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Friday, August 31, 2012

Not the Best Night

I can't sleep so I figured I would write.  I'm using the world's oldest and slowest computer too...let me tell you why...

So earlier this evening I left work and went to the Junior League for a meeting.  After the meeting, my girlfriends were all going to grab a bite and I decided to join.  We had the best time.  It was great to catch up with everyone and have some quality girl time.  You just don't laugh the same with anyone than your girlfriends. 

As we exited the restaurant about an hour-1.5 later, I felt something fall on my shirt.  It looked white and metallic.  I instantly grabbed it thinking my Kendra Scott earring fell out of my ear as they often do to feel a thick, giant bug in my hand.  I felt it's little legs and wings and quickly threw it on the ground, screaming and running.  I was major creeped out.  I think it was a cicada.  Whatever it was, it was huge and I hated it. 

Yuck, but moving on.  We all said our goodbyes in the parking lot and headed to our cars.  I got in my car, was about to dial Jason to tell him I was on my way, but as I was backing out I heard a huge crunch.  I looked behind me, now with the lights on and noticed my entire back windshield was shattered to bits and pieces.  I'm eerily calm in a crisis moment so I immediately looked in the car to see if anyone was in it, and started thinking what was gone. 

COMPUTER BAG with
LAPTOP
iPAD
WORK

and if that wasn't bad enough...

My Beloved Erin Condren LIFE PLANNER! 

I ran to check the back and sure enough, my bag was gone.  Punch in the gut.  Police were called .  IT was called since it was a work computer.  I went back inside the restaurant to wait. 

And wait, and wait, and wait.  Finally after all of the patrons left and the staff looked antsy, I left for home without meeting with the police. 

I know I'm an idiot for leaving my laptop and iPad in the car.  I'm not a stupid girl, just one that for one moment wasn't thinking.  It's crazy that I've never been broken into before.  I know it happens all the time, but I feel majorly violated and mad.  So much work lost and now money spent to replace things plus time to get the car fixed, etc. 

I can't sleep because I keep thinking what they might possibly have or be able to get into now.  I've changed all my passwords just in case.  I'm hoping they are idiots and aren't interested in things like identity theft, stalking me, blah, blah, blah.

I'm not telling you this to feel sorry for me.  Please don't.  Just remember to be careful always...if you let your guard done just for a quick dinner, you never know what might happen. 

...Oh and cicadas are very creepy bugs!

...Oh and whoever broke into my car, you are an IDIOT.  You left a bag with new Lululemon pants in it WITH TAGS...do you know how valuable that is!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Back Online!

The Perfect Catch Blog is back online.  I was down since yesterday morning so sorry to anyone who wasn't able to find me.  Nothing has changed, but I now have a new domain! 

www.theperfectcatchblog.com

You can also continue going to the .blogspot address.  Either one will get you here! 

Hope you are having a great day.  I haven't mentioned on the blog yet, but our AC has been out since last Monday, as in 8/20...ughh!  No AC in August in Houston is no bueno.  We have been very hot and even had to cancel our house guests last weekend, Ashley & Wentzel.  You have no idea what a bummer that is since I haven't seen Ash since May and have been looking forward to them staying with us forever.  Anyway, AC is being repaired finally tomorrow and a new weekend has been planned with The Bouwers...even though it's not for another month.  I'm trying to be positive. 

Life is looking up...

Monday, August 27, 2012

Comments

Hi blog friends!  Happy Back to School day for you teachers and mommies!!!  I pray that you have a smooth and anxiety free day today.  And anyone not going back to school like myself, Happy Normal Boring Monday to you.   

My little blog is giving me issues and won't let me reply directly to any comments left for me.  I can still see them (warms my heart) and I can comment underneath them (which I do).  I just wanted to put that out there just in case you thought I wasn't responding to a comment you left. 

And if anyone knows how I might fix this issue, I'm all ears. 

As a blogger, you will probably agree with me that we certainly don't blog for validation or comments, but it is the BEST feeling when someone leaves feedback so keep 'em coming and I'm trying to be better myself at commenting on your fab blogs. 

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Happy Birthday Tucker!

 
Happy Birthday to my sweet baby Tucker who is nine years old today. 



It seems like just yesterday when I drove to Burleson, Texas with my friend Brady to pick you up and take you home.  I was a junior in college living in Denton, TX with Lauryn, who loved you so much too!  You were so tiny, fitting in the palm of my hand.  You took lots of naps, but had tons of energy too...especially when it was time to go to sleep. 

I've always wanted a cuddler pet...an animal that would sleep with me and cuddle with me.  When I went to meet the breeder and see your litter I first picked up your brother who immediately started crying and didn't want to me held.  I picked you up next and you immediately fell asleep on my chest...it was the perfect match!  I have spoiled you ever since and in return you are the best pup a girl could ask for.  I know our neighbors think I'm crazy because when I take you outside I talk to you as if you were a human.  To me you are.

First day home.  Love that floppy ear stage and puppy breath.


Tucker's first day home.  It was a little overwhelming!  His bowl was bigger than he was.


I loved this stage when one ear was still floppy while the other popped up.

Tucker's first sweater.  I still have it, but it does not come close to fitting.

My Pi Phi Angel.  This is not an accident that he is wearing light blue and on the Pi Phi blanket!  He even got to come with me when I worked at the Greek store near campus in college.  Tucker rocked the Greek Letter rhinstone bracelets we sold at the time as a collar.
 
Twins!  Jason is going to kill me for posting this!
 
You are always a good sport!

 
Happy Birthday Tuck!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Scarf Swap 2012

 
 
Meredith over at The Tichenor Family Blog is hosting her 4th Annual Scarf Swap!  This will be my second year participating. 
 
All you have to do is read the rules over at her blog and leave her a comment with all of your info by August 31.  She will pair you up with another blogger and notify you by September 3.  You will then have 2 weeks to learn more about your partner, shop for a scarf for them and ship their way by September 15.  They will be doing the same for you!  Afterwards, we will have a big link-up party on September 24 showing off our new scarves with our new friends! 
 
Why scarves you ask?  Well, it is coming up on fall...not that us in Houston will be able to feel it (we still pretend).  And, scarves are the perfect item to buy for someone since one size fits all!
 

My Fit Foods 3 Day Challenge: Day 3

Progress:  Down 1.7 pounds day to day.  Total lost on this challenge to date: 2.7 pounds.

WW = Weight Watchers Point Value

8:15 a.m. - Breakfast: Breakfast Tacos
"Corn tortillas, 5:1 ratio eggs, lean ground turkey, a touch of real cheese and onions."  (Gluten free)
Size small: Cost $4.85/WW 6 Points/240 calories

Very good, but like I said yesterday I prefer sweeter breakfasts first thing.  This one had a lot of onion so I was self conscious all morning that I had onion breath.


Black coffee & glass of water

11:00 a.m. - Handful of Trail Mix w/dried cranberries, almonds and cashews (Not MFF)
Estimate: Cost $0.50/WW 6 Points/210 calories


12:30 p.m. - Lunch: Lean Lemon Turkey
"Lean ground turkey seasoned just right, served on a bed of converted rice and topped with fresh asparagus spears.  This is a crowd favorite."  (Gluten free and spicy)
Size small: $6.85/WW 6 Points/220 calories

This is one of their most popular dishes.  It is really simple but yummy (rice and meat).


San Pellegrino Limonata, 90 calories

4:00 p.m. - Snack: Egg-O-Licious
"This super clean egg salad coupled with celery and gluten free nut crackers is simply egg-o-licious." (Gluten Free)  One size only.
$4.00/WW 7 Points/250 calories

I hate mayonaissy egg salad, but this one was egg-cellent...I couldn't resist!


Water

7:30 p.m. - Gimme More Chicken Salad
"Added due to popular demand, this fresh romaine salad with finely chopped chicken breast, Greek yogurt, a touch of real mayonnaise, chopped celery, dried cranberries, dried tarragon, a dash of salt and pepper will leave you screaming for more." (Gluten free)  One size only.
$8.25/WW 8 Points/310 calories

So good.  I was craving some salad after all that turkey.  Was surprised that I didn't miss salad dressing at all.  The squeeze of lemon was perfect!


9:00 p.m. - Cup of hot green tea, no sweetner (Not MFF)

Total Spent for day: $24.50
Total WW Points:  33 (I'm supposed to get 26/day)...but I can deduct 5 points for gym = 28
Total Calories: 1320  My goal when losing weight is 1200...I burned about 200 at gym = 1120
Activity: C25K Week One-Day Two: Walk/Run for 30 minutes. 

My review:  I'm really happy with the results I've had.  I still had some weak moments today, but overall I'm not starving or even overly hungry at meal or snack times.  FYI...doing Jenny Craig I would be so hungry most of the day.  I like this food and little kickstart into eating right so much that after working out this evening I stopped at My Fit Foods and purchased food for 2 more days.  Taking a break this weekend because Ashley is visiting!!!!! (I'm late in posting so I've been doing this challenge Mon-Fri)  I won't go crazy, I promise, but I will enjoy myself and probably have a little splurge. 

One more thing I want to point out in doing this, I've also cut out alcohol these past 3 days.  I'm not a huge drinker anyway and rarely drink during the week unless I have a girls happy hour, but still I wanted to point it out because I think it makes a difference when trying to diet.  Not only is alcohol empty calories, but when I drink, it encourages me to overeat bad food and snack...especially late at night...no, no!  I'm going to continue reporting on my progress for the next two days.  Hope this isn't too boring for you...


Read More:
My Fit Foods Introduction
Day One
Day Two

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Patch NYC at Target


Debuting in stores and online September 9 with over 50 pieces ranging in price from $4.99 to $119.99.  I'm dying over the owl and fox lamps!  They posted a similar lamp in their lookbook for $49.99.
 
Feather coffee pot $24.99 and accent mug $4.99



Deer canister $29.99



Bookends $24.99 
 
 
 
See anything you can't live without?
 

My Fit Foods 3 Day Challenge: Day 2

Progress:  Down 1 pound from morning to morning.

Day Two food was just as yummy as the first day.  Day Two of My Fit Foods, was also Day One for me of the Couch 2-5K program so I'm feeling good!  I also did better about pacing my meals and snacks every 2-3 hours which helped.  Again, night time is hard for me.  I want to snack and eat something sweet after dinner.  Any tips to avoid this?
WW = Weight Watchers Point Value

8:00 a.m. - Breakfast: Good Morning Sunshine
"With a taste of the southwest, we combine lean ground turkey, converted rice and 5:1 ratio eggs topped with fresh pico de gallo and a pinch of real cheese."  (Gluten Free and Spicy)
Size small:  Cost $4.85/WW 6 Points/260 calories

Black coffee & water

11:00 a.m. - Snack: Activia Light Yogurt (Not MFF)
My Fit Foods sells Greek yogurt, but I don't really like Greek Yogurt. I replaced with Strawberry Activia Light yogurt.
Cost $0.55/WW 2 Points/70 calories

12:45 p.m. - Lunch: Blazin' Cajun Shrimp
"New Orleans inspired spices set these shrimp a blazin' over a bed of dirty rice and asparagus." (Gluten Free and Spicy)
Size small:  $7.00/WW 5 Points/200 calories

3:45 p.m. - Snack: Fit 2 Go
"A boiled egg, Fuji apple slices, and a touch of grapes combined with organic natural peanut butter for the perfect snack to go."  One size only. (Gluten Free)
$4.00/WW 9 Points/320 calories

7:00 p.m. - Roasted Vegetable Dinner with Chicken & Pesto
"Six kinds of perfectly roasted vegetables topped with chicken and pesto." (Gluten Free)
Size Small: $7.25/WW 9 Points/330 calories
8:00 p.m. - Cup of hot green tea, no sweetner (Not MFF)

Total Spent for day: $23.65
Total WW Points: 31 (I'm supposed to get 26/day)...but I can deduct 5 points for gym = 26!
Total Calories: 1180 My goal when losing weight is 1200...I burned about 200 at gym = 980
Activity:  C25K Week One-Day One:  Walk/Run for 30 minutes

My review:  I feel like today was a better fit for me regarding portions.  All of the meals were portioned size small (rather than one size fits all) so I don't think I overate.  The breakfast, although tasty, probably wouldn't be my first pick, although it would be great for lunch!  I prefer something sweeter in the morning with my coffee.  And boy oh boy was the lunch spicy!  The salesperson at MFF kept making sure that I like spicy foods.  I told him I did, but he kept on and on.  Finally, I told him he was freaking me out.  He said, well it's just REALLY spicy.  Holy cow.  It made me drink a lot of water though! The dinner was tasty.  The chicken and pesto was awesome.  The veggies were just okay, plus I didn't eat about 1/4 of it because I don't like mushrooms.  The afternoon snack was just what I needed to give me energy for the gym! Not feeling as hungry and irritable as I did yesterday. 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Next Stop, Vogue

Guess who made the "Precious Pets" section of our neighborhood magazine this month???

Tucker in the top left

And we've only been in this hood for 1.5 months.  Next stop, Puppy Vogue.

My Fit Foods 3 Day Challenge: Day 1

All of my meals and snacks for 3 Days

Day One went great!  I was surprised at how delicious the food was.  As usual, the night time was the hardest...that's when I want to snack.  My Fit Foods encourages you to eat every 2-3 hours.  I got off to a late start so some of my meals were closer together.  Three meals plus two snacks.  I stuck to that, but replaced one of their snacks with a yogurt because I felt I was eating too much.  I drank water at every meal and throughout the day, except at afternoon snack time I drank a Pellegrino Limonata and a cup of hot tea before bed.

I'm kicking myself for not taking more pictures so you can see the food, but when food is in front of me, taking a picture is that last thing on my mind.

WW = Weight Watchers Point Value

8:30 a.m. - Breakfast: Cran Apple Oatmeal
"Organic gluten free steel cut oats, apples, cinnamon, cranberries, walnuts, and a kick of protein powder combined for the perfect start to your day."  One size only. (Gluten Free)
Cost $4.85/WW 10 Points/380 calories

Black coffee

11:00 a.m. - Snack: Activia Light Yogurt (Not MFF)
My Fit Foods sells Greek yogurt, but I don't really like Greek Yogurt.  I replaced with Strawberry Activia Light yogurt.
Cost $0.55/WW 2 Points/70 calories

12:00 p.m. - Lunch: Gimme More Chicken Wrap
"Finely chopped chicken breast, Greek yogurt, a touch of real mayonnaise, chopped celery, dried cranberries and tarragon wrapped in a spinach wrap leaving you screaming for more.  Served with apples and orange slices."  One size only.
$4.00/WW 9 Points/390 calories


Delish!


3:00 p.m. - Snack: Picnic Time
"Fuji apple slices, almonds, dried cranberries, grapes, gluten free nut crackers, and Monterey Jack cheese."  One size only. (Gluten Free)
$4.00/WW 8 Points/310 calories

San Pellegrino Limonata: 90 calories

6:30 p.m. - Dinner: Denyse's Killuh Chili
"This southwest delight has lean ground turkey combined with tomatoes, black beans, celery, bell peppers and the perfect blend of healthy spices."  (Gluten Free and Spicy)
Size Small:  $6.85/WW 5 Points/200 calories

9:00 p.m. - Cup of hot green tea, no sweetner (Not MFF)

Total Spent for day:  $20.25
Total WW Points:  34 (I'm supposed to get 26/day)...but I can deduct 5 points for gym = 29
Total Calories:  1440  My goal when losing weight is 1200...but I burned about 300 at gym = 1,140
Activity:  Elliptical at high intensity for 30 minutes


My Review:  I thought the oatmeal was delicious.  I've read online reviews that people thought it was bland or slimey, but I loved it!  I even ate it cold like they suggested.  It reminded me of bread pudding.  My only complaint about it was the size.  It doesn't come in various portion options so I felt like it was a lot for me.  I actually didn't eat all of it for breakfast, but later in the day when I was feeling weak I finished it!  The lunch was AWESOME.  I would definitely buy again.  Dinner was also good, but I could have eaten much more.  It was a little spicy too which I loved!  My Fit Foods eliminates carbs at dinner, which of course is my weakness.  I really wanted some crackers to go with my chili, but I refrained.  One last complaint is that the apple slices both in my lunch and snack were VERY lemony.  I'm guessing they put lemon juice on them so they don't brown???  I'm sure I'll get used to it, but it really changed the taste of the apple.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

My Fit Foods 3 Day Challenge



Has anyone else tried My Fit Foods?  It's not anything new...just new to me.  A few things I've heard about them from friends is that some, not all of the food is good, it's quick and easy, great for a working professional and ideal for those needing help with portion control.  Me, me, me!  I know how much I'm supposed to eat, I just have no self control.

Anyway, I bought three days worth of food picked out for me by a MFF staff member and am doing a "3-Day Challenge."  They encourage and advertise doing a 21-Day challenge.  With that option you meet with one of their nutritionists to create a customized plan, however a 3-Day is a good start for me!  I'm curious to see how effective it is on helping me lose weight.  Quick rundown of other diets I've tried:

Jenny Craig:  great way to jump start your weight loss, but you have to pay membership fees and attend weekly weigh-ins, it's not sustainable (are you going to eat JC food forever), and since the meals are frozen they are full of preservatives.

Weight Watchers:  this plan is a great way to stick with weight loss since it teaches you to eat "real" food.  Cons are that you also pay a membership fee. 

I'm still a Weight Watchers member (loser member), but wanted a little kickstart to get me motivated.  I get motivated when I see instant success and am trying something new!

My Fit Foods doesn't require a membership and isn't a "diet plan."  It's just healthy food portioned for you.  They sell breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.  Most meals come in small (for females), medium (for males) and large (for superhumans, I guess).  Many of the meal options are gluten free, dairy free and/or soy free.  They are diabetic friendly and even have vegan and vegetarian options.

I'm anxious to see if I will have any success doing this.  I'm also working out and tracking what the meals equate to in Weight Watchers terms, caloric intake, hunger levels and pounds lost throughout the process. 

Join me in my journey!  Tomorrow I will post on how Day 1 went. 


FYI, My Fit Foods did not pay me in any way for these reviews.  These are my opinions only. 

I've Had It!

I'm truly disgusted with myself.  I let myself gain 12 pounds over the course of a few months!  My excuse at the time was that I was allowed to cut myself some freedom from the gym and slack in regards to diet because...

...we're so busy packing.  I'll get back on it once we move
...we're so busy unpacking.  I'll get back on it once we are settled
...I'm so tired from all of this packing and unpacking.  I deserve a Starbucks coffee and treat.
...we're so busy decorating.  I'll get back to it once the house is finished.

Well folks, I've reached my limit.  Is a house ever truly "finished?"  Am I ever not busy?  If I wait any longer I will need a whole new wardrobe.  I even know all of the fancy tricks.  Wear dresses and Spanx and stretchy workout gear on the weekend.  Then you don't realize how fat you are. 

Unfortunately, I will never be the girl who doesn't have to watch what she eats.  And I will never be the girl who doesn't have to workout. 

I hate being this girl! 

Once I reach my tipping point though, which is evidently 12 pounds and super tight pants, I will do something about it.  I joined the gym right by our new house and am trying to improve my diet.  In order for me to be successful, I have to fully jump in right way to something to distract myself from failing, so hello...

...Couch 2 5K
...My Fit Foods

Giving both of these a try currently and will report back.  (I know how to workout and eat right on my own, but it's so, so, so boring).  Food and workout programs are my answer.  Which is why over the course of my life, I've tried so many different types!  Maybe I have a mild case of ADD.

Any tips, advice or experience with either of these programs?

And because laughing burns calories:




Saturday, August 18, 2012

August 2012 Birchbox Review Vlog



Being new to the "vlogging" world I'm learning a few things:
-  I need a new program so I can edit!  Sorry this Vlog drags on and bless you if you watch the entire thing.
-  I need to improve my lighting situation
-  I kiss my dog way too much
-  I need to stop talking in my "baby voice" when talking to Tucker

With that said, enoy! 

...And I promise, I have sweet, happy chihuhua.  He just doesn't like to be woken up and pulled out of the covers...this was very late at night last Friday.  I'm a night owl, but no one else in my family is.

Treat. Yo. Self. 2012



Love this!  Who is with me???

Now we just have to pick the day...

Sunday, August 12, 2012

The Liebster Award

I was so excited to be included for the Liebster Award from Cat of The Simmonds and the Suburbs!  Cat is one of my favorite new bloggers to follow.  She is precious, sweet has an amazing taste in music and is a Texan...wish she lived in Houston though.  I feel like we would get together tons and really hit it off.  You must go check out her blog

The Liebster (meaning sweetheart or darling) Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

The Rules!
Each person must post 11 facts about themselves
..and answer the 11 questions that are tagged for them
...and list the 11 bloggers you nominate
...and make up your own 11 questions to ask your nominees

Facts about me:
1.  I'm a Christian
2.  I'm a Taurus
3.  I always choose french when I get a pedicure.  If it get color on my toes, I always regret it.
4.  I'm a feminist, but not in a crazy, no shaving way
5.  I won "Greek Woman of the Year" in college for my involvement in the school and my sorority
6.  I used to show Tibetan Spaniels in dog shows
7.  I can't fall asleep without putting chapstick on first
8.  I have a fur baby (chihuahua) named Tucker who is nine.  Had him since he was a pup.
9.  I loved being a waitress in college
10.  One of my favorite smells is the smell of Lululemon...the store and the clothes.  I suppose it's the fabric they use.  Walk into one and you will understand.  I love it!
11. The movie Premonition (Sandra Bullock) made me sob for hours.  Our family now calls it "premonition crying" when someone sobs uncontrollably. 

Questions for me:
1. Who is your favorite musician/singer?  Coldplay
2. What college did you go to, what was your major?  University of North Texas, majoring in Communications Studies (minor in Women's Studies).  Also went to Houston Baptist University for an MBA.
3. Do you know who Lauren Bacall is? Of course!  Gorgeous actress who was married to Humphrey Bogart.
4. When entertaining, what is the most important factor to your event?  That your guests are comfortable.  And to have good food!
5. What is your home decor theme/style?  What would you call it...Contemporary Parisian chic...totally just made that up, but it works. 
6. What are your pet peeves?  When people ask why we don't have children yet and tell us we need to hurry up. 
7. Have you ever been to the symphony?  Yes, the Houston Symphony several times...Jason and I really enjoy it, but often forget about it!
8. How many times have you gotten a speeding ticket?  Far too many to admit.  I have a lead foot, but have slowed down since getting a company car. 
9. Where is the most interesting place you have visited?  Amsterdam
10. What is your holiday schedule like with your husband/BF?  Just watch the movie Four Christmases with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn.
11. How/why did you start blogging?  Sad to admit, but I started blogging when I started my masters.  I had to sit in class for 4 hours at night after work...4 hours late at night is intense!  I always had my computer in front of me and my BFF/classmate was a blogger.  I got the itch to start one like her plus it gave me something to do in class when I started falling asleep...or wanted to put off my homework!  My bad habit stuck and now I only do it at appropriate times.  And yes, I completed the program!


My nominees:
1.  Allison, Dish with Swish
2.  Ashley, Newlyweds & Nesting
3.  Darcy, The Stingeries
4.  Jen, Cash Cowan
5.  Jessica, Jackson's Lane
6.  Kristen, Fit 2 Feel Better
9.  Melissa, The Bufe Family
10.  Sara, That's Sara, No H
11.  Vanessa, Sunflower State of Mind

The questions for my nominees:
1.  How/why did you start blogging?
2.  How do you cheer yourself up after a bad day?
3.  Favorite book or author?
4.  Favorite musician/singer?
5.  Beauty product you can't live without?
6.  What is one of your pet peeves?
7.  If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
8.  What would you tell a younger you?
9.  What was your first job after college and are you still doing it?
10.  Favorite flower?
11.  What would your theme song be?

Hope you have a wonderful week! 

Thanks for stopping by,
Chelsea

Spice Up Your Life

Loving the Olympic Closing ceremonies!  I think they are better than the Opening, but I really loved those too.  sorry critics!

Spice Girls reunion was the best ever.  You can't get much cooler than dancing and singing on top of a car singing "Shake it the Left."  They all look amazing! 

Took me back to 2008 (was it really that long) when the HBU Admissions Crew dressed up as the Spice Girls to play softball at a Baptist University conference...weird, I know. 


Sarah as Sporty
Ashley as Ginger
Ed as Scary...after John chickened out...such a trooper!
Page as Baby
Your truly as Posh...never leaving character.

We even rehearsed for hours in the car driving from Houston to Arkansas.  Picture it: "if you wanna be my lover" at a Baptist university conference.

Time for a reunion kids!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Wearing a Little Happy

Nothing like wearing a little "happy" to make you feel better.  In today's case it's a bright red jacket with gold and red earrings!  I know you should find happiness from within, but I fully believe that what we wear affects how you feel. 



Jacket by Cartonnier from Anthropologie (Jacket available in turquoise and pink, red version purchased last spring)
Earrings by Kendra Scott (Purchased at Nordstrom last season, sold out online) Similar here and here.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Me











I'm taking two seconds out of my crazy week to show you how I feel.  I really think I look like the image above this week.  I tend to bite off more than I can chew and can usually handle it well. Mostly I work great under pressure, but not this week.  There is just too much to do in too little time.  We have house guests coming in two separate waves this week, a class to finish up, work, Pi Phi Alumni stuff up to my ears, Junior League placement work galore, and on and on...

I feel better getting it off my chest.  I try to be perfect all the time and it's just not working out for me this week.  Instead I feel like I'm failing at everything.  I feel like a bad friend, daughter, wife, housekeeper, cook, bad, bad bad!  And to top it all off, when I'm stressed I can't sleep, when I can't sleep, I eat, so now I'm a bad everything listed above that is fat and has puffy eyes.

Sorry to bring you down...but hopefully it will lift you up if you can relate or at least make you feel better about yourself!  My favorite blogs are the ones that are real, not just the eveythings roses all the time kind.  You can't get much more real than this!

Talk soon after I've survived the week.  Wine will likely be involved. 

Chels

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Kendra Scott Store #4

My yuck day just got a little better since Kendra Scott just announced the location of store #4 in...

HTown!!!


Who else is as excited as I am.  My husband and my pocketbook...not so much.  I think I will need to be there for the grand opening...for the blog of course. 

Kendra Scott will now have store locations in Austin - Dallas - Beverly Hills - HOUSTON!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Old Navy's Magic Number is Working

Last weekend Jason was out of town and although I love my husband more than anything, it was nice to have a weekend to myself.  I didn't even call my friends to hang out.  I just went into my turtle shell and enjoyed not being on a schedule and doing exactly what I wanted to do, every second of the day...this mostly involved home stuff, but I crammed in a few indulgent things like browsing through a few stores and eating almost an entire frozen pizza by myself...in my defense it was a small, meatless, thin crust and yes I had a major stomach ache afterwards.  Wish I could say I learned my lesson. 

While I was running around I saw the cutest black and white polka dot dress in the window at Old Navy so I felt compelled to check it out.  I had low expectations since the last four or so trips there I left disappointed and empty-handed....my size never being available on the good stuff.

Well, not last Saturday around 7pm (loser)!   Although that cute polka dot dress did not look good on my body, I found 4 tops that I loved and left with...I know mom, I should be saving my money for home stuff!  The fashion Gods would have struck me down if I passed on these, all of which were Old Navy's magic number, $24.94. 

Do these clothes remind you of anything....hello J.Crew catalog for a third of the price!  I'll take it.  Read The College Prepster's great blog post about this exact topic HERE.   

The cute dress that drew me into the store:


Image via College Prepster

Purchase #1:  Old Navy Boatneck Sweater in Goodnight Nora

Image Via College Prepster

Purchase #2:  Old Navy Boatneck Sweater in Imperial Jade

Image Via College Prepster

 Purchase #3:  Old Navy Polka Dot Chambray (can't find online, must be sold-out).  I've been dying for a chambray shirt like this all season.  I almost bought one from, who else, J. Crew for $78.00.  So glad I didn't. 




Old Navy Chambray Shirt in Red: I purchased this for $24.94, but online it's $29.94. 
On the website (second image) this shirt looks more red, in person it looks a little orange.  I loved it nonetheless.  I think it will be a great transition piece into fall.  It would also be perfect to wear to a UT football game.  I didn't go to Texas, but during college football they are who I pull for.  Sorry Mean Green...




Have you visited Old Navy lately?  Any purchases? 

Quick note if you are local, the Sugar Land store near the mall had TONS of inventory on all sizes in these pieces and more on Saturday.  I noticed the boatneck sweaters have limited sizing online.  This store also had a LOT of chambray in different shades and colors. 
 

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