Monday, December 26, 2011

4 month recap... this may be a bit long

Ok, so it's about time I updated this little blog for real. I know I keep saying I am going to get back to blogging regularly (and I hope I do), but I honestly don't know if my schedule will permit. Anywho, I figured I would give y'all a little recap on my life since my last real posts.

School... is school. It is nice to be back on a school schedule but working for a year and being able to leave work at 5 and be free all evening was so nice. It has been a ton of work, but honestly I have not been as stressed as I thought I would be. It seemed like the Fall semester flew by and exams were tough but it felt like they flew by as well! Unfortunately, this break is flying by as well. I won't bore y'all with tons of stuff about class and all that jazz, but I will say that I met a lot of great people and had my fare share of fun!

Working out... As y'all know, working out has been one of my goals for a long time but I never had the self-dedication to stick with it. Well, that changed this Fall when my mom and I enrolled in boot camp with the American Bootcamp Company in mid September and have been going 4 times a week at 5:45 am and doing our own workouts the other 3 days of the week ever since! Let me tell you, a 5:15 wake up call is not my friend, but I am SO much more in shape now and feel great.
When we started, we followed the strict meal plan we were given and I really lost quite a bit of weight I needed to lose and was feeling fab. But, I have slacked on the diet part recently and have gained almost all of it back. But, hey, what are New Years resolutions for but to get you back on track, right? The meal plan makes you eat like an athlete, with 5 small meals a day, no enriched or "white" foods and portion control, so it is not a "diet" at all, rather a lifestyle. I am hoping to really get back on it ASAP.
I have gotten in much better shape however, and have been seriously contemplating running the Georgia Half Marathon in March, but I just can't get myself to sign up just yet. Maybe soon!

Living situation... well, I FINALLY moved into the new house in early October I believe, and I have loved it! Although it was a ton of planning and supervising and rug/ furniture/ art shopping (I never want to look at another rug again or have to go to Scott's Antique Market again!), the house it almost complete now!!! All we really have left is fixing up the yard and fencing in the back yard. Living close to my parents has been great and Cupie loves having a yard, which she would have missed had I moved into a condo or apartment. I have had several dinner parties and have really enjoyed having my own space to entertain guests! We are actually having an open house tomorrow, so I am going to take pictures of everything when it is all cleaned up and give y'all a little home tour!

Otherwise, life has been great! Still single, but with all I have going on in my life with school and what not, I think that is ok. Cupie is wonderful, but has gained some serious weight which is no good. Cavaliers tend to gain weight very easily and I don't want her to be overweight so I have tried limiting the treats she gets, but she is just too darn cute not to get milkbones!! I have actually been thinking about adding another dog to the family, but I don't think right now is a good time. Maybe next summer.

Well, I think that about sums up the last 4 months... amazing how such a long period of time can be summed up in a few short paragraphs!! I hope everyone is doing well and I WILL be back tomorrow to share about Christmas at our house!!

ERK

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Holy guacamole, it has been on heck of a Fall!

Hello bloggy friends! (if I can even still call you that since it has been SOO long since I have posted, my b!)
I promise I am still alive and thriving... well sort of. School is kicking my booty and I have sadly neglected this little blog. But, no worries only 4 final exams (ugh) stand in the way of a month of freedom and catching up on all my favorite blogs!!

I hope all are doing well!! Tell me what you've been up to!!

ERK

Sunday, September 11, 2011

A day I will never forget

I know today is a day we will always remember and a day I will struggle with every year for the rest of my life. I can still remember that day like it was yesterday. I was in 8th grade this time 10 years ago, sitting in History class first thing in the morning when the worst terrorist attack on American soil ever happened. I couldn't process what was going on. I remember realizing how many people died but it almost didn't seem real to me. As time has gone on, I have realized the what really happened that day.

I pray for the families who lost loved ones that day and I am so thankful to the brave men and women who helped save so many that day and for our military who has been fighting for us since.

9/11/01 Always Remember, Never Forget.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Decorating obsessed!

In the spare time that I have had recently, I have had only one thing on the brain... decorating! We have gotten so much done for the new house and I cannot wait to move in! We recently had a little "ladies sofa" redone for my bedroom and I am in love! When I first saw this bad boy it was covered in tattered green velvet and looked worse for the wear. But, after a little furniture polish and a new fabric, it is totally my style! I can definitely see Cupie lounging up there!
I love the old look to this, I think it is perfect for a lady's bedroom!

Here is an up-close of the fabric. I like that the more modern geometric print offsets the older styler of the sofa.
We have had several other pieces redone, but I won't bore y'all since this is one of my favorite! (Well maybe I have some other faces but those will have to wait for another day!)

I have been dying to pick out all of the fun accents like rugs, art, etc. but I think that is all going to have to wait until I get everything moved in and settled... Speaking of which, moving needs to happen ASAP because it looks like my parents should be on an episode of hoarders these days.
Exhibit A:
This would be their guest bedroom which has been full of my stuff for months! I know they are getting sick of it, as am I!
So, my question for y'all is, where do I get cute prints/ decor for my house? I love The Pink Pagoda and will be purchasing several prints there, but I am sort of lost otherwise. HELP!

I hope everyone has had a great Tuesday! I am so glad this is only a four day week, because I am already exhausted!!

ERK

Monday, September 5, 2011

It has been a while!

Happy Labor Day! Once again, sorry for being so MIA! I think I need to schedule in blogging on my agenda or it will never get done!

So, whats going on in my world? Basically school. I pretty much spend all my time during the school week and Sundays doing work, but I have had a chance to meet tons of fun people and go out with them a few times. I went out Friday night with some people from school and we had a great time! Like, didn't get home till 4 am fun. (That is so not me considering y'all know I like to be in bed by 9 pm) But being a little tired on Saturday was worth it!

The house is coming along slowly but surely! However, just as we thought we were entering the home stretch, we decided to redo the basement. I may move in by the time I graduate! Only kidding!

I also had a little ooopsie with my car. Ok, more than a little, I have to get both of my passenger doors replaced. I hit a pole leaving school one day last week and what I thought was a "minor dent" is actually some serious damage. I know it was my fault, but I am still blaming it on the fact that I was in a garage I had never been in, haha.
Not good!

Cupie is finally back to normal, praise the Lord! I was starting to really get scared when she was so sick and then she had a pulled muscle. If it isn't one thing, it's another, right? Well she seems to be a-ok these days and I am so thankful and praying that she stays healthy!

I have some fun projects for the new house that are in the works (if I EVER have any free time) so I will keep y'all up to date on those!

I hope y'all have a fabulous and relaxing day!!

ERK


PS- my Ponies sadly lost last night against Texas A&M, but I know they are going to be great this season!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

I promise i'm still here!

So so so sorry I have been MIA, who would have thought law school would steal all of your time?!? Only kidding, I knew that beforehand and boy is that right on.

I have been getting used to being back in school and I actually don't mind it. The only really terrible thing as of now is how long it takes to do the readings because I have NO idea what any of it means! I know that will get better as I understand the law better, though.

The house is moving right along, though I don't think I will be in for another three weeks. I can't believe we ever thought I would be moved in before we went to the beach!! We did have a change of plans in the kitchen, which involved removing all of the cabinets and starting from scratch, so that set us back a few weeks. I need to go take pictures because the painting is finished and it looks amazing! Lets just say stripes are the way to go!

I will try to start posting more regularly as soon as things settle down and I get into the groove of school, so don't think I am throwing in the blogging towel!

And, since no blog post is interesting without pictures, here are some recent Cupie pics:
Hangin' ten!

I love this one, she is such a precious puppy dog!

Riding in the car with her bff Riley

I hope all is well with y'all!

ERK

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

My love for paper

I will admit that I am addicted to things other than makeup and beauty products, though I have only confessed that addiction to date. Well, today I am here to tell you another addiction of mine, paper goods. I love stationery of any kind and have a bit too much. Cute notecards? Gotta have 'am. Note pads with  a darling motif? They must be mine! Cocktail napkins and disposable coasters? Add to cart now! Obviously I love all of the staples, Caspari napkins (!!!), bright and fun Boatman Geller everyday notes, and the always lovely Cranes informals, but I love simple items that are cute and classic. Enter Embossed Graphics.

As of recent, I have been itching to add a few more personalized notecards to my collection, and I finally took the plunge and bought a few new items this past week. They are all from Embossed Graphics, and I am in love! If you have never heard of this great paper company, check out their site. They run the gamut of personalized stationery, from calling cards to guest towels and everything in between. They have great colors for all of the personalization and have fun and funky fonts to choose from. I also got $10 off my order when I used Google checkout from this site!

Here is what I ordered:

The Anthony 7 Tablets. I got my name in hot pink and they all say my first and last name, not just my first on one. I will see myself using plenty of these to write myself notes and to-do lets during school!

Easton Calling Card. I have some calling cards already by Sweet Pea Designs that are leopard... lets just say they aren't professional in the least. I love how these aren't your standard boring business card. I resisted the fuchsia and went with navy.

Large monogram note. I got these is the light pink paper and I can't wait to write a note on them! I also got my new return address on the envelopes!
Is anyone else obsessed with paper goods? Please tell me i'm not the only one!!

I hope y'all had a great Tuesday!

ERK

Monday, August 15, 2011

Sorry, this has been a stressful week!

So I know I said I would be back in full force last week, but obvi that didn't happen. Between law school orientation and Cupie getting sick, I had zero time to blog.

Luckily, Cupie is doing so much better! She is still sick and has not been interested in eating at all, but she is so much better than she was a week ago. She is on tons of meds to clear up the pneumonia and to keep her tummy settled since the antibiotics are so strong. Poor little thing has lost some weight, so I am hoping her tummy gets back in check asap and she can put on a pound or two.

Orientation went so well and I have met lots of great people! The first day or two were super awkward because nobody really knew each other and everyone asked the "where are you from?" and "where did you go to undergrad?" questions probably a million times. But hey, what else do you say to complete strangers?

So I finally uploaded pictures from the beach and I am just going to do a photo dump. Hope you don't mind!
An alligator in the marsh

Mom and dad doing some work in the incrediable kitchen 

A buck that was snacking right behind out house

View from the back porch of the house we stayed in, the ocean is in the distance

The same buck heading into the marsh

My dad

Lots of pelicans flying above

We surprised my dad by inviting his childhood friends down for the weekend. This is when his first friend showed up.

My dad and his childhood best friend. Notice his friend wearing a fake ponytail and earring... hilarious!

The golf course across the marsh from the house is the Ocean Course. These are my dad and his friends playing on dad's birthday. (I know, you can't tell it's them but it is.)

Dad opening a gift from mom, a Smathers and Branson belt with fishing flies on it.

family picture in our t-shirts my dad's friend had made. We all look a little rough!

My sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law

Well that's all i've got for today. I'll let y'all know how the house is coming tomorrow, I hope to be in by Labor Day!

Back to briefing cases, yay! ha

ERK

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Say a little prayer please!

You all know how much I LOVE my sweet baby Cupie, and unfortunately she is very sick right now. She had tummy problems starting Sunday night and we thought they were under control. However, last night she threw up in her sleep and aspirated and it has turned into aspirational pneumonia, which is very serious and can be fatal. She stayed at our vet all day today and my dad and sister transferred her to the emergency vet for the night while I was still at orientation today. I will go transfer her back to our regular vet in the morning. She is on a constant iv with tons of antibiotics and is taking breathing treatments. I love that sweet littler girl and am so sad about her being so sick, the poor thing was so helpless this morning before going to the vet. She is so sweet and I know she is going to get better, but all the prayers will help!



Some snap shots of my cute little one.

Thanks to all! I will let you know how she is doing tomorrow!

ERK

Monday, August 8, 2011

I'm baaacccckkk!!

Hello blogging world, I am back from an amazing 2 weeks at the beach! We had such a good time and I was so glad to get to take 2 weeks off.

I haven't uploaded my pictures yet because I am getting a new laptop {YAY!!} and I don't want to have to transfer them. So, google images will have to do.

What we did:

We stayed in this gorgeous home! It was amazing, with views of the marsh, ocean and The Ocean Course, the golf course where the PGA championships will be next year.

We did plenty of this:

And this:

We went to Charleston a few times, and hit up these great places!

We did lots of other fun things, including celebrating my Dad's 50th birthday (plus/ minus 20 years ;)) and an engagement!

More details to come soon! I will try to catch up on everyone's blogs, but I start orientation today so that may not pan out.

ERK


All images via Google Image.

Monday, August 1, 2011

I'm alive, don't worry!

So, I have had little time and little drive to blog while at the beach, but I am alive and well!

I will update y'all on Sunday after I get home.

Hope y'all have been well!

ERK

Friday, July 22, 2011

Friday Fancies- LWR

Happy Friday ladies and gents (if there are any) It's once again time for Friday Fancies with {av} from Long Distance Loving! This is my favorite link-up so be sure to head over to her blog and make your own outfit. Today's theme it the LWD, as in little white dress, though I changed it a little to LWR, little white romper. I love rompers but can never find any that fit right because I have a long torso and do not want it too short. So, in a perfect world this romper would fit perfectly and would not be see-through at all (it is white linen, after all)
 
Friday Fancies- LWR

 


What do y'all think? I think it is perfect for a summer day or even a casual night out. Give me a "like" if you love it as much as I do!

I hope you're having a smashing Friday! I am packing up tonight and heading to the beach tomorrow, so I might not be blogging much for the next 2 weeks, but I will try!

ERK
Juicy Couture linen romper
$103 - revolveclothing.com

Lilly Pulitzer green shoes
$268 - simplysoles.com

Michele Watches sparkle jewelry
$1,195 - saksfifthavenue.com

Ray-Ban green aviator sunglasses
£118 - my-wardrobe.com

Thursday, July 21, 2011

My beach bag

I know you are all soooo interested in seeing what I take with me to the pool or beach, so I thought I would share (since my bag is all packed up and I'm ready to hit the road Saturday morning!!)

How cute is that bag?!?

As y'all know, I have a wide array of SPF in my bag, even some for mah hurrr

Farmington CC hat and monogrammed towel are musts!

I always have:
A towel... duh
Sunglasses with monogrammed croakies
A hat
Sunscreens... I always use a different one for my face. I am going to try the Aveeno baby stick, but I have my ol' standby Mustella incase I'm allergic to the Aveeno.
Headphones
Camera... I might see something I want to document for your viewing pleasure
Nook

Not pictured:
iPhone for tunes
Magazines
Water/ beer
Koozie... that matches my monogrammed croakies

So there you have it ladies, everything you need for an enjoyable day a la playa!

I hope y'all have had a great week! Mine has flown by and tomorrow is my last day at work. I am really going to be sad when I leave!! Until I think about having 2 weeks off, that is! ha

ERK

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Hurry up and get over to Graphic Image!

Ok, ok I know just about every blogger out there has mentioned Graphic Image's Christmas in July sale going on TODAY only. But, it is such a great deal that you just can't miss out!!

Everything on their site is 50% off until 10 am tomorrow!!! Yes, you read that right; fifty, five-oh. Are you kidding me? What a steal!

I got these two little ones which I totally needed.
Business card case, I got the pink, and of course I got it monogrammed!


Medium envelope, I got the lime color with a monogram, duh!

How cute are those?!? I might use both of them as "wallets" for now, but of course put some of my Sweet Pea Designs leopard calling cards in there as well!

Ok head on over and grab a few things while they last!!

ERK

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Crazy Week!

Just a warning, I might not be around too much this week because it is going to be a crazy one! I apologize in advance if I don't post or comment much, and the next 2 weeks may not be any different because I will be relaxing at the beach!!!!

This is my last week at my job and I have really mixed emotions about it. I am so excited to start the next "chapter" of my life when August 15 rolls around, but I am also really sad to be leaving. I have met so many great people in my office and feel so blessed to have had the chance to work at an excellent law firm. Though, I am the first to admit that working this summer has been HARD! I was not ready for not having a free summer for the first time ever! #postgradproblems. But, having this trip to the beach to look forward to has made it easier. Enough bishing about how summer vacay doesn't exist when you're a grown up...

This week I will be finishing up all of the random projects I have left at work and packing everything I own some stuff for the beach. I have started laying things out, and this is what I have so far:
Check out the Harrods teddy bear in the background I won on my study abroad in London for my excellent storytelling abilities!

I will probably be taking some stuff out, but this doesn't even include my toiletries (I literally travel with a pharmacy and every beauty product known to man!) But don't worry, my sunscreen is already in my super cute beach bag that my friend Kimmy gave me for my birthday this year (the orange and aqua coral bag). It is even monogrammed! I will try to share it with y'all this week, along with everything that goes with me to the beach!

Ok, that's all i've got for today. I hope y'all are having a great week and it is flying by like mine is!!

ERK


Oh, PS- Great news, my camera is not broken!!! After it got wet on July 4th the battery had a short, so with a new battery it is working again! I will have to share the pictures from that day soon (another thing to add to the to-do list!)

Monday, July 18, 2011

U.S. Women's Soccer

I have to admit, the only Women's World Cup game I watched was the final game yesterday. Die hard fan, right? Ok, not really, but I do love watching soccer and watched a ton of the men's cup last summer while I was in Europe. I was working during most of these games, so that is my excuse. The women on the US team are all tough and I was amazed at how athletic they all are. Um, Abby Wambach? Girlfriend is a beast in a good way. I was disappointed when we lost, because we dominated the game. However, the shoot out brought back very fond memories of the 99' World Cup and the women who were my heroes at 11-years-old.

I loved soccer growing up. I was nicknamed "big foot" on my teams when I was really young because I had a strong kick. I guess as I got older, my determination lacked that of others who really excelled. So, after not making varsity 2 years in a row in high school I quit. I know if I had worked harder and taken it more seriously I probably would have made it, but that's neither here nor there.


Childhood team picture, I'm second from the right on the bottom row
My short hair days... thanks mom! I'm on the left in the front

I digress... The 99' women's team had all of my heroes on it; Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Michelle Akers, Shannon MacMillan, Sara Whalen and the list goes on. I remember having posters and wanting to be them and play as well as them. I makes me sad to see that not many little girls idolize strong, athletic women any more. It's all about pop stars these days (or so I gather from my two younger cousins). Don't get me wrong, B. Spears was my girl, but I didn't want to be her.

Can you even imagine how good she felt?

Images via Google Images

I don't know if this is just the new generation or that I am just clueless to the millions of little girls who don't idolize scantily clad women who dance around on stage singing in a voice so disguised with auto-tune you don't know what they really sound like. Does anybody else agree with me? I think there are FABULOUS female role models out there, but it doesn't seem like they get much attention.

Ok, end of rant about the direction our society is going in. All in all, it was a great game and I am still a US women's soccer fan. We'll get 'em next time. And, I think Japan winning is great for the moral of the country that has been through so much since the earthquake and tsunami.

Did y'all watch the game? Any other fans of the great women's soccer stars like Mia and Brandi? I know i'm not alone!

I hope y'all had a fabulous weekend! Mine was nice and relaxing!

ERK

Friday, July 15, 2011

Friday Fancies: Lazy & Hazy Summer Chic

Sorry I have been MIA this week, who knew that you can still get swimmers ear at 23... in both ears! Ugh!! But I am back with another edition of Friday Fancies with {av} from Long Distance Loving! Head on over to her blog to participate in today's theme; lazy and hazy summer chic! I love light, comfy clothes on a regular ol' summer day, but I added some special accessories to make the outfit pop! Hope you like!
 
 
Lazy Summer Days
 


What do you think? Would you wear this outfit? If I could, I totally would! That bag is TDF!!

Happy Weekend! I can't wait to see HP7.2 tomorrow!!

ERK
James Perse v neck t shirt
£30 - brownsfashion.com

J Crew full skirt
$70 - jcrew.com

Sam edelman sandals
$30 - footcandyshoes.com

Mulberry leather satchel
€1.160 - jades24.com

18k gold earrings
$1,080 - tiffany.com

Tom ford sunglasses
$450 - sunglasshut.com