Happy Halloween!

Well, luckily this year my friends and I somehow managed to ignore Halloween all together. No silly costumes, no crazy nights, no trick-or-treaters. I spent the weekend watching not-so-scary movies, trying to be productive around the house, and seeing some friends.

Well, not everyone got out of Halloween, but I hope you had a great weekend!

Faith, Hope & Love

I heard these songs back-to-back the other day. They give me so much hope for the future and faith that everyone will find love. Remember that is has already been planned for us all.


This song is probably my favorite right now.

Looking for Skin Care Tips

Happy Friday!

So I haven't had much luck in getting responses from people when I ask for suggestions, but ever the persistent one I am, here we go again.

I am looking for some tips in skin care. I try to do all that I know for that radiant glow, but I just don't think I have it. And lately, I have had way too many more blemishes than I care to have. (I blame stress and all the sweating that occurs in hot yoga.)

So please, readers, fill me in on any secrets, tricks, products you use for clear, radiant skin.*

Random thought for the day:

As I was driving to work this morning, I heard a song that I hadn't heard in a while and it is the message that I am going to keep top-of-mind as I go through my day.

Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with you.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

*I will even take make-up suggestions because I am looking to change up my look some!

Yummy Chicken Salad!

I enjoy a good chicken salad (but usually only if I make it because I really don't like mayo). I decided to make some for an easy lunch this week.

I found a good recipe in a Cooking Light cookbook that MIML got me. These recipes are awesome - I have really liked everything I've tried! And they are quick and easy...just what I need...and light which is an extra bonus :)

Here is the recipe for you:

2 cups cubed chicken (I cooked 2 chicken breasts and cut those so it was nicely grilled)
1/2  cup refrigerated pre-diced green bell pepper (I used fresh since I had some from the market)
1/2 cup refrigerated pre-diced celery
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup bottled roasted red pepper - diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup light mayo (I used a little over a tablespoon, since I dont like it)
crushed red pepper flakes to taste (the recipe actually has an amount but I choose to ignore)

For just over 200 cals (this makes 4 servings) you have a delicious chicken salad. It is so colorful too so it looks appetizing! And it is really filling. What more could you ask for?

Saturday

Yesterday was a wonderful day spent with JMS. We started off the morning at yoga (yes, I have made it 14/17 days so far). Then we went to Panera for a yummy breakfast sandwhich and latte.

Then we ventured to the market. This was the first market trip that I remember ever being on. It was so interesting! Walking through, you felt like you were in another country! We got some fresh fruits and veggies and our pumpkins to carve later in the day.

The inside of the market was the meat section, which kind of grossed me out.

Yea, those are whole fishes...I dont like to see things I eat in their living form...

Outside was all of the fresh stuff. I loved it!

Cute swans! Thanks for the pics JMS!

I did enjoy being there, but since I got overwhelmed in Kroger, it was a lot for me to take in! I would definitely love to go back.

Then we spent the day carving our pumpkins. This was the first time I have ever done one all on my own! I am pretty pleased with how it turned out!

I hope you all had a great weekend too!

Another 1-Year to Celebrate

A positive side to being at a transitional point in life is that you can always find an excuse to celebrate something. Each marker along the way ends up being a huge milestone, like, "I actually made it this far!"

A year ago today, I officially became a responsible adult.

A year ago today, I closed on my condo and became a homeowner.

A year ago today, I entered the world of "independence", mortgages, bills, grocery shopping, maintenance, decorating, cleaning and cooking, etc.

A year ago today, I officially starting my journey as a young, single professional branching out on her own, ready to take on what the world had to offer.

So much has changed over the past year - so many new things and figuring out what this new life is going to be. New friends, a new town, making that new town feel like home, going from having 45 roommates to living at home to being on my own, figuring out how to fit everything in (and slipping some along the way), a temporary roomie, a new 4-legged roomie, a new car, new car payment and insurance, my first furniture bills, new recipes, new experiences, the list can go on an on.

This past year has flown by, it feels like just yesterday I was moving in, excited and scared for what I was getting myself into.

Here's to the past year of trying to get the hang of things, now I am looking forward to making it even better!

Looking Back

Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about past events or certain times of your life? I don't like to dwell on the past, but lately I have been thinking of and even missing some of my former "glory days".

Yes, of course I miss college. Those days are constantly on my mind as they were the best of my life. I was constantly surrounded my all of my friends, and it was one time in my life where I felt like I could do anything. It was so nice always having something to do (maybe too much sometimes) and certain things to look forward to. Now don't get me wrong, I still have all of these things so I am not trying to complain, it is just different now. And truly, I know I don't belong there anymore.

The strange thing is that lately, I have kind of been missing high school. Seriously. Who misses high school? Honestly, I had an enjoyable enough high school experience. It was so nice that my only worries were getting good grades (that was a must in my house), fitting in all the extra-curriculars (some things never change) and picking out the perfect outfit to wear everyday (ok, so I still do this but there doesn't seem to be as much pressure). One thing that I have been missing the most is cheerleading. I had gotten use to not being on the sidelines anymore but for some reason this football season, I wish I could do it all again. I loved every minute of it - not to mention it was my built-in work out schedule. As much as that was my life, I still enjoyed the other aspects of high school. I loved feeling like I knew everyone, or at least who everyone was, and everyone knew - or knew of - me. My best friend "Zoe" and I were inseparable, bobsy-twin cousins and everyone knew it. You didn't get one without the other. I had a big group of friends - I have never been one to just stick with one clique. And high school was the last time I could say I had a boyfriend (don't be fooled, it still wasn't much of anything). I wouldn't say life was easier then. There were definitely stresses, but looking back they were silly and you were still so naive and care-free.

As they say, all good things must come to an end, and to be completely honest, I wouldn't trade anything in my life now to go back. It is just that sometimes it would be nice to relive those days - to remember who you were then and see how it made you who you are today. Because deep down, I am still the cheerleader, the best friend, the over-involved over achiever, and I know that I always will be.

Are there certain times in your life that you would like to relive?

My Lists and Organization

I don't know what I would do without my lists (yes, plural). I don't think I would be able to function and Lord knows that I would be forgetting things left and right.

I am a list girl. I love making lists: to-do lists, shopping lists, wish lists, you name it. It is sad, but I get the greatest sensation when I get to mark something off my list. It is like this overwhelming sense of accomplishment and satisfaction all rolled up into one.

Each Monday morning, I start the work week off by making a list for the week. Each day I write down what meetings I have and what tasks I need to accomplish that day. I take this list everywhere with me, so when something comes up, I can add it to my list.

I also try to make a to-do list for things around the house. From the small daily tasks I need to accomplish to the bigger projects I would like to do.

And I keep a running list of things that I need on my fridge. So when it is time to go to the store, I won't be forgetting things that I need.

I hate feeling unorganized and so often in life, it seems like the only thing holding me together is my list. I am trying to take this practice into other aspects of my life as well so that I can get a better handle on things.

Studies show (seriously they do..we use this stuff for work all the time) that you are more likely to do something if you write it down. And it just makes you more aware of what you are doing.

So here are some things that I am going to start keeping better track of:

Budget- I have been seriously stressing over money lately. I am terrible with my finances (well not really terrible, but there is definite room for improvement). I don't really track it and I am a bad impulse buyer - if I want to go shopping, I will go shopping. It is now time for me to buckle down and prioritize. I have created a budget and a spreadsheet to help me track (I feel like you are going to be so proud of me, KMac).

Eating habits/Meal planning - As I have mentioned before, my eating habits have been a little rocky over the past couple of weeks. I just want to start paying more attention to it. I haven't made the time to go to the grocery and get the foods that I like to keep around me. So then I have to resort to quick fixes that aren't really what I would like to be/should be eating. So, I am jumping on the weekly meal planner bandwagon. I've been wanting to do this for a while - again, just haven't made the time. Here is another list to help me stay on track. And I will be tracking what I eat to help me stay on track.

Sundays are going to be "get organized" days. I can update my budget spreadsheet and make my plan for the week.

I just love being organized! What lists help you get through the day/week?

BCA Month

In case you didn't know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Ok, let's be honest...how could you not know?!

Being a PR/Marketing girl, I pay attention to this stuff more than most people, but I must say, I am just amazed with the publicity BCA gets. On almost anything you see, you will see it's pink version this month.

From the entire NFL to almost any item at the grocery store to the intriguing viral campaign on Facebook ( "I like it on the bar...") you cannot miss this campaign. I am pretty sure they are meeting their awareness objectives and doing a darn good job at it.

Nice work, BCA marketers. I am sure your hard work will pay off one day when we find the cure for this awful disease.

In Need of Inspiration

As the weather is getting cooler and I know that I will be forced indoors here soon, I am looking forward to projects around the house.

But I have a problem, I am totally lacking inspiration to get these projects started. There are currently 3  house projects that I would like to do.

1. Decor in my living room: At a Bridal Shower this summer, I was totally inspired to get these hurricaine vases.

At the shower, they had pink candles in the smaller ones with dried split peas in the bottom and the big one had lime halfs floating in water with pink gerber daisies floating on top. I had a brilliant idea for how to replicate that, but with fake things so that it would last.

After searching for the vases for months, I finally found them. But when I put them where I thought they would go, I hated the idea that  I had for them. So now I am lost. They are a bit bigger than the ones at the shower, so I think I need to do something different in them.

I am thinking that I can either do something that will always stay in there, or do something seasonal to switch it up. But that requires a LOT more inspiration than what I have.

Here is the rest of the room...

2. My loft - this is going to be my home office/crafting area. So my only requirement is that it needs to be inspiring to me, you know lots of creative vibes.

 I saw this photo on a blog and found that to be my inspiration for my desk area. Note: Need to get a desk but I don't want to spend a ton of money on it. I really want to "slum shop" as Mom says and restore a hidden treasure.

I have seen these pictures around a lot and love them. I love the old magazine covers. I got these 2 for starters, but could always add to the collection.

Since this space is open, I also want it to flow into the surrounding areas, but I  can spice it up with some more color and fun. Which is a necessity - remember, I will be working here.

Also, organization for me is a critical need. I love shelves and cabinets that look nice and don't promote clutter.

3. Ledges - one of things I liked most about my place before I bought it was that it had these awesome ledges (and tons of closet space). When I first moved in, I got some of these things to start decorating on them, but havent done much since. I did buy this picture to go on the one in the living room to bring in some more color. And I really want to get one of those little jockeys that go in gardens on my horse-race themed one in the entry. Other than that, I am stuck.

I was once told that I need to just collect a lot of nic-nacs and find what fits best up there, but as mentioned before, I dont like clutter so I have a hard time getting something that may or may not make the cut of getting displayed.

So, I need your help readers. Please send me lots of inspiration and ideas of what I can do these spaces. All suggestions are welcome! They are basically clean slates, so anything will be a great start!

FALLing in Love

Ok no, not really...but it got your attention, right?

I have to admit that I was always a summer kinda gal. I loved lazy days by the pool, late nights out with friends, all of the outdoor festivities, the holiday celebrations, and of course, that every moment was perfect for some ice cream.

Well, since I have now worked through my first complete summer, I don't think I like it as much. Yes, it is still fun and I still love all of the things mentioned above (but I don't really get that many lazy days by the pool anymore). But since it is not really a vacation anymore, I think I have fallen out of love with summer. And I am falling in love with early fall.

As you already know, I enjoy almost anything pumpkin. I also just love the feeling in the air and the fall attire. It is always perfect weather for a nice latte, you can still do things outside without feeling miserable, and you can look cute all the time! Although I must say, it is difficult to prepare for 40 degree mornings and 80 degree afternoons.

Another thing that I love is football season!* I miss spending every Saturday tailgating, going to the games and then feeling appropriate in a t-shirt at the bar.

And then add Keeneland on top of that! (I think I like fall Keeneland better than Spring.)

I hope you are enjoying this time of year too!

*I went to my first NFL game today and I loved it!!! And I could totally love being one of those cheerleaders...once I got the confidence/body to wear those little outfits and got used to the drunk, "rowdie" men ...

Wedding Gift Ideas

Now that wedding season is over for me, I thought it would be good to share some of my favorite gift ideas.

I have mixed emotions when it comes to buying off the Registry. I like it because I know I am getting them something they want and it is so easy to go print it off, pick something out in your price range and you are done.

However, I don't like that it doesn't allow for creativity. I love giving gifts and I love giving creative/personal gifts. Even if it is not something that the lucky couple wants or needs, it is something that is more personal, from me.

Here are some non-registry things that I gave this year:

1. Mr. & Mrs. Aprons - I actually stole this idea from someone else. My SIL was so excited to have her new last name, that I thought she would need something with it on there. And Big Bro likes to cook as well, so it is still practicle for both. The colors match their kitchen.

2. Mr. & Mrs. Beach Towels - This is perfect for the honeymoon when they are excited to officially be Mr. & Mrs. The trick is letting one of them in on it - usually the groom because he won't care as much about the gift - so that they don't pack towels since this was a wedding gift, not a shower gift. We also gave it to them the night before the wedding so that they could pack them.

3. Monogrammed Napkins (Catching the theme yet? You know I love me some embroidered/monogrammed things) - Ok, I was so excited about this one. These actually did come off the registry! But I added a little flavor of me by having them Monogrammed with the last intial. These are the "fancy" napkins, so it was appropriate. I LOVED how they turned out. And may want to have some myself someday...

I also love how the older/wiser married women give gifts as advice to the new bride. Like "Oh, I got this for my wedding and I still use it today." Or, "You will definitely need one of these when..." Experience has taught them well.

What are some of your favorite wedding gifts you gave or received? Are you a registry person, or do you try to give something creative or useful?

Mad Men

I have officially jumped on the Mad Men bandwagon.

I was told years ago that I would love the show - advertising in the early 60s, I think so!

For Valentine's Day, my parents (yep, they are my Valentine) got me the first season. JMS and I have just now started watching them. Well, we've only gotten through 2 episodes, but we are working on it.

I think it is fascinating. Sometimes I wish that things were still like that. The Men are generally chivalrous, and I love that everyone saw value in dressing up. It is a far cry from the "Creative" world today. (I work on a Creative Team and my business casual attire is considered to be over-dressed.)

Of course there are things that I am glad have changed. It is amazing to see how women in the workforce were treated. We have also advanced so much in technology and knowledge since then.

As many of you know, if I could have lived in another era, this would have been it. At least I have this show to take me back in time.

Fall Obsesh Sesh

There are so many things to like about fall: the weather (until it starts getting too cold), the changing leaves, football, Keeneland, the excitement of the Holidays coming upon us...the list goes on and on.

However, there is one thing that I am just obsessed with, and that is anything PUMPKIN.*

(Ahahaha, you know I couldn't leave out the night of the  "Smashed Pumpkin". Not one of my finest moments.)

As you probably already know, my absolute favorite thing is the Pumpkin Spice Chai from Starbucks. Talk about every fall flavor in your mouth! It is just heavenly.

But this love for pumpkin goes way beyond that tasty drink. I like almost anything pumpkin flavored: pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, even this amazing pumpkin ice cream from Graeters**. (The one thing that I don't care for is a pumpkin roll...not sure why, just doesn't really do it for me.) I found a recipe for a pumpkin dip that I will definitely have to try - and if it is all I am hoping it will be, I will share :)

I also love the Spiced Pumpkin Yankee Candle. I splurged on one the other day just so I could fill my house with the scent. I guess my Macintosh Apples will have to come back out in the winter. I just saw that they also have an Apple Cider flavored candle, which could also be added to a list of fav's.

I have never been to one, but I think it would be so fun to go to a pumpkin patch. I don't know of any scene that shouts "It's fall!" more than this.

So, basically if you mention anything "pumpkin" to me right now, I will probably be all for it.

Do you share my same love for all things pumpkin in the fall?

*The one thing I never really cared for was carving pumpkins. It is extremely messy, and I am easily grossed out by pulling out the insides of it (even though I did every year growing up). I am tempted to try this year and then reuse the insides. Our family never toasted the pumpkin seeds, but something is telling me that I may like them :)
**Ok, so I love any kind of ice cream really. But this one is the current fav. The only thing it is missing is some chocolate, but I think we can fix that...I hear if you get it at the store, not at Kroger like me, they serve it over a warm brownie with graham cracker crumbs...just sayin'.

Happy October!

Ok, so a lot has been going on lately- some I am proud of, some I am not.

In case you didnt know, I got a new car!!!!! Bye-bye 'Lil Red. You treated me well these past 7ish years (except for your recent freak out on the highway when you decided you didn't feel like doing on anymore). I will always cherish the memories we've had together. You will always be my first.

But HELLO Big Blue! I LOVE you :) - Although I am not too thrilled of what you have done to my bank account.

I am so excited to have power locks and windows, and an AC that continously works. And a clock. I also have some cool other features that make me flat out spoiled.

Anyway, I cant believe it is OCTOBER! The past few weeks have been crazy busy at work- to the point where I just need a break. Hense this post. I am afraid to admit that I have let a lot of other things go over the past couple of weeks. I am still far behind on things around the house and I dont know the last time I went grocery shopping.

So, I am declaring October "Health-Binge" month (H-B Oct). I know that we always strive to live healthy lives, but if you are like me, despite your best intentions you aren't living the best life you could be. So I am making my health (both mental and physical) my first priority this month. Here is what I plan on doing:

1. My bff JMS talked me into doing this 30-day yoga challenge (yea, that is what kicked off H-B Oct). We will be taking hot yoga classes - the ones where you are in a 95 degree room - all month to relieve stress and toxins. So I will be doing some sort of workout everyday this month.
2. I want to run a 5k in November. I can easily walk one, but I have never ran one. I dont consider myself a runner, but I am working on it.
3. Work-life balance: that has been very difficult the past couple of weeks. But I am going to do my best to make sure I am not taking on too much, as I easily tend to do. This also includes spending more time with my friends. I have been doing a lot better at that lately and I realize how much happier it makes me. Sometimes it is easy to look at all you have to do and forget what is really important in your life, and that is the relationships you have.
4. Healthy eating: I generally do alright in this category, so when I dont, I can really tell. Lately, I havent been as good as I should be, so I want to go back to my old ways. No excuses.
5. Stop worrying. I've been having terrible dreams lately that make me feel like my life is about to fall apart. For instance, after purchasing Big Blue, I dreamed that my purse fell to the bottom of the ocean and I lost everything because there were sharks surrounding it. {Yes, I may need help.} My financials are really under control, I just have to be on a stricter budget so that I can get back to where I was pre-down payment.

So here we go. I am officially kicking off H-B Oct with my usual liter of water and my first hot yoga class tonight. I am hoping to feel relieved and much better!

Feel free to do it with me! It is my own personal campaign for living a healthier life all around.