Exhausting Day!

I never thought that doing a "small remodel" on a house would be so hard, but let me tell you, it is! I took a half day at work today because my dad and I had to go look at things for the new house, namely kitchen and bath stuff and flooring. So, after a delightful Chick-fil-a lunch for some sustenance (and I had it for breakfast, what was that I said earlier about not living off of CFA and Mexican? My b) my dad and I headed to Ferguson to look at all things kitchen and bath. I have already checked out Home Depot and Lowes, so we are now shopping around to see where we can get the best deals.

We are going to need all new appliances in the kitchen, so we took a look at those and found some great options. Kitchen appliances are easy for me since I love to cook. We looked at sinks and faucets, also easy. The sink needs to be big, I told the lady it needs to be big enough to bathe my 18 lb dog in. She looked at me funny, but I don't care. Bathing your furbaby in a huge kitchen sink is sooo much easier because there is no bending over!

The hard part was the bath. First of all, both of the baths in the house are in need of work. The master needs to have a closet, vanity, and wall removed, new cabinets and 2 new sinks as well as a dressing table area installed for doing my makeup (not necessary, but it is). The shower is the only thing in the house that has been changed since it was built in the 1960's, I kid you not. Luckily we only need a new shower head and to redo the caulking and doors on it. The other bathroom is on a whole 'nother level. It is entirely baby blue. Sink, toilet, tub, tiles. The whole shebang! And to top it off, it has some heinous wall paper above the tiling that needs to be removed.

We want to do plain white baths for both, but the hard part is deciding between all of the choices for sinks/ faucets/ tubs/ toilets, etc. I found a faucet and sink I liked and decided those would do for both baths, and they had a matching rain shower head that matched the set. I LOVE the rain shower heads! So, both baths may look exactly the same, but who cares. The only question now is whether to build cabinets and the sink area or buy a "furniture vanity." It will all come down to what costs less, but I like these vanity options from PB a lot.

I think they are all pretty and simple.

After leaving, I was exhausted!! I just hope that the house all works out, and soon because all this decision making is getting stressful!!! Don't even get me started on cabinets/ countertops or paint colors, oy vey!

I hope y'all had a great day!

ERK


Oh, PS- Blogger is STILL not letting me comment on most blogs!!! Please don't feel neglected if I haven't commented in a while!!

Some Things you NEED to Know

Since I am now a very old and mature 23 year old {insert sarcasm here} I thought I would share some things I have learned over the past 23 years with y'all! Get ready for a completely random list that is not in any sort of order.

• Drunk Facebooking is NEVER a good idea.
• Don't mess with all of the fancy equipment at the dentist. Trust me, that stuff is tricky and no matter how tempting it is to touch those instruments when the hygienist leaves the room, don't do it. (I think I was about 8 when I learned this one)
• Living off a diet of Chick-fil-a and Mexican food sounds great in theory, but in reality it is no bueno, especially for the hips.
• Sometimes love goes away. You can still love a person without end, but the whole "in love" part is no longer there. It's tough to let it go, but it's for the best. (I love this Billy Currington song, and it describes this well)
• Along the same lines, the pain from a breakup won't last forever. I remember crying for months after a few breakups, but I always met someone else. There are sooo many fish in the sea, and I know God has the perfect love for me.
• Credit is not free money. Have I said this before? I think so.
• WebMD was the worst invention ever. I admit that I am a serious hypochondriac and I always self-diagnose.
• If you make a mistake, apologize, try to rectify the situation, then move on. Don't beat yourself up over it forever. (I still have a really tough time with this one)
• Don't compare yourself to others, it will, undoubtedly, make you feel bad every time. No need to keep up with the Joneses, they aren't that cool anyway.
• Try really hard in school. One of my biggest regrets was goofing off in high school and my first 2 years of college. That isn't to say I did badly, but I know I could have done better. I am so happy I am going to GA State next year, but it would have been a confidence booster to have gotten in to a school like Harvard (only joking, but maybe UGA would have been nice, or even my Alma mater (can you sense some resentment?))
• Spending time with my family and my sweet puppy are way better than going out every night. I have learned this lesson many times, but the hangover is just NOT worth it!
• Similarly, there is no cure for a hangover other than time. Trust me, I have tried every cure in the book and they don't work. (If you are interested in some of my "hangover cures" email me, some may work for you haha)
• Hair is no big deal. I know most girls are serious about their hair (read "freaks"), but I just don't care much. I often wear my hair in a pony and I have cut it 3 times for Locks of Love (14", 12", and 13"). I think that having hair is great, because so many people lose theirs due to cancer and other illnesses, so if I get a bad haircut I think of that and take it in stride.
• Going out to a nice meal with friends or family is more worth the money than a new purse/ pair of shoes.
• Never pay full price for anything. Ever. I know you can find something just as good, or even better, for a cheaper price!
• Always wear SPF.
• Clothing size doesn't matter, all that matters is if it fits.
• Write thank you notes for everything. People appreciate it and they will always think highly of you.
• When you are invited for a dinner party/ drinks/ a cookout, always take something. It can be anything from wine and cocktail napkins to one of your signature dishes.
• Tell people you love them.
• Gossip gets you in trouble. Don't say things about others that you wouldn't say to their faces. (Another one that is a work in progress)

Do y'all have anything to add to my list? Please share!

ERK

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope you have all had an amazing Memorial Day, and that you spent some time thinking about the meaning of this national holiday. Today is a day to think about all those who have served for our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. I honestly felt pretty emotional every time I thought about this today, because I can never begin to thank the families of those brave men and women enough. I am patriotic all year around, and thank God that I live in such a free country, but I feel like today I thought a lot more about how we stay free and protected.

While watching the news tonight, I saw a great piece on FoxNews about George W Bush participating in the Warrior 100, a bike race for wounded veterans put on through the Wounded Warriors Project. I was near to tears watching these vets, who were seriously injured in battle, get out there and bike 100km in the Texas desert. And, seeing GW and his pride and gratitude toward all of the participants was amazing. I may lose some followers here, but I love George Bush and I think he was an excellent president. Seeing him join in on an event like this just made me love him even more. He is a true patriot. Check out this article to learn more about the race. The video is not yet posted to FoxNews' site, but when it is I will post the link so you can all check it out. I guarantee you will have an even greater appreciation for our soldiers and want to get involved with the Wounded Warriors Project.

I just want to say thank you to all who have served, and express my unending gratitude to those who have been killed in the line of duty. Without you, this country would not be what it is.

ERK

Money Saving Tips From a Not-So-Money-Savvy Gal

I know I have talked about my bad money managing skills here before, but instead of wallow in self pity over the fact that want far exceeds my wallet, I thought I would share with y'all some tips on how to save a little extra cash on a daily basis. I am going to spread them out over several days, so the first tip is:

1. Learn to do your own nails. I used to be a mani/pedi addict! I would go once a week, crazy right? Well I am proud to say that I haven't paid for a mani/pedi in over 6 months! And no my nails are not at all janky, I have learned to do them almost perfectly!

See? I did these last night! Color is Essie Secret Story

 There are several items you will need to "invest" in up front, but after that you will have lovely nails for free.99.

You will need:

A nail file: Shape your nails by only filing one way. It is better for them and makes them shape more evenly.

Clippers: If your nails are too long, cut 'em. I use fingernail clippers for my digits and tootsies, no need for those extra large pairs.

A sanding block: My nails tend to peel, so I find that using this on them after I have shaped them makes them smoother and the polish adheres better!

A cuticle pusher: I use a professional one from Sally's Beauty Supply like those they use at the nail place with the rounded end. It is called the spoon pusher. It works wonders! You can also buy cheapo wooden or plastic ones if you don't want to invest too much.

Cuticle remover: Essential! You must use this and the pusher to make your nails look neat and clean. I use the Be Natural Cuticle Eliminator and it works well and was pretty inexpensive for how much you get at Sally's.

Cuticle oil: Ever important to keep your cuticles from looking really dry and cracked. This is essential in giving you a neat manicure, because when you paint your nails after using it, the cuticles are still semi oiled (though you have to use rubbing alcohol to clean the nail before beginning to paint) and any mess ups will come off your cuticles really easily! I use CND Solar Oil, and it smells so good!

A pumice stone: Definitely necessary for an at home pedicure. I use the Mr. Pumice and it is really porous so it works well.

Callus remover: I don't use this if I am just changing my polish, but it makes your calluses soft  so you can pumice them away. A love this stuff, and I don't think an at home pedi would work without it! I use the Be Natural Callus Eliminator, which I also got from Sally's but for some reason it is not on their website

Nailtiques: Helps to strengthen your nails so they grow longer and stronger. I use it as my base coat.

Polish: I usually use wither Essie, Zoya, Barielle or OPI, but recently found Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure that is great for a quick polish change (but I still used topcoat to make it shiny) Chanel makes excellent polish, but it is too expensive! Also, Butter of London makes great polish and is free of all the formaldehyde, but is also expensive! My go to colors are Essie Ballet Slippers, Secret Story, St. Lucia Lilac. OPI Strawberry Margarita, Cajun Shrimp and Dim Sum Plum.

Seche Vite: A fast drying top coat that is super shiny just the way mama likes it!

So, to do your nails:

1. Clip any that are too long and shape them how you like. I prefer square shape. Then use the sanding block to smooth out your nails, going in one direction several times.
2. Put the cuticle remover along the cuticles and let sit for about a minute or two. If doing a pedicure, place feet back in warm water after putting the remover on because when it is heated it works faster. Use cuticle pusher to push back cuticles at the base of your nail bed and on the outsides. Do it gently, because your nails will develop horizontal ridges if you do it too hard.
3. Use a nail brush to wash off your nails and remove any excess cuticle and remover.
4. For pedicure only: whip out your pumice stone and callus remover (if desired) and let the callus remover sit for about 3 minutes on the bottom of your feet and heel. Once it has had time to "marinate" use the stone to buff away any gross excess skin/ junk. I do this for a while because I like my feet to feel really smooth, but you can do it for however long you want. Make sure you wash your feet off afterwards though.
5. Put the cuticle oil all over your nail and in the cuticles. While letting that soak in, moisturize your hands and legs and feet. 
6. Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to remove oil from your nail, but don't rub so hard that you take all of the oil out of the cuticle.
7. Start with 1 coat of nailtiques for the base coat, then 2 coats of the color of your choice, and 1 coat of the seche vite. And, voila, you have a mani/ pedi at home!

Tricks:
Sometimes I use cuticle clippers if mine are really unruly, but be careful because it is easy to clip too much and it hurts!

Moisturize often because it keeps your nails looking neat, even if it has been a while since your last mani/ pedi.

Give your nails a break sometimes! I know, I hate not having my nails polished just as much as the next girl, but they need a little air sometimes. You can use nailtiques alone if you want a little shine.

I use the top coat all over my nails and across the front to prevent chipping.


Ok, so if you made it through that extremely long tutorial, you will be a nail pro in no time! And saving money too!

Do y'all have any other tricks or products you use when doing you own nails? Please share!

Look forward to some more posts on money saving tips coming soon!

ERK

Happy Happy, Joy Joy

It's Friday!! Woohoo! And it's a long weekend, what could make today better? Oh, maybe the fact that it will be sunny and near 90 all weekend? Yep, that made today even better!

My parents are out of town this weekend so I really don't have many plans. I am going to a friend's house for a pool party on Sunday and will probably sit by the pool for most of the rest of the weekend. I can't wait to break in some of my new suits and bronze my ghostly pale skin a bit. Obviously, I am going to have to dig out my sunscreen though, because there is nothing worse than burning. And, knowing that melanoma is directly related to sun damage makes it a no-brainer to ALWAYS wear some SPF. (Sort of like smoking and lung cancer, why do people smoke if they know this?!?)

I talked about all of my summer beach/ pool essentials here if you want to go check out what I will have to have by my side this weekend. But, I will also have my nook color so I can finish reading the Duken Diet book, has anybody else read the book/ tried the diet? It looks difficult but I think I can do it and it supposedly gives great results (um, hello, Kate Middleton? she is a stick figure!) And I will also have my brand new Lilly koozie in the Floaters print that my bff Lauren gave me for my birthday. It is so precious, and she also gave me the matching iPhone case, how sweet is she? I will also be sporting the cutest beach bag ever that another bff, Kimmy, gave my for my birthday, I will have to share a picture with y'all because you will love it!

I hope everyone is looking forward to a great long weekend!! Have a great Friday!

ERK

PS- Atlanta got a MINOR tail end of the storms from the Midwest yesterday and it was scary that this was no where near as serious as those in Missouri, Oklahoma, and the rest of the Midwestern states. There were, however,  3 fatalities in the metro area from falling trees, which is very sad.

PPS- I STILL can't comment on most blogs and it is making me MAD! It continues to tell me I'm not logged on when that is obvi not correct. Blogger, please fix this now because there are so many blogs I want to leave some love on and can't! kthxbai, Ruthie

Go Girl, it's Yo Birthday!

Today is my birthday, y'all! Woohoo! I love anyone's birthday, but especially mine. I admit that all the text messages/ phone calls/ facebook comments (don't those make you feel popular on your birthday?) make me feel really good!

In honor of the day I was born, my family and I are going to Benihana (read "delicious") for dinner tonight. I'm bummed I'm working on my birthday, but I am beginning to accept that I am in the real world and you gotta do what you gotta do, am I right?

My friends and I are going to dinner tomorrow night at JCT Kitchen, a delicious southern restaurant, and then probably to a bar right near it that has all sorts of fun games like bocce ball and shuffle board. I can't wait!

I'm going to take it back and share some photos from previous birthdays, enjoy! (some of my recent birthdays there is no photograpic documentation, probably for the best! ha)

My 18th birthday, my friends planned the best surprise party! (The guy is one of my bffs from high school and is getting married next month and I can't wait till his wedding!)

20th birthday, sitting in the airport in Miami still drunk/ hungover. Not. Fun.

21st birthday! Finally of age!

21st birthday celebration. We did a great pub crawl and our airbrush t-shirts rocked! haha

I hope y'all have a great day!

ERK

Oh, PS- is anyone else having trouble leaving comments? I have tried to leave several today and they all keep telling me to sign in. Rude!

Someone's Birth did not get Mentioned

Since I never really blog on the weekends, I forgot to mention a very special birthday on Saturday!

This little angel turned 2 paws years-old on Saturday and I was sort of a sad fur mama. I can't believe my baby is no longer a puppy... tear!

I remember the day I brought her home like it was yesterday... wasn't she a doll?

So in honor of Cupie's 2nd birthday, here are photos that i'm sure you've seen before, but deal with it.

Model

"I lub dis cinderella dress mom, iz I pretty?"

"Get dat camera outta my face before I make yew"

"Whas dat?"

"mommmmm, dis is so embarassing. don't ever put dis on de interwebz"

"one too many Cupie beers always makes me a bit floosey"

How could you not love her?

And, in Real Housewives news, did you see Jacqueline's new dog? Girl has great taste in pups and Cu said her new furchild was a total dreamboat.

Until tomorrow, which is my own birthday, holla!!!

ERK

Movin' on Up

Thanks to those who left sweet comments on my post last night, but I did decide to take it down. After putting it up I was not sure I wanted to share that much about my life and thought I was being a little inconsiderate toward someone. If you read it, you got to see a bit more of my serious side. If you didn't, sorry... I might end up putting it back up soon, but not now.

So on to today's topic: moving. I haven't talked much about my moving/ living situation recently because there has not been much to share. I found the perfect apartment for me, called on May 1 to find out their availability for July 1 and they had nothing available. Nada. I was mad because the place was perfect and had everything I wanted! I know there are bajillions of apartments in the Atlanta area, but I am picky! Especially when it comes to kitchens since I love to cook. I really wanted a gas stove, but it is rare for apartments to have those because it is expensive and probably a liability.

So, we went on a search for another apartment and came up empty handed again. I was thinking I would end up living in my parents house forever, when my parents threw out the idea of buying an investment house for me to live in.... wait, WHAT? I thought they were joking, but apparently not because we are in the processes of buying a really nice ranch-style house 2 houses down from my parents house. I like that I will be close to their house and I love the location so it is perfect. It will be big enough for my brother and sister to live in as well if they move back to Atlanta.
The house needs a little renovating, so this weekend we headed to Home Depot and Lowes to get an idea of what I want to do in the kitchen and baths and what the prices are like. It was exciting, but stressful. I have no idea what I like in terms of decorating a house. Does anybody else feel like they are an awful decorator? I really am, I just go along with whatever my mom likes. I guess I need to develop my own tastes.

I do know that I want to paint my room in really pale pink a white horizontal stripes, and we want to paint one of the other rooms in a sort of mint green. I want to do a blue toile wallpaper in the front hall and black and white floors. The kitchen is easy for me because I love kitchens and they are the only thing I really know about. I want to do light/ cream cabinets (we are just replacing the doors and drawer fronts) and a greenish granite counter top. Appliances are pretty easy, so that shouldn't be a problem. I don't know about anything else though. Do y'all have any suggestions? Know of places I should look for inspiration? I feel like this needs to get going, because if all goes as planned the house will close in early June and we will have about a month to get everything done, yikes!!!!

I hope y'all had a great weekend and Monday is going as well as can be expected!

ERK

Hilarious!

My sister and her boyfriend showed me this video this weekend and I still laugh hysterically every time I watch it!

What did y'all think? I die watching it!

ERK

Office Etiquette

This is how I feel at work sometimes.... well, maybe not as glam, but still. I have to bish a bit today and tell y'all what people in my office building do that really irks me. Our building is a whole lotta companies, so this is not necessarily people in my actual office. So, here goes.

I hate... when people ride the elevator 1 floor. Um, our building is 50 stories and 1 flight of stairs is not going to kill you. For. real. I get so mad when I get on the elevator and people get on to go up or down a single floor. I understand if you are carrying something heavy or have a rolling bag, but if you're just being lazy you're also making it take forever for me to get to my floor. Time is money peeps!!

I hate... when people park in 2 spots in our garage. I hate when people do this anywhere, but when I have to pay over $70 a month to park on the roof top (the cheapest level in our garage), I get MAD when people do this. Especially since the spaces are wide and cars can easily fit into 1 spot. Parking is difficult (I am the world's worst parker) but people could take a second to straighten their cars out, right?

I hate... lunch stealer's. I work on a small floor, so when someone else eats my lunch I am bound to know the person. I usually bring my lunch in a lunch box (cute, right?) but sometimes I can't find it so I just throw a Smart One's in my bag and put it in the freezer when I get to work. I have only had my lunch stolen once, but it stinks because then I have to go spend $10 on something not as healthy as I wanted. Rude.

I hate... when people eves drop on personal calls. I rarely make personal calls at work, and if I do it is to my family. I hate when you can tell someone is listening in. I have even heard about people later commenting on personal calls (has never happened to me). One would think if another can tell you're on a personal call they would leave you alone... apparently not.

I hate... when people heat highly aromatic foods in the microwaves in our break room when there is a sign on each microwave clearly stating "please don't heat highly aromatic foods" with pictures of seafood. Nothing is worse than the smell of reheated seafood. I'm SO glad I don't work on the floor that our break room is on (I work a floor above it, and I walk down to lunch then back up) because the entire floor stinks.

Do y'all have any office pet peeves? Any I missed? Let me know!! (Sorry for the complaining, it just makes me so angry!!!)

I will be back later with WILW!

ERK

Let's Talk Housewives

I love the Real Housewives series on Bravo, and New Jersey is by far my favorite. They are sooo ridiculous and I was excited for 90 minutes of Jerz last night.

My thoughts on this season:

I am so glad Danielle is gone, girlfriend was cray cray! I felt bad for her children, and she definitely stirred up tons of unnecessary drams.

I think I am going to be team Teresa this season. I think her sister-in-law seems like a real bish and her brother was obvi hammed at the Christening. I have never been to a Christening like that in my life, they were taking shots... interesting. Also, not sure I would have worn such short/ tight/ low cut dresses to a church, but that's just me.

I love Caroline and I was sad when her sons decided to move out! She is a total boss lady though and she will be just fine. I just hope the boys are still going to be on the show because they are hilarious! If you caught the premier last night, I was dying when the Manzo family was in the kitchen making "southern" food (is chili Southern? They should have made fried chicken!) and talking in Cajun accents. I was dying!

Jacqueline looks great, she def lost a little weight since last season. I do see lots of drams coming with her daughter though.

Did y'all watch last night? Thoughts?

ERK

Vlog #2! Calypso for Target and Swimsuits

Hey y'all, I am back with my second vlog, which I promised last week but since blogger was down for so long (ugh) you are getting it today!

Excuse the train wreck look, I had a migraine and left work early today and slept forever so that is why I am wearing glasses and no makeup and a ratty old tee. And, sorry it is so dark!! I hope y'all can see everything!!

Ok, without further adieu:

Marc by Marc Jacobs chevron suit
J Crew Paisley Tank
La Blanca strapless leopard suit (I couldn't find that exact one on the Internet, so the link is for the same style that is solid white or black.
Calypso for Target print dress in turquoise
Calypso for Target medallion print sleeveless crochet bib tunic in pink/ orange
Calypso for Target tie-die print crochet bib tunic in blue

This is the J Crew suit I exchanged the blue one for.

I hope y'all enjoyed my second vlog (other than the bad lighting!) and I hope you had as good of a Monday as there can be!

ERK

Happy Birthday Seester!

Today is my older sister's birthday and I am so excited she is coming home!! Woohoo! She is totes over the hill though, because today she is the big 2-6! In honor of her birth I thought I would share some pictures of her and some of the 2 of us!

80's party!!!! I was slightly inebriated at that point, and yes that is a thong leo. Great idea for an 80's party but terrible uncomfy!

More normal picture... sorry they are both from the same night, I might have to add some more later

And, a regular picture (taken from FB) of my beautiful seester!

Happy birthday KB, luh you!!

I hope y'all have a great weekend, mine will be wonderful starting with a Braves game tonight. Let's go Bravos!

ERK

An 85-year-old Trapped in a 22-year-old's Body

Recently I have begun to realize that I am an old woman on the inside. This may seem strange, so let me explain. I am 22 really, but some things I do are old people things and i'm not afraid to admit it. So, what kind of old lady things do you do, you might ask. Well, I'm glad you did because I have been listing them in my head recently and typing them out here will let the entire world know! Haha Embarrassing? I think so!

Here goes:

• I am in bed by 8:30 most nights and asleep by 9:30 at the latest. I need my sleep, as I have mentioned before, and my roommates (aka mom and dad) are old people (rude, yet true) and I have gotten on their schedule.
• I hate loud music. It drives me insane to be in the car with other people and have music blaring. What if I want to chat? Maybe I have sensitive ears, but super loud music grates on my nerves!
• I use a pill organizer... don't laugh because those bad boys are helpful! I take a few medicines/ vitamins every night and it helps me remember whether or not I have taken them.

Proof (sorry about the jank nails, they need to be done ASAP!

• I wear panty hose to work. This is a big one because apparently nobody under the age of 70 wears them to work, but I am all about them. First of all, they make your legs look great and if you haven't shaved in a few days they totally mask it. Second of all, they make wearing shoes that rub much more bearable. Wearing heels is so much easier! I even wear them with pants sometimes, or those granny hose/ socks.
• On the same note, I am all about slips. They make dresses and skirts not stick to you!

So, those are all that are on my list for now, but i'm sure I could think of more of my granny behaviors.

Do y'all have any weird, old-person behaviors? Fess up, I know we all have a little granny in us. If not I will feel kind of lame...

I hope y'all had a great day, I want the weekend to get here faster!!

ERK

P.S.- I will be doing a vlog, either tomorrow or Friday on my recent fashion finds, including my Calypso for Target items and new one-pieces so make sure you check back!!

Atlanta Garden Tour

Sunday, my dad and I went on the Atlanta Garden Tour, and it was actually really nice! It was pretty hot, but we enjoyed it for the most part. We both only loved 2 of the gardens, the others were kind of "blah" and the houses were not really our style. Here are some pictures from the day!

***These photos are all my own and all rights belong to me. Please do not take my images without my express permission!!***

Those hats a birdhouses, I thought that was such a cute idea!

I hope y'all enjoyed!

Also, please say an extra prayer for our sweet Bailey. She had to go in and have a toumor removed from her leg today, but we are hoping she will be back to normal within a few days!

ERK

Happy Mother's Day!

Hey y'all!

I just wanted to pop in and say happy mother's day to everybody! I hope you got to spend the day with your mother, if possible, or with your children if you have any. I got to spend time with my mom and then I made her dinner, and I know she appreciated it! I also got to spend time with my fur child, so I had a great mothers day too!

My mama!

My baby!

I hope y'all had a fab day and I will be back tomorrow to talk about the Atlanta Garden Tour!

ERK