Monday, August 30, 2010

#70 -- DONE!!!!!

Well, as you can see by the number of posts tonight, I was quite a busy girl this weekend.  As I said in last week's post, I headed to Knoxville for the weekend to spend some time with the family.  While I was there, my mom and I decided to go shopping, and therefore, I was able to purchase a super cute dress to wear to UT football games.
However, as most of you know, football season lasts a long time, and while a cute sundress will be perfect for the first game, it just won't cut it when the weather turns cold...sooooo, in order to mark this item off of my 101 Things list, I decided that I had to find something to wear to the games (or game in this case, because I will probably only being going to one this season and it most likely will be cold).  I found this scarf and decided it would be PERFECT for those fall nights:

Also, it was SUPER cheap, and I already had the jacket and pants so it ended up being a pretty inexpensive outfit.

P.S.  I have to confess...I didn't really buy EITHER of these items for the sole purpose of wearing them to UT football games...honestly, I don't go to enough UT games any more to justify such a thing.  I did, however, LOVE both of these items and I do LOVE wearing orange in the fall, so I decided that there is nothing wrong with killing 2 birds with one stone.  =)

#11 - DONE!!!!!

So, you may have figured out by now that early this summer I bought new living room furniture...I had been using my old furniture since the day that I moved out of my parents' house in 2002 and it was old THEN...so, I felt it was high-time!  Well, I found a couch and ottoman fairly easily, but when it came to purchasing end tables, I had a TOUGH time!  Everything that I liked was too expensive and everything that was in my budget I didn't like.  Soooo, I decided that on my 101 Things list, I was going to include purchasing new end tables for my living room.  Well, several weeks ago I found the end tables that I wanted at Pier One, and yesterday, they both arrived.  Here is the finished product:

Let me just say that I am so excited about them!  They are the perfect size, and the perfect color to go with my other furniture.  Also, I love that they have 2 drawers and some storage space at the bottom so that I can easily keep things neat.  They were definitely a great investment!!!!!

Top Two Tuesday!


Top 2 Favorite US Cities!

1.  Charleston, SC

This is hands-down my favorite city in the entire world for many reasons.  First-of-all, it is beautiful.  Secondly, it is sooooo historic, but also has a beach within 20 minutes, so you never get bored and there's always something fun to do whether you want to be busy or simply relax.  Finally, the main reason Charleston is probably my favorite city is because I have so many fond memories of this place.  We started going here as a family when I was around 13 years old.  I remember taking carriage rides through the city, and playing on the beach.  Also, when I was in early college, my church would take mission trips to this area and we would help build homes for low-income families.  Now that my sister lives a mere 2 hours from here, I hope to be visiting again very soon!  =)

2.  Nashville, TN


Yes, I know it's a little hokey to say that the city where I live is one of my favorites, but I truly think this is one of the best places to live.  I moved to this city 4 years ago thinking that I would live here a year, get whatever it is that made me want to move here out of my system, and then head back to Knoxville (where I'm from) and live happily ever after.  Well, it didn't take me 3 months of living here to realize this is the place for me.  The people here are so friendly, and it was so easy to make friends.  Also, there is always something fun going on, and usually it's not very expensive...maybe even free.  Even though I still enjoy going home to visit my friends and family from East Tennessee (and sometimes am even a little sad to be leaving them), I know that Nashville is now my home!

If you'd like to participate in Top 2 Tuesday, head on over to The Undomestic Momma and link up!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Thankful Thursday!

This Thursday I am thankful for...

PEPPERMINT!!!!!


Any of you who knew me 4 years ago would find the fact that I am thankful for a 4 legged creature known as a dog SHOCKING!!!!!  However, that was before this wonderful dog showed up on my parents' doorstep one weekend when my sister and I were in town.  At first, my mom and dad agreed to put food out for her; then, they agreed to allow her to sleep in the basement; in a matter of about 3 days, this sweet creature was sleeping in the bed with them and pretty much running the house...and all of our lives!  =)  She is smart, sweet, funny, and just all around FABULOUS!  I love her like my own dog, and quite frankly, actually want a dog of my own just like her.  She's been kind of under the weather this week with some allergy issues, so I thought it was only fitting to tell the blog world how thankful I am for her and how I can't wait to spend some QT with her this weekend!

Well, I'm off to Knoxville for the weekend friends!  I'll try to do an update upon my return.  Have a great weekend!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Top Two Tuesday!


Top 2 Biggest Indulgences!

1.  Clothes!!!!!

I guess I should really say that clothes USED to be my biggest indulgence...HOWEVER, this was back in my college days and believe me, it took me MANY years to get over those spending habits (hence the reason I just bought a house last year).  Oh, well, it was fun while it lasted.  I will admit though, that I still love the occasional shopping spree (mini-shopping spree, that is).  In fact, my mom and I plan on partaking in a little shopping this weekend when I go visit my family in Knoxville.

2.  DVR

I think everyone has SOMETHING that they can't imagine living without...well, that something for me is DVR.  I love it!  In fact, I often joke that I would give up having a washer and dryer in my house before I gave up my DVR.  And, yes, I think that is true!  I used to have Tivo, but since I bought my new TV this summer, I had to switch over to regular DVR, but it is still wonderful!  If you don't have it, you have no idea what you are missing!

P.S.  If you'd like to play, head on over to The Undomestic Momma and link up!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

My First Blog Award!

I want to send a special Thank You out to Amber at The Daily Dose!!!!!  She gave me my very first blog award!!!!!  Amber and I have been friends for several years and after talking one night about how much we enjoyed other peoples' blogs, we confessed to each other that we had each created our own.  =)  I have been reading her blog ever since, and it's full of all the fun that she and her husband are having getting ready for their first child.  You should head on over and check her out!
Now on to the award...the rules are to link back to and thank the person who gave you the award, list 7 things about yourself, and nominate 15 other bloggers (since I haven't been blogging very long, I think I'll just stick with 5, because like Amber, I think 15 is a lot!). Now on to the good stuff! 
  • I received my bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (GO VOLS!!!!!), and have been working as a tax accountant ever since.  In 2007, I FINALLY passed the CPA exam.  It was the biggest load lifted, and I have actually been able to enjoy life A LOT more ever since!
  • I am the slowest reader ever!!!!  I mean, seriously, I started a book the first week in July and I am still trying to finish it.  I love it and it's a great book, but I just never seem to find time to read.  I usually end up reading a few pages every night and then eventually I read the whole thing...although, I must confess that many times I never finish a lot of the books I start.
  • I met my beau playing on a kickball team...actually, now that I think about it, I have Amber to thank for that set up, too.  She and one of her guy friends (Mickey) decided 2 1/2 years ago that they wanted to play kickball with Nashville Sports Leagues.  Amber said she could bring the girls, and Mickey said he could bring the guys.  Well, wouldn't you know it...a few short months later, and Patrick and I were dating!  The way we met is probably very fitting for our relationship since it seems that no matter what we are doing, it's all about having fun!
  • Most of you remember from this post that I was in my friend Andi's wedding a couple of weekends ago.  Well, this past weekend, I attended my friend Andrea's wedding (yes, some people also call her Andi...very confusing, I know).  Because I knew that Andrea's wedding would be kind of dressy and also because I LOVED the dress I wore in Andi's wedding, I contacted my seamstress (C. Johnson Alterations...she is FABULOUS) and asked if there was any way she had time to cut the bridemaid's dress to be "above the knee."  She definitely came through and altered the dress in less than 48 hours.  Take a look at the before and after pics...the finished product was an awesome black cocktail dress, and I only paid $35 for it!  AH-MAZING!!! 

Before Pic (Andi's Wedding)


After Pic (Andrea's Wedding)...BTW, doesn't Kat look pretty?  She was a Bridesmaid in Andrea's wedding!



A pic of the girls with the beautiful bride!

  • I love to cook...although, I have never really considered myself very GOOD at it (I'm much better at baking), I still love to do it...I find it so relaxing. Tonight (even though I only had myself to cook for because my beau is still out of town) I decided that I wanted to try a recipe from my favorite cooking magazine.  I made Cheeseburger Chowder (yes, I realize it's 90 degrees outside and way too early for soup, but it sounded soooooo delicious!), and it did not disappoint!  Here are a few pics:
My Yummy Dinner!

  • I am addicted to caffeine...no, really, a lot of people say that, but I really mean it...I get these really bad headaches that sneak up on me, and once I have one, it's all over...the only thing that can make it go away is to go to bed.  Yes, this is terrible and I really need to ween myself off soft drinks...however, it's just so hard...No, I'm not proud, but at least we get free soft drinks at work, right?  =)
  • Last but not least, I secretly wish that I could make money being a back up dancer for Justin Timberlake...Most people think I'm joking when I say this, but I have to admit that I'm a little bit serious.  I saw him in concert 2-3 years ago, and it was absolutely the coolest thing I have ever watched...to be able to dance on stage while he performs would be the best job EVER!!!!!
Shew, that was a lot of work!  =)  Well now time for me to pass the award on to others, so here goes:

Going Places -- This blog is all about Brittney!  She is a 20 something who just made a big cross country move!  She is also the lady who did such a fabulous job designing my blog!  You should definitely go check her out.

The Survival Guide for the Young, Fabulous, and Newlywed -- Go see what her blog is all about!  She is a fellow accountant.  Like I hope I do, she proves that not all accountants are boring!  Her blog is totally fun!  =)

Justin & Marcie -- I really enjoy her blog!  She talks about several things that I enjoy and in fact, she's the one who I "borrowed" my 101 Things idea from!  Definitely go check her out!  Oh, and she's also a cool accountant...I'm seeing a theme here.  =)

In This Wonderful Life -- Megan is truly an inspiration to me!  She has been through so much in the last few months, but yet, she is finding a way to move forward everyday, a little bit at a time!  If you haven't been reading this blog, you need to.  It is very touching!

Meade Family Blog -- Summer is a friend of a friend, and she has recently become my friend, too.  She's a great girl and in May she became a mother to 3 (yes, I said THREE) boys!  Her blog is full of super cute pictures of her baby boys and is also about the fun she and her husband have raising them!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Thankful Thursday!

This Thursday I am thankful for...

MY GRAD SCHOOL GIRL FRIENDS!!!!!

Earlier this week, I got to do something that only happens about once every 2-3 years, and this one thing makes me a VERY HAPPY girl!!!!!  I had lunch with my group of girl friends from Grad School.  These girls and I went through a whole lot together during that year of school.  From doing cheers in my apartment at midnight one night, to trips to the grocery store for Oreo runs, to AC doing her best Aretha Franklin impersonation, to Kat and I laying by the pool all day everyday, to all the stress that our classes created...we had many laughs and many tears that year.  Now, we all live in different places (except Kat and me...she has to put up with me year round), and we don't get to hang out as a foursome NEARLY often enough.  Even though we rarely get together anymore, when we do hang out we definitely make up for lost time (we stayed at the restaurant for 4 HOURS)!!!!!  Yep, our server LOVED us.  =)

Girls, I want each of you to know that you all have a very special place in my heart!  You all came into my life at a time when I needed friends more than any of you will ever know, and I have always felt like an equal in this group.  My only hope is that we are still getting together for these visits 20 years from now!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Top Two Tuesday!


Top 2 Characters You Would Want to Play on a TV Show or Movie

1.  Carrie from Sex and the City
I realize I'm definitely not the only person in the world who would love to be Carrie, because let's face it...she's FABULOUS!!!!!  She has a wonderful job, a wonderful apartment, an amazing wardrobe, fabulous shoes, and even more fabulous friends.  She's the rock that holds her group of girls together and the one they all turn to in their time of need.  Also, even when she makes her friends mad, they still rely on her, and she always has the answers.  Yes, if I had to choose anyone in that group to be, it would definitely be Carrie!

2.  Velma Kelly in Chicago
Most of you probably know that Velma Kelly was a murderess in the movie Chicago; however, this obviously has NOTHING to do with why I would want to play her part in a movie.  The reason I would want to play that part is because Catherine Zeta-Jones danced her face off in that movie!  I'm pretty sure that the first time I watched it my jaw dropped...it was amazing!  What a fantastic movie!

Head on over to The Undomestic Momma and link up if you'd like to play!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

#53 -- DONE

So, most of you have probably wondered what happened to my 101 Things list since I set a start date of August 1, 2010.  Well, I am proud to announce that I have marked the first item off my list!  After purchasing a 42" Flat Screen TV back in May (yes, I definitely had one of those old "bubble" TVs up until then...I know, I'm embarassed, too), I finally made time to have Comcast come out and set up HDTV.  Let me just say...IT IS FABULOUS!!!!!  I never realized what I've been missing out on all this time!

Just so you know, there are several other items on the list that I am currently working on...therefore, stay tuned for the next couple of weeks, and I promise, I'll make up for the my lack of "101 Things" posts during the first 14 days of this adventure!  =)

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Thankful Thursday!



This Thursday I am thankful for...

MY BEAU!!!!!
As most of you probably know, Patrick headed out of the country on a 3 week trip to South Africa this week!!!!!  I know, jealous, right?  Well, it's times like this that I realize how thankful I am to have him in my life.  Because he gets embarrassed when I gush about him, I'll just make this post mainly pictures of all the fun times he and I have had since we started dating.  =)
Music City Brewer's Festival 2008
Adventure Science Center 2008
Tennessee Football Game 2008
Jayme's Wedding  2008
Opryland Hotel 2008
Biltmore Estate 2009
Sushi Date Night 2009
Nashville Zoo 2009
Nashville Junior Chamber Gala 2009
Music City Brewer's Festival 2009
Arrington Vineyards 2009
George Jones' House at Christmas 2009
Indian Cooking Class 2010
Zip-Lining on Valentine's Day 2010
Freeport, Bahamas 2010
Helping Nashville Flood Victims 2010
Steeplechase 2010
My 30th Birthday 2010
Nashville Junior Chamber Gala 2010
St. Louis Trip 2010
Music City Brewer's Festival 2010
Andi's Wedding 2010
Patrick, I hope you have a fabulous trip!  Please stay safe and I can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back to the US of A!!!!!