Lovely Wednesday!

I am loving all sorts of things this Wednesday:

First of all, I am loving all your sweet notes and words of encouragment regarding my post from yesterday... I appreciate all of your ideas, advice, and so many of you on the work front and promise to let you know what we decide soon.

I am loving that we're celebrating special lady's wedding festivities next week! We are all so excited for her destination beach soiree and the fun begins with a welcome party a few of us girls are hosting next Thursday night...yippee!

I am loving that as of Friday, we'll officially be on vacation which means time away from the blog, too...I think sometimes we all need a break to get away and catch up on "real life". However, I have a few fun posts scheduled for giveaways and such so stay tuned!

I am over-the-moon loving {and bragging a bit too} that this darling slept from 10PM to 5AM on Monday night and from 9AM to 3AM last night-hallelujah praise the Lord! I think she sensed I was at wit's end given the fact she hadn't napped at all the past two days and we needed a break from 24-hour playtime. I think my dear little peanut is going through a growth spurt, which means more food to fill up that sweet, sweet belly.

I am loving home improvements going on at our house...a new roof due to hail damage, newly painted side and front porches, and new patio furniture for the back deck make for a happy home!

I am loving these pretty flowers and card from Jeff's mom in honor of my first mother's day coming up...so sweet and hydranges are one of my favorites!

I am loving all of CC's adorable outfits I have packed for the trip...check out her "staging area" on one of the guest beds-yes, I went a bit overboard, but Caroline needs to have plenty of options ;)

And I am loving all these inspirational quotes...

 

I Love You More Than...

anything in the whole world! that's the joke between jeff and i...that's our "thing". as much as we can drive each other crazy with our antics and strong personalities of having to "win" at everything, i love that man more than i ever thought i could love someone.

there's a quote from the movie "juno" that is so fitting {no, it's not a romantic sonnet by any means, but to me, it is perfect}: "find a person who loves you for exactly who you are. good mood. bad mood. ugly, pretty, handsome. the right person is still going to think the sun shines out of your ass. thats the kind of person thats worth sticking with."

isn't that the truth? jeff knows the ins and outs of me, what makes me tick, what makes me happy, what stresses me out, what makes me sad, and how to make me smile. but, with the good comes the bad, and he loves unconditionally. to me, that is what real love is all about. 

jeff, thank you for being the perfect man for me. thank you for all the joy and happiness you bring to my life, day in and day out, for the laughter, for the inside jokes that only we know, for everything you do to provide for our family, and for being my bestest friend in the whole wide world. happy valentine's day baby! OXOX

Photo Challenge Day 2: Words and Brain Banter

1. Yesterday I started the February Photo-A-Day Challenge--today's category is "words". it is one of my favorite quotes that I wrote out this morning. Oh what fun!

2. The Superbowl is fast approaching on Sunday...shout out to Eli and the NY Giants, for I am cheering for a Manning boy of course! I can't lie, I always get more excited about the food and commercials than the actual game-this year, I found some great Superbowl posts from fellow bloggers for food ideas...check them out here, here, and here.

3. I got the best package delivered on Monday-another Etsy find! I stumbled across Dilly Baby a few months ago and bookmarked it so I could purchase a Change N Go system-a way to conveniently transport diapers, wipes, and a changing pad all in one! I absolutely love it and the Ppoppies Amy Butler pattern is perfect.

4. Tuesday night, I finished reading my first book of 2012-Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Fantastic read, and it's quite the pageturner. Hops from present day in Paris back to 1942 during WWII. Ready to get started on #2 this year...any ideas you can send my way would be wonderful!

5. I have been on a shopping spree lately for Little Miss-with such cute spring stuff out on the racks, how can I say no? Here are some new additions to Caroline's closet: {P.S. is it obvious I heart stripes and patterns?}

6. Opry Mills is FINALLY set to reopen in 54 days! I cannot wait for my favorite outlet mall to reopen with some new stores {Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren among a few others}...perfect indoor place to take the little one for shopping adventures during maternity leave.

I know the groundhog technically saw his shadow this morning, but if we're in for 6 more weeks of temperatures like we've been having in Music City, winter can stay around and I won't be complaining one bit! Mid 60s today with loads of sunshine-happy day!!  

When Life Gets You Down...Remember the Good

lengthy post on the horizon so watch out-and don't say i didn't forewarn you ahead of time :)

in this world wide web of blogging, it is so easy to get overwhelmed, sad, and confused as to why some people say the things they do. i've seen countless bloggers get upset over a rude comment some negative nancy just had to post on their site or say about them behind their back...i can't help but find it fascinating that there are so many individuals out there who intentionally seek to harm others-but why? to make themselves feel better? to hurt others? for a good laugh? that is one thing i don't understand, and i doubt i ever will.
luckily, {and i should totaly be knocking on wood here} i haven't had much of those types of experiences in the past 3.5 years since i began blogging.

a lot of what i post on my blog is personal, and summarizes what is going on in my life, and i think it helps deal with some of the emotions i encounter throughout this crazy roller coaster... having an outlet to air these feelings really helps cope with the ups and downs and i think communicating the good as well as the bad is all a part in showing that we are all human, we all make mistakes, we all have bad days, and we all struggle.
last weekend, i posted a tweet and i had some friends/fellow bloggers email me saying that they really appreciated what i wrote because they needed some positivity...i assure you, it's nothing prolific by any stretch of the imagination, but this is what it said:
"it's time for people to grow up and move on. sad to see you're dwelling in the past while we're living in the present and looking to the future."

i have had obstacles i've had to overcome...people saying untrue things about me and my husband-acting like they know who we are at this stage in our life, and trying to belittle and say rude things about us, our family, our future-but it's just like our moms taught us throughout our adolescent years-"that which does not kill you only makes you stronger". it's almost as though we've ventured back to middle school for some unknown reason.

to those individuals, i find it strange that they read my blog in order to find out about our lives...to me, that says a lot more about what they find entertaining and how they occupy their free time and it baffles me. i certainly don't seek out information on those i don't care for to find out what is going on in their lives, for that seems to me like taking a step back and honestly, people like that simply aren't worth anyone's time. 

however, on the contrary, there are countless people out there that are thoughtful and take time to offer a kind word or a thank you...it's fun for others to be able to take a small peak into a blogger's life and some have told me they have been positively affected by my optimism, or the advice i offer, or my attitude towards life. to me, that makes this whole thing worth it. to read your comments and emails, it's like i've gained a whole new outlook and i have found that i can maybe help someone who is going through a difficult time, or offer my opinion on how to deal with setbacks we all face. in this world of so much negativity, i'm glad i can offer a glass-half-full kind of perspective. if i am able to put a smile on just one person's face at the end of the day, then i have succeeded and opening up a brief snapshot of me is most certainly worth the small bit of negativity that others try to project.

just remember to be strong, be kind, and always be you...

thanks for listening to me babble...i hope each and every one of you have a WONDERFUL day!!

Tell It Like It Is

Thoughts occupying my mind these days...

I'm having a terrible lack of creative ideas for fun posts...any ideas from my loyal blogging friends out there? Based on feedback, I am working on a baby registry post {which could take months at this rate}, a return to Fashionable Friday featuring absolutely nothing related to babies, my favorite blogs/sites, and how to find your "happy place" when it comes to how you look {tips on what I do for workouts/eating/etc}. I am open to any and all suggestions I promise so come one come all!

One of my favorite local happenings returns here in town...it's our own version of Restaurant Week from January 16-22! Sounds like the perfect excuse for a random date night to me--some of my most favorite places are on here that you must try if you've never ventured before--Boundry, Cafe Nonna, Germantown Cafe, and Red Pony just to name a few. We made reservations for Holland House and I am excited to finally try it out.

I'm starting to slow down a bit these days--my planner is booked with all sorts of fun events and happenings, yet I am finding myself having to say "no" because of my tiredness and general lack of energy. Sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day isn't the best way to deal with lower back pains, leg cramps, and constant potty breaks...a little more than 9 weeks to go, so there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Whoever created Etsy should be given a standing ovation..if I am ever needing to find a hostess gift, baby shower present, random art prints/quotes for frames, jewelry, or any combination of fun items, I know just where to turn! I can't get enough and my PayPal account knows how much I frequent some of my fav sellers' shops, too ;)

As much as I loathe Target's revamped poorly uodated website,  I cannot help but love this new collection of home decor goodies, cleverly entitled "Golden Days". A few of these goodies just might be taking up residence in Caroline's nursery.

This past week, I received two very important cards from two of my bestest friends asking me to be bridesmaids in their weddings...can't say I didn't get a little emotional at the thought that I get to be there to celebrate their special days, just as they did mine. Not to mention this gives me wonderful excuses to plan parties again-yay Candice and Lauren!! 

And because we all need life mottos, I think this is superbly fitting:

Giveaway Winner and Thursday Confessional

First of all, I wanted to send a sweet congrats to Lauren over at This Young Life, This Young Love, who is the winner of the giveaway, brought to you by my newest sponsor: Rachel Claire Collection. Lauren, please send me your email address so I can get you connected with Rachel to claim your winnings! Thanks to everyone for participating, too.

And for other weekly updates/confessions:

I confess that I may or may not be able to focus at work today since we leave for the Big Apple,  bright and early tomorrow morning. Take 7 of my most favorite people and put all of us in the bustling city of Manhattan and there is no telling what we're going to get in to! Loads of snapshots to come upon our return, I promise you that.

I confess I might have a slight shopping problem--sure, people have their "hobbies". So what if mine involves collecting things for my closet? I'm not a big "stuff" person and I can't say I'll ever be a collector because I can't stand clutter, but at least I am a savvy shopper. I'll just continue to live by Ms. Bradshaw's motto:

I confess I am a "traditionalist" as Mom calls it. I am all for keeping with family traditions and things that matter to us, especailly during the holidays. One of my most treasured Christmas traditions is candlelight service on Christmas Eve...such a special time dedicated to worshipping Him, which is what this season is all about.

I confess I sometimes struggle with selfishness--though I blame it on only child syndrome--haha. I ask God to help me with this often as it's hard for me to put myself in other people's shoes and freely give when I feel like we work so hard for the things we do have, though it does feel good to help others in need, especially during this time of the year. Thank heavens I have Jeff to help me with some of my struggles.

I confess with the release of the Screen Actor's Guild and the Golden Globe nominations, I can't help but get excited to think about how award season is fast approaching...bring on all the Hollywood glamour with gorgeous gowns, accessories, hair, and bling.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend...I'll be back Monday with all sorts of fun to share from our big trip--and it will officially mark the week of Christmas so get excited!! OXOX

Thankfulness...I Was Here

This year, more than ever before, I think I have an
abounding list of "things" to be thankful for...

An incredible husband--we celebrated 5 months of wedded bliss. Not a day goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars and God for bringing him in my life...he's my best friend,  partner-in-crime, and I wouldn't want to go through this adventure with anyone else.

A close-knit and supporting family. There is lots to say for a family that is as close as ours is. Sure, we're all crazy in our own ways, but I am thankful for each one of them...they add so much to my life and I am a better person because I have them in my world.

The best friends a girl could ask for. Honest, sincere, caring, and always there when the going gets tough or when we're celebrating exciting happenings in each others' lives. There is no one like them and none could ever be replaced.

A job that brings me joy...there are good days and bad days with any type
of career, but my good days outweigh the bad and I am lucky to work for a
company that values and rewards its employees.

My health. Pregnancy thus far has been relatively easy and I am thankful for that. I'm healthy, trying to stay as active as possible, and just enjoying this exciting time in my life.

I am thankful for the men and women who sacrifice day in and day out to protect our country...they are so unselfish in what they give up for each and every one of us and I pray that they can return home safely to their family and friends.

Having a real relationship with God...He's with me day in and day out and I know that no matter what happens, He is always looking out and watching over me. The older I get, the closer I feel to Him and I am so happy He is in my life.

And most of all, I am thankful to become a mother. A little less than 4 months to go until we meet our sweet Caroline and words cannot express the love, excitement, and joy I have in my heart to welcome this child into the world. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt she will be loved and showered with hugs and kisses and will know how happy we are she came into our lives. Nothing is going to be better than having a child of our own. 

My cup truly runneth over ;)

And on a semi-related topic, has anyone else heard this song from Beyonce titled "I Was Here"? This is an incredible song, a testiment to living each day to the absolute fullest, to touching hearts, to doing everything you wanted, to making a difference, bringing happiness to others, and leaving a mark. We should all be living this way...we're never guaranteed a tomorrow, so live each day like it's your last. OXOX

This Week's Shenanigans

Seriously? It's Thursday already...this week is flying by, quite possibly due to the amount of extra-curricular activities occupying my time.
Monday night we had training for Junior League, which was a discussion about social media--interesting to see others' opinions of how we interact online and just how all of us are "building our brand" whether we think so or not. The lesson I took away is to know your end goal/result and stick to your guns!

Tuesday brought a much-needed hair appointment and another JL Meeting where the big thing on everyone's mind is Tis the Season coming up this weekend. If you're in or around Nashville, drop by the Convention Center to check out the holiday marketplace of more than 100 vendors to stock up on holiday goodies and gifts. The money raised benefits our community so it's a great reason to shop! Tickets are available at the doors.
As for last night, my time was devoted to household chores, the weekly mani/pedi {which is getting difficult already--how do you reach your toes when you're 30 weeks pregnant?}, and watching Revenge...glamorous, wouldn't you say?

This time next week, I'll be cooking and baking away for Thanksgiving festivities...the only hard part is that I won't be home with my family. Rather, we're headed east to Hilton Head to celebrate with Jeff's family. I know we are going to have a wonderful time, though I have to admit, my heart is a litle sad to miss Thanksgiving at my parent's house--I'm 28 and this is the first year I won't be at home. Does "trading off" holidays get easier? As an only child I have to admit, this is a hard one for me to bear.

However, the hubby promised me loads of Black Friday shopping madness as he knows this is where my adrenaline gets pumping! The outlets are calling my name and I've been scouring the websites for sneak peaks of this year's ads--go here now to check them out! {P.S. anyone seen the crazy Target lady commercials are back? I love her!}

And because we all need a little inspiration to keep us going...see some of my favorite quotes! This ALWAYS helps me with positive motivation.

That's it for today my friends...back to the daily grind, but starting to work on some VERY fun posts in the coming weeks--stay tuned, and thanks for listening to me babble on about nothing ;)