5 on Friday

Well hello there lover Friday. Just a couple more hours to Happy Hour with my girl, dinner with our guys and a bittersweet goodbye to one of our Bunco Beauties! But until then, here is what I am digging this Friday.

1. Fashion By Mayhem - Have you seen this little girl and her uber chic paper dresses? If not you totes need to follow her on the 'ole insta-g @2sisters_angie. I mean the sheer adorableness is enough for me, but the dresses and that cute little girl 'tude, I die!

2. Arbonne Eye Cream - A sorority sister of mine sells Arbonne and sent me a 5-day trial pack and I am in love with the eye cream. I will do a full review of the entire RE9 Advanced^® skin care line next week, but the eye cream, goodbye fine lines, hello flawless!

3. My guns - as in those attached to my arms.... as in which way to the gun show people? I have been really focusing on strength lately and I'll tell ya, these guns, well you better watch out!

4. The weather, er well, I did, but then again now its hot again... - yeah so I have decided that Texas' bi-polar weather allows me to indulge in every set of clothing choices everyday of the week...

5. Crockpot Meals - yup, 31 years old and digging the crockpot. Its my Sunday go-to for meals. Just pop it in, head to church and then yumminess for all!

Have a stupendous weekend ya'll, I'll make sure to share some fun from my HH!

Texts With Friends

Today I bring you the Second Edition of "Texts with Friends." If you missed the first one, go check it out.

Ok, so my girlfriends and I plan a happy hour once a month where we all get together, have a drink or two and end grabbing dinner as well. Well, Monday night we were planning where to go this Friday for our HH and one thing led to another, and drinks led to dinner and that led to do we invite the sig others? Which led to this hilarious exchange:

 

 

Please tell me, we are only the only group of girls who can go from a simple HH to the Booze Olympics! And with that, we have completed another edition of "Texts with Friends."

Ma'am Could You Quiet Down?

So I was way excited for yesterday at 5:30pm.. .Why you ask? Well, I got to meet this lovely lady for a lil wine and pizza and well, chatting! Yup, meet Amy of The Blissful Bee. She is a Fort Worth Blogger, and well also one of Fort Worth's Most Beautiful Women (as voted on the January issue of the Mag). So, I "met" Amy via the magazine article we were both featured in. When I saw her email and that she blogged, I just knew we were going to be instant friends. And well, yup we were!

So, after a few months of planning and saying we needed to meet, we did last night. I took her to my fav local wine spot Winslow's and we had a good ole fashioned girls' night. You would have thought we were two old friends just catching up on a Monday night. Yet, nope first time meeting. There were laughs, stories, giggles and perhaps an older gentleman who thought we were pretty cute.

Yup, in mid sentence he just came over and in a very polite way, told us we were a tad loud. I admit, two glasses in, our volume may have risen to more than our 6-inch voices. But the sweet man chatted away with us, complimented our beauty and intellect and pointed out that women have this unique ability to talk at the same time and still know what the other said. (It's true, Amy and I test it).

Alas as our evening ended I drove away with a huge smile on my face. Well, because 1. I love meeting new people (especially bloggers, I mean we just share a bond); and 2. I was two glasses in people.

So, do me a favor and hop on over and visit Amy's blog. She is waaaaay creative and has so many DIY project and ideas, and well she's just too darn cute ya'll!

Blates, Babies & Booze

What more could one ask for in a weekend? Minus the awful cold and sinus infection I have been battling, that kept me grounded from work Friday, but alas still billing away! And today is an anniversary of sorts, yes 8 years ago today, I met M. No regrets, I would not be where I am today with it.

But, I digress...

Saturday morning  awoke to find out that everyone I know had their babies! And all little girls! A girl from my City Group, sorority sisters, and high school friend all welcomed bundles of joy this week/end. Just something about babies that puts you in a good mood. The rest of my Saturday was spent running errands, ya know my weekly trip to Lowe's...

this is how much I love Lowe's!

 Then, I headed out to the Big D, Dallas, for Neely's engagement party! It was a blate supreme! As, not only did I get to celebrate Neely & A, but got to see the ever lovely Amber and finally meet Ashley in person!!

Love me some Amber! So good to see her!

Neely & I. Blessed to call her a friend

The whole blogger crew:
Me, Amber, Neely, Amber, Michele

To say I had fun, would be an understatement, Its always good to see my friends, but blogger friends are just a whole 'nother kind of fun. #itsabloggerthing

Sunday, well it was a gorgeous Sunday here in Cowtown. The Cowtown Marathon took place, and I may have accidentally ran in the Ultra Marathon while on my measly 4 mile run through Trinity Park. I mean, these people looked at my like I was blazing by, and who am I to pass up free cheering.

After my run, I mean it takes a lot out of a girl to run 31 4 miles, I did a little work and hung out with the loves of my life and dined on this to die for crockpot meal. Seriously, the crockpot is my mainstay for Sunday dinner. Just put it in, head to church and yummo by dinner time. The pups, well they got in some epic Sunday napping. Hope ya'll had a great weekend, and hopefully, I can wipe this cold out before my depos tomorrow! xoxo

Sunday Social

I know I know I was MIA Friday... I was a tad under the weather and worked from home. But today, I am linking up with my girls Neely and Ashley (whom I hung out with last night at Neely's engagement party) to bring you this Sunday Social!


1. Favorite breakfast food - All of them? No seriously, breakfast is my favorite meal! But... if I have to pick one food, its pancakes. I have an obsession with pancakes. I love them!! 
Especially when someone special makes them for me for my birthday!!

2. Best way to spend a free day - laying out by the pool with a good book!
3. Airline ticket to anywhere in the world….where would you go and why? London! I lived there for 6 months my senior year of college and fell in love! I could live there.
4. You can only leave the house with one thing…what is it? Cell phone. I am assuming I can have my car keys to leave...  but phone. I just cannot live without it.
5. How do you take your coffee? Two Truvia (or sweet & low), dash of cinnamon and skim milk! or a skinny latte.

Wake me Up when its Friday

Want it to be Friday so bad.... Seriously, Thursday is like this huge tease. Yes, Thursday is just a big tease of day. Its not Monday, or Hump Day, its that day that stands between me and Friday. And curse those of you who have half days of work Friday, or don't work every other Friday... Because I am here, in my office, working away on Thursday (and Friday for that matter).

And the worst part, Grey's is not back on yet for me to look forward to, or really anything good on Thursday. (not that grey's is good these days, its just that I at least have that to look forward to).

I long for the days of college Thursdays. Ya know, when you went out, had mixers, date dash, etc... or for those of us that went to school in Fort Worth, Billy Bob's was free after 11pm...Oh and I was awake past 9:30 pm on a Thursday.

But, nope, Thursday, I loathe you.

So..., here's to Friday.

But in honor of Thursday, here's a little #TBT for ya circa 2009, my  nephew's baptism!

Owning a House

Yeah, I had heard the infamous " house poor" woes of people growing up. I heard whispers of taxes, upkeep and your AC going out. But, growing up, we never owned a home. In fact, I only recall one house we lived in and it was a rental. And when M and I were married, I didn't worry about house things. He just took care of it. So, fast forward and 31 year old, single me is just now learning the woes of owning a home. There are just so many things no one tells you. Like:

1. you have to water the yard, and by hand when you have no sprinkler system (and no one tells you to look for that when looking at home)

2. old windows - seek the electricity right out of you

3. make sure you attic is insulated

4. mice, rats, rodents, etc... will come inside for warmth, shelter, food

5. pier and beems homes move, shift and make your walls crack, and cause your doors to not shut or just come wide open

6. your dogs will dig in everything

7. don't plant anything you don't want to water

8. you need to maintain your lawn and its not cheap (hello mowing, weed eating, weed & feed, fertilizer, etc...)

9. pest control is not cheap unless you want every big imaginable

10. TAXES

11. taking the trash out to the curb and then hauling it back in, rain, sleet or 112 degree heat

12. when things break, there is no landlord to call, its me!

13. my house has 9 different types of light bulbs

14. when the ac/heat goes out, and you are poor, cover up, immensely!

15. no one will feel bad for you because they own their own homes too and have "been there, done that

16. you can't just move out, or up and sell it

17. but, at the end of the day its all my own.

Oh Tuesday

This is what happens when you are just too tired to come up with new material. You let everyone read what you and your friends text about, because, well we are hilarious! If you have not seen this meme, well you should, well  now you have.. and this is how my friends react in this episode of "Texts With Friends"

Hearts & Flowers & Food, Oh MY

Yup, my weekend consisted of food, food and more food.

Friday, V Day... I received (right before I left for the day) this lovely lil arrangement. Brightened my lil ole day.... Then, le guy and I headed to a super yummy dinner at a local place called Ellerbe. Its motto is farm to table and they use lots of local produce and seafood. We dined on pork chops, a beef pot roast (umm to die for tender beef) and then some dessert. There was also this scrumptious potato leak soup, but I gulped it down before le guy could say, hey didn't you want to photograph that? (Funny he now doesn't even put a fork in anything until I take my phone out, and he even says, he you wanna snap a pic of that?). Then we headed in (yup  lame) to watch the new season of House of Cards which was released Friday. If you have not seen this show, well you should. Get ya some Netflix and get addicted, you will not be disappointed.

chocolate pave with raspberry mouse

puff pastry filled with a delish lemon curd with candied fruit

Saturday, I had to endure a workout without my sidekick trainer. Alas, I pushed myself just as if he were in my ear saying "you can do it!" Then there was errand running. Oil to be changed, puppies to be groomed, cars to be washed. Then, I headed out to North Park to get my shopping on. Well, ok so I got some make up and a top on sale at Lululemon. But, then I got to eat my at absolute fav Mediterranean place, Café Izmir off Greenville in Dallas. By far the best hummus you  have ever had. Its a lil tapas place, so we had a lil bit of everything. The beef dolmas, coconut chicken, babgnoush... yup, so good.

post puppy salon visit

yup, Chloe got a new outfit!

Sunday, I walked to church, it was so nice!! The sermon was wonderful. Nothing like sitting in a room with a hundred plus believers to set your week on track for greatness. I then took advantage of the 70 degree weather and got in a good run. I love Fort Worth for its trails. Running through the city, enjoying the sights and sounds is just a great way to get in the mindset for a great week. Then we lazed around before I went in for some pageant training with the Fort Worth organization. Then home to some grilled chicken and pasta. Chloe, my lil begger.... was just hoping le guy would drop something on the floor. Then some more House of Cards and a good night's rest. But not before I let Chloe do her favorite thing, ride with her head out the window on the way home. Hope yall had a great weekend, and enjoy this week~!

Happy Hearts, Flowers & Singing Bees Day

Today is about making sure those you love are well, loved. Soooo, here are to all the people in my life who love, support, and are always there for me.

 

 

Love

Today I devote a little post to Love and relationships. I am  hooking up with Taylor from the Daily Tay to tell you why me and my significant other, well just work. But first, I bring you this. Not only is February Black History Month, but its a month to remind us to love one another.

 

So.... my significant other and I are like peas in a pod, bread to my butter and He holds the key to my soul. He loves me like no one else can, and sees me like no one else does. He never judges me, always forgives me, and continuously grants me grace. He guides me with His gentle whisper and forces me to face my darkest hour, and always has a firm hand on the small of my back to steady me when seas are rough. His love is unwavering and unconditional. He finishes my sentences and answers my prayers. He never turns His back on me, even when I turn my back on Him. He is my ray of sunshine on the gloomiest of days and the warmth on my cheeks in the deep of winter. He fills a whole in my heart that no one else dares touch. He loves me on purpose and chose me--adopted me as His own. His love is perfect.

         

For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. Psalm 26:3

WILW

I'm not even sure if she still hosts this link-up, but since this has been quite the week, I needed to take some time to reflect on what I love and what I am loving this Wednesday that keeps me sane during stressful times!

1. BUNCO! I play once a month with am amazing group of women that somehow all know each other and man we have a good time. We eat, roll the dice, laugh, scream, drink wine and let it all out. Oh, and take crazy pictures!

yup, totally used the self-timer app for my iphone

2. That my girl Neely is getting married one day after my birthday, and is marrying an A-mazing man! Like just so excited and over the moon for her.

3. Chloe & Sophie - Yup, love those pups, they just keep on loving me no matter what I say, do, etc... Just two balls of furry love!

4. Girls in my small group/church - Never fails they are just there. When you need a shoulder to cry on, share good news with, boost of confidence or just a prayer. Its been a year since I met some of these amazing women and I am better for it.

5. These women. Jessica @ The Newly, P!inky, Jenn @ Going the Distance for always being there for a good laugh, virtual hug & constant support! Love you ladies!

6. God. Yup, He is the main man in my life. He is there when I need Him, and when I don't think I do. He gave up His only son for me so that I could live. So often I forget that His sacrifice was greater than anything I will ever encounter.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Romans 8:26

What are you loving this Wednesday?

Quit Complaining

Ok, so love me some Winter Olympics. Curling, moguls, slopestyle... just love it. I love ice skating too, but just cannot get into this year. But, I digress, well kind of.

Its the Americans, not our Olympians, but out fans, journalists, spectators, if you will. I get it, Russia has not been the most hospitable place to land your head or quench you thirst this Olympics. But, lordy, quit complaining.

1. You are at the Olympics, I don't care that you are not going to hurl your way to a Gold medal in the bobsled, you travelled half way around the globe and get to see history! Take it in, quit tweeting, instagramming and #ing how awful it is. I would give anything to be there, to take in one millisecond of it.

2. This is a country people, where millions live. Everyday. Do something. Lobby, speak out, help them. But know how far this country has come. Yeah, they are not as blessed as we are here in the homeland, but why make fun of their lives? They lived for years under the iron curtain of intense communism for heaven's sake! Applaud their work on the magnificent arenas, gorgeous terrain and rich culture. Have we seen anything horrible happen? Has anyone been mean to you? I know Russia may not share the same ideals as we do here in America, but come on people, just stop complaining!

Rejoice! Celebrate! Cheer! Praise God you get to see something that few ever will.

Pizza Snob!

Well, its still cold here in good ole Texas. Yup, and chance of another wintery mix today. I am a tad over this winter thing personally, as I feel like all my winter clothes are dark and dreary. I just want some painted toes and bare (tan) legs! But, alas, that darn groundhog predicts a few more days of winter so, scarves and boots and tights it is! But this weekend, well it was full of warmth. Tea, pizza and good ole-fashioned fun.

As most of you know, I am pretty healthy and try to eat clean. So, I tried this fab black bean and corn

quesadilla the other night! It was the bomb. Low carb tortilla, corn, black beans, cheese, yes please. This was followed by some intense puppy cuddling and catching up on some Animal Planet. This girl loves her some Animal Planet, and my girl, I mean Chloe Elaine.

 



 
 

 

 

Friday night we headed to a new place near TCU called Pizza Snob. Its a build your own pizza place, with a gourmet touch. As in, my pizza had beer-soaked onions, potato, chicken and sausage. Oh yum!

 

 

The crust is unreal, as in not quite pizza, not quite pie, but at the end I did not feel full or heavy at all! This place is a must if you are in the F-dub.

 

Saturday was a day to celebrate. I attended the baby shower tea of my one of my dearest friend's K. We celebrated little Jordan Paige with tea, the best scones I have ever had and lots of joy.

 

Saturday night, was Nannie's 90th Birthday Party. This is my should-be sister's grandmother, who is a hoot of a lady. We get together every year to celebrate her birthday, eat a great home-cooked meal and exchange Valentine's old school style. This year we even got a little fun in with the candy conversation hearts. As in we made a rap!

Sunday, well Sunday was a random. It started with my total meltdown on the way to church over a breakfast sandwich and no parking spot. Like, total panic attack people. I went into this zone of no return and just decided not all the prayer in the world would bring me back. So, I dropped of le guy and headed home. I took it out on the stairclimber at the gym and then my closets. Yup, spring cleaning came a little early.

This was only half way through. I purged half my closet, cleaned out the office/junk room and cleaned top to bottom. Great OCD panic attack stress relief and workout! It was so cold last night, but both of my girls were all nestled snug in their beds, with visions of bones dancing in their puppy heads!

Excited for this week. I am hosting bunco tomorrow and perhaps going to have a little love day fun! (hint hint to anyone reading, I like lilies, chocolate, cookies and gushy cards!).

Hope you all have a good week!

 



Friday Confessional {Getting to Know Me More}

Hallelujah. hear the angels sing, its Friday! I've got a busy weekend, with a baby shower for my friend K, 90th Bday party for the coolest Nannie around and gotta get some work done on the house! But, before all that, I am back linking up with the ever lovely Leslie for another round of getting to know you, confessional style!
1. What's your middle name? Marie.

2. If you could live anywhere else in the world where would you live? I would so go back to London. I lived there during my senior year of college. I did an internship at the American Church in London and fell IN.LOVE. The town, the shopping, the tube (hey who wants to drive); and the history!

3. Tell us about your guilty pleasures. It comes in the form of chocolate that resides on my paralegals desk.... just 5 M&M's right?

 4. What do you like best about your job? If you weren't doing that, what career would you have pursued? I work with amazing people! Seriously, blessed to call my colleagues friends. I have the best mentor attorneys who truly have an interest in making me a better lawyer, I work with two great paralegals who do just about whatever I need, my secretary, well she rocks! This woman has been here 30+ years and cranks out work like its nothing. Not to mention she is caring, sweet and always knows when you need a hug. BUT.... if I weren't I lawyer, I would either go back to working for my alma mater doing events, or open that bakery I talked about last week.

5. Five items you'd grab during a fire. (People and pets don't count. Those are a given.)
 - laptop
 - purse (the LV)
 - phone
 - kindle
 - photo album

6. Marathon running...something you'd like to pursue or just plain crazy? Yes, I want to do the Disney one!

7. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pancakes!!

8. Last person you spoke to...annnnnd....go! our office manager about being left out of all the fun things the staff does

9. Favorite childhood toy: my pound puppy Jamie who went everywhere with me

Exhibit A

 10. Breakfast cereal of choice: Multigrain Cheerio's! mixed with some other nut-based cereal like the new Quaker one that is like their granola bars!