Tuesday Inspiration... with a kick!

Happy Weekend!!

What are your plans for this weekend?  I'll be moving all of this...

Wish me well!  For those of you who can... enjoy your weekend!

Fit and Frugal February!

Since November I have fallen behind on maintaining my health and fitness lifestyle changes.  At the beginning of 2011 I joined Weight Watchers Online and began working out regularly.  By summertime I was pleased (not overjoyed) with the results.  Slowly I convinced myself that I could splurge because I was doing such a good job.  Well that inch soon turned into a mile!  I have since completely stopped working out and balancing my diet.  Shameful, I know!  Needless to say my purse has taken an unexpected hit because of this as well.

Seeing as how I’ve never been good at saving, I challenge myself to a month of not purchasing anything that is a non-necessity.  I saw this article on NYTimes.com that struck a chord with me. 

Why not get healthy and save a few dollars.  It’s a win-win… and everyone loves a win.  I vow to eat only what I buy at the grocery and to devote at least 4 days a week getting reacquainted with the treadmill.  Bring it on February!!



Jess' Wedding Update

Now that the honeymooners are back I've decided to share a few more pics from their big day!  Enjoy!

What a fun night!

Red With Envy!

I’m so excited about our latest purchase for the new apartment… RED Couches!!   After speaking with my skeptical mother, I felt a little defeated in my purchase.  She had a bit of a struggle envisioning a red couch and loveseat in an apartment.  Only after she googled “how to decorate with red furniture” did she see that there are tons and tons of different ways to decorate with such a vibrant color.   

Here is the set that we purchased!

After rethinking her comments, I decided maybe I too should see what others have done.  To my delight, I found a ton of fun arrangements that have given me a great jumping off point. 

Decorating this apartment will be my new obsession.  My next mission is to find a fab set of end tables and a coffee table.  Then I’ll move on to curtains, lamps and so on.  Someone reel me back in before it’s too late! =)

A Mournful Monday

This week did not start off as I’d hope.  It appears that there was a single tornado that traveled from Tuscaloosa, AL through Jefferson County and into St. Clair County during a two-hour stretch beginning early this morning around 2am.  Once again a state emergency has been declared for parts of Alabama. Hundreds of homes have been lost and lives destroyed. In addition to this sad news, today also marks the anniversary of the death of one of my best friends.  Sometimes it’s hard to find the joy in such sad times.  When all else fails, I will continue to pray.

Have a great weekend!

Curl up with a good book and have a relaxing weekend!!

Moving Woes

Oh the dreaded task of packing… 

Don’t get me wrong, moving and starting fresh is very exciting.  It’s everything that leads up to that point that stresses me out.  It never ceases to amaze me how much stuff one can accumulate over a year’s time.  I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a bit of a pack rat but I’m trying my best to de-clutter as often as I can. 

My Saturday will be devoted to going through my entire room and bathroom and throwing/giving away all items that were not used or worn during 2011.  It’s always a struggle to let things go (there’s the constant voice telling me that I may need it again one day) but I think I’ll feel a sense of relief when it’s all said and done.

Recently I came across free packing labels via The Project Girl. 

These labels will definitely aid in the organization of boxes mounting in my basement.  I am quickly becoming obsessed with this site!  It has definitely motivated me to stay organized in 2012.

Thursday Inspiration

Israel

Last night I met with a few ladies of T.H.R.E.A.D.S to discuss a trip to Israel set for early 2013.  I must say that it’s a little intimidating to make such an expensive commitment.  However, this is definitely a bucket list venture that I am desperate to be a part of.  We were able to look at last year’s itinerary and discuss some of the places they visited.  I am going to try my very best to save the money need for this life changing experience.   Here’s a little inspiration!

(Capernaum)

(City of David)

(Yad Vashem)

Weekend Roundup!

This past weekend was a blast!!  From rehearsal dinner on... the fun never stopped.  The wedding was amazing and Jess was absolutely gorgeous!    Here are a few sneak peaks... more pics to come!  (I’m reserving pictures of the bride and groom until they return from St. Thomas)

 Fun times all around!

Happy MLK day... a day late!!

Share the Dream!

Practice makes perfect!



In preparation for Jess’ wedding I decided to pinch a few pennies and practice doing my hair and makeup myself.  Not exactly sure how to approach the perfect bridesmaid do, I went straight to my Pinterest board for some “Hairography”. 

Keep in mind, the bride requested a classy side bun.  This is what I aimed for…

This is what I got!

I must say... I was pretty impressed with myself.  (now if only I can do it again tomorrow)  Who knows, I may have a future in cosmetology! 

Movies Galore

There are soooo many new movies that I’m excited to see in the next couple of months!  I think I’m going to have to develop or join some type of “Movie Club” to help me keep up.  Luckily I have my good friend Megan who enjoys movie theatre popcorn just as much as I do.

I wish this was a novel.

I hope to read this book before I watch the movie.  Although, I believe the book is more of a “how to” instead of a narrative.

I recently read this book and I’m obsessed… of course.

I’m reading this now and so far I love it!

Looks like fun!

Bel Ami... I love a period piece!

I just can’t get enough of a good love story. 

The Last "Roommate" Supper



Last night I enjoyed a nostalgic dinner at Mofiaoza's with my roommates one last time. 

We took this on Lida's phone, not the best shot. 

We have about two weeks left before we turn the keys in for good.  It’s bittersweet moving on but I have had a lot of fun living with these gals.  Hopefully we’ll hold true to our pact of monthly dinners as a fun means to staying in touch.  Here’s to us… The Ladies of Leach Court! =)

Dare to Hair!

I don’t know about you but I love trying new hair products.  About every 3 or 4 years I switch things up and try something new.  My latest obsession is Carol's Daughter! 

Their products are all natural and amazing.  Winter has always been a stressful time for my mane, I shed constantly.  I’ve had a few of their products for a while but haven’t used them as I should. Today I picked up two new products to use in conjunction with the rest.  I can’t wait to see my locks transform! Check out what I’ll be using below:

Repairing Shampoo

Repairing Conditioner

Hair Balm (A special thanks to my friend Kari for accidently leaving this on the sink for me to use)

Hair Oil (this smells yummy)

Heat Protection Serum

I'm going back to purchase the Repairing Hair Mask next week!  All products are sold in Alabama at Macy's, Sephora and Dillard's.