A Complete Waste of Makeup

Sponsor Intro: More great blogs to follow

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:47:00 +0000

Hey lovelies! My name is Kate and I blog over at Dancing in the Minefields. My blog is part Mom (I've got a 2 year old and 1 year old...crazy!), part link ups (I'm really partial to Neely and Amber's It's Okay Thursday), a sprinkle of travel (okay Disney), some photo blogging (mostly my kids) and a whole lot of random. :) Sometimes I get serious, but mostly I'm just here for a good time.

My 5 favorite things? Easy. (I'm excluding people, because that wouldn't be fair. :))

1. Diet Coke. I'm kinda addicted. (Also coffee...and wine.)

2. My iPad. <3

3. Any and all things BROADWAY and Dance! I own a dance studio, naturally.

4. Disney...movies, music, memorabilia, Disney World. Yeah, I'm a huge nerd. It's cool.

5. Gilmore Girls. I even named my daughter Rory. :)

What have I gained from blogging...first and foremost, I've gained friends! Being a business owner, working full time and staying home with kids full time gets to be awfully isolating. Blogging has helped me make friends that I talk to daily. It's so nice to be connected with other women.

The number 1 thing I want to accomplish this year is finish getting back in shape. I know, I know. EVERYONE says that but I mean it. I've really committed to getting back in "fighting shape" as my mom would say. It's a slow but steady process. I'm taking it one day at a time and just doing my best. It's frustrating but I know it will be so rewarding in the end!

_________________________________________________________________

1. What your blog is about?

Hi friends of Neely! I'm Erin and I write over at Bless This Nest. I've been married to my husband John now for a little over a year and currently we are trying to expand our family. At my blog you'll hear me talking about our life as semi-newlyweds, our battle with infertility, and our most recent adventure... adoption! (Well we're looking into it right now!) Occasionally you'll see me throwing in a few posts on my favorite beauty products, random thoughts and stories, and of course pictures of our 4 (yes you read that correctly, 4!) furbabies! I hope you'll stop by and say hi!

2. Tell me 5 of your favorite things

Diet Coke, I'm completely obsessed!

My husband, yeah he's pretty okay sometimes :)

Trashy television shows- I simply can't help myself!

Reading- I don't know what I would do without my Kindle Fire, it was the best present I've ever received!

Road Trips- seeing the country just makes me happy

3. What do you think you have gained from blogging?

I've learned so much about myself. I had such a tough year in 2011 and it's amazing to read back through my old posts and see all the things I've overcome. Not only that I can see how much I've grown and changed and that's a pretty good feeling!

4. Biggest accomplishment or thing you would like to accomplish this year.

I'd either like for us to get pregnant naturally or start the process of adoption so that by 2013 we can become parents. :)

________________________________________________________________________

my blog is my creative outlet for people to see what i'm loving, what's inspiring me, projects I'm working on, etc. Basically it is what I decide to make it each and everyday. There is no set agenda, no obligations.. just me posting about things that are relevant to my life!

five of my favorite things (in no certain order) are: my husband, iced coffee from starbucks, my sewing machine, creating//designing new ideas//things, and springtime in texas.

through blogging I have found my voice in an oh-so-creative world. I have made friends, become inspired, and have been able to share my journey with people who i know IRL and on the Internet!

this year I would love to (and am working on!!) designing my first line of skirts for my shop, Cotton Lane. I don't want to say too much.. but it will be something for the big girls & little girls... :) This would be a HUGE accomplishment for me!

_____________________________________________________________________________

1. When and why did you start your blog?

I started blogging in January of 2010 because i had been reading blogs for awhile and finally decided to start one and i haven't looked back!

2. What do you want people to know about you and your blog?
I live in Las Vegas (hence the blog name,) I teach little munchkins, and love to cook! I love to blog about my life, my love, and healthy living! I also talk about my black lab bogey and my adventures with my boyfriend.

3. What are your two favorite posts you have written(with links please)

i don't have "favorite post" i think i love all my post.

some of my most popular post are:

gym fuel:

how i lost some poundage:

4. A brief blurb about you and anything you would like my readers to know.

The new year has some great things to come and i am excited to share these with you! I have started to write a lot about healthy living; including recipes and exercises! Come join me!

5. What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when blogs get so big they forget about how they got there or who go them there.

blog:
twitter:
pinterest:

Fabulous Valentines Challenge: Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:27:00 +0000

WAHHHHHHHHH Its the last day of the challenge :(

Its been super fun times guys and thank you so much for linking up, playing along, finding new blogs and just having fun!

Today's topic is: I love my vices

We all have vices...some good, some bad, some expensive....thats totes ok :)

Here are a FEW of my MANY vices

Tory Burch....everything

Source: bloomingdales.com via Neely on Pinterest

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Neely on Pinterest

Lululemon ....everything

Source: shop.lululemon.com via Neely on Pinterest

Starbucks Latte's

Source: latteart.tumblr.com via Neely on Pinterest

Riesling

Apple Products...or my inability to unplug...much to certain peoples dismany

Source: apple.com via Neely on Pinterest

Twitter

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Neely on Pinterest

Reality TV

Reruns of old TV shows(Gilmore Girls, 90210, One Tree Hill, The OC)

Laying in PJs all day when I can...

Pedicures

Buying Makeup I do not need

What are your vices?

Link up with us on this last day!

And big thanks to everyone who linked up!

Boob Tube Babble

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:46:00 +0000

Greetings and Salutations!

Its finally Friday....

Tomorrow is my first day off in 3 weeks...

Plus I get to drive around in a Corvette....so ya know life could be worse

Anyways did you watch TV this week?

I did and it was the cray cray

So here is what I watched:

One Tree Hill: OK 2 things one I heard a rumor from WIKIPEDIA that the dude who killed Quentin and attacked Brooke is coming back. This leads me to my number 2 which is that I do not think Dan is behind Nathan's kidnapping. For one its too easy and for two....that would be beyond messed up. I do think Nathan dies....I really do.

Revenge: Ummmm Emily's magical box is gone guys....I'm nervous. Plus next week it comes back to the pilot is anyone else overly excited???

Pretty Little Liars: I wanna know what Aria's man friends secret is ....like now

The Challenge Battle of the Exes....Oh good lord could CT be ANY hotter?

Teen Mom: Leah is a whore...end of story.

Gossip Girl: Thank GAWD Georgina hasn't been GG the entire time. That would have killed the show.

What did you watch this week?

Link up with Ashley and I and talk some TV!

ITS OK Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Hey Y'all!

Its Thursday! You know what that means :)

Its time to be OK with all the ridiculous, quirky random stuff going on

We would love to spread the word about ITS OK and make it to 150 linkups! Would be super fun times :) Help us spread the word!

So ITS OK....

To still link up for the Valentines Challenge there are 2 days left(Today and Tomorrow)

That my DVR is consistently at 90% full

To consider mac and cheese from whole foods healthy

To really think that driving a corvette is the tits

To be thrilled to not have to pay for our Valentines dates...Thanks Chevy :)

TO be able to live in Lululemon clothes and a patogonia fleece daily

To be overly excited for 2 days off in a row...has not happened in 3 weeks!

To be sads when challenges are over...found so many new blogs

To still love One Tree Hill

To be counting down the days til Blissdom....13

To be counting down til NYC!!!

TO be planning a 3rd trip to Miami with the bestie

To think that our plan of brunch, pure barre, pedicure and seeing the Vow on Saturday sounds like the best day everrrrr

To not be able to wait to see my valentines gifts....super pumped

To think Channing Tatum and Ryan Gossling are the hottest MEN ALIVE

To think this is greatness...

What's OK with you today?

Link up with Amber and I :)

Fabulous Valentines Challenge: Day 9

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:06:00 +0000

Helllooooooo Thursday!

Today is Day 9 of our little Challenge and we couldn't be more thrilled by the turn out the past two weeks!

Today's Topic is: I love my family!

My family is the cray cray

but I love them

2 of my cousins and I on Thanksgiving 2010

Dad with his "Stuff white people like" book

Me and the momma on her 60th birthday. I threw her a rockin party!....who doesn't look 60? My mom!

I love my family and our wacky holidays, dinners, and times together.

They rock my face off.

Tell us about your family and link up!!!

Tomorrow's final topic: I love my vices. I think this speaks for itself.

Want to get your blog out there and get noticed?

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:18:00 +0000

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

Next Monday February 13th, I am hosting a link up!

First grab my blog button to put on your post

Then....

You can write about yourself, your blog, link to some favorite posts, show pictures and then come back to my blog and link up yours!

Its a fun way to find other blogs and to also get your blog out there so others can find it and fall in love with it :)

You can write about anything you want there are no guidelines :)

Here are some ideas if you are stuck:

1. Tell us why you blog

2. Tell us about your blog

3. Tell us about you

4. Tell us about your job

5. Tell us about your city

6. Tell us about your favorite activities/hobbies/things to do

7. Tell us anything you want!

Go ahead and schedule your post now and then come back Monday to link it up!!!

Spread the word so others can do it too!

Who's In?

Fabulous Valentines Challenge: Day 8

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:43:00 +0000

Happy Hump Day friends!

I am super sads that there are only a few days left of this challenge but its been so fun and I hope everyone has had a blast!

Today's Topic is: Love Myself

Source: pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com via Neely on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Neely on Pinterest

Source: plumprettysugar.blogspot.com via Neely on Pinterest

Source: printclublondon.com via Neely on Pinterest

Somedays I feel like kind of a hot mess, a ball of insecurities, not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough, not funny enough.

Don't well all? Its called PMS

I kid.

But seriously we all feel like we aren't something enough

So today we are loving ourselves.

I love my eyes, I love my lips, I love my small boobs, my big hips, my left knee that has a huge scar from when I was 9 and fell off my bike, the freckles on my back, my imperfect nose, that even after braces because I did not wear my retainer I have kept the slight ever so small gap in my teeth(that Chad calls adorable) my hair that never does what I want it to do.

I love myself.

I hope you love yourself too :)

Link up with us and share what you love about yourself

Tomorrow's Topic is: Love my family(traditions, quirks, vices)

Sponsor Intro: Celia with Scentsy

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:53:00 +0000

scentsy shop / blog / twitter

Scentsy is a safe, wickless alternative to scented candles.

The Scentsy motto is to warm the heart, enliven the senses, and inspire the soul.

I originally started my Scentsy business knowing that one day I may want to be a stay-at-home Mom.

I'm currently engaged and planning an intimate wedding for October 2012. The goal? Pay for our wedding using money earned from my Scentsy business!

If you love a smell good home you will love Scentsy. Completely safe for your little ones, as well as your furkids! We have over 80 scents to choose from. We have warmers, room sprays, scent packs, travel tins, scent circles for your cars, and stuffed animals!

Flutterby - February Warmer of the Month $31.50

Psst. Next month a BRAND NEW CATALOG comes out!

Want to be the first to see a glimpse?

Email me at WicklessCelia AT gmail DOT com

Fabulous Valentines Challenge: Day 7

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:08:00 +0000

Its Tuesday which means one week til Valentines!

YAY!

Today's Topic is : Love Blogging(why? why did you start? who have you met? favorite posts?)

Guys I have to admit something...

Yep these are prints I own. That are hung on a wall near my bed and over my reading/blogging nook.

Thats how much I love blogging...I make sure everyone knows it :)

I started blogging in December of 2009. I was bored and said ok I read a lot of blogs I guess I could write one.

The day I got 5 comments on a post I thought I had made it!

I could not believe 50 people wanted to read my blog let alone 1250.

I have met people I consider some of my best friends through blogging

I go on trips with them....Chicago, Nashville and this summer NYC

These are the people I call when I need to vent, laugh or cry

The people I am most myself around

Some of my favorite posts include but are not limited to:

I'm THAT girl

If You're trying to piss me off

Don't Mess with a good thing

The Birth Control Debate

25 Things about me

My take on blogging

Is it just me

Things I can't live without

6 years ago

I love blogging.

But its not for everyone and thats ok. What I can't stand is people that insult it or say bad things about it in general. If you do not like blogging and do not want to blog then don't. But some of us love it, enjoy it and think its awesome.

DON'T RAIN ON OUR PARADE :)

Anyways ...

Do you love blogging?

Link up with us and tell us why!

Tomorrow's Topic: Love Myself (best features, favorite things about yourself)

Sponsor Intro: Sweet Tea Paperie

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:41:00 +0000

A Little About Sweet Tea Paperie

Sweet Tea Paperie is all about items that represent southern hospitality. It actually doesn't matter if you're from the South or not, we can all appreciate the gentle ways and friendliness of those people who always make us feel welcome. Whether it’s a personalized gift, a special invitation for a party, or a handwritten note on beautiful stationery, I offer items in my store that help folks create the same warmth, charm and grace in their homes and lives that I grew up with in North Carolina. I think it’s the small personal touches – the monogrammed guest towels or the to do list on a lovely note pad – that remind you and the people in your life that they are special.

What Makes Sweet Tea Paperie Special

People appreciate the personal touches of our store. Our customers are also our friends. I personally respond to all inquiries and love doing special things like tucking a free treat or a handwritten note in a package to a customer before shipping it. We want your order to be absolutely perfect and if it isn’t for any reason we go above and beyond to fix it. I also love keeping in touch with our customers through our blog, our Facebook community, and Twitter. They are as much a part of Sweet Tea Paperie as I am and I really enjoy getting to learn about what’s going on in their world.

People also love the great patterns and colors our products come in. Style is about so much more than what you wear. I think it’s invigorating to surround yourself with beautiful things that represent your sense of style – it improves your energy level, motivates you, and can inspire you to do and dream big things. Our products let people incorporate their style into their daily work and personal lives in fun and practical ways.

A Little About Me

I’m a displaced southern girl living in Boston, MA with my shiny new husband (we were married October 2011), our sweet beagle Lanie, and a cat named Patience who is anything but. I'm a native of North Carolina, but also have lived in Texas and Florida. I started my career in education (first as a teacher, then as a counselor), but have always had a penchant for design. Owning a boutique was a dream of mine because I love paper, stationery, and home decor so much myself. When I knew I would be leaving my former job to relocate to Boston (my husband was starting grad school there), it was the perfect opportunity to take the plunge. It’s been a great adventure and even more fun than I thought. I love our customers and helping connect them with great personalized items that add an everyday elegance to their lives.

What I'm Loving Right Now

Choosing a favorite item in the store is like choosing a favorite child - I love them all. Right now I'm loving anything that reminds me of the BEACH. The winter hasn't been too bad in Boston this year, but I would still really love to have my toes in the sand somewhere sunny and warm right now. A girl can dream, right?

C'mon over to our Facebook community and introduce yourself. We'd love to hear from you!

Fabulous Valentines Challenge: Day 6

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:49:00 +0000

Good Monday morning loves!

Today starts week 2 of the Fabulous Valentines Challenge with Amber, Casey and myself!

Thank you to everyone who linked up and made week one so much fun!

We hope that you link up with us this week!

I just love the topics :)

Today's topic is: Love to be creative (crafts, recipe's, and gift ideas)

1.
50 reasons why I love you in a Jar

I actually started this in 2010 and plan to finish it this year

(Not my pictures)

Easy to make:
Buy one glass jar from JoAnns
Decorate it(I used puff paint, and valentines stickers and scrapbook stuff)
Type up or hand write your 50 things(or more!) on tiny sheets up paper(I used multi-colored red and white)
Insert in jar
I also added candy and glitter into the jar
Tie with ribbon
Easy and cheap!! The entire project costs about $5
I put this in a basket of other goodies that include(dark chocolates, other favorite candy, a pair of boxers, a movie, some new yoga pants from lululemon, other little odds and ends).

Easy Peasy very fun and cute valentines gift!

2. I would love to make these

Source: thelittlekitchen.net via createdbydiane on Pinterest

What are you making for Valentines? For your husband? boyfriend? kids? friends?

Link up with us!!

Tomorrow's Topic is: I love Blogging!! And why of course(why did you start, what are some of your favorite posts? who have you met?)

You know you do this too

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:03:00 +0000

You know those things you do and you wonder does anyone else do this? Is it normal? Is it weird? Am I cray cray?

Here are things I do that I guarantee others do too :)

Get jealous when someone gets engaged/married that has been with their significant other less time than you

Get jealous when people get things you want/cant afford

Stalk items you are selling on ebay to see if people are bidding/watching/viewing

Make wishlists at stores or add things to your shopping cart you know you will never ever buy

Roll your eyes when someone you don't likes tweets/blogs about something bitchy....but still read their blogs/tweets

Wonder what other couples fight about when you fight with your significant other and wonder if you have similar fights

Make stereotypical judgements in your head

Assume the ladies giving you your pedicure are talking shit about you

Have someone retake the picture 3 times because you have the "fat arms" "fat face" "bad nose angle" etc

Anyone else?

Sponsor Intro: Some great blogs to follow

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:28:00 +0000

Hey Y'all here are 3 of the fabulous blogger's sponsoring A Complete Waste of Makeup in February! Go show them some love :)

My name is Ashleigh and I'm a 20-something wife, mommy, sister, daughter, granddaughter, and friend!I am a former teacher turned stay-at-home mommy, Army wife, and blogger. I initially started this blog in order to document my pregnancy, but now it has become so much more. I blog about everything- frustrations, venting, mommyhood, wine, disappearing groomsmen, OCD psychos, the cry-it-out method, army life, dieting, link-ups, giveaways, and more!

Your 5 favorite things
Call me a tad sentimental...
1. My wedding ring and what it represents.
2. The diamond necklace my daughter gave me for my first Mother's Day.
3. All of my TOMS- hello comfortable!
4. Our family pictures.
5. My bed- seriously the most comfortable bed on the planet!

What do you think you have gained from blogging?
I have definitely gained a new found love for writing. I find that putting my thoughts down, negative and positive, is a very therapeutic process for me! And if someone doesn't like, it really isn't my problem. I say what I want, when I want, with no regrets.

Biggest accomplishment or thing you would like to accomplish this year.
I want to learn to be a more patient mother and wife. I think learning to sit back and enjoy the small things would be huge for me. When you are part of an Army family, you are constantly thinking about the future- will he deploy? Where will we move next? I just want to learn to stop and enjoy the very moment that I am in.
blog / twitter / facebook / pinterest

___________________________________________________________________________

About Me:

Hi All! I'm Vicki from My Vickilicious Life ... I'm a twenty-something from NYC. I have recently become a FitFluential Ambassador and am proud of the recent changes I have made towards living a healthier life! I blog about anything & everything that is on my mind at any given moment. I love link-ups & currently co-host two of them: The Nail Files & Blogger's Biggest Loser. It's taken awhile, but I'm learning that sometimes you just have to laugh (especially at yourself) and let go of expectations. Life should be about the journey not the destination ...

My Five Favorite Things:

My boyfriend
My Family
All things electronic (My laptop, Kindle, iPhone)
Accessories (Scarves & Nailpolish)
My Keurig

What do I think I have gained from blogging? I think the blogging community is an awesome place. I am honored to have made true friends even if I've never met them in person. Blogging has also rekindled my love for writing, reading and further enables my addiction to makeup/nailpolish/scarves among other things ;) I get so much love & support from my blogging peers every single day and I think it is the truest blessing!
Biggest accomplishment or thing I would like to accomplish this year: I would love to continue on my weight-loss & fitness journey and finally get to my goal weight. I am so proud of the accomplishments I have already made (cutting out both diet & regular soda). I have "tried" many times in the past to make changes but I have never followed through fully = am truly passionate about reaching my health & fitness goals this time and I hope to follow through until my goals are met! I hope you will visit my blog sometime and follow me on my journey to being healthy & where-ever else the path may lead ....

Email / Blog / Twitter / Myfitnesspal / Facebook / Pinterest
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They Call Her Meghan is about my day to day life and things I find interesting. I write about my crazy family, my awesome friends, and just my life in general! I have realized in the last couple weeks I need to focus on writing for me & it's not all about the followers. I want TCHM to be a place where I can look back 5 years from now & say oh wow, that's how I was then, and this is how I am now! Stop by & say hi!

My five favorite things would have to be:
1. Writing
2. My puppy dog Cooper
3. Blogging
4. My best friend/sister Mady
5. Reading

With blogging, I have gained a voice and a place for me to be me. At home and in real life, I feel like I'm just another girl, with blogging, I let my personality and thoughts shine and often don't leave much out. I love the fact that my blog is my place and how people remember me and that nobody can take it away from me,

I would love to graduate college and get my first big girl job, but we'll see how that goes!

Boob Tube Babble: Rewind

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:19:00 +0000

About 10 months ago I posted the following post, but many of you were not readers of my blog then plus this was one of my most popular posts and its awesome.

This is where I solve a mystery that was plauging me for years and years...enjoy my rewind

So we all watched Saved by the Bell right?

Yes dont lie some of you still do....

Ok fine maybe thats just me and maybe just when Jessie takes the caffeine pills because I think its funny...

But I have a confession...

Some things about SBTB plague me...

How come in their senior year Kelly and Jessie disappeared for a while and Tori came in?

What happened to them?

Seriously?

How come the middle school years and the high school years take place in different states?

Indiana and California....weird right?

Come on saved by the bell....EXPLAIN YOURSELF....

So I did a little digging and found what I like to think of as a fantastically silly explanation....

This is taken from Wikipedia:
As mentioned above, the character Tori Scott (Leanna Creel) was added in the final season as an initial sparring partner and later girlfriend for Zack. Originally, the final season consisted of thirteen episodes featuring the original cast, and the cast members' contracts with the show expired after those episodes were completed with the final graduation episode. However, NBC ordered more episodes of the show and Thiessen and Berkley refused to sign new contracts. Rather than producing new episodes with only four cast members, a new character, Tori Scott, was added to serve as a replacement for Kelly and Jessie.
The promos for the final season of the show featured Kelly, Jessie, and Tori together, despite the fact that the actresses never actually appear in an episode together. Rather, the network alternated between "Kelly and Jessie" and "Tori" episodes each week.
During the "Tori" episodes, it was never explained why Jessie and Kelly were not present and likewise for the "Kelly and Jessie" episodes, no mention was made of Tori. When the season aired in the UK, the episodes were broadcast in production order - the Tori episodes and the Jessie and Kelly episodes were shown together. This was scarcely less confusing, since no mention was ever made of Tori's sudden disappearance and Kelly and Jessie's equally sudden reappearance partway through the season. However, a side effect of this resulted in the graduation episode (a "Kelly and Jessie" episode) airing before the first "Tori" episode - Zack, Slater, Screech and Lisa continued to attend Bayside even after their apparent graduation.
The term "Tori Paradox" is derived from Chuck Klosterman's essay about the show in his book, Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto.
Ok and what about the different locations?

Three of the teens from the original cast – Gosselaar, Diamond, and Voorhies – remained on the show, playing the same characters with only minor changes to their backstories. Haskins also stayed on as Mr. Belding. However, the setting was changed from Indianapolis, Indiana to the fictional Bayside High School in the Palisades in Los Angeles, California.

Hmmm I dont accept this answer...we are supposed to believe that the creators just decided...OK no big deal we will move states and no one will notice!?

INCONCEIVABLE!

And just because I needed some nostalgia ....

Who do we like more...

Kelly Kapowski?

Or Valerie Malone?

Link up with Ashley and I and talk some TV!

Also don't forget to link up for the Valentines Challenge today its I love my girlfriends day!

Fabulous Valentines Challenge: Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:15:00 +0000

Friday Friday gotta get down on Friday!

So its Friday!

Not only can you link up for Day 5 of the challenge today BUT also Boob Tube Babble :)

Do it :)

Thank you everyone who has linked up this week! We have been having so much fun reading your posts, and I promise I am reading them all even if you dont get a comment I AM reading them!

Next week is going to be super fun too so come back Monday!!!

Today's Topic is: Love my Girlfriends

I have amazing girlfriends.

Period.

They support me, love, me, shop with me, talk with me, email with me, are silly with me, hate/love the people I do :)

So here are some of my favorite moments of recent times

Some of you I have not met: Emily H, Erin H, Kate, Amanda, Jax and any of you I talk to daily

You are loved too!

I love my girlfriends to the moon and back. Period.

Link up with us!!!

Monday's Topic is: Love to be creative(crafts, recipe's, gift ideas)

See you MONDAY!

Sponsor Intro: Emily @ Bases Loaded

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:29:00 +0000

Hello!! I am Emily and my little blog is Bases Loaded, which is a pun on our last name in case you were wondering! I am so excited to be sponsoring Neely’s blog and even more excited that she and I have become friends in real life. It has been a blast getting to know her these past few months!

Meet Eric, Emily, and Ollie

So what is Bases Loaded about? Well… a lot of everything! My husband Eric and I got married on June 19, 2010 and I started this blog about a year ago to share our lives as newlyweds with our friends and family. Little did I know I would enjoy blogging so much and I would expand out into the blogosphere.

You can see more pictures from our wedding from the recent Valentine's Challenge here

It has been about a year since I started this blog... a lot of posts are about this guy.

This is Ollie, our German Shorthaired Pointer, and the current love of our lives. No kids yet. Just the dog, but we love him lots! He is about two and half and just a big puppy! He can be the craziest dog or the most loveable dog. Within seconds. He definitely fills our lives with joy and we don't know what we do without him.

I also run and blog about it....

You can read about my most recent half marathon here

I try to cook but who am I kidding, Eric is the real chef around here. I like easy recipes!

Here are some of my favorite recipes that I have posted.

Cheesey Corn Dip Appetizer

Chicken Spaghetti

Pork and Green Chiles Casserole

Soft Brown Sugar Cookies

I promise to start cooking and posting more!

Eric's family has a ranch and we enjoy going their to spend time in the country with the cows, horses, and donkeys! So you can expect some posts about life in the country!

As you can see we live a full and fun life! I hope you come check us out and stay a while!

Emily (and Eric and Ollie!)

Twitter Blog

ITS OK Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:06:00 +0000

I am be referring to this as my soapbox edition of ITS OK...lets see how this goes

ITS OK....

To shamelessly plug link ups like THE FABULOUS VALENTINES CHALLENGE hosted by myself, Stress Case and Brunch with Amber

To link up with Ashley and I for BOOB TUBE BABBLE on Fridays

TO think butter is a carb

To wear pink on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays...not just Wednesdays

To agree to disagree....we can all think differently(politically, religiously, gay rights, womens rights, pro life pro choice what have you) But lets keep it classy.

To think everyone should go read my pal Leslie's post from yesterday...MIND BLOWN

To be overly excited for NYC in May/June HOLLA if you live up in the NYC

But to slightly appalled at how much Pure Barre costs there...damn me and my need to work out on vacations

To keep calm and blog on

To keep calm and drink wine

To keep calm and latte on

To think that if you get pizza or cookies at whole foods they are good for you

Its ok to stop this right here and now immediately read my challenge post for today because it is EPIC

Link up with Amber and I tell us what's OK with you??

Fabulous Valentines Challenge: Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:58:00 +0000

ITS THURSDAY!

BTW Amber and I have ITS OK Thursday going on today as well so feel free to link up for both :)

ITS Totes OK :)

Today's Topic is: Love Weddings

Source: Uploaded by user via Neely on Pinterest

LINK UP WITH US :)

And Tomorrow's Topic is: Love My Girlfriends :)

Sponsor Into: XOXO Handmade

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:39:00 +0000

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Fabulous Valentines Challenge: Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:20:00 +0000

Hidy Ho!

Its ~~HUMP DAY!!!~~ Wednesday!

Today is Day 3 of our Challenge :) WOOOOO! Hope you guys are having fun so far :)

Today's Topic is: Love My Outfit: Valentines Day Outfits

I have a few different categories

The first is If like me; you and your person like to workout together, you can always have a cute valentines-y outfit for the weekend before. Maybe go for a hike, walk or go to yoga or pure barre together :) Then grab some brunch, get a pedicure, go to the park :)

Valentines Day Lounging by neelykins featuring a yoga activewear

Sweatshirt hoody
astro pant (regular) | women's pants | lululemon athletica
Yoga activewear
Tory Burch leather flat shoes, $95
running hats & headbands for yoga | lululemon athletica
Kate Spade New York Fanfare Mikala, $71

Next up: A low key date: A movie, quiet dinner, a concert, bowling

Valentines Low Key date by neelykins featuring a heart tee

MNKR heart tee, $28
Balenciaga zipper jacket, $2,595
Opaque tight, $14
Tory burch shoes, £173
Dot jewelry, $39
Polka dot jewelry, $39

Lastly, a Fancy date! A nice dinner, a play, a helicopter ride....you know the fancy stuff

Fancy Valentines Day night by neelykins featuring polka dot jewelry

Evening party dress, $80
Gucci coat, $2,400
Kate Spade flat bag, $221
Black Diamond dot jewelry, $54
Dot jewelry, $69
Polka dot jewelry, $34

So there you have it! Are you going for a hike? A movie? A fancy night out?

No matter what you can be cute, stylish and in Valentines-y colors :)

What are you wearing this Valentines?

LINK UP WITH US!

Tomorrow's Topic: Love Weddings: Your current, future, past wedding pics! Pinterest Ideas, etc :)

Fabulous Valentines Challenge: Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:43:00 +0000

Happy Tuesday all!

THANK YOU to everyone who linked up yesterday!

We sooooo appreciate it :)

Today's Topic is: Love Telling this Bad Date Story AKA WORST DATE EVER

Let me set the stage for you...

I was 20, newly single after a 3 plus year relationship with a total jerkface who really loved to cheat on me.

My hairdresser(straight man) said that he had a client who had a really cute son that was my age. He asked if he could give him my number....the better part of me screamed "OH HELLLS NO!" but alas I said "Ok sure"

Flashforward to 3 days later....Tommy Thompson(nope his actually name) calls me.

We chat for a while and plan a date for the next weekend.

He picks me up and going out of my neighborhood I said turn left

His response: I dont like to make left hand turns

My reaction: Like Zoolander? (if you get that joke you get 5 points)

He was not amused.

He takes me to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner...not a terrible place to eat.

I ate about half my pizza and didnt eat anymore

His response: "Are you anorexic"

My reaction: Are you an asshole?

Yeah this dates going well right?

Then he takes me to see a movie...I have no idea what movie.

In the parking lot he parks the furthest possible point away from the door.

My response: Why did you park so far away?

Him: speeds up to a closer spot, slams on breaks and says... "Better Princess?"

I say nothing. But I am thinking that this guy has now asked if I have an eating disorder and basically told me I am high maintenance...winner

We walk into the theater and I go to the restroom and call my best friend and polietly ask "Can you come get me cause if not I am calling a cab and getting the fuck out of this god awful date"

I say to Tommy "I just threw up the half of the pizza I ate...its either food poisoning or I am bulimic"

Then I say "____ is coming to get me....hope you enjoy the movie"

He says nothing.

I leave.

The end.

What's your WORST DATE EVER?

Link up with us!

Tomorrow's Topic: Valentines outfit ideas!

Fabulous Valentines Challenge: Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:28:00 +0000

Ohhhhhh heyyyyyy Good Morning to ya!

Its Monday and today marks Day 1 of Casey , Amber and My Valentines Challenge!

We really hope you will link up with us, One day or all 10 days we appreciate your support!

Help us spread the word :)

So today's topic is: Loved This Date-Best Date Ever

Could be someone your dating now, have dated, or that awesome dance from 9th grade...anything goes....

During Chad and my relationship there has been many a fantastic date but I think my favorite would be about 3 weeks after we met we went to the Coldplay concert.

We went with 2 of my friends and sat on the lawn.

Halfway through the concert the band came to the lawn and played 3 songs....it was incredible.

I loved that date for a few reasons:

1. It was our first concert together

2. It was his first time meeting a few of my friends

3. It was just fun, relaxing and perfect

I think we look so young!

Seriously best date ever!

Tomorrow's Topic: Love Telling this bad date story...Worst Date Ever

LINK UP WITH US!!!!

Also gonna link up with my pal Erin for Favorite of the week:

This week my favorite is:

Its a Brad Brad World

I cant get enough of this show!

Whats your fav?

50 Questions that will free your mind

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:54:00 +0000

I saw my sweet lovely friend Ty do this and thought....that looks intimidating....

So here goes...

Btw I started this 2 months ago....

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? 16. I spend a lot of time on emotional roller coasters, I can be convinced to lay in bed all day, I sometimes dress like the teenagers I see at the mall....I really like ABC family.
Which is worse, failing or never trying? Never trying. I can fail with the best of them but that feeling of what if is the worst EVER.
If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do? Fear. I think we do the things we dont like because we are expected to. I think we dont do the things we like to do because we are afraid.
When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? Probably so sadly. Hence the blog, I say a lot but do I do a lot? I dont know....
What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? How the United States is ranked in Education. Last .....not good US not good!
If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? Professional blogger/freelance writer. Nothing would make me happier than being my own boss, setting my own work schedule and doing the thing I love most....writing.
Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? I think some days both. I love teaching, I love educating children, but some days it I know there are other things I want to do.
If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? I would love harder.
To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? I think in every degree. I have made all my decisions. The first rebellious decision I can remember making was quitting cheerleading in high school. Even that sent my life on a different course.
Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? Right thing for sure.
You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do? I always stand up for my friends, I think not saying anything to the people talking crap is just as bad as talking crap about someone
If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? The world will surprise you in the best and worse ways
Would you break the law to save a loved one? I would. Any day of the week.
Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? In some of my rambles....no really.
What’s something you know you do differently than most people? Sex? No Ummm I dont know I mean I think I love differently....dont we all?
How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy? We are all human. We want for different things. For instance it makes me happy to lay on the couch with Chad and drink a glass of wine...that may not make anyone else happy. It makes me happy
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back? Run a full marathon....honestly I am afraid I wont be able to finish. I hate starting something I cant finish....scurrrrred.
Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? yes resentment towards my sister. However I am not sure I will ever be able to let go of that.
If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why? Chicago, Illinois. My favorite city in the US. Love the people(heyyyy Meghan and Sally) love the shopping, the food, the attitudes and niceness of the people who live there, etc.
Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster? Yes I do and no I dont...Im a sucker.
Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton? Joyful simpleton for the win!
Why are you, you? Well when a man and woman love each other and lay really close together a baby happens or as it was so brilliantly explained in Knocked UP: Well. I think a stork, he umm, he drops it down and then, and then, a hole goes in your body and there's blood everywhere, coming out of your head and then you push your belly button and then your butt falls off and then you hold your butt and you have to dig and you find the little baby.

But for serious....I cant answer this.

23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? I think for the most part. I have selfish moments and for some friends I could have been there more. I think true friends stand by you and I do that. I dont judge, I dont lazily befriend people.

24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you? Losing touch cause when any of my good friends have moved away I have always stayed close to them. Most of the people I call my best friends do not live close to me. "The ones you love are always in your heart and if you are very very lucky a plane ride away."

25. What are you most grateful for? Education. I have been lucky enough to have gone to college and grad school and finished both. I think education is the most amazing gift and I am beyond thankful for it.

26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? Oh god. Never be able to make new ones. I wouldn't want to lose what I already have. God this is depressing to think about.

27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first? Depends. Is an orange orange? yes I dont need to challenge that truth.

28. Has your greatest fear ever come true? Yep. Lost people I love. That is my greatest fear hands down.

29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now? I was thinking about this recently. About how certain dumb crap used to upset me. In the grand scheme of things no it doesn't matter. But it did at the time and thats whats important.

30. What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special? Weezie, who I mentioned in an earlier post. Every single memory with her is a happy childhood memory. She was the best. Also: Christmas mornings with my parents before they divorced, movies with my dad, pedicures with my mom, when my mom used to take me to Niemans to go shopping and get a cookie from basically birth on....

31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive? When Im with Chad.

32. If not now, then when? Hmmm later? hehe

33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose? My faith in humanity.

34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever? Nothing comes to mind. I mean I sure I have those moments but not with a stranger.

35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars? Because people as a whole are hypocritical.

36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil? We can only use our gut and make the best choice. Good vs Evil is different for everyone. Craigslist killer....EVIL.

37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job? I would work on becoming a professional blogger. The good thing about being a teacher is I could always go back later.

38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing? More that I love doing :)

39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before? I feel like I have those moments a lot. Im a creature of habit.

40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in? Oh god, the day I started my blog? The day I quit my job to go back to grad school....

41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today? Parents, grandparents, Chad, Michele, Ashley....

42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous? Im ok with my level of attractiveness at this point. I do not wish to be famous.

43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living? we are all alive. But truly living is being happy, doing what you love, being with who you love and only doing what will make YOU happy at the end of the day, not worrying about what others think and how they will feel about your decisions.

44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right? Something we should all do all the time. Something I struggle with daily.

45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? Sometimes we have to make the same mistakes over and over and over again. I think we all live in fear of "doing the right thing"

46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? Probably work things out with Chad without being afraid of what everyone will think.

47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing? No frickin idea

48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love? I love my family, friends etc...I think I show that all the time! I also love blogging and starbucks which I show daily :)

49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that? Honestly...I doubt it.

50. Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you? I would love to say making them for myself but I think I let others judgements and opinions influence the decisions I make rather than doing what makes me happy and hoping they support me.

TODAY is a BIIIIG deal!

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:36:00 +0000

Today at my house I am hosting my official Stella and Dot launch :)

I am so excited to see so many of my Dallas friends today and if you are in Dallas and want to come by let me know!!

I am doing Stella and Dot as another part time job and so far its been super fun!

I would love if you all click on my button on the right side bar and took a look at all the fun new spring jewelry!

Here are some of the pictures of a few of my new favorites

What are you waiting for? Go shopping :)

I appreciate everyone's support :) :)

XOXO

Boob Tube Babble: Neely talks bad boys of TV

noreply@blogger.com (Neely) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:17:00 +0000

Today I am veering away from the usual TV recaps(although you can still post yours) to discuss my love of TV bad boys.

Why?

A twitter convo sparked this week about Jess vs Logan on Gilmore Girls between Kate and I. Then it went on about Ryan Atwood, Dylan McKay, etc....

So Here are my fav TV bad boys...

1. IN my heart forever will be Pacey Witter. The ultimate bad boy turned good guy with a heart of gold. LOVE HIM.

2. Ben Covington. Yowza....could there ever be a hotter guy on TV? NO. I think this video is the best montage I have seen of Felicity and Ben. Sorry Noel.

3. Ryan Atwood. OK I am here to admit I loved the OC. I really and truly did. I did not however like Marissa. I loved Ryan and I loved Summer. Not together obvi. But I loved me some Ryan...

4. Jess Mariano. Yep from Gilmore Girls. True Story...I did like Logan a lot too. Dean was never my favorite. He had like NO backbone. But Jess...yummy. And yes I did find the best montages possible for these videos...case and point...

5. Of course I couldn't NOT have Dylan McKay on here. You know I am a sucker for Dylan...but with Brenda NOT KELLY!!!!!! Nothing says montage like REO Speedwagon.

You're Welcome.

Who was your favorite TV show bad boy? Or were more of a cookie cutter nice guy kinda gal? Thats ok too!

Link up with Ashley and I and talk about TV!