Up in the Clouds

It's Monday, and my head is in the clouds...but today is a day where that is totally acceptable because I'm on work holiday. Yes, thank you to the big bosses that give us MLK day off-I'm headed a little north to visit Jenna and her sweet boy Ian! So excited to play with them and catch-up with one of my great frends, since we don't get to nearly enough.

With so many people talking about the Clarisonic skin care system as of late, I wanted to give something similar a shot just to see if this was something worth investing in-as I can sometimes be cheap savvy when it comes to beauty trends and I'm eerie of what actually works. I spent some time researching online and then bought the Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System. In the past 2 weeks, I have used it about 5 times and can already tell a difference in my skin...it feels softer, firmer, and much more clean than my normal nightly rinse routine. Even better, it's under $20 and then you buy replacement puffs so very cost friendly, too! Anyways, just wanted to mention this to you as I have been really impressed with just how well this treatment system works, for a fraction of the price of similar items on the market.

Remember last week when I said I was having a difficult time thinking about what to blog about? It's as though one of my favorite bloggers, Centsational Girl, heard my struggle when she posted "50 Things to Write About When You Have Writer's Block"...genius I tell you! Read the post here. And yes, I'll be taking advantage of some of these fantastic ideas soon.

I also had some blogging friends ask me what planner I am using this year so I thought I'd share. As much as I love some of the hot retailers out there {here, here, and here} I just couldn't bear to spend that much...who is this person I am turning into? ;)
So, instead I found a line Target is carrying, Egg Press by Blue Sky, and bought that instead. If you can't find it in your local store, you can purchase from Blue Sky's website as well.
Pros: compact design, tabbed monthly pages, weekly lined pages, clear covers, and it's $8
Cons: my name isn't on it, no "custom" design.

That's all I've got for this Monday my lovelies. I know you're all just dying to hear about the shower, aren't you? Come back tomorrow for a full recap of just some of the gorgeousness that Little Caroline was showered with...let's just say the family went a tad bit overboard ;)

Girl for All Seasons

Do any of you remember that song, "Girl for All Seasons" from Grease 2? For some reason, it got into my head when I started working on this post so I apologize if you suffer because of it.

My friend Brooke asked if I would devote a post to showcasing some of my favorite nail polish colors, so I thought it would be fun to look through shades to get you through any and all seasons...some are worthy year-round, yet others should only be brought out during a certain time of the year.

Yes, I am a nail polish junkie and I am somewhat of a snob when it comes to certain brands--I used to be a "generic" user, until I gave in and forked over the money for OPI and Essie, but you get what you pay for and these beauties do last a great deal longer than other brands.

Winter Time Fancies

You Don't Know Jacques by OPI

Mink Muffs by Essie

Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees by OPI

In Stitches by Essie

Spring Forward

Big Hair, Big Nails by OPI

Chocolate Moose by OPI

Mimosas for Mr and Mrs by OPI

{great wedding day color, too!}

Geranium by Essie

In the Summertime

Elephantastic Pink by OPI

Ballet Slippers by Essie

{the color I used on my wedding day}

Dutch Tulips by OPI

Sand Tropez by Essie

Watermelon by Essie

Fall into Fun

Lincoln Park at Midnight by OPI

Chinchilly by Essie

Chick Flick Cherry by OPI

Carry On by Essie

What are some of your go-to/favorite shades of nail polish?

Product Review...Hana Hair Dryer!

I was contacted a few weeks ago by Misikko asking if I was interested in doing a review of their famous HANAair Professional Hair Dryer--ummm hello, sign me up please!

Within a week, I had the gorgeously wrapped box delivered to my house and couldn't wait to use it. They were even kind enough to spoil me with some extra goodies, too--shampoo and conditioner and Shine Shield protectant just to name a few. To be honest, I washed my hair that night and did a deep conditioning treatment just so I could do a test run. Holy bananas!

To be honest, I was unsure as to how much better a really nice hair dryer would work on my dry/damaged/thick/color-treated hair considering I had always used the brands found on the shelves at my local Target, but WOWZA this thing is amazing...not only is my already hair noticeably shinier and healthier , but it cuts my drying time in half, saving precious moments in the morning for other "grooming activities" or added time to hit the snooze button perhaps? 

To say this is the best dryer I've used would be a major understatement, but for ladies out there that want to splurge a bit and invest in a beauty tool that really works, this is something to try. I was majorly impressed with the cord length, the multiple heat/power settings, and the cool shot button that you don't have to constantly hold to use.

*Note: This dryer was sent to me to review and post my honest feedback and opinions. I was not paid to promote this item in any way, and only want to share positive experiences with my blogging friends to help others who have beauty difficulties just like me!

Thirsty Thursday and Beauty Must Haves!

I need Jeff and I need to venture to a Sounds baseball game this weekend so I can partake in all baseball-related food...beers, hot dogs, and ice cream in mini helmets would be lovely right about now. This is cleverly entitled Thirsty Thursday because I am thinking about the crazy week I've had and how I could use a drink {or two} to get me to Friday afternoon...I present to you some new favorites of mine--that are calorie conscious too!

Skinnygirl Margaritas--via Bethenny Frankel...love her and love her drinks!

100 calories per drink=amazing

Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail via My Recipes

125 calories per serving

Salty Chihuahua via Eating Well

188 calories per serving

Slushy Watermelon Mojitos via My Recipes

119 calories per serving

I love how I am seeing all of these blogs featuring their favorite summer beauty trends and such so I am here to offer my two cents as well on the certain items I just can't live without:

Alterna Caviar Hair Treatment--helping tame my damaged ends from all that straightening

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer...this stuff works wonders and helps to eliminate shiny skin on hot summer days 

Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo--amazing hair color system that helps brighten your roots between colorings for us blondes

Australian Gold Sunscreen with Bronzer...gives you that glow while still protecting your skin

There you have it!! Now tell me what are some of your favorite cocktails and beauty products??
We all need suggestions for new fun!!

What I'm Loving/Wedding Wednesday

I'm sorry, I saw this picture online today and thought it was hilarious so I just had to post...hehe funny stuff!
Combining two necessary things together today to kill two birds with one stone with my blogging. Genius, right? It's hump day during my last full week of work before the wedding, which is making the long awaited Memorial Day weekend seem like it's coming even more quickly--woo hoo!

Today, I am loving...

Maxi Dresses--I may or may not have already purchased 4 of these for the honeymoon...relaxing and comfortable, yet still super cute--I cannot wait to wear these!!

via Mod Cloth

Signed and Notarized Marriage Counseling...last night we had our final session with our pastor. And yes, I got a little emotional talking all about the ceremony and what's to come--it's really sinking in that in 17 days I'm going to be a Mrs!

Book Club--this has given me an excuse to read more and I am loving this time together with great girls...plus, I am hooked on our current book and can't wait to finish!

Headbands and Braids--I'm sporting new hairstyles lately to experiment and branch out a bit so today I am trying the side braid...yay for fun new summer hairdos!

And for the weekly hump-day wedding updates, I've got these little to-do's:

• Pick up Jeff's wedding gift- he has no idea about this surprise!
• Finalize rehearsal dinner seating chart and work on placecards
• Get our marriage license Friday morning!
• Print pictures for the rehearsal dinner and reception to frame
• Final planning meeting with Mary Alice and Mom tomorrow afternoon

Sounds easy enough, right? I can't believe it's these little details that we're finalizing and to be honest, I feel very calm and collected. Mom has helped me more in this department than she'll ever realize, tackling craft projects and painting away...couldn't do it without her and it's going to be fabulous!
Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday...a little daily inspirational quote to leave you with:

Wedding Wednesday...You've Got Mail {and Clarifications}

OK so I didn't think my last post regarding "the diet" would stimulate so much conversation...I am glad to know that people actually care what I have to say, so thanks for listening friends. With that being said, I want to clarify what I meant by my diet-- we all have a certain way we want to look on our wedding, right? I hope I am not being superficial here, but I think we want to look like the "best version of ourselves" or that is how I envision it myself.

I am not BY ANY MEANS trying to lose a bunch of weight...I am at a place where I am happy with the way my body looks, but I do believe that toning and firming right before our nuptuals AND honeymoon {i.e. week long of being in a bathing suit, eating hoards of gourmet food, and an endless supply of alcoholic beverages} seems like a good enough reason for me. I hope I didn't offend anyone, but just trying to bookmark my personal wedding journey in case others need advice, tips/tricks, helpful motivation, etc. I do thank you whole-heartedly for all the thoughtful suggestions and whatnot. =)

Also, my question yesterday asked if you ladies were aware of bridal portraits...I am SHOCKED and in awe that I do believe this is a mostly southern thing. I did receive some feedback stating that some midwest ladies partake in this blessed photo event, but I think this occasion is primarily aimed for us southern belles. So what is it for those of you who are unaware?

In generic terms, it's a trial/run-through...it's to show what you'll look like come wedding day. You get your hair styled and your makeup done by your beauty team, put on your wedding gown and accessories {once all final fittings and alterations are complete}, have your florist create your wedding bouquet, and then join up with your photographer(s) to take pictures. For me, this was an EASY decision.

First of all, my parents want to frame a portrait to have on-site at the reception...this way, your guests can see the details of your wedding dress/veil/etc. It's also so they can display it at their house once the wedding is over. My poor father is oh so excited to have another huge portrait of me lining the walls of their house--haha. And finally, the most important reason...this gives you the opportunity to look at yourself and see how your hair, makeup, and overall "wedding day look" appears in pictures. I know lots of friends who have changed elements of what they had originally wanted based off their portraits so I know this will be a sigh of relief for me and a taste of what I hope to look like on June 11th. I hope this answers your questions ladies. If not, feel free to ask- I am an open book.  

So--today was a BIG milestone day for us as the wedding is coming to fruition... this morning Jeff and I had a little breakfast and went downtown to handcancel AND mail out our wedding invitations. Talk about a big sigh of relief... I have agonized over these little pieces of paper for months and I am so excited that our family, friends, and honored guests will be opening these envelopes VERY soon! Can't wait to show you all the end result--once they are delivered of course!

The Dreaded Diet

Normally, I pretty much eat what I want...in moderation. Coupled with 3 to 4 days of exercise and portion control, I'm on a fairly routine food plan, but can incorporate a few indulgences every now and then since I know what my "happy weight" fluctuates around. 
However, 2 weeks from today=bridal portraits, which means this girl is going on a very strict... dare I say d-i-e-t. 

Please tell me there are others of you out there who despise that word...ugh, such a nasty connotation. We'll just say I want to look my best for the pictures and that we're "cutting back a bit". So needless to say, I have to watch myself and this is "the plan" I came up with:

Exercise

• 9 to 12 miles per week on the treadmill/outside running/arc trainer
• 2 to 3 days of strength training and weights

Food/Drink

• Cocktails: only one day per week {2 drinks}
• 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to keep hydrated and skin looking refreshed
• No eating after 7:30PM
• No dessert {and yes, fro-yo counts as dessert--boo}

Beauty Regime

• Tanning bed: first let me say I cannot wait to go back to spray tanning after the wedding...but this needs to happen to make sure I am not a casper bride
• Whitestrips: yes, I will be using these to keep my pearly whites bright!
• Nightly: using moisturizer and eye cream every night to reduce wrinkles and keep skin clean and breakout free

So tell me, what did you do to get glam and gorgeous for your big wedding extravaganza?? If there is anything I am missing or not thinking about, by all means let me know!

And one other question--I have had people look at me crazy when I told them about bridal portraits...is this just a southern thing? I have friends all over and in talking to them about having them taken so we can display a portrait at the wedding, it was almost as though I was speaking another language...

Glad Tidings on a Tuesday

Ahhhh! I'm sipping on the coffee, catching up on my email, and taking my time to get "situated" this morning at the office...this rarely ever happens when I don't have some crazy off-the-wall deadline so I am absolutely savoring every moment and relaxing.
Because of our corporate IT and internet security department {yes, we have to have a group of these peeps since we have more than 45,000 employees} I can no longer listen to Pandora, though Yahoo radio is still accessible so I'm jamming to the 1990s Biggest Pop Hits--woo hoo.
I'm browsing some of my favorite blogs this morning for some inspiration, so let's start things off with Taylor's Top 2 Tuesday...

Favorite Celebrity Hairstyles

Reese Witherspoon
America's sweetheart...she always looks so classic and chic

Marisa Miller
Loving her beach-esque wavy look and yes, I'll take her body while we're talking about it, too

On a side note, a few of you emailed/commented on the striped shirt I was wearing this past weekend in my pictures...funny enough, it's not a shirt, but a dress which I bought it at a little boutique here in Nashville, but you can buy it online at Shop Ruche here

And just because I am getting giddy and want to show off some of my recent fun shopping finds, take a peek at new spring/summer favorites for all my upcoming travels--I know, I am a nerd and get excited way too easily ;)

Mediterranean Cruise Dress via Modcloth

Maxi Print Dress via Francesca's

Coral Block Babydoll Dress via Francesca's

{I actually bought it in light blue}

Black Cocktail One Strap Dress via BCBG

Is anyone else excited for the royal wedding which is a mere 1 month away?? I will so be tuned in and glued to a seat at the television come April 29th just to see what Ms. Middleton walks down the aisle in...check out this royal wedding inspiration photoshoot from Style Me Pretty--incredible I tell you!

Tonight, Mom is coming over for a stuffing party--and no, not the turkey side dish kind of party, but stuffing 1/2 of our wedding invitations suites...I've got more than 75 completed already so we're getting down to business stuffing, sealing, and stamping away to send off to the post office in just a few short weeks!

That's all for now folks... I obviously need to get down to business!! Have a great Tuesday