they do their business.

Plus, it's just another chance for me to thank God I am not pregnant.

I'm almost 30 now... I keep being told that my biological clock won't tick forever... but I'm left wondering if it ever has or ever will tick at all. I was much more pro-marriage and pro-children when I was teenager... which I guess could explain all the teen pregnancies. They haven't wised up yet. Once you see your friends and family divorce, being unmarried doesn't seem so bad. And once you see your friends lose their bodies, mind, and sanity due to a screaming, crying, pooping baby- it makes being childless not seem so bad.

There was a darling young lady in the waiting room today who had 1 week left before her scheduled c-section (I learned this from eavesdropping. I didn't care enough to ask.) All I felt was pity.

"I'm sorry you won't sleep a solid 8 hours for the next 3 years, at LEAST."

"I'm sorry you're taking on a new, expensive member of the family that will not contribute monetarily until they are grown. And then they'll leave."

"I'm sorry that baby will hate you in 12 years. And I assure they will."

"I'm sorry your baby isn't going to come out weighing 47 pounds and you're going to have lose 40 of that on your own."

Nowhere did I feel envy or joy or feel the need to congratulate her. Babies are a blessing, I know. And I will eat these words one day when I am big and pregnant and posting pictures with numbered weeks on Facebook.

But, thank you again, God, that that day is not today.

Photo-a-day: Week 11

2012-03-18T15:45:00.000-05:00

March 11 - March 17

This week consisted of teaching children's choir, voting in the Republican Primary, and an Alumni Football game at my high school.

Spring has sprung in Alabama (even though the first day of Spring is not technically until the 20th), so get ready for a lot of nature pictures in the near future.

They make my heart happy

First blooms I've seen

Yeah, I voted Libertarian

My grandmother's jewelry box, which adore

I tried wearing lipstick

Alumni Game... just like old times, we lost

Dandelions make me a child

Photo-a-day: Week 10

2012-03-11T15:39:00.000-05:00

March 4 - March 10

I love my pictures this week, but nothing interesting happened.

So, just enjoy the pics!

My Sunday School kids drew pictures of the creation. This one included a lemonade stand.

I had to eat all of these just to get them out of my house.

Tax season is just the worst.

I love sunsets. They're the best.

Oh, and bananas are also the best.

I know it's terrible for you, but I need to wear sleeveless!

My sister eating... she'd love this!

Photo-a-day: Week 9

2012-03-04T16:39:00.000-06:00

February 26 - March 3

Well, February came and went in two shakes of a sheep's tail.

(I like to throw in Southern slang every now and again.)

An Auburn alum won Best Supporting Actress at the Oscar's this year, so I was pretty pumped about that (and her "War Eagle" on the red carpet!) It was also Dr. Seuss's birthday, which for me, who lives with a kindergarten teacher, meant lots of Seuss-ful crafts.

Oh, and they are tearing down my old high school, so I am plotting to go steal a brick.

War Eagle, Octavia. War Eagle.

Dr. Seuss fun!

It's why she is my best friend.

Green Eggs and Ham

Watching a movie with a friend

Tornado weather... AKA Spring in Alabama

Getting ready for sandals!

Photo-a-day: Week 8

2012-02-26T15:16:00.000-06:00

February 19 - February 25

After the traumatic event of last week, this week was quiet. I was off work for Presidents Day and my roommate and I took her niece and nephew to I-Jump in Birmingham. Then, I ended the week on a much needed, fun vacay with 2 of my best friends.

Kids at church

I-Jump in Birmingham

It was late... this was a picture I could take without getting up.

Sonic... my fave.

I love the Oscars and I love my Entertainment Weekly.

My friend and her goofy bf.

In Murr-ville, GA for the weekend.

Photo-a-day: Week 7

2012-02-19T15:09:00.000-06:00

February 12 - February 18

My friend's baby celebrated his first birthday on Sunday, and mine was the next day, followed by Valentine's Day.

Then "The Incident."

Friday morning, I opened the door to the laundry room, and much to my surprise, my floor was completely blue.

I stood there. Frozen. Incapable of processing such a mess so early in the morning. After a few long minutes, I realized that my liquid laundry detergent had hopped off the dryer (I assume it was the vibration and not my first theory of a Toy Story like scenario) and proceeded to pour its entire contents onto the floor. I imagined the mess being made while I was peacefully sleeping. And I thought for a moment, "I will never fully rest again."

I was defeated.

I could not process how to begin to clean up such a catastrophe. I teared up.

Then, I realized people have floods. People have fires. I was being ridiculous.

So, I got a broom. A dustpan. A big bowl. All the towels I could find. And I cleaned. I swept the liquid into the dustpan, dumped the dustpan into the bowl, and then emptied the bowl into the tub. That created quite a bubble bath that I then had to deal with, but domestic issues are not my strong suit. At the end of the day, I survived. My floor survived. I am sure that when I finally move the washer and dryer, there will be a reminder that may move me to tears. But as Scarlett said,

"I can't worry about that right now. I'll think about that tomorrow."

1 year old!

28 years old!

My favorite part of Valentine's Day

Driving home from church

I was happy before the incident.

The Incident

Movie night with a friend

Fourth Quarter 2011

2012-02-15T17:06:00.002-06:00

At the beginning of 2011, I decided to build upon the philosophy of the New Year's Resolution and make a resolution for every month. I blogged about them at the end of ever quarter (1st, 2nd, 3rd), and was completely honest when they were a bust!

Here is the fourth and final installment.

October: Relax

There are things at which I am good, and things at which I am not good. Relaxing would fall into the second of those categories (you can tell by my use of prepositional phrases where grammar falls). I own my shortcomings just as proudly as I do my strengths, and I can boldly say, "I am never relaxed." Sure, I have moments of reduced stress. Yes, there are days where I may even have an hour of boredom. But even when I am bored I am stressing about finding something to do. I blame it on genetics and a too-hyper mother, who gave me half m genetics... so basically, I blame it on my mom. In all seriousness though, I come from a long line of over-achieving, multi-tasking, people-pleasers... and that is simply a dangerous combination. The reason I chose to relax more in October is because I had more than one person tell me (angrily) that I needed to learn to "chill out." I thought, "Sounds like a good idea," but found myself stressing more about finding ways to relax. I did paint a multi-canvas picture one weekend when I was more stressed than normal. It did help. I've decided I am just a high-strung person. I like to be busy. Maybe not physically (have I mentioned I don't enjoy exercise?), but definitely mentally. I don't know how to "not think." The only way for me to "relax" is to think about or do things that are pleasant. Was it a successful resolution? Eh... I'm not sure. I didn't change, but I did realize that I'm okay with not relaxing more... so I would say I broke even.

November: Be Thankful

Every November, on Facebook, I am bombarded by people's daily status updates of what they are thankful for that day. I have a general sense of "who gives a..." the whole month. "Thankful for Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte" just doesn't really encompass the true meaning of Thanksgiving to me. Instead of whatever mindless crap I was thankful for that second, I decided to make a list of things that I am truly grateful for every day... regardless of the month. (In no particular order, with minimal explanations)

Parents that are still married: because that's rare now

My sister: because no one knows you like your sister

My education: because it gave me confidence more than anything else

Jesus Christ: because He would literally die for me, and did

My Crohn's Disease: because it has made me appreciate healthy days

Being born before1993: because my grandmother died in January 1993, and I am glad I got to know her

People that have hurt me: because they have made me appreciate people that don't

My car: because it was my first big purchase as a grown-up

Friends that know what I am thinking without me having to say anything: because sometimes I don't have the words... and it's fun to make fun of people in front of them and it's hard to do that with words

Southside Baptist Church: because a good church family can heal many wounds

Google: because, duh

My job: because I've been without one, and that sucks

My eyelashes: because they are long, and I don't have to work out to get them

Knowing I don't need a man: because it makes me sad to see desperate girls

Disney: because who doesn't love a good fairy tale

The Gap Outlet in Boaz: because who doesn't love a $30 pair of jeans

Books: because there is nothing like getting lost in a fictional world

Facebook: because stalking used to be shameful

Being born in the USA: because it's 'merica and we're free and stuff

That I am not God: because I am not forgiving, and y'all should be grateful for this as well

Music: because it is healing for the soul, no joke

Having small feet: because it makes shoes look cuter

No allergy to tomatoes: because they are the best food ever

Art lessons: because I love to paint and I like that I at least have minimal legitimate skills

My kids at church: because conversations with 5 year-olds are the best

That my parents traveled with my sister and me: because not everyone gets to see this beautiful country

The Air Force: because it made my dad into a better man

Blue Cross Blue Shield: because who doesn't love some good insurance

Internet Movie Database (IMDb): because there is nothing more annoying than not being able to focus on a movie because you can't remember if the lead guy was in the OC or 90210

Living in the Southeast: because of the weather and football and hospitality, y'all

December: Wrap this Year Up

Well, let me start this by saying it is mid-February and I am just now finishing this blog post... so this month's resolution was obviously a failure. I resolved to not carry anything into 2012 that I could finish in 2011. I had planned on finishing The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, cleaning out my closet, updating my blog, emptying junk drawers, etc. Let's see.... I cleaned my closet out on the 2nd, finished my book on January 5th, and I'm obviously not updating this blog until mid-February. I believe I actually did clean out my junk drawers/piles before the New Year, but still... I can accept that I did not finish this year's resolutions on a strong note. But I will say this: This year was wonderful. I started out this year in a dead-end relationship, living with my parents, and in a general rut. I'm single, happy, living with one of my best friends, and trying more new things than I ever have. I am content with life, and I hope it continues to challenge me. So Happy New Year everyone... better late than never!

Photo-a-day: Week 6

2012-02-05T14:52:00.000-06:00

February 5 - February 11

It's almost my birthday.

I started this week by going to my cousin's 4th birthday party at an indoor play place. I ended the week with my dad installing a ceiling fan in my apartment for my birthday.

Things change when you're old.

My cousin at his birthday party

Last Monday as a 27 year old

My sister taking a nap at 7 pm

Beautiful sunset

Love my boots

Hanging out with friends

I got a ceiling fan for my birthday

Photo-a-day: Week 5

2012-02-05T14:47:00.000-06:00

January 29 - February 4

I can't believe January is over. This week, I kicked @$$ at Temple Run, planned my 10 year reunion, had a colonoscopy, and cleaned a friend's house.

Those are the high points.

Yeah boy

Little Charlie

Noted on the reunion

Wednesdays always leave my car a mess

Little Lulu

Fun day

This is how potatoes look in an all boy house

Photo-a-day: Week 4

2012-01-29T14:43:00.000-06:00

January 22 - January 28

I met my first "cousin's baby" this week... I'm not sure what you call those. He was precious. The next morning I flew to New Jersey for the week on a business trip. So these pictures are actually a little more interesting than usual.

Baby JR

Flying to NJ

Seafood at Char in NJ

My home for the week

New York, New York

Delays, Delays

My fortune

Photo-a-day: Week 3

2012-01-22T14:40:00.000-06:00

January 15 - January 21

I started this week by going to a "Purse Party," my first ever. It was more fun than I anticipated. I finished the week with a girls' night and a Saturday matinee. The middle was boring, normal, with a random game night thrown in.

My new (knock-off) Tori Burch

One of my favorite things - the old Southside bridge

Game night!

I was the last to leave at work

Moved to my new cube

My friend and her baby boy

Finally saw the movie

Photo-a-day: Week 2

2012-01-15T16:54:00.000-06:00

January 8 - January 14

This was the week of the BCS National Championship game, and here in Alabama, that's bigger than the Super Bowl. The only other big event was that Untouchable: The Drew Peterson Story premiered on Lifetime. It was awesome.

My Sunday School kids pray like little Muslims for some reason

I'm an Auburn grad, so therefore I am legally bound to root against U of A

Post-closet-cleanout

I don't recall why, but this day sucked

Watched Another Earth... good movie

Mater's Pizzeria with my girlfriends

I cooked for the Lifetime premiere event

Photo-a-day: Week 1

2012-01-08T16:19:00.000-06:00

January 1 - January 7

This week was eventful. I went to Atlanta to celebrate the New Year, which was awesome. While there, my grandmother passed away back home, which was not awesome. But she had been battling ailments for years, so it was bittersweet to let her go.

Other than that, I just worked and went along with my usual, boring life.

Taken right after the clock struck 12!

My cousins, sister, and me at my Grandmother's visitation

My cousin, grandpa, and dad - 3 of my favorite people

I just loved this cup!

Starting book 2 in this series

Midnight bowling

This completely sums up how I feel about dieting.

Third Quarter 2011

2011-09-29T13:49:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned before that I resolved to make a resolution a month for 2011, as opposed to a Yearly Resolution.

This is the story of the Third Quarter.

July: Read a Proverb a Day

I undertook such a massive resolution for June (you can read that here and here), that as July crept closer, I was having resolution-block. I couldn't think of anything that seemed interesting, or in the least bit productive. I knew I couldn't give up at the halfway mark, but I was at a loss. Now, not to sound too much like a religious zealot, but I turned where I usually do when I'm at a crossroads: the Bible. I decided that if I opened to Proverbs and they had 31 chapter exactly (I know, I should know this), I would read one chapter a day for the month of July. Well, as luck, or King Solomon, would have it... there are exactly 31 chapters! So, for every day of July, I read one chapter of Proverbs... and I saw a few recurring themes:

1. You can't argue with a fool.

2. Your parents are smarter than you think.

3. Watch your tongue.

4. What is important to you when you're young and what is important to when you are older could not be more different.

I have often resolved to read the whole Bible through in a year, and I have yet to do so. This actually motivated me to try it, but on a more relaxed scale.

August: Be Healthier

For August, I decided to take on another health conscious resolution. To make sure I covered all my bases, I simply resolved to "be healthier." I would have to admit that this was, and all future similar resolutions will most likely be, a failure. It is just not my nature to decisively eat healthy, exercise, bla bla bla. I am not terribly unhealthy (I'm in the lower end of my weight range and I do monitor the spoonfuls of Crisco I eat)... but I detest working out. I actually detest vegetables and working out... which severely limits my "be healthier" options. I went to the gym a few times, I ate more salad than usual... I'd call it a wash.

September: Identify Myself

For those of you who care, or may not know, I re-entered the dating world this past January, after almost 4 years out of the game. I didn't really start dating again until this month, September. I realized the first thing people want to know is, "What do you like to do?" or "What are you interested in?" I always thought I knew the answers to these questions. But once I really examined my life, I realized that so many of my so-called "hobbies" were tied to a friend or ex-boyfriend. So this month, at the risk of getting a little too Eat, Pray, Love-ish, I decided to rediscover myself. For the most part, I was who I thought I was. My passions? They vary from day to day really. But you know what I really like to do? Be happy. I like to be inspired. I like to find something so funny that I laugh even when I am all by myself. I like to get caught up in a book to the point that I miss the fictional characters more than I do my real-life friends.Sometimes I like to watch mindless comedies, and sometimes I enjoy a foreign film with subtitles. I contradict myself daily, but I think that's okay. People that say "never" and "always" and limit themselves are usually miserable, because they don't allow themselves to grow or change. Wow... am I on a soapbox? I think I am getting away from myself. Back to task: My resolution for September was to discover who I am, and I think it was a success. I'm just Jessica.

Second Quarter 2011

2011-06-30T11:12:00.000-05:00

As I have previously stated, I do not make New Year's Resolutions, but Monthly Resolutions.

You can view the first quarter's goodies here.

Below are the resolutions I tackled in the second quarter of what is shaping up to be a wonderful year.

April: Eat More Vegetables

There are few things in life that I can say with 100% certainty: Dr. Pepper is superior to Mr. Pibb. Disney World is the happiest place on Earth. Rainbow flip-flops are the greatest shoes ever invented. One statement near the top of that list is that I do not eat vegetables. Sure, I may eat the occasional bean, a starchy potato or corn dish... but green? Leafy? Fresh from dirt? No. Never. (Back-story) I used to hate water. My theory was that water tasted like air, and I didn't want to drink air. Then, 7 years ago, I resolved to drink only water for 40 days (Lent), and by day 40, I craved water. Still love it. So, I thought that if I crammed vegetables down my throat for a month, I'd develop a taste and be better for it. Eh, not so much. I ate broccoli. It was gross. I ate cauliflower. I gagged. I ate a cucumber. My eyes watered. Now granted, being that I am 27 and have never eaten most of these (barring they were smothered in cheese, or someone snuck them in without my knowledge), there is a good chance that I was eating the wrong parts of these foods (is it the stem or the "tree top" that is eaten on broccoli? I tried, and hated, both.). But, nevertheless, I tried the vegetables at every meal that I could... and if nothing else, it kept me from eating mashed potatoes every day. Surprisingly, I did find that I enjoy spinach. Not the slimy, someone-already-chewed-this, glop mess that people eat... but the actual spinach leaves. So, I suppose it wasn't a complete waste.

May: Just Say Yes

I told a friend of mine that my resolution for May was to Just Say Yes. He seemed to think this was a terrible idea that would get me in a ton of trouble with sex, drugs, and, I don't know, rock and roll? However, being that I don't live on the tour bus of a 60's metal band, this month was exceptionally fun and eye-opening. I wouldn't say I come from a place of no (RHONYC reference!!), but I also wouldn't kid myself into thinking that I live in the middle of yes-town either. I have an image in my mind of who I am and what I do, and I tend to not venture out of that comfort zone. Especially when said venture could bring me to be around people that are missing teeth or wearing Nascar shirts. (I'm a snob, but I own it.) But this month, I decided I was going to "Just Say Yes." Here are the results:

The first weekend in May, my roommate asked me to go to a local craft fair. It was outside, in the humid Alabama spring. I would have rather stayed in and watched my Friends Season 4 DVDs, but I "Just Said Yes," and ended up finding a beautiful purse that I gave my mom for Mother's Day. And my roommate and I had a great day... doing something different.

The second weekend in May, I went to Nashville for a friends Bachelorette trip. Two guys asked for my number, and I would usually say no right away... because I could never "talk" to a guy that I met in a bar... what kind of love story is that? But, I "Just Said Yes," and they were both actually terribly nice, normal people. Granted, I came home, Facebook stalked one of them (don't judge me), and found out he was 20 and in town playing Ultimate Frisbee. But, that's neither here-nor-there.

The third weekend in May, I had a friend that was racing at a local drag strip. Now, this drag strip is in a part of my state that I have never been. Never planned to go. But, I "Just Said Yes." I could have died, and on my death bed, I would have proudly proclaimed, in my last breath, "I have never been to the Steele Drag Strip... I have lived a classy life." Well, now, I will have to think of a new deathbed proclamation, but I made some wonderful, hilarious, memories with my closest friends. I'll admit, this hilarity was mostly at the expense of people with missing teeth and Nascar shirts, but again, that's neither here-nor-there.

The last weekend in May, Memorial Day weekend, I went on another "out of my comfort zone" journey. We made plans to go float down the Cahaba, which I had heard of people doing, and it sounded fun. But then our EC (event coordinator) let me know that this in the backwoods outside of Wilton (what??). Immediately, I heard dueling banjos and wondered what I had agreed to. But we went, and again, laughed all day at people that were missing teeth or holding beer coolers as if they were their only child. But it was wonderful.

At the end of this month, I felt more of a "now I can say I did it," as opposed to, "I'm proud to say I've never been there," so I would say it was a complete success.

June: No Shopping/30 for 30 Challenge

It was fast approaching the end of May, and I still had not thought of anything to take on for June. I wanted it to be something good... something daring... something more interesting than "work out"... and I just didn't want to work out. So I asked my bestest friends to submit suggestions and I would choose from those. A friend directed to a website that explained the 30 for 30 Challenge... which in a nutshell is this: you pick 30 pieces from your wardrobe, and make 30 outfits, in 30 days. You can read, in probably more detail than you want, about the pieces I picked, the first 15 outfits, and the last 15, in older posts. I had a great time doing it, and would suggest it to any fellow shopaholic. It made me appreciate the clothing I already own, and above all else, taught me how to use the belts and scarves that I buy but scarcely wear. I actually put thought into the outfits I was choosing, and it made me feel more confident in my appearance. Plus, the no-shopping saved me a few bucks, and kept me from buying a black dress for a wedding, when I already own 10. No joke. Success.

30 for 30 Challenge - Outfits (16-30)

2011-06-30T11:04:00.000-05:00

In case you stumbled upon this by mistake, you'll need to go here and here to get the back story behind what would otherwise seem like a narcissistic list of what I wear.

Now... on to Outfits 16-30, and the conclusion to my 30 for 30 Challenge.

Outfit 16 - I chose this simply as a work outfit- dark wash jeans with the tan tank and black cardigan - pretty casual... but pairing it with the black pumps brought the dressy factor up a notch. Like I said, I chose this because it is typical work attire. However, I ended up re-donning it later that evening when a close friend needed a night on the town to forget their bad day. So, I found that it actually transitioned from day-wear to evening-wear (I suppose?) pretty well.

Outfit 17 - Outfit 17 was for a Saturday (Outfit 16 was a Thursday, but I wore a repeat on Friday... sue me), and I don't usually wear a lot of "Outfits" on Saturdays. I am usually in a bathing suit or pajamas all day... but I was going to watch a movie and eat pizza with some friends, and I thought I'd spare them the sight of my two-sizes-too-big-someone-left-them-at-my-apartment-in-college Polo pajama pants, and actually put on clothes. I wore my seafoam sheer shirt and matching cami with khaki shorts and gold and tan sandals. Nothing special, but definitely a step up from the alternative. And I do love that shirt.

Outfit 18 - Sundays are my favorite days for creating Outfits. I love to dress up... but I am also pretty (very) lazy when it comes to my appearance. But Sundays have always been my wear-a-pretty-dress day. For this particular Sunday, I wore my Calvin Klein khaki dress, which I love, and my black pumps. This dress comes with a belt, but I swapped it this day for a black ribbon belt that I have. I loved this outfit. I am most at peace in neutrals, and this was a classic combo of black and khaki.

Outfit 19 - This is probably the most unlike-me Outfit I've worn since starting this Challenge. For one, I don't usually do layers... I mean I will wear a cardigan, but I don't usually layer shirts or tanks that are the same. I see people wearing a tee with a tee over it with a cardigan and a scarf, and all I can think of is Joey Tribbiani saying, "Could I BE wearing anymore clothes?" But for this day, I stepped outside my comfort zone and layered my white tank and tan tank and wore a scarf that brought them together. I paired them with my gold and tan sandals and my dark wash jeans cuffed. I looked like a hipster, in my opinion.

Outfit 20 - I'll admit... I'm getting ready and desperate to wear the rest of my closet... but I can see the end of June on my calendar, so I must persevere. I realized on the morning of Outfit 20, that there were still pieces that had not been worn. So on this day I wore my dark wash jeans with my rose and tan shirt and nude pumps. It was a simple Outfit, but that shirt is a statement piece (for me, anyway... I don't do loud clothes), and I don't even wear a lot of jewelry with it. The detail on the neckline is just beautiful. It is really one of those pieces that I literally bought the second I saw it. Love at first sight.

Outfit 21 - I've worn my regular wash jeans and white blousy top together before with the tan and gold sandals, but this time I paired it with my tan and white cardigan. I really like wearing these two shirts together. It's something about the length of the blouse versus the length of the cardigan, or the differences in fabric... I don't know, but it never disappoints.

Outfit 22 - Outfit 22 fell on another mundane, regular workday. I chose my trusty navy blue dress and paired with the lime green cardigan and tan and gold sandals. It's a cute combo and some of the women at work complimented me. That's all I really have about that.

Outfit 23 - There is something you should know about me, and you may have already picked up on: There are days in my life when I could literally not care any less about how I look. This was one of those mornings. I got up and jogged (don't ask me why... I act impulsively sometime), and if you knew me at all, you would be asking yourself now, "Did you pass out?" Well, no... but I was exhausted. So I took a nap, after my jog, and woke up about 10 minutes before I usually leave. I wore my olive green shirt with regular wash jeans and tan and gold sandals. I actually looked fine and normal, but I assure you... no extra effort went into my appearance that day.

Outfit 24 - Outfit 24 was a "Going Out" Outfit. I don't have many of those, because feel that it is inappropriate to judge people for being somewhere if you're in the same place. So I usually stay home and judge through Facebook. Kidding! Kidding! Nonetheless, this night, we had arranged a girls' night of sorts, and went downtown. I wore my black tank and gold cardigan with dark wash jeans and black pumps. I liked this Outfit, but I will admit that this was the night I most missed the rest of my closet. If this had been day 4 or 5, there's a chance I would have just given up.

Outfit 25 - I wore Outfit 25 for maybe 4 hours. A friend of mine was married about a month and half ago, and she is still returning gifts... so I accompanied her, and then we grabbed a bite to eat. I like when I actually get to create outfits for something other than work. For this outing, I wore my white shorts and pink 3/4 shirt with the tan and gold sandals.

Outfit 26 - Outfit 26 started off my last workweek under the challenge. This Outfit is actually really similar to Outfit 1... My peach shirt and dark wash jeans... okay, fine... it's the exact Outfit except for shoes. On my first day, I wore my nude pumps, but for this Outfit I chose tan and gold sandals. But wearing flats as opposed to heels does completely change the look and feel of an outfit.

Outfit 27 - I wanted to wear the navy blue dress again before my Challenge was over. So, on this day I paired it with my nude pumps and a tan and white scarf. I am really into neutrals this week.

Outfit 28 - Outfit 28 was worn to a softball game in the evening of the same day as Outfit 27 (I wasn't wearing a dress and heels to a ball field). I chose my white tank with tan and white cardigan with the white shorts and tan and gold sandals. I stayed relatively comfortable in the Alabama summer night.... other than the fact that my hair looked like Roseanna Roseannadanna after the second game.

Outfit 29 - I can't believe tomorrow will be my last day for the "30 for 30." I really caught my second wind around Outfit 27, and planned the remaining outfits all at once. Outfit 29 fell on a normal, nothing-out-of-the-ordinary workday. I wore my white denim mini with the tan tank and green cardigan. I had paired it with my tan sandals from yesterday (and most other days), but swapped them at the last minute for my black sandals. I wanted to wear these black and green earrings I bought in the Bahamas, and these just didn't see enough playing time.

Outfit 30 - Wow. I did it. I created 30 Outfits with only 30 Pieces of clothing. I am really proud of myself, and also really ready to wear something, anything, else. My last Outfit fell on a bittersweet day. I had to attend the "funeral" (I hate that word!) of a dear woman I knew. I didn't want to wear black, because I am not in mourning (I know where she is!) so I wore my khaki dress and nude pumps, and of course my MVP belt from Gap. I loved this Outfit, and it seemed fitting to close out my challenge with all neutrals... proving that this Challenge has only reinforced what I really like as far as fashion is concerned..... classics.

What have I learned? Most importantly: how to accessorize. I have always been a strict less-is-more girl, and this challenge showed me that the occasional belt or scarf can complete an outfit as opposed to overpowering it.

Did I pick the right pieces? For the most part, yes. There were a few shirts that I didn't enjoy as much as I thought, and I would have swapped those for some additional skirts or dresses.

Would I do this again? Yes... but probably not for a while. I need to buy a lot of new clothes before I attempt a second go.

Would I suggest this to my friends? Absolutely. I am glad I did it and can say I stuck with it. It will definitely make you appreciate your clothes.

30 for 30 Challenge - (Outfits 1-15)

2011-06-15T13:21:00.001-05:00

I blogged earlier about the 30 for 30 Challenge that I was doing for the month of June. I already introduced you to the 30 pieces in play, and I thought I'd split my outfits into two posts.

Note, for information, and so you'll be jealous: I can wear whatever I want to work... dresses, jeans, heels, sandals... I usually try to keep it cool and casual, but pulled together... there are literally people here that wear souvenir t-shirts and sneakers everyday.

Outfit 1 - I started off my 30 for 30 Challenge with a simple shirt/jeans combo. I paired the peach shirt with my dark wash jeans, and wore my nude pumps. I wore simple pearl jewelry, as I didn't want to over-accessorize right off the bat. I wore this to work, and then church that evening.

Outfit 2 - For my second day on the clothing diet, I chose the blue dress with the tan and white cardigan. I wore my tan sandals. I wore this to work, then came home and put on pajamas, which were really cute but I don't have to report here!

Outfit 3 - Day 3 fell on a Friday... a Friday that started off a busy weekend for me. It also presented me with a problem: I had a wedding rehearsal that night, but I had to work during the day. Now, it is June in Alabama, and that means it is hot. I don't mean, "Oh it's hot out." I mean, "It is freaking 100 degrees at 5 pm." So, I couldn't wear the rehearsal outfit to work, or I would just be... gross... by the time I arrived at the rehearsal. So I asked myself, "Does this challenge say anything about wearing only one outfit per day? Or can you repeat outfits, as long as at the end of the challenge, you have worn 30 outfits in public, and used all 30 pieces?" Then I remembered that this is not the Olympics. If I quit this tomorrow, most likely that no one would even care. So I answered myself that the latter question was correct. And then I chose an olive green shirt and white denim mini, and wore my tan sandals to work.

Outfit 4 - Then, after work, I came home, cleaned up, and put on a black tank with my purple skirt and black heels. I wore a glass necklace that I bought at a Premiere Jewelry party. It really goes well with this skirt, and I thought it would "springtime" up the black tank. I was please with the outfit.

Outfit 5 - That next day, I had two weddings... One I was just attending, but was singing at the other, so I wore my black Gap dress and black pumps with a long pearl necklace. Subdued and conservative, I know... but I've always been told that soloists at weddings should wear black, so I did. I actually got many, many compliments. (Side note: I bought this dress at a Gap sale... $6. Thank you, thank you very much.)

Outfit 6 - This is my favorite outfit so far (I am aware it is only day 6). I wore the aforementioned purple skirt, but this time I paired it with my go-to white top that has the braided detail around the neck and the sheer overlay. I wore it with a belt I got at Gap (same sale as the dress) and my nude pumps. I was singing in church that morning, and wasn't sure if I'd be wearing a choir robe, so I wanted to look good. And, I think I did.

Outfit 7 - I decided at the last minute that I would go to my church's evening service, so I wore my classic regular wash jeans with that morning's white top and my tan sandals. I paired it with the same tan belt. (Spoiler alert: I wore it the next day to work, too. Don't judge.)

Outfit 8 - After I wore the exact same clothes Sunday night and Monday... day, I knew I couldn't repeat another outfit so early in the game. I chose a shirt I had not worn (in this challenge) yet, the pinky, peachy, ruffly top, which is the single most girly piece of clothing I own... paired with my dark wash jeans and nude heels. Nothing terribly inspiring, but whatev. Just a day at the office.

Outfit 9 - Wednesday was the day for Outfit number 9, and Wednesday is always a busy day for me. I usually try to dress "up" a little, just because I will be going straight from work to church, and I feel the need to not want to look like a slob. I chose the sheer green hippie shirt with matching camisole and paired it with my white denim mini and tan and gold sandals. I was actually really pleased with this combo. I have never, in this challenge or otherwise worn this outfit, although I've had all these pieces for a while. I was pleasantly cool, even though the shirt is long sleeve (I did however roll the sleeve to three-quarters), and the arm coverage helped balance out the leg I was showing (which was nothing to write home about, being that my whole body is barely 5 feet tall).

Outfit 10 - This may be my new favorite. I still am a big fan of Outfit 6, but today's outfit is rising fast... and making me wish I had chosen more dresses. Today, I chose the navy blue dress with the tan and gold sandals. I paired it with what is soon becoming the MVP of this challenge: my on-sale-at-Gap tan belt. I have a few events coming up where I am going to have to double down on outfits in one day, and this one will for sure be making a repeat appearance.

Outfit 11 - I've passed the 10 day mark, and so far, no regrets with the pieces I chose. Outfit 11 fell on a Friday, which is an even more casual work day. I usually dress as I would any other day, but I slept late, and just couldn't care less about picking out a cute outfit. I wore my regular wash jeans with the pink 3/4 button up shirt and tan sandals. I cuffed the jeans, and the whole outfit looked effortless (which it completely was) and cute.

Outfit 12 - We have a music festival (and I am using that term generously) in my hometown each year. Sometimes we actually get bands that you really like....d when you were 13. But nevertheless, it is a good chance to people watch and eat free food. It's hot out, but you may see people that you haven't seen in a while, so I always want to be comfortable, but not at the sake of looking cute. For this, I chose my white shorts and white tank and wore the gold sleeveless cardigan and handy dandy tan belt. I of course wore my gold and tan sandals which are proving to be invaluable. I was cute, comfy, and cool... once the sun went down about 8 pm.

Outfit 13 - For Outfit 13, it was a church day, so I chose my black Calvin Klein dress and paired it with my red pumps. I tied a red sash (that came off another dress that I almost chose as one of the 30), and I ended up wearing it all day. I usually change into more casual clothes for evening services, but I was singing, so I kept the dress on all day. That was just FYI.

Outfit 14 - I realized that I was focusing on the same pieces, or so it seemed, and that I had a few shirts that had yet to even be worn. So for Outfit 14, I wore my dark wash jeans again, but paired it with my black tank and black and white rose cardigan, which I had not worn this month. I wore my black flat sandals, in what I think may have been their debut appearance as well! I love this cardigan, and I always get tons of compliments on it... I'm not sure why I don't wear it more often.

Outfit 15 - What I am enjoying most about this experience is falling in love with clothes that I was "just friends" with before. For instance, my navy dress... I always liked it... but I felt it was either too casual or too dressy for whatever occasion was at the time. But I wore it for Outfit 15, and paired it with a bright scarf and gold and tan sandals. I loved it. This dress is quickly becoming one of my favorite pieces. And it was a complete afterthought. I actually had another pair of shoes, and swapped them at the last minute. I am so glad I did.

30 for 30 Challenge - Pieces

2011-06-01T08:46:00.010-05:00

I started my 30 for 30 challenge today.

If you are not familiar with this, go here.

Last night, I chose 30 pieces of clothing, including shoes... but not accessories (jewelry, belts, etc.). From these pieces, I will wear a different outfit every day for 30 days.

For now, here is a list of the 30 pieces in play:

(left to right, top to bottom of the photo... if I can remember the "maker," I will list that as well... click for full picture)

red patent pumps (Worthington)

pink ruffly top

black tank with eyelet detail at the neck (Banana Republic)

green cardigan with ruffle edging (Old Navy)

black dress (Gap)

nude pumps (Tahari)

khaki shorts (J.Crew)

peach top with sheer overlay and zipper detail (Gap)

purple skirt with pick-up detail

white denim mini (Gap)

pink button up shirt (Old Navy)

tan tank (Gap)

white shorts (J.Crew)

navy blue dress

white tank (Gap)

regular wash jeans (Gap)

black cap sleeve cardigan or vest or whatever

seafoam sheer shirt (Gap)

dark wash jeans (Gap)

white top with braided detail at neck

black pumps

khaki dress with belt (Calvin Klein)

seafoam cami (Gap)

tan shirt with rose and tan embellishment at neck (Banana Republic)

black sandals

olive green cap sleeve shirt (Gap)

gold cardigan or vest or whatever {what are these called??}

tan and gold sandals (Kensie Girl)

black and white rose print cardigan

tan and white cardigan (Gap)

I will post all the outfits that are created!!

To the guy that sits beside me...

2011-04-20T15:30:00.002-05:00

You can say "phew" as many times and as loudly as you want.

I will never ask you what happened.

First Quarter 2011

2011-04-07T14:58:00.003-05:00

I don't make New Year's Resolutions.

I understand my limits, and I acknowledge that I won't stick with it for more than a month.

So, I make a resolution each month.

These were my resolutions, and the outcome of such, for the first quarter of 2011.

January: Cut Back on Celebrity Gossip

Note that this says Celebrity Gossip and not Celebrity News. I still enjoy reading stories of who got married or divorced, or who had a baby... or especially who died (I know, issues). But I was tired of reading all the stories that I knew were probably false, however juicy they may be. I completed this resolution by deleting my subscription to Perez Hilton's blog. There is no telling how much time and energy I wasted reading that mean man's opinion of celebrities. The thing was, I didn't like or agree with 90% of what he said, but I had gotten addicted to reading and knowing everything that was out there, no matter the source. I decided that the wanting to know wasn't necessarily the problem, but I had to watch where I was getting my fix. I now only read more reputable and positive websites. Deleting that negativity that comes from reading a grown man call a woman fat or draw lude pictures on a man's face... I can't tell you how much lighter my RSS Feed has gotten :)

February: Engage in Conversation with Other People

I hate conversing with other people. Now, don't get me wrong, I could sit and talk to my friends for hours... but strangers? No. Acquaintances? Even worse, because they expect you to actually care. I chose this resolution for February because it is the shortest month and I needed to save those 2 or 3 extra days for something I could actually stand. I resolved to respond and engage with every person that spoke to me for this entire month. When someone says, "Hey, how are you?" I usually say, "Fine." That's it. No, "Fine, how are you?" just "Fine." And let me tell you, you're lucky you get those 4 little letters. I will walk 5 minutes out of my way to avoid a conversation. It makes me nervous and uncomfortable to have to make conversation, so I promised myself that I would start small and simply return greetings and ask about people's general state of being... in person and on Facebook. So I Hey'd and Hi'd my way through half the month just fine... and then I realized what a grievous error I had made. My birthday falls right in the middle of the month of February, and it was on a Sunday this year. Which meant that I would be at church for 6 hours, with at least 200 people that usually speak to me, and they would ALL speak because it was my freaking birthday... not to mention the random weirdos that I had to say Thank-you-how-are-you to on Facebook (why do you wish random people happy birthday?). So I took a deep breath and Thank-you-How-are-you-doing'ed my way through my whole birthday, and I will say... after the day was over, I felt more social than the rest of my life combined.

March: Floss Every Day

More than anything else, this was decided because I had a dentist appointment at the beginning of March. But it is something we should all do, and it is something that I detest doing. After begging my dental hygienist to give up all hopes of me actually flossing, she granted me her blessing on using those little slingshot looking flossers. I told her I could do that. So, I resolved to do so every day for the month of March, and I did. I actually don't mind doing it at all, since I don't have to actually use the string of floss and stick my hands in my mouth. I realize that after January and February's Make-Me-A-Better-Person resolutions, this one seems trivial, but there are only so many character flaws that I am actually willing to change.

You know what is hilarious....

2011-04-06T11:53:00.004-05:00

Laughing at a Fat Booth photo on Facebook.

And then realizing it is real.

Calm Down and Get Straight

2011-04-01T07:30:00.003-05:00

I don't know if anyone is reading this... and I don't know if of the maybe 2 people that are, either have ever seen Little Shop of Horrors (the movie)... but there is a part in that movie where Audrey and Seymour are singing their little hearts out to each other in the alley... and Bill Murray's character walks in and says, "Excuse me, but if you two kids could just stop singing for one minute..."

Well, that is how I felt from 8pm-9pm last night while I was watching Grey's Anatomy: Song Beneath the Song.

Honestly, I don't even know where, or how, to begin. I'll start with a positive: Callie has an amazing voice... and the fact that she was in limbo or brain damaged or just punch drunk with love for Arizona, kind of made her singing seem appropriate. I laughed, I will admit, with the first note that was sung... but I could at least distend belief long enough to let her finish a song. Because she wasn't singing TO anyone, she was just putting her thoughts to songs she'd heard. Or some crazy bull mess that makes no sense. Whatever. It's the only positive I have.

Now, on to the best parts... Let's approach this like a true musical. By numbers. (but only those that made a lasting impression on me... and by that, I mean the bad ones.)

Chasing Cars... by Hunt, Torres, and Bailey

I can't remember what was happening on the episode that this song was originally played, but I do remember that I went and illegally downloaded Chasing Cars that same night. So, I can concede the point that Grey's has done big things for music... but still, it does not justify a musical! Dr. Hunt was the kicker for me. When he was looking at Callie, and just started singing, so intensely, the second verse... I lost it. I mean, I literally lost it. I, all at once, had to cover my eyes and my mouth, as I was about to spit water all over myself and everything in a 3 foot radius. There was no way I could be legitimately concerned for Callie's life, or that of her baby, because I was too busy cracking up at how seriously he was taking this nonsense.

Breathe... by Lexie

Considering this song is about, first, a girl going to get an abortion, and second, a young alcoholic soldier... I didn't get the connection. Were they trying to pull in every song that had ever been played on all 7 seasons? I understood that people did need to "just breathe," but I did not particularly love Lexie's voice (and she's been my favorite character since she came on the show), and I definitely thought it was a bit extreme that Callie was imagining Lexie walking down the hall singing Anna Nalick while she ripped her surgical mask off. This was my first "what the H is going on" moment.

Running on Sunshine... pretty much everyone, except McDreamy because he has a brain.

This. Was. Ridiculous. First of all, isn't everyone supposed to be super worried about their friend and her baby? Yet, Teddy is flirting it up with her patient/husband while he sings about a "rocket in his front left pocket." Is this an April Fools joke? Bailey and her nurse lover are bantering about getting it on in the hallway, and Karev is throwing the OBGYN around his trailer. My bad... I thought maybe the gyno should be with her patient that is minutes from death. The only scene in this song that seemed anywhere near appropriate was Meredith and McDreamy. He at least made a point to let the audience know that he was still thinking about Callie, and not his next solo. But that is because Patrick Dempsey is a genius and opted out of all musical numbers. When a man that had the lead in Enchanted tells you that a musical is not a good idea, maybe listen.

How to Save a Life... by Torres and others (can only remember one part of it)

This was okay. I liked how Callie was in the observation deck (or whatever it is called) with her baby daddy and lesbian lover. It was as if she was singing TO them, and that made semi-sense to me. Ok, that's all for that one.

How We Operate... by Hunt

Another one that had me burying my face out of embarrassment. I can't tell if it is because I don't like Hunt in the first place, or that he sings like he is delivering marching orders for a brigade, but I was physically uncomfortable every time the focus was on him. All the attendings are discussing literal life-and-death matters, and out of the blue (which, I will admit, I should have been expecting by now), Hunt sings "calm down, and get straight" (and don't think the irony of him saying that to Arizona was lost on me), and then he just lets loose. I hope when he wrote that song, Gomez knew the medical treatment that Callie would need... because it became apparent that it was the only direction that any of her doctors would be receiving.

Were you a fan of the music event? Or has Grey's Anatomy jumped the shark?