Thoughts by a Petite Brunette

Creating everlasting memories...

2013-06-17T09:57:00.002-04:00

I'd like to introduce my friend Danielle, with treasuredmems - she's going to tell you why it's such an awesome idea to have a photobooth at your wedding.

Getting event photos right

Milestones in our life call out for special celebrations. We need to mark them by doing something other than what we normally do. That means going to a special effort, and it also means taking photos to commemorate those times. It is the times we spend celebrating with our loved ones, after all, that stand out in our memories as the most special times. We keep photos of holidays, weddings, parties, christenings, births, birthdays and anniversaries around the house to remind us of these occasions. It's always the candid ones, the shots where people are caught in joyous action, interacting with one another that are the best. The standard portrait and group style photography is ok, but there are other ways to do event photography. One of them is with a photobooth like the ones supplied by Treasured Mems. Guests love this kind thing because they can direct the shots themselves, and at the end of the night there will always be some funny surprises in there. If your party has a theme, you can always supply props like masks or costumes, to make the photobooth fun. The lighting in these booths is completely controlled as well, and it's less harsh than normal camera flash photography, meaning that the end result of the shots is very flattering.

That means that your memories won't just be preserved, they will be attractive too! Photos are such a big part of our life now. There are so many ways to do it, this is just one.

Conversing my High-Low

2013-06-12T07:44:00.000-04:00

There's something so simple and fun about wearing converse's with a dress. Maybe it's not fashionable and granted - this dress would look a whole hell of a lot better with some wedges - but wedges and heels aren't really practical for chasing around a three year old.
Speaking of that three year old she loves this dress because "It's pink over here but it's red over there!" Which I have to agree with her, I love that it's color blocked, and from Target. They have it in a ka-gillion (ok six) different color options, so I suggest you scoop one up because I plan on buying all of them and wearing them the entire summer. That's obviously an empty threat.
Since we're on the subject of Target - which I feel like I'm always talking about stores, can I just say that I do more than shop online as a stay at home mom? Seriously today we painted with Apples... it was a disaster but an attempted craft nonetheless. Back to Target. I'm seriously crushing on this dress...

printed scoop neck dress

I actually had enough will power to pick it up, carry it around the store, and put it back on the rack... But soon enough I will cave. Maybe today. Maybe next week - most definitely before I go to the beach.

Now talking about another store - The winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Congratulations!

Works of Art

2013-06-10T08:41:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make.

I am an addict.

I have an addiction to tattoos.

I want another one, now, bad.

Unfortunately, as with most addictions, you have to make money to maintain your addiction.

Money I do make not. (said in a yoda voice)

|| 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 ||

So I've been looking at Artwork.

Pieces that I think would make a truly spectacular tattoo.

All of these are on the list.

What are you dreaming about this week?

Five Thing Friday #1

2013-06-07T01:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the first Five Thing Friday linkup!
Make sure to stop by and visit my co-host Kelly from Mrs. In-Training and her new blog Modern Camelot!

This is a no rules, fun and easy, bi-monthly, end of week linkup. I know we all go through blogger funks - so this linkup is to not only help us inspire each other, but to help us remember why it was that we started blogging in the first place - Because it's fun! So grab the button, linkup, and tell us about the five things that are on your mind today!

Five Things about Blogging:

1. No-Reply bloggers, WHY? I will admit I was once a no-reply blogger because I didn't know any better. I know that with this new Google plus transition it messes up your blogging account, but it's really upsetting to me that I can't respond to your comments! So fix that shiz.

2. Blog Friends can become your Best Friends. Don't believe me? Take Jes and Shannon for example - or my long lost sissy Dusty. Or my newest - real life blog friend Kristin. There are some amazing people out there in the blogosphere - I'm sure there are some real creepers too - but some really amazing women (and men?) that will change your life (if you let them) and your views on friendship forever.

3. That post? You know which post I'm talking about, that one you're afraid to post because you aren't sure how the blogging community (mostly your followers) will respond. I'm here to tell you to post it! Your blog is your brain child, so grow some balls dude(ette) and tell us how you REALLY feel. Need some inspiration for how to write without offending people? Check out this post by Ashley or this post by Jes.

4. It doesn't matter how many followers you have, Jesus only had 12. This is not a popularity contest, although I know it seems that way most of the time. I myself follow a ton of blogs, and I will admit that there are some that I followed to win a giveaway... but most are because they intrigue me. They share my same ideals, fashion sense, and food taste. So you only have 39 followers, is that really going to stop you from blogging? That being said - Don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway! (bad timing eh?)

5. When all else fails... Pinterest. Pinterest has made it possible for every blogger to have something to blog about every day of every week, for eternity.

And there you have it.

Can't wait to see what you guys came up with!
P.S. it's good blogger etiquette to follow your host and co-host - jus' sayin'

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Breakfast at Tiffany's

2013-06-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

Every ~~girl~~ woman should own a dress that makes her feel absolutely beautiful. This is that dress for me. Well OK I have a couple dresses that do this for me, but when I put this dress on I felt like Audrey Hepburn. And who the hell doesn't want to feel like Audrey? I mean really. And I almost put is back on the rack because I really didn't need another dress, but then the sales associate mentioned that the dress was 40% off and I remembered that I had my husbands credit card...and well obviously I bought it. I was lucky that it was available, because it's hard to find classic dresses like this now-a-days...unless you shop at Shabby Apple.

Shabby Apple - which I know you are all familiar with - is an online dress boutique that specializes in vintage and retro dresses. I have been eyeing these ones for weeks now... you can click here to see all of their options!

Gondala

Rootbeer Float

Eye Candy

One of the things I really love about Shabby Apple is that they're unique from any store that you find in a mall. Another thing? They sell maternity and children's clothes. Every item in their store is absolutely adorable, chic, and good quality. You can't really ask for much more than that. Except maybe $50 to SPEND at Shabby Apple... on anything you want.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And for some more exciting news - I've gotten together with some of my good bloggy buddies and decided to start a linkup on Fridays called - Five Thing Friday. We're launching it for this Friday, you can blog about any Five things you like! Five things you want, pinned, love, hate, ate, drank, you name it. Creativity is encouraged! So grab the button and play along!

Turtles

2013-06-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

Since moving to North Carolina there have been a lot of "adjustments". I had no clue that living here would be so different from Northern Virginia. The landscape is BEAUTIFUL. It's so green, even in the winter time there are lush trees all around, especially in the "country side". If you asked Kaelyn where we live she would tell you (after her adorable southern drawn Norf Care-oh-liiiine-nah) that we live in the "forest". Which I will admit, there are a ton of trees that surround our house but it's far from a forest. I would consider this the country - and I have really learned the true meaning of the phrase "a country mile".

We live approximately 30 miles from Raleigh, but it takes about an hour to get there. Two lane "highway" after two lane highway. Which is another adjustment. People like to take their time getting places here. If the speed limit sign says 55, to me it reads 65 - and to the locals it reads 50. So I've had to learn how to pass on two lane highways. Something I learned 10 years ago but never really had to do while living in Northern Virginia. And it's odd for me. I mean every time I go to pass someone I get this adrenaline rush (which is really disconcerting) and my heart is beating in my ears, so it's either an adrenaline rush or an anxiety attack. I'm going with adrenaline rush because having anxiety attacks while your driving with your small child is frowned upon, I have no desire to start medicating myself pre-venture.

I digress.

The most significant adjustment from NOVA to NC is the wildlife. And maybe it's not the state that made the impact but the location of the state in which we reside. There is a rooster - somewhere - really close to our house that crows EVERY MORNING. There's a family of bunnies (I hate rabbits) that lives in the woods behind our house and likes to venture out twice a day to torment our poor Dori dog. There are these GIANT bird/turkey/chicken things (that I have been told are called Guineas) that come into my yard - from who knows where, probably the same place that keeps the devil rooster - and peck at invisible things every morning around 7:15. There are huge spiders - I freaking hate spiders - in every window of my house. Knowing me and my anxieties (or adrenaline rushes...) these are probably just regular spiders, but they look huge, and possibly poisonous (or not).

And then there are the turtles.

While ~~flying~~ driving down these two lane highways I spot turtles. Suicidal turtles, in the middle of the freaking road. Always trying to cross the road... and its so upsetting. As I type this it occurs to me that maybe this is why the locals drive slow, so they miss all the freaking suicidal turtles. Am I the only person that feels like I should slam on the breaks and help these slow moving idiots to the other side?? Have you ever seen a crushed turtle? It's awful - I mean really awful.

And with that I tell you I'm sorry for my absence, but I'm back. I'm back with a vengeance! Maybe not an angry vengeance but a - rambling because I've been an uninspired blogger for months and now I'm back with a vengeance kind of way.

Colored Bubbles and Rainbow Butterflies

2013-05-24T08:15:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I posted about having baby fever - which I still kind of do - but I had an epiphany after that post. I think that one of the reasons I want a baby so bad is because my baby is now almost four. When she was a little baby I worked full time and had an hour commute each way. I was away from my 8 week old baby for 50 hours a week - until she was 5 months old when I couldn't take it anymore and switched jobs. Point being - I feel like I missed out. I missed her first time crawling, and her first time walking. I was told about her growth accomplishments by the woman (whom I love) that watched her until she was old enough to go to daycare. I tried to pretend like it didn't bother me and tell myself - I'm not the only working mom, I do what I have to do... we had to work to make things work! But now... now I have this opportunity to stay home with her (if I want to), and watch her grow... and I don't want to miss another minute.

I've decided (as much as I love event planning) since my contract is over, I'm taking the summer off. I'm not going to look for jobs - well maybe every now and then - and instead wait for an opportunity to come along. Sounds crazy right? I know, but it's time for me to take time for Kaelyn. She's only going to be this little for so long - I mean I only have about another 10 years until she stops talking to me all together. It's time for bubble blowing, and cookie making, and fort building in the living room. Time for riding bikes, and lake picnics, long lazy afternoon naps, and drawing colorful sidewalk chalk murals all over the driveway.

Happy Friday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday Pinspiration

2013-05-22T07:46:00.001-04:00

1 || Mixed Prints with a Pop of Neon

2 || Navy and Coral

3 || Chambray and White

4 || This entire outfit... I mean really - sailing anyone?

5 || Floral Toms?!

6 || Printed shorts

And Diana Agron.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

The weather is warmer, the birds are chirping at 5 in the morning, there's still pollen all over everything, and there's carpenter bee's drilling holes in my deck... that can only mean one thing - stay inside and pin every cute spring/summer outfit inspiring thing you can find.
I'm really in love with the printed short trend - although I could never pull it off. I'm also really loving that people are still wearing chambray - and those floral toms will be mine! Other spring looks that I love (and are totally pin worthy) was this adorable bird print top with a peter pan collar worn by non other than Yi-Chia, or this amazing ensemble put together by Annie, but possibly my favorite was this incredibly HOT combo styled the Texas rose herself - Shanna.
What looks are you loving this season?

Don't forget to enter the Kayma Boutique Giveaway!

Ends this Friday!

May Sponsor Giveaway!

2013-05-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

I am so pleased to introduce Kristen owner of Kayma Boutique. She's here to give you guys some free stuff! Take it away Kristen!

Hi guys, it's Kristen! I am a wife and mother of two, Kaylee and Mark. I am so blessed to spend my days with my family while also fulfilling my life long dream to run my own business. My kids bring so much joy and inspiration to my life, it was only natural that I bring that same passion to my business which is why I named my business Kayma. Kayma Boutique offers top of the line fashion accessories that are handmade or handpicked myself. I hope you love this line as much as I do!

Kristen is giving away the following two items -

Teal Sequin Infinity Scarf

The Sun Pendant Statement Necklace

She's pretty amazing (and talented) amiright?!? Good luck! Giveaway ends next Friday (one week from today) - winner will be announced on the same day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wedding Guest Etiquette {What to Wear}

2013-05-15T07:09:00.001-04:00

It's wedding season! As an event planner (and former bride) I've received numerous questions from both readers and friends asking what would be appropriate to wear to a wedding this season, so I thought it would be easiest to just do a post about it and share my wedding etiquette expertise with all of you!

The first step in deciding what to wear to a wedding is to look at the invitation (duh!). Most brides will indicate whether their wedding will be one of four following options:

- Casual

- Semi-Formal

- Formal

- Black Tie

Now rule of thumb is - if there is no indication on the invitation assume that the wedding is semi-formal. This is the most common attire for weddings. What is semi-formal? Well, for a day wedding (before 4 o'clock) semi-formal would be church appropriate clothing. Never been to Church? (shame on you!) I'm talking a nice sun dress, paired with some heels. The wedding is after 4 o'clock:? Pull out that LBD girl! Remember that your choice in footwear can 100% change the "feel" of an outfit. Say you're going to a 1 o'clock wedding on the beach - sundress and sandals would be appropriate. But if the wedding is at 5 o'clock on the beach - wear your LBD with some sandals to the ceremony (heels and sand do not mix - trust me on this one) pack your heels and change before the cocktail hour. And for your man? Same rules apply - church appropriate. It doesn't have to be a suit but I always suggest slacks, jacket, and a tie.

Formal weddings are a little more...well formal! Regardless of the time of day (there is no before 4 or after 4 rule here) an LBD or comparable dress is appropriate. No sandals or sundresses allowed here ladies. The thing to remember with Formal attire is that we're not talking prom or church - there's a place right between the two and that's where you want to be. It doesn't have to be an LBD, but a cocktail dress (no pant suits please) - it just can't be a sundress or a prom dress! And as for your man, now is the time he needs to wear a suit. No tux needed - that's black tie. But a suit, and if he doesn't own one (which he should) there are tons of affordable places to rent from. Still not sure? See below.

On to the black tie weddings. There is no before 4 or after 4 rule here either, if it's black tie they're usually at night, but on occasion will be during the day - the following rules apply to your attire. We are still not talking Prom. FORGET IT you will never get to wear that poofy pink dress again, sorry. The most important thing to remember when attending a black tie wedding is - do not (I repeat DO NOT) upstage the bride! This is her day not yours. The only reason I say this is because, when you're looking for a dress to wear to a black tie wedding, it's very easy to get carried away. Another thing to remember - cocktail dresses (if formal enough) can be worn! Depending on the venue that is. If it's a black tie beach wedding I would 100% recommend a cocktail dress. If it's at the Ritz, go for something a little longer - but keep the prom rule in mind. Your man? He needs to be in a tux - and again if he doesn't own one, rent one.

I would hope that I wouldn't have to explain the attire for a casual wedding. But just incase you're still not sure - this means pretty much anything goes. Guys usually show up in khakis, or even jeans. For ladies, I never suggest wearing jeans to any event, casual or not. But then again I am an advocate of dresses. A nice sundress and sandals would still be appropriate to a casual wedding.

So you're worried about what color to wear?

I always suggest going with seasonal colors or prints. I also am an advocate that only the bride should be wearing white - but at some point in the last five years it became ok for guests to wear white as well. For those that feel you can't wear black - you're wrong. Black is appropriate for every occasion, be it a happy one or (god forbid) a sad one. I would stay away from zebra print, cheetah print, or any kind of animal print for that matter (unless requested by the bride...or if her name is Snooky). Florals, polka dots, stripes - all acceptable. Also - another major rule - Don't skank it up. This is a wedding. Hide your crazy and act like a lady.

Hopefully I answered your questions, but if I didn't feel free to ask away!

Super Mom - A Contest!

2013-05-09T10:36:00.003-04:00

We all know that Mother's Day is this Sunday May 12th - it's time to take a moment and thank all of those ladies in your life that are mothers. What better way to thank them by entering this amazing Super Mom contest from Rivet & Sway - a Seattle-based online retailer of stylish eyewear designed exclusively for women, and Vosges Haut-Chocolat- a Chicago-based gourmet chocolatier, who have partnered to launch a Mother’s Day contest to celebrate Super Moms.

I love glasses. annnd I love chocolate. I'm pretty sure your mom does too. Or your sister. Or your grammy. I couldn't help but browse the possible frame options just incase anyone wanted to nominate me as a Super Mom...(hint hint)
They have a HUGE selection of frames but these were my absolute fav's:

1|| 2 || 3

Plus how cool would it be to be given the title "Super Mom"... I mean really.

So go enter (preferably nominating me) today because the contest ends on Sunday! Winners are annouced on May 15th and one lucky winner gets TWO pairs of glasses, and A YEAR of chocolate...the runner up prizes aren't so bad either.

Wildcard Wednesday!

2013-05-07T21:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Wildcard Wednesday!

The name of the game is #wildcard

Stakes: A special PRIZE will be up for grabs the last week of each month

Your link ups each week are your entries

Example: If you link up your blog, bloglovin and twitter you will have 3 entries each week

Disclaimer: You MUST be following your hosts in order to win

Winner of the April #wildcard {Won A Giftcard of Choice}:

Rules of the Game:

1. Follow all your hosts

Simply Clarke: Blog / Bloglovin / Twitter

Hooah And Hiccups: Blog / Bloglovin / Twitter

All That Glitters: Blog / Bloglovin / Twitter

and co-hosts

Tearberry Trails: Blog / Bloglovin / Twitter

LB in Wonderland: Blog / Bloglovin / Twitter

Thoughts by A Petite Brunette: Blog / Bloglovin / Twitter

2. Grab our button for your post so that others can join in the fun

3. Link up using your Blog URL, Bloglovin' URL & Twitter

4. Visit at least 3 other blogs

5. TWEET about Wildcard Wednesday using #wildcard

Now make some new friends :)

A Celebration

2013-05-04T08:39:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to the most important woman in my life.

She has taught me how to love, unconditionally.

She has taught me patience.

She has taught me everything I needed to know about being a woman, a good person, and a mother.

She taught me to always park next to the shopping cart return.

She taught me to wait for the rain to end and then jump in the puddles, or if I couldn't wait, to dance in the rain.

She taught me that those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

She taught me to always be sweet.

She is my teacher, my best friend, my biggest supporter, and my hero.

Happy Birthday Mom!

The Fever

2013-05-01T06:56:00.000-04:00

Dress {available here!}

This is what I wore to my event saturday night. The dress is Anthropologie - wish I had gotten a shot of the scoopback - and I paired it with gold accessories from Target. Simple. This dress is perfect in so many ways: it has pockets, it's lightweight, and it's a maxi - and we all know how I feel about maxis!
Moving on - I have the fever. Yes...that fever... baby fever. I've had it for a while and have been putting it on the backburner because it just hasn't been "the right time" for my husband and I. It stayed on the backburner until a certain adorable three year old started talking about "When we have another baby..." and BAM. The fever is back. Bad.
I get all teary eyed when I "somehow" end up in the baby section at Target. Everytime I see a Johnsons commercial my hand instantly flies to my stomach wishing there was a tiny human in there...Not to mention all of these adorable bloggers that are showing their "bump dates" on my feed every week. Like this one, or this one, or this one! And it didn't really hit me how bad I had the fever until I bought a new dress today, yes another maxi, and thought to myself "This would be cute as a maternity dress too!". And this little alarm went off in my head like "DANGER - DANGER WILL ROBINSON" I have been subconsciously buying could-be-cute-as-maternity clothes for months now...apparently.
SO when I snap back to reality -- usually due to a temper tantrum -- I remember how much I love sleeping for more than two hours at a time. I remember that I have yet to lose the baby weight from the first one... That I have endometriosis so getting pregnant could be a really trying {in more ways than one *wink wink*} experience.
Kaelyn shared with me how she thinks babies are made - after I explained that no, we can't have a baby tomorrow it takes a long time to grow a baby. She said "I know Mommy. You and Daddy have to talk about a baby, and then you will get really hungry, and you'll eat and eat and eat! And then you will have a baby in your belly. Because babies come from food."
And then she talks about her baby brother or more often than not - her baby sisters. Plural. And it kind of breaks my heart because she doesn't have a sibling...and she's almost four.
Maybe I should get her a puppy.
Oh Wait... I have one of those too.

Do What You Love, Love What You Do

2013-04-28T18:40:00.002-04:00

I've spent the last four months planning a Gala for three hundred people. The last few weeks of my life have been hectic to say the least. This is when people look at me like I'm crazy. I love the chaos. I flourish in the final 48 hours before the event. While everyone else is worrying about what could go wrong, I'm preparing. I take it all in, and the stress of it all is almost like an adrenaline rush to me. But now? Now it's over. My event was a huge success. People will be talking about it for weeks, maybe even months to come.

It's almost like Christmas. You spend all this time planning, decorating, wrapping presents, and making sure that everything is perfect. Then Christmas morning finally rolls around and the presents are unwrapped in less that two hours, and all of your hard work seems almost anticlimactic. Sure it's appreciated. Sure everyone got what they were looking for. But for me? I'm like a junky. I need to feel that chaos again. I need to plan things. I want that almost euphoric stress. I'm good at it. I'm extremely proud of the fact that I can walk in, take control, and turn a party that was once held in a high school gymnasium into the party of the season.

I love it. I love event planning. Now I just need another event to plan.

Outfit post coming Wednesday - *promise*

ModCloth Madness

2013-04-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Wanna win $25 to ModCloth?

Of course you do...

Find out how here!

Good Luck!

{and Happy Friday!}

Miracle Maxi

2013-04-23T20:50:00.000-04:00

As you all know I have an obsession with maxi dresses. So when I stumbled across this one {via ModCloth} there was no hesitation that it had to be mine. I've owned it for about two weeks and have worn it at least four times. It's so comfy - and it's so perfect for the mid 70's weather we've been having lately.

Speaking of lately you've probably been wondering where I've been. I've been wondering that too. It seems like time has just gotten away from me the past couple of weeks...but that happens sometimes. I have been so busy with my upcoming event {it's this Saturday! eek!} that I have been putting my everything into making sure this Gala for over 300 people is perfect! Don't think I haven't thought about you though...because I have. I've missed you, all of you. And to make up for my absence - I've decided to help host another giveaway over at Always Maylee.

Stop back by on Friday and I'll give you all the dirty deets! I promise it's worth it...especially if you love this dress and ModCloth!

In the meantime - Have a Happy Wednesday Lovecats!

{I know I will}

Just Be Fresh

2013-04-12T18:42:00.002-04:00

Remember when I told you I went to Peachy Keen's fashion show and met Crystal?

Well she blogged about my outfit today

Check it out here.

Happy Weekend ya'll!

Oxford Comma

2013-04-10T07:09:00.000-04:00

Dress JCP {similar} || Shoes

I'm obsessed with these oxfords. I blame Shanna, yes Shanna, I blame you, but not in a bad way - because I've been obsessed since this post. I finally got myself a pair and couldn't help feeling all Zooey Deschanel (ish) when I paired them with this incredibly cute dress (it has pockets!).

Have I told you about my slight obsession with Zooey? Because I love her. Not in a creepy, stalker, get a restraining order kind of way... but in a I think we'd be best friends in real life and borrow each others clothes kind of way. I love her style. Have you seen the website What Would Zooey Deschanel Wear? Seriously, you're welcome for that.

I imagine if Zooey and I were to meet in real life it would go something like this:

Awkward Hug

Awkward Smile

Break out into Random Song.

The epic-ness that is Zoestyn begins.

That's enough about my girl crush.

Did I tell you guys that I gave up gluten? Yes I have been gluten free for almost a month and a half now. Remember when I told you about my feet going numb and the MS Scare? Turns out that I have a gluten sensitivity Crazy right? That something I've eaten my entire life decided to just up and attack me? So I've been scouring pinterest for Gluten Free recipes. I have to say, since going Gluten free - I feel SO MUCH BETTER. I haven't lost ~~a ton of~~ weight (like I was hoping) but I have more energy! I sleep better, I don't crave sweets as often (weird I know) MY SKIN is clearing up, and to be honest I feel like a completely different person. Annnnywho, what I was getting at is I found this amazing blog - Gluten Free Goddess. For all of my gluten free or dairy free or vegan readers - you have GOT to check her out.

And now, because it's Spring and I love this song.

HAPPY HUMP DAY!

Peachy Keen

2013-04-08T14:26:00.004-04:00

OVER the weekend I went to a "Fashion Show" at a boutique in Cary called Peachy Keen. They had some really cute clothes, and even cuter jewelry. It turned out to be a great time. I went with my fav Kristin (seen below, I told you about her here) and it ended up turning into a mini Raleigh blogger meet up! I met Ashley, Angela, and Crystal (who snapped a pic of my outfit for her blog, *blush*)

I also won five free "Xtend Barre" classes, via the raffle, and then the lady who called my name gave me crap about having a boys name.

Seriously.

Did I mention they also had wine?

Lean On Me...

2013-04-04T19:18:00.001-04:00

Can we have a heart to heart? Let's talk about my blogger friends. You've heard me refer to them before as my blamily (blog+family=blamily) which makes a lot of sense. They're located along the right hand side of my page.

Let's start with Kristin. She blogs over at Skinny Jeans and a Chia Latte (both of which I love) she also happens to be a really good friend of mine in REAL LIFE. We met through the blogosphere but it turned out that when we met for real we "clicked". She's pretty awesome in every sense of the word. She's a runner, a teacher, a blogger, and a friend - so you know the "whole package". Check her out.

Then there's Sissy. AKA Dusty Ally. Why sissy? Because we are sisters from another mother. We met months ago and she has become like a sister to me. She helps guide me when I need it, and kicks sense into me when I'm being stubborn. We share the same birthday, and the same love of fashion. One day we will meet and get drunk on Sangria, but until then... she blogs at Girls Love Fried Pickles. Go - go and love Dusty as much as I do. So much that we did this to her last year.

Then there is Yi-Chia, at Always Maylee. She was one of the FIRST bloggers that I met and became virtual friends with. She's ah-mazing and ah-dorable. She is one of the most stylish people I know and I envy her hair every day. Recently I helped her host a giveaway. Regardless you should love her because I do. There's a pattern here you see?

Last, but certainly NOT LEAST, is my Texas Rose Shanna. Whom I met via Dusty. And she, my friends, needs your help more than ever. See Shanna has been nominated for Wallis' 1st U.S. Fashion blogger. Right? That's HUGE! I know - and she need's your help. Go here and click to vote. It's a SUPER close race. Every vote matters!!! So go check out her blog at Because Shanna Said So, and vote for her, because honestly - she deserves it!

And there you have it my sponsors, my friends, my blamily. Love them as I do and you will be happy I promise!

Happy weekend Ya'll!

ps. you want to be part of my blamily? click here and use the code - blamily!

Wednesday Pinspiration {Fancy Pants}

2013-04-03T21:44:00.002-04:00

I might have mentioned earlier that I'm an event planner. That's what I do for a living. I plan events, parties, Galas, weddings, you name it. Currently, I am in the process of planning a Gala for a non profit organization that will take place in Raleigh on April 27th. The problem? I'm not sure what to wear. I want to be conservative, but at the same time scream "POWER HOUSE" this is, after all MY event. Well it might not technically be MY event, but I will treat it as such as long as I am the puppet master. Of course, I'm eyeing maxi dresses, so I need a little help. I've shown my husband a couple {I plan on re-wearing this dress to a wedding at the end of May} and he's been less than impressed with my choices. Naturally I take to the blogosphere for your opinion.

I'm hoping that when I go shopping this weekend I will see a dress that will leap off of the rack yelling "me! pick me!" but I have my doubts. So which would you pick?

1.2.3.4.5.

Empowered {and a giveaway!}

2013-03-27T07:07:00.000-04:00

This top is totally cute right? The lace? The peter pan collar? The fact that it was less than $20 from TARGET. I know I told you about my love for Target last week, and I know I told you I'd be giving away a $25 gift card. You want to know how to win? Stop by Always Maylee and find out NOW!

Two weeks ago I blogged about my complete and utter lack of motivation to get my butt in shape. I had some really awesome comments from you guys, one in particular caught my attention. She told me to find something that I loved doing {seems simple right?} and stick to it! She found her motivation through aerial fitness, obviously I was extremely intrigued. What is aerial fitness you might ask?

That. That's aerial fitness. Pretty intense right? I had to try it. I looked up a place in Raleigh that has aerial fitness classes and was immediately intimidated when I realized it was a pole dancing studio. But wait... pole dancing is supposed to be a really good work out too right? Think Demi Moore in Strip Tease. I mean her bod was {and still is} amazing. So I thought to myself, maybe you should work your way up to hanging from your feet via silk ribbons...and look there's an intro class next week!

I know what you're thinking. But trust me, I have no intention of changing my career path anytime soon. So I signed up for the class, and it was this past Saturday. At one point I almost didn't go, about half an hour before I needed to leave for the class, I seriously considered taking a long nap. I didn't take a nap though, I got dressed in some yoga pants and a tee and sulked out to my car telling myself this was going to be fun, but dreading that it would be humiliating.

My anxiety got worse when I arrived at the studio. There was a class in session when I arrived, and I appeared to be the only person there for the introductory class that followed. I took my shoes off as I waited {because the class is taught in bare feet} and tried to smush the butterflies that had taken over my abdominal cavity. Eventually more girls showed up. Which really didn't help my nervousness. They came in pairs...I was the only lone wolf trying pole dancing for the first time without a friend.

Fast Forward. The instructor started class by telling us that our first class would be the hardest. NOT because it was going to be a hard workout but because we were all new to this, and we would need to step out of our comfort zones together. We did a lot of "floor play" and "sexy yoga" before we were allowed to even touch the poles, which helped us relax tremendously By the time we got to the poles, it was a completely different emotional atmosphere.

IT. WAS. SO. MUCH. FUN. I had a blast! I sashayed {even though my legs felt like jelly} out of the studio and knew I had found my motivation. I felt empowered and had this radiating sexy confidence that I completely lacked before class. You can bet that I signed up for level one and I am going to see this through all the way to level seven! Hopefully my legs will stop burning before my first official class.

I guess the point of me telling you about my pole dancing epiphany is that - sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to find your motivation. I feel like those are words of wisdom that I just bestowed upon you. And you're welcome.

Happy Humpday!

Madness

2013-03-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

One Skirt, Three Ways:

Work

Date

{oh hey vogue}

Play

I think it's safe to say that I have a skirt fetish. I picked up this girly piece last week from Target. I freaking love Target... pshhh, everyone loves Target - which is why I'm giving away a $25 gift card next week - make sure to stop by Always Maylee early next week for more details!
More excitement:

Can I just tell you how obsessed I am with this Monster Green Smoothie? No it's not made out of monsters, and does not contain Monster. I mean c'mon people. It's DE-LICOUS. And even better, it's really good for you. Energy, Glowing Skin, fullness until lunch, packed full of vitamins...I've had one for breakfast for the last week now and I. Am. HOOKED. Here's the recipe:

1 cup (I use 1 1/2 cups because I like it thin) of Coconut Milk
1 Ripe Banana
3 cups Raw Baby Spinach
3 - 6 oz. Plain Greek Yogurt

Throw all of that into the blender and hit blend. Then hit liquefy, and BOOM. Monster Smoothie.
Sh*t my Kid Says:
CJ went to Seattle two weeks ago for work. I think I told you about it. Well if you ask Kaelyn where daddy went for work she will tell you "Daddy went to see Attle." True story and it's adorable.
MADNESS

It's time for March Madness, and if your husband is as crazy as mine, that means you will miss all of your shows for the next two weeks. Welcome to crazy time!

Happy Wednesday Lovecats!

Paris? No, I've Never Been.

2013-03-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

This is a maxi dress I bought from target last summer. Underneath is a long sleeve white shirt. I threw this on when I was running late and didn't want to wear pants. No inspiration what-so-ever. It just so happened that everyone I met had something to say about my outfit, and said something along the lines of "You look like you should be walking the streets of Paris." Really? This is what people wear in Paris? Cheap maxi dresses and old long sleeve shirts?
I've obviously {I said that drawn out in my head...} never been to Paris, but I certainly hope that they dress better than I do. That being said - I do kind of love this outfit. It's really comfy and thoughtless. It's the beanie that threw everyone off. See I actually wore this last week, and I really want to wear it again, but the weather got nice..too nice for a beanie.

Do you have any "accidentally cute" outfits?
Speaking of accidentally cute...It's time for some more "Sh*t my Kid Says"

When asked why she took her shoes/socks off in the car she responded... "Because those socks were making my toesie toots hotsie! Hot toots!"
When asked why she had no clothes on..."My pants were makin' my legs hot and craz-zay!"
When told "I'm making your dinner, cool it, oh impatient one." {by me} she responded..."You cool it impatient two!"
I give her props on the last one. She's pretty clever for a 3 1/2 year old.

Also linking up with Alisa and Sarah!