It's great to be 28!

Here's to 28 kicking 27's ass!!

Birthday Week!!

Wow! Where have I been?  I must commit to staying on top of my blog.  I’ve been so busy lately that I never seem to make time to blog.  Actually, all of my free time has been consumed by reading!  I blew (no pun intended) through the Fifty Shades trilogy and now I’m finishing up the Hunger Games trilogy.  I’ve also had few birthday parties and bridal showers to attend plus class reunion stuff to sort out.  In the midst of all things celebratory, one of my long time best friends gave birth to her first kiddo!  It was such an amazing moment to see her with her precious baby boy.  The idea of birth is pretty mind blowing if you think about it… it truly is life’s greatest miracle.  Though I’m not quite ready for that step, I know it will be a great journey when that time comes.

Turning 28 in a few days is making me a bit sentimental.  It’s crazy how much life can change within a year.  This time last year I had a different job, a different address and different hobbies.  I’ve reconnected with old friends, said goodbye to some not-so-good friends, watched a few friends get married and watched a few give birth. (well… not actually watch)  27 has been good to me but 28… will be GREAT!

Welcome Back Tuesday!

I'm back from my short lived but much needed beach trip!  I had a great time and the weather was amazing.  We swam, ate, parasailed, ate, danced, ate, drank and ate!  Destin never disappoints nor does its seafood!  My first day back at work has actually been quite normal.  There were no hiccups while I was away and no heavy workload waiting in my inbox.  With that being said, I'm already anticipating the weekend.  I still haven't caught up on my sleep. 

Stay tuned for pics...

The Color Run!

Today I signed up for my very first 5K!  The Color Run has become wildly popular across the US.  I’m so happy that I chose this one for my first run.  I’m trying to recruit friends of mine to join the fun.  I have about two members on board so far. (not including friends who have signed up separately) Check out the video below! 

It’s time to step up my training!



Menopause, The Musical!

Today I bought my mother the absolute best birthday present… tickets to Menopause, The Musical!!  The crazy thing is that it’s in town for only one night, September 20^th, my mother’s birthday!  It was so meant to be.  I can’t wait to see her face when I give her the news!!

Hiking!!

This past weekend I was FINALLY able to convince my sister and Jennifer to go hiking with me.  What a day it was!  We honestly had the BEST time!  Reaching the falls, talking, laughing, panting…  it was a blast.  Six miles later we came out unscathed with a great feeling of accomplishment.  I can’t wait to do it again.

(A hideous picture of me taken by my sister, of course)

(Jenn and Tiffany taking a break)

(Tiffany taking a peek at the falls)

(Me on the top of Peavine Falls)

(Jenn heading down to the falls)

(Peavine Falls)

Thank you Oak Mt. for an amazing day!

Seeing the Big Picture!

I wanted to share my devotional for today courtesy of InTouch Ministries.  I thought it was a great way to begin the week by reminding us why we're here.  It's easy to lose sight of the big picture in this crazy, crazy world.  There is so much pressure to be the best, look the best, have the best…. it’s exhausting and so misguided. It’s not my will, but HIS will!

 Monday, April 16, 2012

Read | 1 Samuel 16:6-13

            What do you live for each day? A pay raise? Retirement? Then perhaps you've discovered the reality that basing aspirations on getting ahead in this world typically ends in disappointment. People with a misguided sense of direction often wonder why they feel unfulfilled.
            Maybe you've already realized a goal of saving for the future or moving up the corporate ladder. You give to charity and volunteer at church, but somehow still feel a sense of insignificance or aimlessness. If so, there is a truth you need to hear: God gives each of us life for a very specific reason: to serve Him. Nobody finds inner peace without reconciling this fact. Our society teaches us that pleasure, prosperity, position, and popularity will make us happy--but living in the service of self always leaves an emptiness no earthly reward can fill.
            Besides, worldly philosophy won't stand the test of time. Few of us are going to live even 100 years. So whatever we'll become in this life, we're in the process of becoming that right now. Consider David: he was anointed king long before actually assuming the role (1 Sam. 16:12). He spent many years serving the purpose of God in insignificant places while developing into a great man. As his story shows, discovering God's purpose for your life is the surest path to success.
            Our heavenly Father's purpose for our lives comes from His heart of love--which is perfect. None of us can foretell the great things He has in store for us, but we can trust His plan completely. Surrender to Him today and say, "Not my will, Lord, but Yours be done."

Vegas!!

I am so excited to report that I am FINALLY taking a trip to Sin City!!  My sister is turning 30 in June and plans are underway.  To get the most out of our $$ we’ve been checking out Groupon deals.  We finally ran across an enticing deal with The Night Train!!

Guests choose to visit six different venues with VIP entry over the course of two days with access to two pool parties. Club-savvy guides lead the way to three A-List nightclubs and lounges in the course of a single night, where they help guests to bypass lines and facilitate drink specials at each stop. In between VIP admittance—with no cover—to popular nightclubs that may include Haze, Bank, 1Oak, XS, and Tao housed in major casino-hotels such as Mandalay Bay, Palazzo, and the Venetian, revelers travel from club to club by foot or inside a swanky party-bus limo stocked with unlimited drinks.

I’m so excited!!

It's 5:00 Somewhere!

Happy Friday Everyone!!  Alana's baby shower is tomorrow and I pray that all of the hard work pays off and that she loves every minute of it!  I'll post pics next week!!  Until then...



Spring is in the air!!

Now that Spring is officially here (as of yesterday) I can finally add a few things to my wish list!  Color!  I’ve been trend spotting colored denim and it makes me so excited for this new season.  I’m going to try my best not to go overboard but there are so many fun and flirty colors to choose from.  I definitely want to get a mint pair and a coral pair.  I spotted one of each last night in Altar’d State.

I think these will be cute to wear to dinner (with my new wedges) on those cool nights at the beach!    



St. Patty's Day Fun!

What a fun weekend of celebrations!  Once again St. Patty's Day was filled with green beer, lots of laughs and familiar faces.  Hopefully some of that Irish luck rubbed off on me in the process!

H&M Coming soon!

I could not be more thrilled that H&M is FINALLY coming to Alabama.  Of course I would LOVE for it to be right here in Birmingham but I will settle for Huntsville.  According to the Huntsville Times, construction is scheduled to conclude in June!  I’m so excited!!   I think I’ll treat myself to a little summer shopping spree!

I'm ready!

Daylight Savings Time

Father Time has done it again! 



This morning my brain has yet to catch up with my body.  Or is the the other way around? zzzzz...

DIY: Flowers!

I’m so excited about this latest project!!  In trying to cut corners (and save a few $$) I’ve decided to make my own centerpieces for the baby shower.  I wanted flowers but knew that it could get a little pricey.  Thanks to good ole Pinterest I found a great project through The Idea Room.

Here are the beautiful flowers that they’ve created...

And HERE are mine!

They're super easy to make, just very time consuming.  Instead of using a hot glue gun I used straight pins.  Pins are quick, easy and a lot less messy.

My next project will be making this adorable necklace!

So much DIY fun!

New Me, New Look: Hair Edition!

So with this weight loss challenge I think I need to take it a step further and revamp my hair.  I have worn the same style for what seems like my entire life… plus or minus a bang here and there.  I’ve decided that I’d like to, once and for all, change it up.  I have become obsessed with the Ombré style.  I’ve never colored my hair before so this style makes me very nervous, plus I think it would need to be a lot longer to pull it off successfully.  However, I’m determined to find a way to make it work.

Here I am… just plain Jane B.

    

Now imagine me with this hair!  Yay or Nay?



This and That!

Once again I’ve gotten so behind on my updates…   Were to begin?!

First of all Wicked was a blast.  I’m dying to go back.  My plan is to see West Side Story when it comes in November.   I’ve always loved theater but for some reason I never think to check out local shows.  Well... that’s about to change.  I’ve scouted out a few shows that I’m going to try my best to attend... including RENT performed by BSC’s theater department.



This past weekend was Chili Cook Off and I’m so happy that I was FINALLY able to attend.  Even though Northwestern did not place, I had a ton of fun seeing familiar faces and enjoying my team.  Not to mention all of the wonderful chili that I sampled.  My bestie Jenn came with me and even helped with the wonderful task of washing dishes.  THAT was quite an experience!



And lastly, I’m happy to say that I have joined the SouthBridge Health Club and I start my 15 lb weight loss today!  I got a little behind during Fit and Frugal February but that all changes at 5:00.  I’m trying to decide how I’m going to reward myself after the first 5 lbs are lost and so on…  I think my first reward will be the Rebox Premier Zig Fly seen here!

THIS IS...



Have a WICKED Weekend!!

I'm so excited to see Wicked tonight!!  This will be my first time seeing it and I am going to enjoy every minute of it!

Wednesday Inspiration!



I thought this was very fitting after last night’s sobering Glee episode.  We must remember that no one situation lasts forever.  There is so much to look forward to… keep smiling!

Song of the day:  Happy by Natasha Bedingfield