One Hot Mess

Friday Faves

2012-01-27T10:35:00.004-06:00

1 | Clinique Youth Surge

This stuff is amazing! I've been a long-time fan
of Clinique's skincare line and this quickly became a fave.
You can't top waking up with velvety skin each morning.
Goodbye winter flakes!

2 | Cardio Theater

via

The best thing about my new gym is watching
movies while I sweat. The range of movies is great -
one day I'm watching a rom-com and the next we've
got old school James Bond.

3 | The Barr Brothers

Love these guys! Also check out this out.

4 | Morning Parfaits

via

Current mix: plain yogurt mixed with a splash of
honey, vanilla granola and craisins. Good stuff!

5 | Words

via

What are you faving right now?

Channeling Martha

2012-01-26T11:08:00.000-06:00

I have been in a crafty mood lately, constantly perusing the
webs for something fun that I can actually use.
I settled on 3 fairly simple projects and set a goal
to finish them before February disappears.

Dog Bed on Wheels

via

The browndogs will love it! We'll probably make it

a bit larger to accomodate both. Thankfully, they like to cuddle.

I like this design because we can roll it out of the way when

needed. And hopefully it will cut down on the amount

of hair that burrows into our rugs.

Might have to bring the handy-dandy husband into

the mix on this one. I am not to be trusted with power tools.

Circle Scarf

via

I have talked about this before and

it's high time I dust off the sewing machine

and make my own. Even though I failed

sewing class, I'm thinking this will be easy.

Door Candy

via

This guy can be made in minutes.
And I think it's kind of Kate Spade-ish.

Anyone else channeling their inner Martha?

Jam of the Week

2012-01-25T14:55:00.002-06:00

Sunshine + Atmosphere

It is GORGE outside today!

view from my office

A warm 75 degrees and blue sky.

And it's January.

I love Alabama weather!

-- A

Click Here

2012-01-24T11:56:00.000-06:00

1 | Alabama Tourism recently launched

The Year of Alabama Food campaign. I'm hoping to make

my way through the recipe list starting with my fave dish

at one of my most fave local eateries.

2 | I really like WhitneyK's Lessons Learned idea.

I could definitely benefit from writing down my own lessons.

3 | Jen is hosting a great giveaway that includes

her amazing baked goods. She's a fantastic baker!

Years ago, we worked together and she would

frequently treat us at team meetings with

goodies from her kitchen!

What are some of your favorite links?

Sleep Deprived

2012-01-23T14:03:00.000-06:00

I am dying to pull those drapes and jump into this biscuit right now:

elle decor

I am one step from being a complete zombie.

We were awakened at 2:30am to the sound of

weather sirens going off in our neighborhood.

Lucky us, there's one about 30 yards from our back door.

The outskirts of Birmingham were hit with tornados and

straight-line winds throughout the early hours of the morning.

We are fine, other than being exhausted from the anxiety

of waiting out a storm. I think I fell back asleep

around 6am. Just in time to start getting ready for work...

Hope everyone is having a pleasant Monday.

Please keep our storm victims in your thoughts!

Jam of the Week

2012-01-20T12:13:00.004-06:00

This jam goes out to Etta James.

R.I.P.

1 | 20 | 2012

You'll be missed!

Reduced Fat

2012-01-20T11:51:00.001-06:00

This is exactly how I felt during my orientation at my new gym.

I signed up a few days after Christmas and was introduced

to my personal trainer. Her name is Chris and she wasted

no time getting to the humiliation round. While she recorded

the bazillion inches that surround my thighs, tummy, arms,

and - worst of all - booty, I fought back tears. As this was going on,

I literally saw images of what had been comforting me for so long -

cheese, good wine, and anything that ends with "casserole".

Then I stepped on the scale.

What the What?!

I was convinced it was wrong.

By about 20 lbs.

I also filled out a questionnaire about eating habits and my

daily routine. Another shocker. I was consuming repetitive foods

(insert any of the comforts above) and a lot of empty calories.

My new job is also a culprit. I sit at my desk all day, only getting up

for meetings and the occasional jaunt to the copy machine.

At the ad agency, I ran around all the time so going from fairly

active during workdays to sitting on my rear for

8 hours 5 days a week hasn't been ideal.

But maybe the worst of it all was the last

question that Chris threw at me:

Why do you think you let this happen?

My answer:

Brutal side effects of infertility drugs combined

with frequent pity parties and laziness.

So we worked out a plan:

- I work out with Chris one day a week, alone 4 days a week

- 5 days of cardio

- 3 of those days I do the strength circuit she created

- follow my Weight Watchers plan & increase H2O intake

- stop feeling like a major failure

I also posted this helpful guide to my bathroom mirror

to serve as a morning reminder of my new rules.

found here

I like lists and this one is easy to understand.

So far, I've lost 7 lbs though most of that is due to being so sick.

I'm finally on the mend which means I'm craving food again

so I don't expect another big drop!

I know over time I have ~~whined~~ posted about needing

to get fit and I've made several honest attempts to achieve my goal

and find happiness with myself. But nothing seems to stick.

After reading Bailey's posts from yesterday and today,

I feel really motivated. I'll be "weighing in" on her blog on Friday's

and plan to do the same on here. While I'm not going to post my

goal weight, I do plan on reporting back with progress updates.

I'm not asking for cheerleaders but I do welcome healthy tips!

Happy Friday! I'm off to refill my water bucket.

64oz down, 64 to go!

Happy Birthday, Betty!

2012-01-17T22:27:00.000-06:00

Today is my favorite golden girl's birthday.

I hope to be as young, energetic and full of life

as she is when I'm 90 years old.

Stay golden, Betts!

-- A

Dear Followers,

2012-01-16T08:00:00.003-06:00

via

You can now find me at

onehotmessblog.com

-- A

Warmer Days

2012-01-13T13:45:00.000-06:00

It's in the 30s today in Alabama and

all I can think about is warm weather.

Which I'll probably get next week!

No seriously, it was in the 70s on New Years Day.

70s.

Alabama weather is so schizophrenic.

Any given day in the first few months of the year,

it can be snowing at dawn then hot enough

to melt your lipstick by noon.

We call this Spring.

And Madewell's Spring Collection has me craving warmer days!

I like to call this one the "Elaine Benes".

May your weekend be warm and sunny!

-- A

MOONRISE KINGDOM

2012-01-12T16:28:00.001-06:00

Good news fellow Wes Anderson groupies!

The following film is coming soon to a theater near you:

“Wes Anderson doesn’t make movies, he makes worlds.” - Elle

-- A

Jam of the Week

2012-01-11T16:09:00.000-06:00

Since I've been down with the sickness, I have logged

an abundance of TV hours. The codeine haze and lack

of energy made doing anything requiring a vertical

stance impossible. And when all you can do is lie in

suffering, cursing the germs inhabiting your body,

a good Keanu flick is in order.

Let's be real. There's only one.

Yep, Point Break.

So enjoy this jam that may or may not have

anything to do with the football star turned surfing FBI agent.

Futurebirds- Johnny Utah

Vaya con Dios, Brah.

-- A

Laissez les bons temps rouler... TIDE!

2012-01-10T15:46:00.001-06:00

We did it!

Bama is back on top and all is right again.

all images via

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

-- A

Roll Tide, Ya'll

2012-01-09T13:06:00.000-06:00

Well HELLO!! I am way overdue for a post but life

has gotten in the way of social interaction on the interwebs.

I came down with the sickness last week which took a turn

for the worse over the weekend. But I have been working on

a few fun posts including one for today that is now useless.

In case you haven't heard,

there's a game being played in New Orleans tonight.

We had planned a fun viewing party with the few friends we

have in town that also decided not to make the trek down to NOLA.

Sadly, I just had to cancel the shindig due to contagion.

Looks like it's going to be jambalaya and beignets for two tonight.

I'll be back soon. And hopefully beaming from a big win!

Roll Tide, ya'll. Let's get 14!

-- A

Cheers!

2011-12-31T17:10:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year!

Cheers to the best year ever!

Love,

Om for the Holidays!

2011-12-20T11:15:00.001-06:00

Every year I treat myself to a little gift or two at Christmas time.

I know it's completely selfish but I always end up spotting

something grand and that voice appears out of nowhere.

You know the one:

"Go on... you deserve it!"

But this year, instead of treating myself to something that's

only going to make me feel good for a day or two,

I am ~~punishing my body~~ namastaying my way

through the holiday break.

I read this awhile ago and haven't stopped

thinking about how much I can relate.

Specifically this:

I need to change so many things about my life,
it's hard to know where to start. I need physical
and spiritual transformation, from the mental to the
muscular to the molecular. I need to stop treating my
body like a landfill. I need stability, which I haven't
seen in so long, I've forgotten how it feels.
I need a reset button.

So I just signed up for a membership to

Bikram Yoga Birmingham

located a convenient 5 minutes from my house.

I start tomorrow - day one of my break

from school - and I can't be more excited!

Hoping to ring in the new year less stressed,

a few lbs lighter, and with a much clearer mind.

Namaste!

-- A

Jam of the Week

2011-12-20T10:31:00.000-06:00

While this elf does not sing out loud unless secured

in a car (alone!), I do love to jam out to

Christmas tunes this time of year.

And this one is today's fave:

The Christmas Song + The Raveonettes

Hope your day is merry and bright!

-- A

5 Friday Faves

2011-12-16T11:14:00.006-06:00

1 | red stamp

because I didn't get around to

sending out actual Christmas cards

2 | snl holiday card

because I want a holiday complete

w/ furkles and teddy grahams

3 | silky bottoms

because i like to keep my leggies warm

4 | a much needed reminder

because this is the time of year i stress

out the most and try to do it all and

end up feeling like the worst
but not this year!

5 | simple lunch

because i would give anything for some
fresh baked bread and my favorite fruit
right about now

Happy Friday!

-- A

Jam of the Week

2011-12-14T13:27:00.000-06:00

When the Bells Start Ringing

My Morning Jacket feat. The Head & the Heart

You serious, Clark?

Yim and the gang have released a Christmastime EP.

And it's wonderful!!

And it's only $5!

Merry Christmas to me.

-- A

Gorge

2011-12-12T08:32:00.000-06:00

Smashing dresses from BCBG Runway

Pre-Spring 2012 Collection

I'll take one of each!

-- A

5 Friday Faves

2011-12-09T16:18:00.002-06:00

1 | Christmas Posters

I plan on decking my walls w/ this guy.

2 | Tree Trimmings

I can't wait to make this!

3 | Fix-Its

Genius!

4 | Pretty Strands

I could totally make this myself.

After all, I made some pretty sweet

macaroni necklaces back in the day.

5 | Laughs from MJ

My pal, Melissa's hilarious blog.

Happy Friday, friends!

-- A

Alice

2011-12-08T14:03:00.000-06:00

What is the use of a book, without pictures or conversation?

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland, 1865

I have been enamored with the story

of Alice in Wonderland as long as I can remember.

Lewis Carroll's creativity is unmatched

and there is a lot of meaning in his

literary nonsense. I've seen various editions

and wildly different illustrations but

Leonard Weisgard did it best.

Weisgard, a Caldecott award-winning illustrator

of more than 200 children’s books, was perhaps

best known for his collaboration with the author

Margaret Wise Brown (Goodnight, Moon

and Runaway Bunny).

I am obsessing over these prints from his

illustrations of the second editions of

Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass:

Wouldn't these be fab in a little girls room?

So tell me, what is your favorite childhood story?

-- A

Jam of the Week

2011-12-07T13:55:00.001-06:00

Bowerbirds + Tuck the Darkness In

Bowerbirds - Tuck the Darkness In

The North Carolina folk-rockers plan to release

their new album, The Clearing, March 6

via Dead Oceans.

Can't wait!

-- A

Gifting

2011-12-05T13:38:00.001-06:00

Ya'll.

I am so behind on my Christmas list!

I have one ONE! gift purchased and I'm quickly

falling back into the old Scrooge mentality.

Thankfully, Pinterest has come to my rescue!

I've been a pinning machine lately and it's paid off.

I have some pretty awesome ideas for my

ever-growing Christmas list.

1 | Sleep Shirts

anthro

2 | Zig Zag Tray

etsy

3 | Travel Charging Station

restoration hardware

4 | FEED Bangles

feed

5 | Tartan Wrap

madewell

6 | Journal / Notebook

etsy

7 | Christmas Cards

sweet dee

8 | Leather-wrapped Flask

jcrew

9 | Treats in a Jar

pinterest

and my most favorite gift of all...

10 | A Furbaby!

petfinder adoption site

I hope things are jolly in your world!

-- A

Jam of the Week

2011-11-30T11:36:00.001-06:00

Cloud Control + Gold Canary

Cloud Control has put me in a musical coma today. Love!

-- A

In the Mood for a Snood

2011-11-29T08:20:00.001-06:00

Adoring this color combo!

Snoods have been warding off winter chills

since Medieval times. They're great for bad

hair days, keeping those ears warm,

and staying incognito.

You can find this chick's snood at J.Crew but

currently it's only available in black,

heather grey, and caramel.

You can also check out these bright alternatives:

topshop

madewell

Or you can make your own!

-- A

Treats and Snoozin'

2011-11-15T22:57:00.001-06:00

My favorite little guy is back!

If you didn't catch it the first time, here is Marcel's debut:

Gotta love SNL Alum, Jenny Slate!

Smile a lot. It's worth it!

-- A

*Note: original post was the failure of my first time

using the Blogger app for iPhone. Obviously, I need to preview

before publishing!

Nurse Evil

2011-11-14T13:28:00.001-06:00

I had to go into the doctor's office for a

few tests yesterday - not exactly how I wanted

to spend my Sunday morning - and

came face to face with Nurse Evil .

After a bit of dilly-dallying by the receptionist, I was

finally called back to have my blood drawn.

As the nurse was applying the little bandage to my arm I felt

a dark, looming shadow before me telling me it was

time for my millionth ultrasound.

Enter Nurse Evil.

She wasn't as pretty as Daryl Hannah, and I really

don't think she would kill anyone but I digress...

After an excruciating series of tests, I let a few tears

fall prompting NE to utter the unthinkable:

Need

Get

Emotional

Who tells a hormonal female pumped up full of

chemicals and writhing about in pain from feeling

like she's being cut in two by a dull, flaming

hot knife to "not get so emotional"?

Hmmm???

Before I knew it, I was letting. her. have. it.

I let her know real quick that she wasn't the only

one that didn't want to be there and if she thought

this was emotional, she hadn't seen anything yet.

Then I hopped off the table and told her exactly

where she could shove that ultrasound wand.

Okay...so I didn't exactly do all that.

At least not out loud.

-- A

11.11.11

2011-11-11T10:54:00.001-06:00

credit

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day

will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those

who died in the country's service and with gratitude for

the victory, both because of the thing from which it has

freed us and because of the opportunity it has given

America to show her sympathy with peace and justice

in the councils of the nations."

-- Woodrow Wilson

Be sure to hug a veteran today!

-- A

Grace

2011-11-10T14:46:00.001-06:00

-- A

Neat-o!

2011-11-09T16:25:00.001-06:00

A murmuration, or flock of starlings, here

includes thousands of these tiny birds collectively flying

and swirling about. The mesmerizing act is typically

seen at the beginning of winter, right before dusk, as

the birds look for a place to roost for the night.

During the action, birds reach speeds of up to 20 mph.

In the video, Sophie Windsor Clive captured an

incredible example of the event on the River Shannon

in Ireland. Clive and her companion, Liberty Smith, just

seem to happen on the event as they were canoeing across.

It was an amazing treat neither of them ever expected to see.

According to the Telegraph, what makes it

so beautiful is actually a survival function:

"Numbers build up slowly near the roost over
the afternoon as small groups of birds return from
foraging in the area," explains Paul Stancliffe of the
British Trust for Orinthology. "By late afternoon there
is a huge swirling cloud. It's all about safety in
numbers - non wants to be on the outside,
none wants to be first to land."

Essentially it's an epic battle to determine who

in the flock survives, and who's a target

for predators. According to the Telegraph, each

bird tries to copy the bird next to it exactly,

which results in a stunning rippling effect.

-- via Huffington Post

And that concludes our science lesson for the day.

- A

Jam of the Week

2011-11-08T14:08:00.001-06:00

I've been jamming to this tune all day!

Why? Because the construction crew arrived this morning!!

Mi casa is finally getting a much needed face-lift after

being attacked by a 200 ton tree back in September.

Progress is good. Rillll good.

-- A

Can I Get a Roll Tide

2011-11-04T12:07:00.001-05:00

This post is brought you by the letter

I am headed down to T-town soon to

get my pre-game on with B and a few friends.

Bama plays LSU tomorrow in what is being

headlined as THE GAME OF THE MILLENNIUM.

And I am a nervous Nancy! The media hype

and lack of the perfect gameday outfit has brought

on a stomach ulcer. I mean, if it's the game of

the millennium, I better be lookin' good.

So I'm off to peruse the racks for a little ditty
fit for watching the Tide roll.

Have a great weekend and

Roll Tide, ya'll.

-- A

Jam of the Week

2011-11-03T11:08:00.002-05:00

Oregon Bike Trails + Cayukas

Oregon Bike Trails - Cayucas

-- A

Wednesday Whine

2011-11-02T14:22:00.001-05:00

It's been one of those weeks so far.

And Wednesday is only half-way over.

The change in weather has me stuffy and

I'm being forced to wear mittens in an effort

not to claw my eyes out from major dryness.

So I didn't really come here to whine.

Despite my sniffles and red eyes,

I am elated at what just hit the shelf.

Mindy Kaling's new book is out!!

An excerpt:

"...in the romantic-comedy world there are many

specimens of women who—like Vulcans or Mothra—do

not exist in real life. Here are some examples:

The Klutz

When a beautiful actress is cast in a movie, executives

rack their brains to find some kind of flaw in the character

she plays that will still allow her to be palatable. She can’t

be overweight or not perfect-looking, because who

would pay to see that? A female who is not one hundred

per cent perfect-looking in every way? You might as well

film a dead squid decaying on a beach

somewhere for two hours.

So they make her a Klutz.

The hundred-per-cent-perfect-looking female is

perfect in every way except that she constantly bonks

her head on things. She trips and falls and spills

soup on her affable date (Josh Lucas. Is that his name?

I know it’s two first names. Josh George? Brad Mike?

Fred Tom? Yes, it’s Fred Tom). The Klutz clangs into

stop signs while riding her bike and knocks over

giant displays of fine china in department stores.

Despite being five feet nine and weighing a hundred

and ten pounds, she is basically like a drunk buffalo

who has never been a part of human society.

But Fred Tom loves her anyway.

The Woman Who Works in an Art Gallery

How many freakin’ art galleries are out there? Are people

buying visual art on a daily basis? This posh/smart/classy

profession is a favorite in movies. It’s in the same

realm as kindergarten teacher or children’s-book

illustrator in terms of accessibility: guys don’t

really get it, but it is likable and nonthreatening.

Art Gallery Woman: “Dust off the Warhol.

You know, that Campbell’s Soup one in the crazy color!

We have an important buyer coming into town,

and this is a really big deal for my career.I have no time for this!”

The Gallery Worker character is the rare

female movie archetype that has a male counterpart.

Whenever you meet a handsome, charming, successful

man in a romantic comedy, the heroine’s friend

always says the same thing: “He’s really successful.

He’s”—say it with me—“an architect!”

There are, like, nine people in the entire world

who are architects, and one of them is my dad.

None of them look like Patrick Dempsey."

-- A

The Great Pumpkin

2011-10-31T11:36:00.001-05:00

Each year on Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin

rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is

most sincere and flies through the air with

his pack of toys for all the good

little children in the world.

Happy Halloween!

-- A

5 Friday Faves

2011-10-28T15:22:00.001-05:00

1 | Big Eagle

Anywhere the Wind Blows by bigeagle

2 | Rum Diary Release

3 | Fried Chicken + Champagne

4 | Champagne Cocktails

5 | Afternoon Walks

-- A

Jam of the Day

2011-10-26T08:24:00.002-05:00

Black Keys + Lonely Boy

I needed something to wake me up

and get me going this morning.

This guy's smooth moves made it happen.

-- A

I feel the need....

2011-10-25T12:30:00.001-05:00

for CHEESE!

If you can forgive my nod to Top Gun, continue on...

A few months ago I was introduced to Grilled Cheese Social,

SAVEUR intern MacKenzie Smith's blog about

all things melted and cheesy.

A girl after my own heart...

Not only are MacKenzie's creations incredibly

inventive, she is gracious enough to include

step by step instructions.

And the pictures are so pretty that you

~~don't care~~ forget that it's going to

take at least a week to work it off.

My top 3:

The Bee Sting

The Holy Hock

The Thin Me Up

Thanks MacKenzie, for teaching us

that a grilled cheese sandwich doesn't have to be

made of boring American cheese and over-processed white bread.

-- A

Jam of the Day

2011-10-18T11:23:00.000-05:00

Well, Color Me Happy.

Mazzy is back!

You can preview them here and here.

How's that for good news?

I mean, it's only been 15 years...

-- A

A Case of the Mondays

2011-10-17T08:23:00.001-05:00

Does anyone else wake up like this on Mondays?

No, just me?

-- A

5 Friday Faves

2011-10-14T12:45:00.001-05:00

Thank. God. It's. Friday.

1 | A blue bag - I am so happy fall is here and

with it, gorgeous blues and purples.

2 | Paul's Big News - one of my top five albums is

turning 25 with a big announcement.

3 | Beaded Strands - love this paired with a tee and jeans

4 | Inspiring Words - glad to know that I am,

in fact, going to make it to the weekend.

5 | Pimento Cheese - why is cheese so sinful?!

Happy Weekend!

-- A

Spots on Spots on Spots

2011-10-12T13:31:00.000-05:00

I have never been a fan of animal print. Never.

Until now.

I can't get enough spots!

zara

kendi

via pinterest

And this. I literally LOVE this.

rachel zoe

Literally.

-- A

Guess what?!

2011-10-12T08:15:00.003-05:00

We're gonna have a good day!

Happy Wednesday!

-- A

p.s. Thanks Kammie!

Jam of the Day

2011-10-11T14:24:00.000-05:00

Bill Withers | Use Me

Nothing better than a little Bill on a rainy day.

-- A

Fat Cat

2011-10-10T14:40:00.000-05:00

I took a low blow today.

A friend posted a photo of me on Facebook

and a little piece of me died inside.

No, seriously - I had to shut my office door and compose myself.

This pretty much describes the horror:

That does it!

I am hiring a personal trainer.

Today.

-- A

p.s. True friends do not post ugly

pictures of you on the WORLD WIDE WEB.

Pump It Up

2011-10-05T12:51:00.000-05:00

I am madly in love with this.

It reminds me of college and the

fun nights had out with my girls.

Always a fashion show. And the conversations

overheard in the bathroom line were usually quite stellar.

It also reminds me of how awful

my feet hurt the next morning...

-- A

Jam of the Day

2011-10-04T11:10:00.001-05:00

You Know That I Know - Jack White

listen here

The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams is a new collection of previously unheard songs performed by the country great recorded by artists including Bob Dylan, Jack White, Norah Jones and Levon Helm. The songs in the set were rescued from notebooks left behind by Williams after he died in 1953 at the age of 29, but were completed by the artists, who each put their own distinct spin on the raw material. -- from Rolling Stone

While I've never been much of a fan of
Hank Williams's lovesick songs, my
~~obsession~~ fascination for
Jack White is no secret.

Enjoy!

-- A

Frazzled

2011-09-26T12:52:00.001-05:00

I've been sucking at life lately.

To say that I'm a bit frazzled is an

understatement.

So to keep a smile on my face today,

I've made a short list of some
happy I've got going:

1 | Ryan Adams - Ashes + Fire

It's really wonderful.

Ashes + Fire might be the best

but Lucky Now is still my fave.

Listen to the album in its entirety here.

2 | New + Hilarious Fall TV

Kat Dennings + Zooey Deschanel = lots o' laughs.

3| This Guy

I'm not sure why he still puts

up with me and my shenanigans.

But he does.

And that's what counts.

Cheers to keeping the insanity meter on low this week!

-- A

5 Fall Friday Faves

2011-09-23T13:31:00.002-05:00

1| The Teddie Dress

2| Stripes on Stripes

3| Tartan

4 | Capes

5 | Boots! Boots! Boots!

Happy fall, ya'll!

-- A

All That Glitters

2011-09-21T14:54:00.003-05:00

I know... more shoes!

But seriously. I need these. All of them.

-- A

Strapped In

2011-09-21T12:01:00.000-05:00

Ankle Straps = Seat Belts for Feet

-- A

Jam of the Day

2011-09-20T09:58:00.000-05:00

Lucky Now by ryanadams

Walking Off the Crazy

2011-09-19T14:55:00.001-05:00

It's amazing at what a long walk with a friend

can do for your head. My mind has been racing with

crazy thoughts lately and yesterday's 4 miles

in the open air and conversation

seemed to be just what I needed to get them

somewhat sorted out.

And I went home feeling a lot less crazy!

While I am not going to go into the
long list of worries, I thought

I would share a few quotes that seem to fit.

Cheers to a clear head and a light heart this week!

-- A

all quotes via pinterest

Look out Nashville!

2011-09-16T15:40:00.001-05:00

I said good-bye to a sweet friend

Thursday night and boy, it was tough.

I always wanted a little sister and she's kind of filled that void.

She made me laugh hysterically, shared my worry-wart

syndrome, and was always up for deep discussion.

And now she's gone. Well, just 3 hours north

but still. She's not close-by anymore.

And while there's a lot of sad in my heart right now,

I can still laugh out loud. The girl is seriously funny business.

And I am super proud of her for taking a leap

of faith. One that I chose not to take

years ago and will always regret.

Which I hate.

That feeling consumes me every time a friend

moves away, as does a jealousy of discovering something

new and exciting. Are you ever too old or too "settled" to take

giant leaps? Or, because you've hit "grown-up" status, are

you expected to play the game of life doing

what you think is expected of you?

I will probably always struggle with that

but for now I have to cheer on my friend.

There's an amazing world out there

and it better be ready for Caroline!

-- A

5 Friday Faves

2011-09-16T08:21:00.002-05:00

1| a top knot

2 | calypso alex blouse

3 | blousy pants

4 | kosy slippers

5 | words

Tutu Cute!

2011-09-15T10:47:00.000-05:00

Looky what I found on my latest perusing:

Toms Ballet Flats

Coming Spring 2012!

-- A

Jam of the Day

2011-09-14T14:24:00.001-05:00

Florence + The Machine - Shake it Out

Flo has done it again! This is the latest preview

of Ceremonials set to release in late October.

It's supposed to be EPIC.

-- A

Never Forget

2011-09-11T14:27:00.001-05:00

via pinterest

I awoke this morning much like the way I did

on the morning of 9.11.01 - in a mad rush to get somewhere.

That morning's events will forever be

embedded in my mind. I remember every

conversation, every step. My brother walked into my

room (we shared an apartment) and told me that

a plane had accidentally hit one of the

World Trade Center towers. I responded with a

lazy, "wow, that's rough" and gave myself 5 more

minutes before I had to get up and get ready

for class. What seemed like seconds later, he came

running into the room to tell me I really should

get up and come watch what was happening.

One glance at the TV screen and all I could focus on

was getting to class. It was too much for my naive little

brain to handle. Getting to class was somehow comforting.

After discovering an empty classroom, I found my professor in

his office surrounded by other faculty, all glued

to the TV. He gave me a big hug told me

to go home and call my family.

On the long walk home, I finally came to.

It was no accident.

Our country was under attack.

Ten years later, still finding myself

deserving 5 more minutes and always in a

mad dash to get somewhere, it's still hard to comprehend.

As I rushed around getting ready for church, I paused

to listen to Rudy Giuliani read from Ecclesiastes 3 to

the giant crowd at Ground Zero. His closing

remarks could not have been better chosen.

"God bless very soul that we lost.

And God guide us to our reunion in heaven.

And God bless the United States of America."

Never forget.

via nytimes

-- A

Ahhmazing BLT

2011-08-23T11:04:00.002-05:00

via

I have probably eaten 100 BLTs over the summer.

Okay, maybe not ONE HUNDRED but I have made A LOT

of sammies and 99% of them have been of the BLT variety.

I know it sounds so simple and boring but I'm

here to share my secret addition:

That may sound completely gross to you.

B hated the idea!

How dare I mess with something

so sacred as a BLT???

But then he tried it.

And loved it.

Ashley's BLT

Take 2 slices of bread (I like Pepperidge Farm 15 Grain).
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one and a smidge
each of the preserves and creole mustard on the other.
Arrange Boston lettuce onto each slice, then layer
with the tomatoes and bacon (try turkey, it's healthier).
Calories: 235 Fat: 12g Protein: 9 Carbs: 21

Enjoy!

-- A

Fried chicken just tend to make you feel better about life.

2011-08-22T12:02:00.001-05:00

Minny Jackson's statement cannot be more true.

There's good reason fried chicken

falls into the comfort food category!

I have anticipated the arrival of this movie since

the day I turned the last page of Kathryn Stockett's

first novel and after seeing it over the weekend, I fell in love

with Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny all over again.

While the story is full of amazing philosophical

one-liners, my favorite part is Aibileen's

morning ritual with Mae Mobley reciting:

You is smart.

You is kind.

You is important.

Maybe if everyone were reminded of that

each day, the world would be a bit more bearable.

- A

We're all pretty bizarre.

2011-08-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just

better at hiding it, that's all. - The Breakfast Club

It's back to school here at work today!

I don't know who feels more awkward. Me or the kids.

I am already stressing about my outfit selection and the fact that

I still don't know many people. When I first started working here it

was the last week of exams and students were really just coming in

to take a test and then leave. And then the faculty left

for summer break. So I am just now getting

to know my co-workers!

Today is much different. Pure chaos.

I was asked to be a greeter this morning and I've never

seen a group of kids more excited to be at school or parents

so relieved about getting them out of their hair for the day.

Even the family dogs that made the trip seemed grateful.

Do you remember being at that age when your

parents were SO embarrassing and they

thought you were SO annoying?

Maybe this bit of TV gold will jog your memory.

Check ya later, Preppy!

-- A

Chevron Heaven

2011-07-11T15:07:00.001-05:00

This little ditty is sweet heaven.

I know it doesn't look like much

but trust me. I plan on living in it

for the remainder of summer.

And despite the fact it was found in

the lounge wear section of Anthropologie, I

am considering it suitable work attire. I paired it

with a belt and wedges to make it look less like I
just rolled out of bed and more like I'm ready close deals.

ABC.

Always. Be. Closing.

-- A

You and I - Washed Out

Red White and Blue

2011-07-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

1| banner 2| dannijo zulu beads

3| nyle sandal 4| lulu romper

Happy Independence Day!

-- A

Friday Faves

2011-06-24T11:20:00.002-05:00

1 | Amor Fati - Washed Out

I can't get enough chillwave this summer!
This one in particular has been keeping me pretty mellow.

Washed Out - Amor Fati by Hypetrak

2 | Glamourpuss Beach Ponchos

I want them all!

3 | All Together Print

I really love the colors in this print from Kiki + Polly.
But it looks like someone was
kicked off the synchronized swim team...

Happy Friday, kids!

-- A

I lurve you, I loave you, I luff you.

2011-06-22T14:27:00.000-05:00

Annie Hall is my most favorite romantic comedy in the whole wide world.

Our minister even included a quote from it in our wedding homily.

And this is coming home to live with me.

-- A

Hayaaayyy!

2011-06-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

via

I'm back! From yet another hiatus from this ol' blog. Again.

You haven't missed much.

I got older - an event which we will not discuss except

to thank my besties for a fabulous surprise party.

Ya'll are SO sneaky.

And I started my new job!

I am now handling the marketing and

communications needs at The Altamont School,

a college preparatory school here in Birmingham.

It's been amazing so far - a wonderful opportunity that I

had convinced myself would never really happen.

But it did! And I am thankful!

My list of responsibilities seems go grow hourly

but I am up for the challenge. The school setting is so

different than that of a traditional ad agency.

It's a nice change of pace to say the least.

And it's never boring. The kids here

are so talented and I am inspired daily by

their accomplishments and great attitudes.

So since I can breathe a little easier and am

no longer under a huge cloud of stress, I should

be back to regular posting!

I have lots planned for this here blog.

And I really, really mean it time!

See you soon!

-- A

Walking on a Dream - Empire of the Sun