It's baaacckkkk

In the words of Madea, my second favorite person in the world, "hallelujer!"  Folks, we are back in the the 21st century.....we officially have Internet again.  Whoop!  We have been without Internet for over 3 weeks now.  It's been awful.  I know I've ranted about this before, but AT&T can suck it.  Basically after being loyal customers for 2 years, they suddenly turned off our Internet....without any warning.  My husband, who is one of the most patient and kind people I've ever known, immediately called and was informed that they had no record of Internet installation at our new address; at this point Adam went off.  We were furious!  After reaming their behinds a new one, he canceled service.  At that point, I told him to contact DirecTV since our satellite service is with them, and they had previously tried to sell me on their TV/Internet bundle before.  We've been with DirecTV for 6 years now, and have never had any issues with them before.  So, Adam calls DirecTV to inquire about their "bundle" and lo and behold, they bundle with AT&T.  At this point, Adam's been on the phone with AT&T for over an hour, and both of us were over it.  We decide to precede with the "bundle" because we could get a discount on our DirecTV bill.  We set up installation for the following week and moved on.  Except the installation day came and went, and after Adam called AT&T (again) to get the status, they informed him (again) they had no record of a request being made to reestablish service.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?????!!!!!!!!  At that point, Adam said eff' y'all- we're done.  We called Comcast, set up installation day (today) which was 2 1/2 weeks ago.  So that's it folks, we've been without Internet for almost a month and we're finally back in business again.  I know, #firstworldproblems.  I will say; however, depending on my iPhone's fickle 3G service has been awful- today is a blessing.  Yes, I am thankful for the small things!

In other news......

• After my True Blood rant the other day, I found out yesterday that ASkars (Eric) will be returning to TB next season.  "Thank you, Lort!" 
• According to my BabyCenter pregnancy app I am 34 weeks today.  Can I get a what what?!  That means *fingers crossed* that baby girl will be here in at least 6 weeks.  This makes me so happy.  This last trimester has been rough.  I am so thankful to God for blessing me with the ability to carry a child, and for blessing me with another healthy child, but I don't plan to be pregnant ever again.  Pregnancy the first go-round (if you're a person that enjoys being pregnant) is great; you eat what you want to, sleep when you want to, lay on the couch for 5 hours straight when you want to, etc.  Pregnancy with a 3 1/2 year old (or any other child for that matter) is a whole other story.  It's hard; mentally and physically exhausting.  Because no matter what, your child needs you.  Parenting blogs, websites, magazines, love to tell you to put "you first."  These people writing these articles, blogs, etc. obviously don't have children or they have 1 child.  Sorry honey, but it stopped being "about me" the day my son was born.....3 1/2 years ago! 
• My second (and final) baby "sprinkle" is this Sunday at my mother-in-law's house.  I'm excited!  It won't be as big as my first "sprinkle" but I'm still so happy to be able to share this special day with good friends and family.  Bring on the cake! ;)

Since I can't stop quoting Madea today (Harper Beth must love her, too!) I have to add this.  Enjoy!

~LL

The sun will come out....tomorrow??

I'm in major countdown mode right now.  Counting down the weeks until I give birth, counting down the weeks until my baby showers, counting down the days that I have to get my mostly-empty house ready for a baby shower to be hosted at our home.....you get the point.  This morning, I was seriously counting down the weeks until Aaron goes back to school.  Don't get me wrong, I adore my child, but as I've stated before: mama needs a break.  Yes, I'm in major countdown mode and won't deny it.  I know you're supposed to live each day as if it's your last....yada, yada, yada.....but sometimes you just need to freakin' count. 

I posted yesterday about my weight gain, and how my Doc (and the friendly worker at Subway) both informed me that it was time to cut back.  I got some really nice feedback on FB from dear friends that made me feel better about my new preg bod.  Thank you, loves!  Anyway, last night around 2AM I turned over to lay on my left side and.....the bed broke.  Seriously.  Well, more like collapsed.  I just laid there in a daze; embarrassed because I am obviously an elephant.  Adam, half-asleep said, "what happened?"  Um, I broke the bed.  Sorry...I'm a fat ass.  Turns out, the slats gave out, and therefore the mattress fell down.  My poor hubby, he was giving me every excuse in the book to make me feel better.  I spent the rest of the night worried that any movement might cause the bed to fall through the floor into our basement.  Therefore, I slept maybe 3 hours.  No sleep=a rough day.  I even had to take a Zofran for the first time since first trimester today; I've felt terrible.  I'm blaming all of this on lack of sleep; I just began third trimester yesterday- this can't be the standard for the rest of this pregnancy.  Tonight, I'm going to bed when Aaron goes to bed.

Third trimester has also brought back my distaste for coffee.  I've attempted to drink a cup every day, and after two sips ended up dumping it down the drain.  I just want something cold to drink when I wake up.  My fellow Keurig friends, do they make ice-coffee k-cups?  This is probably a dumb question considering all I need to do is make a regular cup, and pour it into a glass with ice, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

I hit up Marshall's early this afternoon for some home decor.  Have I ever said how much I love this place??  I bought a black entryway table for our foyer, a canvas for our den, a vase of pink (artificial) roses for our dining room table, some yellow and gray throw pillows for our bed, and some new dog bowls for Sophie May.  I could have spent at least two more hours in that place.  This is going to be fun!

Off to order Chinese.  This overcast weather give me no drive to whip up anything in the kitchen.  Looks like a couch/movie night for us.  Enjoy your evening, friends!

~LL

One more day left!

My eyes are swollen shut this morning.  I stayed up late last night watching the Naomi Watts movie, The Impossible, and I cried through the whole movie.  If you haven't watched this movie, watch it.  It's a true story based off of a family that experienced the 2004 tsunami in Thailand.  I have a weird obsession with tsunamis (don't ask.....don't know where/when this happened) so of course I was on board to watch this movie as soon as the previews came out.  I picked it up at the Redbox yesterday, and after I got my rug-rat in the bed I watched....and cried....and cried.   Trust me- it's worth the tears. 

So, I have news about the house and it isn't good.  Doesn't look like we're getting it.  (Sad face.)  For the past two days we have gone round and round via our Realtors with this offer/that offer.  We did stand firm on our final offer which we submitted Tuesday, but the seller was not on board.  Ugh!  So disappointing and aggravating.  I was talking to Adam about it last night, and we both agreed that if someone showed up on our doorstep offering to buy our house for $10,000 cheaper than when we bought it, provided we pay the closing costs, we'd jump at the chance.  I'm guessing maybe the owners aren't in such a hurry to sell because the house is an estate??  Who knows.  Honestly, I'm disappointed but I'm okay with the current situation.  It's all in God's hands.  Maybe He has something better for us?  The old me would fight for this house tooth and nail, not praying and asking God if this is where He wants me to be.  I'm just trying to listen this time around.  I know the answers (and house) will come with a little trust and patience.

In other news....have y'all bought Mother's Day gifts?  Ideas?  Aaron Mo and I are going shopping tomorrow morning, and I have no ideas of what to get my mom and my two mother-in-laws.  All of these wonderful women are different in so many ways, but I would like to do something other than a gift card.  I would look on Pinterest, but I don't have the time/energy to put together the "ultimate Mother's Day" gift; i.e. something homemade, super-duper cutesy, and absolutely over-the-top fabulous.  Pinterest has made everyone else look pathetic in the gift department if you hand somebody a card with a (gasp!) gift card inside it.  It has to be a handmade card, in the most beautiful calligraphy imaginable, with a balloon attached, an adorable poem, and a puppy.  For reals.  I can't handle it. 

 Final thoughts:

• I have a maj crush on Deacon from Nashville.  Loving the fact that he and Rayna are finally gettin' it on.  Knockin' da boots.  Bumpin' & Grindin'.  (I told y'all......this little girl in my belly has my Pandora station permanently on early 90's R&B.  "You Remind Me of my Jeeeeeep....")
• I put on makeup for the first time all week, and I literally came back to life.  I think I was a tad depressed until I put some eyeliner and bright pink lipstick on.  Note to self: wear makeup.  Even if you're depressed.  You'll feel better.
• I cannot stop jamming out to will.i.am and the Bieb's new single, #thatPOWER.  Love it!  Me, this baby bump, and Aaron seriously had a dance party when he performed this song on Ellen. 
• I cannot stand Sabrina on General Hospital.  I know this is a random thought, but it's been on my mind and had to be said.  I think she's incredibly annoying and it's high-time for Robin to come back from the dead.
• True Blood comes back on in exactly 31 days.  I am SO ready to spend my next 3 months obsessing over ASkars and who he's dating.  Heart him.

Enjoy your beautiful day!

~LL

This DIY thing is hard....

Happy Tuesday!  Today has been a pretty good day.  With the exception of crazy dreams last night, I woke up and actually enjoyed a cup of coffee.  This made me really happy.  I haven't been able to drink coffee this whole pregnancy up until a week ago.  I forgot how much I missed it, until I poured some Hazelnut creamer into my coffee cup this morning.  Ahhh....it's the little things, y'all.

Whilst enjoying my cup o' joe this morning, I watched Kelly and Michael.  Disclaimer: I'm only able to savor a cup of coffee AND watch Kelly and Michael at the same time when my son is at preschool.  This only happens twice a week, so you better believe I enjoy every second.  Kate Hudson was on their show today and I adore her.  Like major girl crush adore her.  I love everything about her: her hair, style, attitude- like she's probably one of my most favorite people in the world.  Seriously.  If this a boy I'm totally naming him Bingham and calling him Bing.....okay, not really but she can just do no wrong in my book. 

via

In other news, the last I updated about the house we had gone to Lowe's, picked out our kitchen flooring and new cabinet knobs.  Our flooring had to be special ordered, so it won't even arrive until later this week.  Adam went ahead and took off the old cabinet handles this weekend and added the silver knobs.  They're great......however, they would look much better if the previous handles hadn't left horrible rust stains behind.  To get an idea of what I'm talking about here's a pic of our kitchen:

This picture was taken 4 years ago so of course, table and decor have changed, but you get where I'm coming from regarding the cabinet handles.  Anyway, those handles have been on those cabinet doors since this house was built 50 years ago.  After removing the knobs, Adam sanded the cabinets and then went over the stains with primer.  A couple of times.  This is what we're working with now:

Ugh

 Adam says eventually the white will fade, but it's just not working for both of us.  Yeah, the knobs aren't super fancy but these cabinets need color.  Especially now that there's a two-toned white dominating the canvas.  We've decided that we'll pick out a color once we get the new flooring in.  That should be within the next two weeks.  Do y'all have any suggestions?  Here's another picture of our flooring:

I'm kinda digging the idea of bright, colorful cabinets.  Adam thinks we need to stick to beige/brown.  Thoughts?

Enjoy your day!

~LL

Favorite Things Friday Part Deux

I love Friday's.  Don't we all?  Today, although overcast, has felt (in the words of Penny on Happy Endings) "ahmazing."  Aaron's in shorts and a t-shirt; I'm in cropped jeans, a tee, and flats.  Love it. 

In addition to having coffee this morning with one of my nearest and dearest, I got to hit up "Tarjay" during Aaron's naptime for a few essentials....and a few nonessentials.  Check out my new flats:

Thirteen bucks, baby.  I know they're nothing special; however, the only flats I have right now are hot pink and can be a bit too much when paired with yellow skinny jeans. 

I also came home to two packages in the mail: my leggings order from F21 and my January Birchbox- whoop!

Cute puppy girl not included

I ordered 4 different pairs of leggings Sunday, because I'm over jeans.  I wear them every day.  As much as I love them, some days I just want to throw a cute tunic over some leggings, put on some flats, and be done with it.  I got a gray pair, navy pair, a black, ribbed pair, and an Aztec patterned pair.  Nothing special- they were all on sale so I paid 20 bucks tops on them, and got some free press-on nails with it (just a tad trashy). 

Birchbox included some face/hand cream, eye "gellies" (excited about trying these), perfume, eye primer, and some hair stuff.  Not my fave BB, but nevertheless, they're always nice to find in your mailbox.  The $10/month is totally worth it in my eyes!

Before I forget, I have to tell y'all about my new favorite thing: Caress Sheer Twilight body wash. 

(image via)

Y'all, this junk smells amazing.  Like Bath and Body Works delicious.  Plus, the most you'll pay is $5.  I'm wondering if this is what Bella must smell like to Edward.  So far, Mr. Sparkles hasn't shown up and impregnated me with his half human/half vampire babe, but I'll be sure to keep y'all posted. ;) 


I forgot to mention this yesterday: People's Choice Awards.  Did you watch it Wednesday night?  You know I did.  I only watched to catch a glimpse of my younger lovah', JHutch.  Of course, I got tired of watching it, turned it off at 10:45, and lo and behold, he made an appearance in the last fifteen minutes with JLaw and Liam. 

Look at my little nugget.  I could just put him in my pocket and carry him around. 

They kinda make a cute couple.  Heffa. (image via)

And one last thing before we depart for the evening: Beyonce's GQ interview.  Thoughts?  Celebitchy covered this today.  Can we say egomaniac?  Someone's been hanging around Kanye too much.  Seriously, who does this woman think she is?  Yes, she's beautiful, and enormously talented.  Yes, her concert is the best concert I've ever been to.  But you know what, there are millions of people in the world doing their thing and rocking it, and we don't hear them saying, "I'm more powerful than my mind can even digest and understand."  Girl, get off your high horse and take that blonde weave out of your hair.  When it comes down to it you're a person just like every one else.

And that's my two cents.

Off to love on my most favorite person in the world!

~LL

Favorite Things Friday!

I have been listening to Led Zeppelin since I was 5 years old.  No kidding.  My dad would pile me and my sister in his Chevy truck, pop a Led Zep tape into the tape deck, and we would seriously jam out to "Ramble On."  Now, I have been known to have some questionable tastes in music (Gucci Mane), but thanks to my dad and his excellent taste (in addition to Led Zep, Stevie Ray Vaughn, ZZ Top, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, the list goes on..) I have somehow come out alright.  Anyway, I saw where a friend of a friend had shared this today and I have literally watched it 3 times.  And cried each time.  This should go down in history, it's that good.  Without further ado, Heart's rendition of "Stairway to Heaven."  Hell yes.




As I've talked about in previous posts, I'm obsessed with scarves. I live in them in the fall/winter. They can take a simple outfit of jeans and a tee, and add instant style.  More recently, I've been dying over Infinity Scarves.  Well, I didn't have to wait too long, because my sweet cousin, Katie, made one for me!  Here's a picture of the finished product:

Can't really tell from this pic, but it's adorb.  I love how it hangs loosely and doesn't swallow my face.  Love it!

Here's a link to Katie's blog tutorial on how she made these scarves.  So easy and so chic!!


And last but not least, an oldie but a goodie.  This will always be one of my favorite things because I laugh to the point of tears every time I watch it.  Presenting my favorite YouTube video of all time:  Scarlet Takes a Tumble:


Happy Friday, y'all!!

 ~LL

Review

I was going to post yesterday, but I was experiencing the hangover of the century.  Like, I could barely move my body hurt so much.  One margarita led to three, and after having 2 glasses of champagne at our friends house I was DONE.

Midnight

 

 

 

 

Not long after the above picture was taken was I passed out on their couch.  I'm talking within the hour.  Geez...

All in all, we had an awesome time.  It was a perfect, laid-back evening.  Since we knew we were spending the night, we brought breakfast for the next morning.  I made these Bacon-Cheese Pull Aparts (recipe from Pinterest) and they were divine.  Cheers to 2013!

I have been meaning to update on Christmas; specifically, update on my Clarisonic Mia 2.  Obsesssssssssed!  I posted last November about wanting one because my skin has gotten seriously OOC.  Well, Santa granted my wish and it's as fabulous as I thought it would be!  First of all, I love using it.  I've never been one to love washing my face.  In fact, I'm downright lazy about it.  Usually while giving Aaron his bath at night, I would wipe my face with a makeup remover cloth, apply toner, and dab on my eye cream and moisturizer.  Nothing special. 

My, my, how things have changed....

This thing is awesome.  After charging for 24 hours before use it was ready to go.  Along with your Mia, you get some Clarisonic Cleansing Gel.  After wetting your face and the brush, you apply the gel to the bristles, press the power button, and let it go.  The brush stays on for a minute (20 seconds on forehead/20 seconds on nose/chin area/10 seconds on each cheek).  The Mia is already set for you to follow this standard.  Afterwards, your skin feels amazing.  Like, just had a facial- amazing.  My only concern was if it was harmful to use it once in the morning and at night, but according to the FAQ's on their website it's A-Okay to use it twice a day.  Again, I love it.  I even talked to the fabulous woman who does my facials, Angelique (here's her FB page if interested), to get her opinion and she thinks it's great as well.  Score!  She did inform me that with all of the exfoliating (i.e. deep cleansing) this brush does, it will bring up all of the impurities in your skin; bottom line, I shouldn't be shocked and demand my money back when a zit or blackhead pops up.  Just means it's doing its job!  So, if you're interested in this wonderful little gadget, and hesitant about the cost, it's worth every pretty penny.  I promise!!

Okay, gotta go cook dinner.  One last thought; I purchased Divergent on my Kindle today because I wanted to read something like The Hunger Games (and frankly, I'm still madly in love with JHutch/Peeta and I simply cannot get over him).  Has anybody else read this series?  Thoughts??

~LL

Just call me Pizza Face

Well, it's official.  I've entered middle school again.  (Disclaimer: this blog entry is all over the place.)

I have 4 zits on my face right this minute.  Wth??  I'm actually down from 5 so I guess it's getting better.  What is going on?

Before I continue, let me give you some background: I'm blessed in that I have pretty good skin.  I rarely break out, and when I do it's like one pesky little pimple and we move on.  This week?  I literally woke up Sunday morning with three zits.  Monday?  I woke up with two more.  Now, Saturday night was a biggie.  I met my future lovah, drank like a fish, and smoked (well more like "pretended" to smoke) 2 cigarettes.  I'm sure my body/skin had no idea how to respond to the smoking, wine/liquor/beer combination since I usually can't drink but one big glass of red wine without passing out within the hour.  However, this crater face I'm sporting is a little ridonk.  I have a blemish underneath my right eye (how did that happen?), one on my cheek (again, how did that happen?), one under my nose, and two on my chin.  I've scrubbed, masked, toned, etc. all week and only one has disappeared.  I even went and bought boxed hair color and turned my whole head into a color that resembles a banana peel (Garnier Honey Butter, my ass) to try to distract from the face and have done nothing but caused more attention to it (and reminded me that when I go blonde I must be tan). 

To sum it all up, I told Adam that I obviously need this for Christmas:

(http://www.dermatologysocal.com/products-page/clarisonic/clarisonic-mia-2-brush/)

This Clarisonic Mia 2.  Thoughts?  Have you used this before?  Is it a miracle performer?

We'll see...


I was going to post yesterday, but I was exhausted from little sleep, and suffering a major love hangover over RPatty after going to see the 10pm screening of Breaking Dawn 2 Thursday night.  The best thing I can say: it was so fabulously cheesy and I loved every second of it!

Enjoy your Saturday!

~LL

Thankful

Over the past week, many people on Facebook and Twitter have been posting what they are thankful for each day.  Although I am not posting about my thankfulness daily, I thought I would post some things I am thankful for today and every day.

• I'm thankful for my son.  My sweet, happy, wild, adventurous, spirited, Thomas the Train-loving two year old.  Each day when I hear "Mommy" over that monitor, and I walk into his room and see him grin a huge Sponge Bob smile at me, I know that God gave me the best job on the planet.  
• I'm thankful for my hubby.  He loves me and our little family so much.  He works tirelessly to provide for us.  He is the smartest man I know.  He is the kindest man I know.  I often ask him, "What did you do before we met?  It must have been something awful." because, bless his heart, he got stuck with me (ha)! 
• To add to that, I'm thankful that my hubby has a great job that allows me to stay home with our son.  After going back to work for a very short period of time earlier this year, I realized that being home with our child is where I'm needed.  And for that, I'm thankful for the jobs I did have, because had I not taken those positions I would not fully appreciate being able to be a stay-at-home-mama!  With all of that being said, yes, if I were to have a great career where I made good money and truly loved what I was doing, I would be thankful for that opportunity.  I truly believe everything works out for a reason.
• I'm thankful for parents that offer me and my family all the love and support that we need and my sister- the Tia to my Tamara!
• I'm also thankful for my incredible friends.  It's true, the older you get the smaller your circle becomes.  However, my circle is beautiful, hilarious, fun, creative, loving, and I could not be more blessed for these relationships.  

Okay, a thankful list would not be complete without some randoms so here goes:

• I'm thankful for dry shampoo.  Without it, my day 2 hair would resemble KStew circa 2009:

(Image via: http://www.fanpop.com/spots/twilight-series/answers/show/35787/does-anyone-like-kristen-stewarts-new-hair-cut)

•  I'm thankful for: RyGy, ASkars, and JHutch, and (lately) Adam Levine because you make my dreams so, SO sweet.  

(Images courtesy of: thefashionisto.com, fanpop.com, twilightandtruebloodlovers.com, & wordsmoker.com)

•  I'm thankful for weddings because without them we wouldn't have Bachelorette parties and without Bachelorette parties we wouldn't have a good excuse to listen to old-school Kilo Ali and wear feather boa's.
• This week, I'm especially thankful for Mint Oreo Fudge Cremes as I have already consumed 3 of them.

 

 That is all.....for today anyway. ;)  Happy Friday!!

~LL

This is my life

Happy Belated Halloween!

I meant to post yesterday, but I had a cooking disaster yesterday morning that has left my hand looking like this:

FYI: Never let me fry sausage patties....like never, ever.  I was channeling my inner Pioneer Woman yesterday morning: turning a rotisserie chicken into chicken salad, and thought "Hey, while you're at it, why don't you fry up those sausage patties in the fridge and make your own version of a Sausage McMuffin?"  Um, never again.  My inner voice told me this was a bad idea as soon as I put the skillet on the stove (always listen to your inner voice, people!).  As the sausage was frying I flipped a patty over and hot grease splashed all over my right hand (cue bloody murder scream).  I think I might need a skin graft.  Regardless, my career in hand modeling was over before it started.  Dammit.

So that little kitchen mishap kicked the day right on off.  I couldn't even take a shower and wash my hair because my hand was in so much pain.  I had to break out the ole' 80's shower cap, and bathe with my left hand...hilarity.  I'm going to tell you what I wore yesterday so you can have a good laugh: black velour pants (because I think I'm JLo circa 2002), a gray tank, a long white cardigan, brown Uggs, and my greasy, unwashed hair pulled back into a pink baseball cap.  Sexay.  AND, I wore this classy number all day yesterday.  Heck, I couldn't even wear makeup- just lipstick, because of this hand injury.  To add to all of the drama?  Sophie May had her annual Vet check-up yesterday afternoon (shots, etc) and a new Vet has taken over the practice, and he's HOT.  I mean like, "What are you doing in Forsyth, Ga hawt?!?"  I literally couldn't have gotten out of there faster.  I started breaking out in that horrible upper lip sweat I do when I get nervous, and my ears had turned a bright shade of tomato.  As a side note, whenever I'm in a situation where I'm nervous, anxious, excited, etc. my ears always turn a bright shade of red.  Never fails.  If I ever do run into ASkars he's probably going to run because it looks like I might spontaneously combust.  This is my life.

Anywho, my hand is better today and I can actually move it without feeling pain.  Aaron and I hit up the dreadful Walmart last night (Tip: if you go to Walmart on Halloween hardly anybody's there) and I got some good burn cream.  We ended up staying in last night.  Aaron had already done the "trick or treating" thing last weekend, Adam was working, and I honestly didn't feel like getting a 2 1/2 year old out in the mix.  I was bummed, but Aaron's still too young to understand what Halloween is.  I definitely think next year will begin the fun, door-to-door trick-or-treating that we loved so much as kids.  I ended up cooking a pot of chili, and catching up on Modern Family eps.  Not the best Halloween, but not the worst either. 

This morning while the little tater tot was at preschool, me and my friend, Jessica, hit up Dillards, Belk, and DSW.  I was looking for some hot pumps for a Bachelorette party next weekend, and y'all I found them.....on clearance at DSW, nonetheless!

BCBG....originally $84.95 got them 30% off for $58.  Still a little bit too much, but they are BCBG, and I do need a pair of platform pumps as I don't have any.....I'm totally trying to justify this purchase and I can't.  It's frivolous and that's that.  I love them and if I don't bust my ass in them, they will be the best 58 bucks spent on shoes in a long time.

Alright, lovers.  Enjoy your day!

~LL

Girls

Over the past few months I've noticed some of my FB friends posting about this little new HBO show titled, Girls.  After reading yet another status update about one particular, hilarious episode ("The Crackcident"), I decided to get my act together and set the show up on DVR.  Well lemme tell you, I'm so glad I did!

I watched the first 3 episodes of this show last night until 12:30.  I would have watched the next three episodes that were recorded, however; it was 12:30 and I had to make myself go to bed.  One word: hysterical.  If this isn't the perfect example of "girls" these days, I don't know what is.  I loved it!  Lena Dunham is hilarious, self-deprecating, and I just want to hang out with her.....every day.  Everyone is fantastic, really.  Watch.  You'll be glad you did.

Here's a clip of an epi that I have yet to watch, but am so looking forward to:

Sweet Sundays

Hey dolls!

Are y'all enjoying your weekend?  No complaints here.  I love Sunday's, but I especially love Sunday's at home with my boys and my sweet puppy girl.

The one thing that's suffered this weekend?  My diet.  Blah.  I have the My Fitness Pal App on my phone, and y'all, that app really is great.  It's so easy to just plug in the amount of calories you consumed at each meal, and it even has a scanner that let's you scan the barcode of the box/package of whatever you're eating without having to plug the calories in manually.  I did SO good last week.  Seriously.  I recorded everything I ate, and managed to stay under 1200 calories each day.....then Friday hit.  Aaron and I were out and about running errands Friday morning, so (I told myself) it was just more convenient to swing through Chick-Fil-A for lunch.  I didn't do horrible (Grilled Chicken Sandwich), but I could have done better (Medium Waffle fries).  For dinner?  Since it was the big Braves game and Adam had a friend over, I thawed out last week's Taco Soup (Delicious and low fat), but topped that off with tortilla chips and Sausage dip (complete with Velveeta Cheese).  Then I added 2 glasses of Riesling on top of that.  Bad, bad girl!

Yesterday, me and one of my besties, Katie, drove up to Atlanta to visit another bestie, Kim.  It was the perfect girls day of shopping, and well, lunching.  We ate at Social Vinings (which by the way is amazeballs), on their outside patio enjoying the perfect weather and warm breeze.  We even indulged in dessert (don't judge), and although my jeans were totally hating my guts, my soul was happy and that's all that mattered.

Afterwards, we did a little sidewalk shopping at some of the precious boutique/antique shoppes in Smyrna.  Check out the loot:

Skull scarf, Silver Chandelier earrings (b/c you just can't have enough), & a Keep Calm & Carry On mini book (love these)

Sorry the picture quality's not great.  Anywho, I am absolutely obsessed with this scarf.  And no, I didn't buy it because I saw Kris Jenner wear it on KUWTK (maybe I was a tad influenced but I would've loved it anyway).  Cannot wait to pair this with a white tee, jeggings, and flats and GO!

Sunday's normally aren't my favorite days, but today has just been exceptionally wonderful.  Besides the 6:30 AM wake-up yell from Aaron Mo, it definitely made it worth it when after putting him in the bed between me and Adam, he grabbed my cheeks and said "Mommy, I wuv you."  Ahhhh......heart grows as big as the Grinch's.  I thought, since we're up early we should go to early church.  Did that happen?  No.  And I'm still feeling a little guilty.  Yes, I do think Aaron should be brought up in a church.  But today, I just wanted to cuddle with my boys and Sophie May, and enjoy an early Mexican lunch (while beating the church crowds- ha!).  

And in other news, I just found out we're going to the beach this week- Whoop!  Just me, Aaron Mo, my mom, and sister.  Only for a few days, and only to St. Simons, but hey- it's the beach!  I'm making a note to take my laptop so I can blog while I'm there.  I always seem to get inspired with my toes in the sand.

I hope you're enjoying your day doing whatever it is that pleases you. 

XOXO,
LL

Less Is More

In an attempt to keep things bipartisan (hehe) following the Presidential Debate, today I'm talking nude lips.  Yep, I never thought I'd be discussing how much I love a nude lip but I absolutely do.

I'm a lipstick girl.  Always have been.  I love my pinks, berries, roses, and sometimes reds.  I always have.  I think I've worn lipstick since I was in eighth grade....seriously.  Luckily, my 8th grade experimentation (i.e. brown lipstick- think Kim Kardashian in the KUWTK early years) happened so long ago that there's no evidence of my lapse in judgement.....I don't think there is, anyway.

Anywho, I got a text a couple of months ago from my gorge friend, Heather.  (Her and her hubby are responsible for our adorable header above.  Their company, Graceology Photography, is awesome!)  Heather knows how much I love makeup, and had texted me a picture of a nude lip combo she had purchased at CVS.  Feeling inspired, I bought my own nude combo at Target a couple of days later.

Loreal Colour Riche lipliner in Au Naturel, Loreal Colour Riche lipstick in #800 Fairest Nude, & Milani Glitzy Glamour Gloss in #50 Center Stage

It's soft and simple.  I am digging the nude lip for Fall.  Seriously.  InStyle posted a great article about the nude lip, and how pretty it can be- go check it out.  Of course, I'll always love my berries/roses/pinks, but a change can do you good.

I would post a pic, but I'm having a seriously bad hair day (am really wishing my hair would grow out but that's a whole other post for a different day). 

That's my makeup obsession of the day.  MWAH!

~LL

The Royal Edition

Last night as I was browsing through the celebrity gossip on my US Weekly iPhone app I came across this story:

"Karl Lagerfeld: Carole Middleton is "Sexier Than Her Daughters" Kate and Pippa"

The story went on to basically say how the famous designer thinks Carole Middleton is hot.  Good for her.  She is an attractive woman, and she most definitely has beautiful daughters.

The story caught my eye because Mr. Lagerfeld has been very outspoken against Pippa and the way she looks before.  You can read that story here.  It irked me to no end reading this story because Pippa is a natural beauty just like her sister.  She's not injected with so much collagen and botox that she can't move her face.  And I'm sure she probably maintains her fab bod (and rear) the healthy way, without resorting to sticking her finger down her throat and/or starving herself.  I know Karl Lagerfeld is a famous designer, but who gives him the right (especially when he looks like President Snow from the Hunger Games) to designate who's sexy or not. 

Well now Mr. Lagerfeld is backtracking on the Pippa "only should show her backside" comment.  His new "words of wisdom" are that Pippa needs better makeup- specifically eye makeup.

After reading this I decided to see for myself.  Sure, I know both Middleton sisters are very lovely.  But, I too have noticed that the Middleton girls love eye makeup- especially black eyeliner.  While the designer states that Kate can do no wrong, I decided to focus my picture search on Pippa.  And well, you can see for yourself:

Too much self-tanner (image via huffingtonpost.com)

A bit too much? (image via radaronline.com)

Okay the fake tan/orangy foundation combo is not good, I'll admit.  The bottom picture I honestly think is lovely.  Hell, maybe I have bad taste in makeup.  Yeah I don't believe in panda eyes, but I do LOVE eyeliner.  I ain't even gonna lie.
 I didn't discover eyeliner until I was 20 (I guess that's an appropriate age), and ever since then I've been a sucker.  I've tried the no eyeliner thing, the eyeliner only on the upper lash line thing, and the eyeliner halfway across the bottom thing.  I've discovered through plenty of trial and error that lining the eye all the way from top to bottom works for me, as long as I don't overdue it.  After seeing pictures where it looks like the black eyeliner is wearing me (instead of me wearing it), I've now gone completely to shadow liner.  This has involved investing in a great liner brush (I recommend Sephora's angled eyeliner brush) which you can use to apply both powder and gel eyeliner; however, I don't recommend using the same brush to do both as I've made that mistake and had to make the $14 purchase again

Maybe that is what our lovely Pippa needs.  What do you think?  I heart her.  I root for her hard.  I'm sure Kate is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, but why does she get to marry Prince William, be a Duchess, and innocently flirt with Prince Harry and his Royal hotness for the rest of her life.  I know I'm not the only one that totally thinks Pippa and Harry should hook it up.  (As a side note, can we admire how hot Harry looks in uniform?!)

Dayumm, boy (image via mirror.co.uk)

Maybe I should just move our brood to London and take over Pippa's styling.  I think that would work.  And in trade, she could show me the number of squats and lunges she does to maintain that rump.  That's totally a deal!

Pippa- call me!

~LL

Verdict

Raise your hand if you watched The X Factor last night.  (I'm waving my right hand frantically in the air right now.)  Hellur!  Absolutely loved it!  I haven't watched American Idol in years, so the only reason I was looking forward to even watching The X Factor last night was because of Brit-Brit.  Well, I really liked the  show, AND it looks like our girl might be getting her groove back.  Really, I was impressed.  Britney did not mince words, and seemed to really care about giving these contestants the honest to God truth.  Go girl!  She looked great, too.  Totally dug the glasses she wore on this day:

On the other hand, after last night I have a major girl crush on Demi Lovato.  What a cutie!  I've never really paid much attention to Demi before.  I mean, I knew she dated Joe Jonas at one point, and I knew she had punched somebody in her entourage out at one point, and then immediately went to rehab afterwards.  So, last night was the first time I watched something she was in for a period of time.......love her!!  I just thought she was so fresh-faced and adorable.  I loved the fact that she didn't wear a ton of makeup (although her eyeliner in the first part of the episode was something fierce), and had a really easy-going banter with everyone from Simon to the contestants.  After the show, I immediately went to Twitter and started following.  New fan!

I'm going to have to DVR tonight.  Glee comes back and Kate Hudson is starring as a teacher, and HELLO- she's like girl crush #1!


One last thing, have y'all heard The Bieb's new song?  Heard it for the first time last night and cannot get it out of my head.  Who said 30 wasn't the new 20?

Dear Britney

I guess you've all heard the big news......Brit Brit's big X Factor premiere is tonight.  I'm pumped.  I'm really, really hoping she's not going to be weird.  She looks great as Exhibit A and B shows:

She looks nervous

Definitely more like herself here

I worry about Brit-Brit-, I cannot lie.  I always feel like she's on the verge of a major breakdown.  It's obvious girlfriend is on medication.  And you know, if that works good for her!  Yesterday her and Simon Colwell appeared on Ellen, and although she looked beautiful, she looked like she might be a tad constipated.  (Girl, we know you stopped at In-N-Out and got you some french fries on the way!)  Check it out:


See what I'm talking about? I really do think that if I were her personal assistant, she wouldn't act that way. The following is basically how it would go down:

"Britney, I've loved you since the 2000 VMA's when you became a stripper.  I knew at that point we would have a lasting relationship.  I especially loved the MTV episode of "Diary" when you and JT loved it up for the cameras.  I still cannot believe you cheated on JT with Wade Robson.....what was that?? Anyway, you really took it to a new low when you married KFed and premiered Chaotic.  I stuck by you when you shaved your head, and went cray cray on the paparazzi (although they totally deserved it).  I was even your biggest supporter when you were riding around in Paris Hilton's Mercedes Benz not wearing underwear (probably not your best move).  There have been a number of things that have gone down, and yet I've always supported you no matter what.  So from this point on, this is the plan: you're going to learn to dance again (Hello?! I'm a slaaavvve for you), you're going to stop being weird during interviews, and you need to just go ahead and break off that engagement with Jason Trawho?, and reunite with JT (let's just admit that we all know JT does not want to marry Jessica Biel).  That's the plan, you feel me?"

So with all of this in mind, I will be watching the X Factor tonight, glass of wine in hand, rooting for my girl.  Come on, Britney!  We believe in you!!

Weekend Roundup

It's Saturday night and I'm blogging in my pj's.  Yep, this is the life.....lemme tell ya!  Actually to be honest, I'm enjoying myself.  It's been a low-key weekend so far and that's fine with me.  I did, however, make the mistake of ordering "Contagion" on PPV, and now am paranoid of walking out of the door.  Warning: if you're a major Germaphobe, DO NOT watch this movie- your life will never be the same!  (As a side note, Gwyneth P was in the movie, and don't get me wrong, she's a hottie, but I think Gwynnie might be showing her age.  Maybe it's time for a new hairdo instead of that same blonde hair parted down the middle look.  At this point, only the Kardashian sisters can pull that off.)

While Adam was busy "working for the weekend," Aaron and I went to visit my cousin, Jill, and his baby cousin, Mary Leigh.  They are only 5 months apart, and when they're together it's nothing but a major cutefest.  Here are some pics of them playing; be warned: the adorable factor is at it's highest:

I did a collage using the iphone app, Pic Collage.  I hope it works.....

I love when we can get them together.  They are at the cutest ages, and the way they interact is just priceless.  They hug, kiss, hold hands, and LOVE each other.  It literally makes my heart happy.  :)





Here's another pic to document our weekend; Sophie got her "haiiiirrr did":

I used effects on this pic because I look hein.  Sophie, of course, would not look at the camera.  Diva.

Adam and I celebrated one of my dearest friends 30th birthday last night.  I don't have any pictures of that because I'm a horrible picture taker, but I will say that if you end up having a dance party to old school "Back Dat Ass Up" you're having a good time. PCB 2000- what what!!


On a more serious song note, I was running errands yesterday and flipping through the songs on my Nano when Dixie Chick's "Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)" came on.  I was going to turn it, but I made myself listen to it.  I also made myself pull over because I was crying so hard.  I've never been able to listen to it without crying, but now, since the loss of our precious Luke, this song has taken on a different meaning.  If you've never heard it, YouTube it.  It's absolutely beautiful.  Here's a peek at the beautiful lyrics:

"Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams"

Godspeed, little man. :)


Okay, I'm crying so we need a change of subject and a good end to this post.  Sooooo.........

When's Bey gonna have her beybey??  Let's bet!!

                    

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Current Obsessions

Hi friends!  Today I thought I'd put together a lil' list of some of my faves.  I've been blogging around 3 years now (not counting the occasional blog disappearance for, ahem, months at a time), and I don't believe I have ever put together a list of my favorite things.  There are many bloggers that I follow that have done these lists, and I have always enjoyed their "favorites."  I've even taken their advice at times, and tried some of their must-haves to find out that I love them as well.  So, here's my list.  Random and funky, I guess that's just me.

Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes compact:  I was introduced to this little compact of prettiness by my friend, Ashley at Kindredly, last year.  We had met for our usual lunch of mexican grub, and I commented on how pretty her eye makeup looked.  Ashley, ever the fashionista, was using this compact at the time and completely sold me on how pretty (and natural) the colors were.  I don't know about you, but I've always been at constant odds with eyeliner; wanting to use it because I love the way it brings out my eyes, but hating having to worry about it running or smudging after an 8 hour day.  This compact is the best!  The pink and brown shades bring out every eye color, and the brown is perfect smudged in your crease and along your lash lines.  My eyes stand out without looking overdone.  I will say, using shadow as liner takes some getting used to, but once you start doing it, you'll never go back to that plain ole' stick eyeliner.  It typically runs around $30 (definitely ain't cheap), but it lasts awhile so you definitely get your $$'s worth. Loves!

One-N-Only Argan Oil:   Last summer, I read about this oil hair treatment in my monthly Glamour subscription.  Since I was in the process of growing out the unfortunate bob with side bangs, I was willing to do anything, including putting a jar of mayo in my hair to make it grow (yes, I really did read that that works- no lie!).  I stopped by the local Sally Beauty Supply, and after looking on shelf after shelf for 30 minutes I finally found it.  (Side note: the container is tiny, but heed my warning: a little goes a LONG way!)  The first time I used it, I put a quarter-sized dollop into my hair and literally had a greasy head for 4 days (shampooing every day, nonetheless).  I don't use this product every day, maybe 2 times a week.  As soon as I step out of the shower, I apply a dime-sized amount in my ends only.  Brush through, dry, style, and voila: instant healthy and shiny hair!  This little container has done more for my hair growth than any vitamin, cream, or shampoo will ever do.  Cheers!

Nicki Minaj:  When Amy and I went to see Britney a couple of weeks ago, Nicki opened up for her.  I knew I liked her, I mean I am all about some "Super Bass" and "Moment 4 Life."  I had no idea she would be my next girl crush.  Let's just put it out there, girlfriend's got's it going on!  She raps and wears a bodysuit and Christian Louboutin's, what's not to like??

Flipping Out:  If you aren't watching this show, go to Bravo right now and set it up on your DVR.  Best show on television!  Tuesday's, 9 pm- hook.it.up.  Jeff Lewis is an incredibly funny hottie (he's gay, ladies, but gahh he's fun to look at!)  who used to "flip" houses, but due to the real estate crash, is now just designing.  He and crew are hilarious, crude, and lovable.  Go watch now!

Paula Deen: I don't know if it's because I have now hit the point in Weight Watchers where anything that's below 10 points bores me, but I have been on a PD Cooking spree, and while my waist line is not loving it, my hubby and son sure are.  This past weekend I made her: Toffee Brownies ("num, num, num, num" as Aaron would say), Corn Casserole, and Walk Away Baked Spaghetti (my personal fave), and I can without a doubt say, my days have never been happier.  Life's too short to stay under "29 Points" every day!


So there we go.  My current obsessions.  Hope you enjoyed!

~LL

Love Hangover

Yesterday afternoon, my mom and I went to see Crazy Stupid Love.  It was such a great movie!  I am a HUGE, HUGE Ryan Gosling fan.  Basically, if he was starring in a Gigli sequel, I would be pretty gung ho to see it if that included starting at his face for 120 minutes.  I mean y'all, if it was a Ryan Gosling versus "Boyfriend" showdown, I think I'd have to go with the former Mouseketeer.  He's been getting me over breakups, and appearing in many sweet, sweet dreams since I watched him seduce Sandra Bullock in Murder By Numbers in 2002. 

Anywho, I tried to take a picture of my face while watching this movie, but my plan couldn't be pulled off.  I was literally lit up like a Christmas tree from the moment he appeared on the screen.  Since I did not want to let the public know they were in the presence of a Ryan Gosling fanatic, I manged to snap a few pictures undercover with my BB.  I have made a lil' collage of my afternoon lovefest with Mr. G.  Enjoy:

Such a hottie

At the end of the movie, this song was played.  Dontcha' just love it?!




  So pretty!

Big, Beautiful Eyes?? Yes, please!

While I was perusing the Target website a couple of weeks ago, I came across this genius find:

E.L.F. (eyeslipsface.com) has these amazing "Beauty Books" for eyes and lips!  Basically, it's a palette of colors (I got both the Bright Eye Edition and Neutral Eye Edition books), and they tell you how to layer the eyeshadow to achieve your desired look.  I've been using these books for a few weeks now, and I cannot even tell y'all the compliments I've received on my eye makeup!  Like I said, the "book" opens up to reveal your tray of 12 different colors, and a "how to" guide on the other leaf.  The book also comes with brushes, although I prefer to use my own brushes since I've finally (after 10 years) learned how to properly apply eye makeup.  The colors are beautiful, and you can choose from other Beauty Books such as: Every Day, Smoky Eye, and etc.  I will say that the colors are very pigmented, so a little powder applied to your brush goes a looooong way. All in all, I give this product 4 stars.  I swear, E.L.F. has yet to disappoint me; their prices are amazing, and the makeup that I've purchased in the past, I actually wore until it was gone. 

Try it!  I think you'll love it!! :)

~LL