Wedding Wednesday {honeymoon}

Happy Wednesday lovely readers! How has your week been? I can't believe it's almost time for Christmas celebration!!  We are heading out of town this weekend to see my momma...and boy am I excited for the home cooking and relaxed family time. 
Speaking of being excited....we officially have less than 5 MONTHS until our big day! I seriously can't believe that it's so close. I know that once January gets here the time is going to fly by! Wanna know what else we're excited about? Finally having the honeymoon details finalized. Yes, you read that right. We know where we're going for our honeymoon! 
Where you ask? Jamaica.  We've known for a while that we wanted to go there, but we hadn't finalized any other details. We went back and forth between a few resorts for a couple of months, but neither of them really excited us. So, needless to say, we kind of just forgot about it for a while. Well, a few weeks ago I decided it was time to buckle down and find something we would fall in love with.
Long story short--we had a serious talk with our travel agent and came up with a plan that really really really got us excited.  We are now beyond excited about our trip!!
Destination: Jamaica

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It's an all inclusive Sandals resort that is couples and adults only! I fought the idea of a Sandals resorts for a loooong time, but when it came down to the wire we decided that it's the best fit for what we want. This location is also amazing because all rooms are ocean view, and they're beautiful rooms (no dinky furniture). 
Where did you go for your honeymoon? Spill the beans :) ------- Check out the rest of my wedding posts {here}!

Saw It Pinned It Did It {Holiday Cheer}

I'm linking up with Katie for her {Saw It Pinned It Did It} linkup.

Because we are in such a small apartment (but not for long!!), I try not put up a lot of large Christmas decorations. I mean, we only have a counter-top sized Christmas tree up this year! So, in attempt to add some holiday cheer without causing more chaos in our small space, I decided to create a fun jar of cheer! I found these two items on Pinterest and used them as my inspiration...

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When I started this project I decided that it would be done for as little $$ as possible. A.k.a. FREE! I pulled a vase out of storage, grabbed my trusty twine, and collected a few beauties from outside {we live in an area that has beautiful trees, bushes, etc. so I had plenty to pick from}. Ryan brought mistletoe home a few days before so I used some of the extra green leaves from it in the mix too!
It took a few tries, but I finally got the pine cones, berries, and mistletoe greenery arranged how I liked it. Once I was finished I added twine to the vase and put it on our entryway bookshelf. I think it's a great little addition with the wreath and holiday candle. 

Excuse the mess :)

Our favorite Christmas time candle this year.

------- What are little things that you add to your home for the holiday? Check out the rest of the Saw It Pinned It Did It {here}!

Nice to meet you!

Good morning & happy Thursday! We just have one more day until we can start to celebrate the weekend. If you're anything like me, you celebrate the weekend all day Friday. That usually makes the day go by faster ;)
I decided that since I have some new followers around the blog that I would introduce myself to the newbies and try to get to know y'all a little better.{I'm taking the cue from Kym at Travel-Babbles}

Hello!!
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Blogging is so much fun because we get to meet people and form bonds {and if you have blogger friends over the internet you know that those friendships are awesome}. I'm ready to get to know all of you and hopefully build relationships! I'm always open to making new friends & I love having people to chat with and share a laugh with.

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If you haven't commented before, today is your day! Share a little about yourself so that I can learn more about each of you---and others can learn about you too! Here's the plan. I'll share a few fun things about myself, and then you guys can do the same. I can't wait to hear more about all of you!
A few things about me... 1. I've lived in TN for almost 2 years & lived in KY for most of my life before that. 2. I work from home. It's not as glamorous as you might think ;) 3. Crafting/painting/taking photos are my favorite hobbies. 4. I am getting married in May of 2013!! My fiance's name is Ryan. 5. I love anything fashion/style related and it's my favorite thing to blog about. 6. I have a grumpy old pup. He's a jack russell and his name is Tiger. 7. My favorite {adult} drink is cake vodka+coke. 8. My most visited favorite vacation spot is New Orleans. 9. I live and breathe Louisville Cardinal sports. 10. I can't wait to get married in 2013 and start my life as a Mrs!

Hi! That's me!

You can read more {here}.
Things I would like to know about you!  {Answer all or just a few--it's up to you!} 1. What's your name? 2. Where do you blog? {Or twitter/instagram} 3. What's your favorite topic to blog about? 4. Where do you live? 5. Do you have pets?  6. What's your favorite drink? 7. What's your favorite vacation spot? 8. Tell me something silly about yourself! 9. What are you looking forward to the most in 2013? 10. What industry do you work in? OR what are you studying in school? ------- I hope you participate! I reply via email so look for an email from me this week!

Hitting a Wall {real talk}

Today is the day. I've hit a wall.  Have you ever done something that is not right for you for so long that you finally just hit a wall and say "I'M DONE" (mentally, at least)? It happened today. I've been trying to fit myself into a mold that isn't meant for me. It's not fair to myself or those closest to me for me to continue on this path. I have an amazing life. Less this one thing that bothers me day in and day out so much. 
Unfortunately, I can't get into too much detail right now. One day I'll fill you all in. I want to share how I feel right now and maybe pass along some wisdom to others. Maybe someone will read this who needs an extra push to make a change. Maybe someone just needs to know that they aren't the only one who feels this way about something in their life. Maybe this is a pep talk to myself.
Here's what I say. Don't put so much value in what other people think. No one knows the walk you are on or the path you've made for yourself in your life. Do be hard on yourself in terms of setting goals and achieving things that matter to you, but don't set the bar too high and then refuse to readjust when needed. 
Learn to be nice to yourself and to let yourself be happy. Not everything needs to be perfect. No one is perfect and no situation or part of life will be perfect. You will learn to love the imperfect. 
Be your own person. Make sure you make yourself happy. Yes, it is nice to take into consideration the people closest to you, but really at the end of the day you have to deal with your own mind and your own happiness. Those people want you to be happy too, so don't pressure yourself so much on their behalf.
You really can't be happy with someone else unless you're happy with yourself.
Be kind to yourself.
Be YOU!

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Christmas Wish List

I had a conversation with my BFF this morning about this year's Christmas spirit, or the lack thereof. We both agreed that presents and tress could easily be passed up this year for a mini vacation out of town. Why? Because it's been 60+ degrees lately and what's winter if we can't wear sweater and boots!?

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We have our tree up, we have been burning Christmas candles, and we've made Christmas plans. That usually does the trick, but not this year. I hope that once we start visiting with family this coming weekend that the usual Christmas joy will kick into gear. Fingers Crossed!!
Until then, I figured I would share my Christmas wish list with y'all!

1) Minnetonka Kilty Suede Moccasin in Grey 2) Monogram Pocket Tee (with my new monogram for the honeymoon) 3) Kate Spade Chit Chat iPhone 4 Case 4) UofL Platter 5) Amazon Gift Card for new Kindle books 6) Extended iPhone charger 7) Jewelry Cleaner 8) Corkscrew art for the new place! 

I didn't have enough time to do a gift guide this year, but most of the gifts from the guide I did last year would be great gifts this year too. Check it out {here}! ------- What do you have on your Christmas list this year? Did you share a list on your blog? Share your post in the comments so we can all check it out!

A Day In The Life...Weekend Edition

I'm taking the lead from Erin over at Living In Yellow to share a day in my life through nothing but photos. I didn't instagram them so that they are as real as possible :) What does a day in your life look like? -------

Doesn't this look like a dress? Hahaha
His blanket (really a beach towel) is his favorite thing!

It was storming when we woke up, so I turned on some
Christmas music to help ease into the day.

Who else likes ketchup on their eggs??

Gotta love Bath & Body Works winter candles!

The Boys :)

Working on an Etsy order.

Lunch...

More work...

Perusing the cookie aisle at Kroger...I didn't buy any.

What I did buy at Kroger.

Dinner and PLL.

Wine of the weekend. One of my favorites.

Late night Christmas shopping.

What did you do this weekend?? I only left the house once to take a redbox back and grab a snack/junk from Kroger to eat for dinner since the boy wasn't home for the night. I really live a glamorous life, no?
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Linking up with Erin and Sami.

Here's to the weird ones {Friday's Letters}

Friday's Letters...a place to freely express my love for people watching and my dislike of being colder inside a Starbucks than outside in the December weather. And on that note...
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Dear Starbucks, Thanks for providing endless amusement today while I work. It was fun watching the lady drink her coffee at an outside table while she talked to her cat (who was chilling in it's cat carrier...on the table). It was also fun watching the guy eat a 6 pack of cupcakes from the Kroger next door. Bright blue icing really becomes you.
Dear The 30 Guys At Starbucks Today, Why do you all order girly iced coffees? That's weird.
Dear Best Friend, Thanks for also providing me with some hi-larious visuals of Mr. Ian Somerhalder. I have to admit that he is pretty lickable. I fully support your goal of winning a gold medal at the next Olympics. I believe in you!!
Dear Doctor, Bless you for saying I can attempt to wear a REAL shoe on my right foot in a short 2 weeks. Christmas miracle?? I am SO ready to wear a matching pair of shoes with my Christmas dress.

  Dear Fingernails, You make me happy when skies are grey. Having a party nail is the best. Having a party nail AND sparkles is the recipe for a fun day of typing. {Who doesn't want to stare at pretty nails while they work?}

  Dear Weekend, You really kept us waiting this week, didn't you? Quit playing games with my heart. 
Dear Christmas Season, You rock. I love your movies and your music. One of my favorite things ever is hearing the boy sing. And hearing him sing Christmas songs? MELT MY HEART.
Dear Too-Small Apartment, We're breaking up with you. And we're doing it right before Christmas so we don't have to buy you a present or see your for NYE. #Boom

Dear Pup, You have been the sweetest, cutest pup ever lately. I love it!

  Dear New Home, We can't wait to move in. We are dreaming of you day and night. And we're even dreaming of our summer plans with you. Is it too early? Oh well, 'cause we know we're going to be together for a long time!   Dear Ryan, Thank you for being amazing and for putting up with my Christmas shenanigans, constant moving talk, wedding craziness, and for being excited to build things for us. You rock my Christmas socks!

He's my favorite :)

Dear Everyone Else, I can't believe I get to entertain 300 of you!! Thanks for hitting the follow button and for putting up with my erratic posting, outfit photos, and constant instagram photo overload. You rock my Christmas socks too! ------- Happy Weekend! Check out the rest of the Friday's Letters over {here}!

Friendsgiving in Louisville

Happy Monday, lovelies! You know, there are just a few more Mondays left in 2012. I can't believe this year is almost over. To me 2012 has been one of the longest years, yet one of the shortest years. What do you think? Have you been counting down until January 1st 2013? I am excited about next year, but it's always bittersweet to close the chapter of another year around the holidays.
Speaking of holidays--my Louisville friends and I have been celebrating Friendsgiving for the last 5 years or so (longer for some of them!). This weekend was the annual get-together, and boy was it a good time!
Ryan and I headed up on Saturday morning and enjoyed an easy interstate trip (which almost never happens during the 2.5 hour drive north!). We got to town just in time to stop by one of our favorite pizza places to grab lunch while we watched our beloved Cardinals basketball team play.

If you're ever in Louisville and need lunch, check out Boombozz!

After that it was onto watching/taste-testing helping the bestie and her husband cook up a couple yummy desserts and sides for the Friendsgiving dinner that night. 
Dinner was so much fun! This year was our biggest group (in the time I've been attending), and it was a ton of fun sharing our friend-traditions with new people and enjoying them with the usual gang. 

My MOH Jess.
Also, I'm IN LOVE with my early Christmas present, a mustard yellow infinity scarf!!

Happy Friendsgiving!

How cute are they?

Y'all don't take scooter rides after dinner?

Sunday was a blast! If there was ever a time that I would need a sarcastic font, it was 2 seconds ago. Sunday was not a fun day. Car trouble, rain, lots of phone calls, and a tow truck turned our 2.5 hour trip home into a 5 hour trip. Thank goodness for some really great friends that gave us a ride home!

Here's to getting some good news today about fixing my little buddy.
I guess I can't say Sunday was a total loss. Our favorite football team made it to the Sugar Bowl!!

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------- How was your weekend? What do you do special with your friends for the holidays? 
I'm linking up with Sami for the weekend blog hop!