Mint To Be

Long time no see, huh? I've been laying low this past week and weekend. I had a busy week following my return from vacation....and I have a busy week coming up! I've also been busy with my hands. Filling orders from Etsy and friends is keeping me busy a few evenings each week (hence my lack of blog posts lately).

This past weekend I made a few wreaths with yarn to add to my Etsy shop. Here's the 1st one which I made using Mint Green yarn. I love the color and I think the small size would look great on your office door or even on a bedroom door (think--little girls!). 

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What have you been up to this weekend? Any big plans for this coming week? I'm off to catch up on some of your blogs. Happy Sunday (Oscars) night!

Journey Forward [Grow]-Pinterest

This week's Journey post is about Pinterest. Our challenge was to create a pinboard dedicated to our Journey topic. Seeing as how I'm trying to grow financially, this week I decided to pin things that would help me learn a little more about budgeting, saving, and general helpful tips.

See my pinboard here.

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Do you have any financial tips or pointers? Hopefully some of these tips will be helpful for some of you as well : )

National Lampoon's [Family] Vacation

At last, I've made it to my computer to give you a quick rundown of my vacation!

You guys remember the Griswold's, right? Well, my vacation wasn't quite like that...at least not the whole time! Haha I'm kidding! We had a great time!

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I have to admit--I can't handle driving riding for long trips like I used to! And although I'm worn out from the traveling, shopping, and hanging out with everyone, I had a great time visiting and finally being able to see Ry's sister in her/her family's world [she's a saint]!

So, what else do you do on vacation? Naturally, we ate a ton (literally!) of awesome food, took a boat ride to see the beautiful Winter Park area, picked a few strawberries on a gorgeous day, and maybe enjoyed a few bottles glasses of wine in between!

If you know me, you know I love me some sweets! Starting the day
with a blueberry glazed cake doughnut made me a happy girl!

Travel essentials! A funny Tucker Max ebook and some Valentine's day
chocolate. What more can a girl ask for?

Our first day was full of sunshine, cupcakes, happy kiddos, and strawberry picking.
Perfect day, no?

Breakfast our first day there. I loved the pancakes, and got some insider
tips on how to make everyday things a little healthier
(R's sister knows a ton about nutrition).

Our view of part of the town square in Mt. Dora.
Our lunch was great--we sat on the 2nd floor balcony with a breeze.
Sigh, 78 degrees, oh how I miss you!

The dock near the shops in Mt. Dora.

One part of the field that we picked strawberries in.
The weather was perfect for picking berries.

Our row. You pick a flag in the ground, pick to your heart's content,
and then replace the flag wherever you leave off. Simple as that.

The final batch. Fresh strawberries are officially my favorites!

Of course we HAD to dip a bunch in chocolate.
It would have been a crime not to :)

Whenever I travel, my allergies get the best of me.
The remedy--tea, Clariton, and a few kisses from the boy.

Day Two was full of a ton of window shopping, a breezy boat ride, new food choices, and the first of many glasses of wine.

The beginning of the boat ride around the lakes surrounding Winter Park

The best part of the boat ride? Seeing all of the huge estates!
They were gorgeous!

Another beautiful part of the boat tour...seeing everyone's relaxing setup
at the end of their yard/beginning of the water.

Lunch at another cute restaurant. I had a delicious turkey, white cheddar
and apple butter sandwich! Try it sometime, you wont regret it :)

Watching the boys play...

While the third day was somewhat overcast and not so pretty, we didn't mind because we spent the day shopping...yes, we had a trend going : )

Brunch with everyone before a day of shopping!

Amaaaazing french toast at First Watch. If you're in the area, check it out!

Derby dress shopping! This is the front runner for now.

Another cute dress, perfect for Spring and Summer.

Wine art at Home Goods that I would LOVE to have in our apartment.
If only we had more space!

New wine tags...of course I'm the nutty one ;)

I don't have pictures yet (on the Canon, which I will have to find the cable for...) of the last day, but we spent the afternoon/evening hanging out at the nearby springs.

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The ride home wasn't so bad. We had plenty of Breaking Bad episodes to watch...and maybe a few girl scout cookies to get us through : ) Tough life, huh?

Lots of Breaking Bad...we're finally caught up!

My new favorite juice!

I don't mean to get lovey dovey on you, but you know what I enjoyed the most about this trip? The time I had with the boy. The original reason for the trip to FL was actually based around a work event he needed to attend. It was good opportunity for him to learn new things and it was great seeing his excitement about the future. I love seeing him that way, and I can't wait to see where he goes next!
He's my absolute favorite person, in case you were wondering ; )

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So, what did you do this past weekend? Did you visit Amanda and Dayna? I have to thank them again for being sweet enough to guest post while I was away!

P.s. Do you recognize the corner of the book in the last picture above? That's right...The Hunger Games! I finished it and am now reading the 2nd book. I seriously can't wait to see the movie! Also, did you know that the actors that play Katniss and Peeta are both from the bluegrass state (KY)? That makes me happy! Let me ask you a question--When (if) you read the book, did you imagine Liam Hemsworth as Peeta and not Gale? I knew, even before I started the book, that Liam Hemsworth was Gale, but I just couldn't help but envision him as Peeta. Haha Oh well! I'll be happy to see them both onscreen, either way : )

Monday Madness

Hey there lovelies! I'm writing this on my iPhone, so please excuse any mistakes/layout errors.

I just wanted to say HI and welcome my new followers from the [Grow Your Blog] blog hop! I'm happy to have you and can't wait to get to know you all : )

Also, I can't wait to recap my vacation! I have a bunch of pictures to share, so come back later and check them out!

It's back to work for now though. Have a great Monday (especially you lucky ones that don't have to work)!

Journey Forward [Grow]

If you've been around for a while, then you might have read my recent post talking about saving money [here] and my past posts about being thrifty with fashion. Remember those things? Well, I have decided to use the most important thing to me [being money conscious] as a little project. Chelsea likes to call this project Journey Forward. I am happy to be posting about something very important to me and being able to share with you (and others). 

My journey is all about being able to [Grow]. 
More specifically, to grow my financial knowledge and financial well being.

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According to Webster's Dictionary, grow means to spring up and develop into maturity.
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To me, growing isn't just about developing. Of course the first steps [learning and educating yourself] are important, but it's important to use the knowledge you gain and apply it.

Still there? : )

Let's get back to my first point. Money. Moolah. Dollar dollar bills. You know, that green stuff? Well, this year has been all about being a better person financially and taking the needed steps to learn my responsibilities. Did you know we had those? To ourselves and to our futures? That green stuff doesn't grow on trees (do I sound like your Dad yet?!). It doesn't--it's hard to come by! Sometimes I find myself wanting to hoard it away until I have millions***. Know the feeling? Well, I think we all know that image isn't how it really works. It takes time and dedication to get those millions.
***To be fair, I also have days that I don't mind spending money on silly stuff. I know I'm not alone here!

The first step to learning and being able to [grow] is to apply what I've learned over the years. The best things in life take time, effort, focus, and determination. I've had to remind myself again and again that it will take me time and diligence to get where I want to be. It will take effort to save money from every paycheck and decide on which things to sit out on, because it helps the bigger cause. It also takes a lot of determination to stay focused on my goal of zero student loans, a good sized cushion/emergency fund, down payment for a house, etc. etc.

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So, you can see...it really is a journey. It's been a journey since day one (which was actually a few years ago when I decided to pay off a LOAD of credit card debt--but that's another post for another day), and it will be a journey through the end.
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Check back next week for more on my Journey!

Jet Set [Friday's Fancies]

With my trip to Florida this week, I'm right on track with {AV}'s Friday's Fancies theme--let's fly away! {AV} is teamed up with Elembee for one of her Let's Fly Away posts.

Because I'm already here, my destination of choice is Florida! Because most of us know that the state looks like this:

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 I won't go too much into the destination part--hey, I can't help but want to post a cute outfit in the spirit of the usual Friday's Fancies post! So, here's my ideal vacation outfit!

Earrings, Bracelet, Watch, Shoes, Shorts, Shirt, Sunnies, Purse

I love a good crossbody bag for all of the walking [and to keep my hands/shoulders free for shopping bag carrying], as well as some cute and simple accessories. 

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Did you link up with {AV} today? I love the shorts in this outfit and would pretty much kill for them! I hope yo add a cute pair of patterned shorts to my wardrobe this summer. What do you want to add to your summer wardrobe??

Better In The South [Guest Blogger]

Happy Wednesday lovelies! Today, another one of my bloggy friends is here to show you some adorable (and affordable) dresses! I know that hump day is sometimes the hardest to get through, so what better way to get through the day, than to look at some cute clothes and get to know a new blogger?? Here's Dayna!
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Happy Hump Day all of you Sweet Life readers!! Dayna here visiting from Pearls, Curls & All Things Southern,  formally A Bama Belle and A Bucket List! If you have never stopped by my blog, I’ll fill you in on a quick snippet of myself.

I live in the heart of Alabama where the tea is sweet and the Bama Belles are sweeter. I live for wine, dessert time, football season and warm weather. It’s rare to see me in shorts or jeans during the summer time, mainly because Bama summers are so intensely hot that you’d swear Hell would be cooler.

Don’t believe me?

Bam!

 You read that correctly, one hundred and twelve degrees. Thank goodness for swimming pools, dresses and A/C or I don’t know how us Alabamians would manage! Speaking of dresses, I thought I would share with you lovely ladies some of the adorable and affordable summer dresses I’ve found so far this year from some of my favorite places to shop for clothes: Old Navy, Lulus.com and Adabelles.com! After all, wearing dresses as often as possible is part of the perk of being a Southern Belle! Throw some pearls on with that dress and you’re good to go!!

 Try to tell me those aren’t fab dresses?! I’m now working on getting one of each in my closet..

So ladies, which of these dresses could you see yourself in?! It’s hard to choose, I know! Be sure to check out the websites to see all the other goodies they have!

Hope your Wednesday is going good for you!

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I totally agree, dresses tend to carry me through the summer months too.
Thank you SO much for stopping by Dayna! You really know your way around a good deal and a cute look! Can't wait to get my hands on a few of them! Be sure to check out Dayna's blog and show her some love : )

Day Of Love + [Guest Blogger]

Happy Valentine's Day ladies!

A few of the sweet-tart hearts from our plethora of Vday candy!

You didn't think that just because I'm away on vacation I would leave my favorite readers without something [sweet] to read, did you? Today, one of my favorite bloggy friends [Amanda] is here to sweeten up your day with a little Valentine's Day love!
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Hey all! I'm Amanda from Simple Girl, Simple Pleasures. Ashley and I met via Leslie's link-up for pen pals. And we've become fast friends writing each other back and forth. It turns out that we have endless things in common, including formerly being in LDRs (long distance relationships). Yes, my LDR will end as of this Friday!


While Ashley is away, I'm here to say hello, and happy Valentine's day!

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Today is a day that I absolutely love! Not because I have a boyfriend and am in a happy, healthy relationship, but because it's a day of love. And it's a great day to remind all of the people you love and care for, how much you truly love them. At least that's how I view it.


Yes, I'll dress in red or pink, and be overly peppy. But that's only because, since I was little, my parents were my sister and I's Valentines. We didn't have to a boyfriend to feel the love. And I've continued to send my love to them, and to my closest girl friends, since I realized how much those three small words can do.

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Many people view the day as just another overly-hyped holiday created by Hallmark, but I don't agree. I think it's just a day that you can share and show some extra kindness and emphasis on love, who you love, and what love is all about.

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How do you view Valentine's day? Do you love the holiday? Hate it? Don't care about it?


I'm wishing you all a very Happy Valentine's Day and lots of love! Thanks for having me, Ashley!


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Isn't she sweet! I absolutely agree with her...it's important to show your favorite people exactly that--that they are your favorite! Thanks SO much for taking care of my readers today, Amanda! Be sure to visit her blog and show her some love this Valentine's day!

Love + Travelling Around

Just wanted to let you know that I'll be over here today, sharing my love story!

Be sure to check out Melissa's blog and leave her some love---she's a great blogger who I look up to!

Vacation Week Starts [NOW]!

This past weekend was just the beginning....the beginning of my vacation week! Last Thursday we played Trivia at our usual bar and enjoyed some yummy food (can you say funnel cake fries!??) while getting killed by a huge group of older guys. [Those guys had an advantage over us...they've been alive longer and knew more because of it!]

Hahah Moving right along...

My family came to town this past weekend and I cooked dinner for them, Ryan and I, and his parents--it was a mini dinner party : ) Unfortunately, I didn't get any pics of our food (grilled bacon wrapped chicken breast that had marinated in Ken's tomato basil vinaigrette dressing, cheesy mushroom risotto, and baked asparagus), but it was a BIG hit with everyone!

On Saturday we started the morning off on the right foot with a big breakfast. There are few things in life that make me feel as good as sitting around the table, sharing a meal with some of my favorite people! We spent a little time showing my family our new place and around the new part of town that we live in. Next, we made our way to Opryland hotel! We visited some of the stores and made our way around to see all of the pretty greenery.

Isn't she a beauty? The inside of the hotel is amazing!
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After Opryland, we decided to go to the Country Music Hall of Fame to learn a little more about the music business/history around Nashville. The building and exhibits were both interesting and fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

After Opryland, my aunt and I squeezed in a little shopping. While I didn't buy anything, I did find a purse that I now have my eye on. This mint green beauty is on the top of my purchase list. Now, I just have to decide how much I like it!

Saturday night we all headed out to the Loveless Cafe for a ridiculously delicious dinner! While I love the look and feel of the restaurant, as well as the overall friendliness, the part I love the most is definitely the biscuits! If you're ever in the area, you should try this place out : )

We also got the chance to watch a few movies this weekend, including The Ides of March and 50/50. 50/50 was pretty good, but The Ides of March was GREAT (that's really saying something, considering Ryan G didn't even take his shirt off)!

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Today has been amazing (if you don't count the cold weather)! I got to do a little shopping at Target, get a workout in, catch up on some shows, catch up on laundry, and even catch up on blogs. I feel like this weekend was a huge success. And the best part? I'm not dreading work tomorrow! Mostly because tomorrow is my only work day between now and next Monday.
Yay for vacation time! [insert happy dance]
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How was your weekend? Did you see any good movies? Did you see the Vow??