Java Java Java

Case in point to why I'm a coffee drinker ha ha!! I am so not a morning person, hence the coffee! I've been trying to get into a better sleep routine - i.e. wake up at 6am no matter what the plans of the day are, but it's hard. Why that early you may ask?! Because it's early enough that I can make it work, or make it to school, or make it to church on time. If I happen to have the day off, I've decided it's better to get up early and be productive than sleep the day away. Please don't get me wrong, I LOVE sleep but I've decided it's time to put my big girl panties on and start my days earlier.

I attempted this "routine" today and did alright despite my alluring snooze button. I managed to put my feet to the floor around 7am. I promptly pulled on a sweater and took the pup on a walk - also my motivation for getting up earlier (our new home is not fenced in so I need to get used to this thing called "morning" now). Smoke was on his best behavior and walked right beside me throughout the neighborhood instead of testing my arm as a bungee cord. The rest of the morning ensued as follows:


Turn the coffee pot on for brewing ✓
Jump in the shower... "get in the shower" no actual "jumping" involved ✓
Towel dry the mane ✓
Grab coffee cup... fill to the brim so it's a true test of my balancing skills ✓
Browse the interwebs... Facebook, Pinterest, ect. ✓
Fix hair, makeup, the whole shebang ✓
Head to church... hello Hopewell Baptist ✓
Drive home to let out the pup ✓
Grab yet another cup of coffee and sit down for some blogging...✓
Finish my English homework
Head to the grocery store for the basics
Head to Sam's Club to find some finger food
Then it's super bowl time

I still have to figure out what I'm actually making for the super bowl, but I'm sure I'll get some help from Pinterest and my blogger news feed :)

Since my last cup of coffee is almost drained I thought I would share my secret ingredient with all you lovely ladies!! It's Torani's Sugar Free Salted Carmel Syrup, can you say yum?! I started adding it to my coffee around the holidays when it went on sale at World Market for 3.99!! I was at the store contemplating whether or not to try the syrups when I saw two ladies who were literally filling their shopping carts with these bottles - I'd say their enthusiasm convinced me.

Torani Sugar Free Salted Carmel Syrup

Since then this big bottle of joy has been a staple in my morning dose of caffeine.
Torani syrups are the perfect addition for any coffee lover, not to mention they have choices!! Raspberry, Vanilla, English Toffee, Red Velvet, Cherry, Cinnamon, Hazelnut, and Bacon... just to name a few!!

Word on the street is they are even good additions to desserts...
I imagine something along the lines of Firebird's salted carmel brownie, can you say yum?! Imagine if you had that recipe at your disposal, I'd say the need for stretchy yoga pants would be a must...
PS. If anyone has those said 'Torani dessert recipes' feel free to pass them my way!!

A Bride's Planning Process

As of today (really yesterday) it is officially seven months until Tyler and I say "I do." There still seems to be so much to do!! Since we are getting married labor day weekend we wanted to go ahead and have save the dates sent out sometime this month, next month at the latest - but of course me being type A I need/want to finish our wedding website before we send out save the dates. Normally I wouldn't go for the whole wedding website thing as it just seems like unnecessary work, but my whole family is out of town and I was convinced it's a nice way to share information such as hotel accommodation, ect.

I know you guys are visual people so here's a shout out to my best friend who recently got married!! 

Love this picture of her dad walking her down the aisle. 

Tyler and I got engaged in April 2012. I did a bunch (more like a few) things when we first got engaged but then fell off the bandwagon during the holidays. It seems like there is still so much to do, probably because there is still so much to do!! 

Date

Reception & Ceremony Site

Rehearsal Dinner Site

Officiant

Marriage Counseling

Wedding Party

Bride's Wedding Dress

Bride's Accessories

Bride's Shoes / Bride's Boots

Bridesmaid's Dresses

Bridesmaid's Shoes

Bridesmaid's Gifts

Flower girl's Dress

Flower girl's Basket

Grooms Tux

Grooms Boots

Groomsmen's Tuxes

Groomsmen's Gifts

Ring bearer's Suspenders

Photographer

Engagement Pictures

Save the Dates

Invitations

Wedding Coordinator

Florist

Ceremony Decor

Reception Decor

Reception Caterer

Wedding Cake / Cupcakes

Reception DJ

Music List

Wedding Bands

Wedding Website

Guest Accommodations

Bride and Groom Accommodations

Wedding Registry

Honeymoon

Legend:   Done  |  In Progress  |  Haven't Even Started

I'm almost positive I'm forgetting something but oh well. As you can see up to this point I've completed little to nothing. Yes, I got a few big things out of the way but still so many details to plan and figure out. Who knew planning a wedding was this hard - it makes you realized why people elope!! 

Thankfully I have an amazing momma, a wonderful future mother-in-law, and four lovely bridesmaids to help share the "fun" of this planning process. 

Anyone living in the Charlotte area or going through wedding planning feel free to pass suggestions my way!! Lawd knows I'm going to need it!!

Our "goofy" picture - another favorite of her big day!! 

All American Love

This is totally a show and tell post, but I could not help but share some "All American" engagement ideas I found through Pinterest recently... If you're wanting a southern inspired engagement session, or even an updated anniversary photo, then browse away!! These are so cute I can't even stand it!! Most of these are set outdoors which I adore, why not utilize what He has made for us?!

Full session can be found here

Full session can be found here

Full session can be found here

Photo credit here

Full session can be found here

Photo credit here

Full session can be found here

Local photo credit here

I'm not gonna lie, I kept pinning some of these photos even after my engagement pictures were done. What can I say I'm a sucker for all things "wedding." Our big day is only a short seven months away, and there is still so much to do!! Wish me luck I'm going to need it... 

Saturday Night TLC

Saturday was my day off and of course it was the day I had to get sick... My head hurt, my stomach was in knots, and I'm surprised I didn't show my breakfast to the toilet. I am totally one of those people who loves to be babied when they are sick - hence my text to Tyler, "I'm feel like death, come fix me." I mean really who doesn't love some extra attention when they are under the weather.

Two tabs of Ibuprofen and four hours of sleep later, this is what I woke up to... 

Drool...

The aftermath - with help from Tyler of course...

Needless to say I was feeling MUCH better. We decided to make a night of it, since there was no way I was heading to bed ANY time soon. We pulled out the scrabble board and found a movie to watch. Tyler finally gave up our game when I was beating him by over a hundred points, high five to me!! 

Finally opened up my "middle sister" wine, thank you momma!! 

And last but not least our hideous, un-showered self-picture - only because he's handsome

Now off to another week of school, work, packing, and crossfit... 

Specifically heading off to enjoy my last glass of middle sister and watch Pretty Little Liars!!  

Happies and Crappies

Linking up with Scissors and a Whisk via Pamela!!

My Happies...

The fact that I have the WHOLE day off today from work and school, whoop whoop!!

Tyler and I started packing up some of his stuff today for the big move!! Yes I know we still have 2 1/2 weeks to go but what can I say, we're excited.

I found an old Bed Bath and Beyond gift card that I forgot to use. Hello new candles!! Favorites are Fresh Balsam from the winter collection, and Mahogany Teakwood which is brand new and smells like something straight out of an Abercrombie store!! 

My Crappies...

My head hurts - I think I slept too long. I need to convince Tyler to run to the store and get some Goody powder. I HATE taking it but it works SO good!! 

I have English home work that I "should" work on but we'll see how my motivation progresses throughout the day...

I got stuck working another Sunday morning this weekend. Looks like I might have to finally check out our church's video feed of the sermon... Seems weird to me but we'll see, better than having to miss it again!! 

Tyler and I found out that four of our closest friends are going on a marriage retreat the weekend we move into our new house. Tyler was so mad - though not necessarily for the reason I thought, "why can't we go." Ha ha it's a "marriage" retreat, we're not "married" yet.

And last but not least, my "crappies" seemed easier to come up with my "happies" which is definitely a crappie in itself. I blame my headache...

The Soreness of Champions

Thanks to Groupon, my best friend and I started going to CrossFit classes - if you haven't heard the craze it's kinda like having a personal trainer but in a group/competitive setting. I will tell you it has kicked my butt these past two days but it feels so good!! If you're sore you know it's working!! I love CrossFit (so far) because it's just like going to the gym but you don't have to think about anything, just show up and do what they tell you!! It is weight training plus cardio so it's a good mix of everything.

 

Love this, can be found here via Etsy

My journey to a healthier me started around October when I noticed that I was about ten pounds heavier than I was used to being - doesn't sound like a lot but on a 5'1'' frame I was starting to notice big time. Step one was to change my diet. I had tried the gym thing previously but I always fell off the band wagon. SO I thought I would change what I put in my mouth. 

I started using My Fitness Pal (a website as well as an iPhone app). I used it for a week, then stopped, then started again, then stopped... I finally committed to it when my bestie and her mom (my second momma) started using the app as well and kept me in check. It's basically like calorie counting for dummies. I was against the idea of being "one of those girls" that counts calories but I tell you it works!! Honestly it's not just about counting - it eventually educated me to make better/healthier food choices. I used to say "oh I'll just swing by Bojangles after school no big deal, I'll eat healthy for dinner." WRONG. Turns out my go to chicken biscuit and honey mustard was LOADED with calories, not to mention if I squeezed in a few heaven rounds. Moral of the story it educated me a lot about food so I could make better choices within things I still liked to eat!! I definitely would recommend it to anyone!! I lost 8 pounds even through the holidays!! My girlfriend lost the same and her mom lost a whopping 22 pounds, I'm telling you it can work!!

Since early January I decided to stop counting - I feel like I know what to eat and what not eat. I've been able to maintain my weight since slimming down and now I'm ready to tone up!! Hello CrossFit!!

When motivation is lacking I just scroll through my motivational vault:

Not to mention this which BLOWS my mind...

That should be motivation enough for anyone to get on the right track and get/keep/stay healthy!!
If you don't know where to start find someone to back you up and keep you accountable, it really can make all the difference. You will only get what you work for, nothing more, nothing less.

Something to Lose

Guess who accidentally left her computer charger at school all weekend... this girl!! No worries, it was hidden away in my unit so thankfully I recovered it this morning without problems!

Recent events have been full of school, clinic, work, mortgage paperwork, blah blah blah. It's been a mess of stress and clouded thoughts with minimal down time. 

So in lighter new I thought I'd give a flashback of our love story, since I haven't shared it as of yet...

I first met my man Tyler in high school, yes we are high school sweet hearts I know it's cliche. But I always felt something different about Tyler than any other guy I'd met. You could say it was one of those "like" at first sight moments for me, though I know for a fact that it was not the same for Tyler ha ha. Lets just say I wasn't even a blimp on his radar for a good several months. We ran in mutual circles of friends but didn't go to the same high school. Eventually Tyler and I started talking and casually going out on dates. We officially started dating February of 2008 and haven't split since. He has always been there for me literally through the good and bad. 

Tyler proposed in April of 2012 at the placed we shared our first kiss. He is my best friend and everything I could ask for in a husband. God has truly blessed me with this man. I cannot wait to see what He has in store for us!!

Just a few of our engagement photos...

Photography credit:
Julie Staley from Old South Studios
formerly known as... 
In His Image Photography by Julie

Stay tuned for our wedding in September 2013!!

Quote of the Day from Tyler:
 "I'm not saying I'm Batman but you've never seen me and Batman in the same room together..."

Blogger Say What

It's time to make a confession... Tyler heard the news, or really saw the news.

I was writing my post last night when my man looked over my shoulder to see me "blogging." It's not something I was hiding but also not something I was really advertising. I decided I would give it a try "for me" not with plans of shouting it from the roof tops, "HEY I'm going to start a BLOG!!" insert cheesy fist pump to myself...

So of course he immediately starts busting out laughing, typical Tyler - he thought it was hilarious!! I can still hear him in my head, "honorary southerner, more like ornery southerner" hardy har har... Of course he was "on a roll" so he continued with unwarranted cracks like, "oh you're such a blogger" or "that's such a blogger thing to do/say." Don't worry no hard feelings here, he can make all the jokes he wants - it was actually kind of amusing seeing him so amped up ha ha, gotta love him!!

End scene: wrestling match to the death - or til I almost peed myself.
We had breakfast for dinner, always a classic, and rented the movie Brave which was really cute. I can never go wrong spending a lazy evening in with my man!!

Smoke kept me (the bacon) company while I made dinner!! 

I threw together what I could find in the fridge to make "breakfast cups" and they were actually really good besides being a tad bit overdone. The idea was inspired from a picture I saw via Pinterest, check out the legit recipe here (I made mine with crescent rolls instead of toast). I promise to do a legit recipe post one day when I have enough time to take sometime besides fuzzy iPhone pictures!!

Guns, Boots, & Sparkles

It's no secret that I have a serious Pinterest addiction, just ask anyone who sits behind me in class... KIDDING ha ha, kinda. I browse everything from art, food, home decor, crafts, fashion, fitness, and of course weddings!! I've decided that Pinterest needs to make a new button, I propose that next to "Repin" they add "Send to closet" wouldn't life be easier?! I always say my wardrobe would be amazing if only my wallet could afford it, so until then I'll continue to repin and make up my dream dresser.

Thought I would share a couple items I found, which I LOVE...

Found here here for $42.00

Johnny Cash inspired necklace, yes please!! Love the mini revolver!! I'm not much of a necklace person but I could rock this. The online store Burbon & Boots has a lot of other cute southern items as well, check it out!! 

Found here for $19.00

This was so on my christmas wish list in 2012, looks like it will be added to my anniversary wish list... Cough, cough, hint, hint, nudge, nudge :)

Found here by Betsy Johnson

Love this clutch, perfect way to add a punch of sparkle to any outfit!! I wish I was more of a purse person but I find myself lugging around the kitchen sink... then finding myself with ugly red marks all over my shoulder. Clutches are the way to go!! 

Found here for $42.99

Shout out to my first buy inspired from pinterest. Got these in the mail shortly after the holidays, "merry christmas to me!!" Love them, a little taller than shown in the picture but hey I'm 5'1'' what did I expect...

Found here for $20.00

So pretty!! I love the look of infinity scarves but have such a hard time finding them. I think I need to make a trip to the mall. Nordstrom also has this in coral. 

Found here for $19.00

And last but not least, my favorite!! Super cute, love the rose colored "diamonds" in the stud. I've seen this trend done in rings and necklaces as well.

I'm drooling... 

Like anything? Where do you like to shop? Have you bought anything from a pin?

Tennessee Whiskey

 This past weekend all our friends packed up the trucks and headed out to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

So here's my run down of our mountain vacation:

Places we ate...

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
was a great time!! We went here for lunch and got seated in "the party room." It was a small room with white wall paper, interior windows with shutters, and Forrest Gump pictures galore. The food was good but a little overpriced in my opinion, you definitely pay for the experience. Which was fine because we had an amazing server who was hilarious!!

Mellow Mushroom
is always a good choice!! If you've never been here I recommend it. The pizza is unique and delicious!! My favorite menu item has always been The Caesar (litterally a caesar salad ontop of a pizza) though much to my dismay is was missing from the menu... had to settle for The Maui Wowie pizza which was good but not quite up to par with The Caesar. I also stole a few nibbles of others pizza including Buffalo Chicken and Funky Q. Chicken, yum yum yum!!

The Red Rooster Pancake House
is a must if you find yourself in Pigeon Forge for breakfast. They have great pancakes, (bacon) waffles, omelets, and several vintage Farmall tractors as decor. We went here on our way out of town and it was the perfect end to a great weekend!!

Things we did...

Bluegrass & Rocking Chairs
is the best, nothing beats a good foot tapping time!! They had a live musician on stage for the whole time we were in Gatlinburg which was fun.

Free Wine Tasting
Free Whiskey Tasting
Free Moonshine Tasting
was enjoyed by all. It was fun to taste all the different flavors but you'd be surpised how quick it goes to your head!! I think my favorites of the day was the Holiday Red wine, Apple Pie moonshine, and Salted Carmel whiskey.

The Hot Sauce Challenge
was interesting to WATCH. Two of our friends did this at All Sauced Up and only one "made it out alive." Afterwards he looked like he was physically in pain, ice cream was a vital key.


Cooter's Indoor Miniature Golf
was a bust. It was a cheap way to have fun and kill some time till dinner but I would not go back or recommend it to anyone. The course was 18 holes but very very basic and a little tight for our group of ten.

Adventure Raceway
was the best five dollars spent of the weekend. On our last day we checked out of the cabin and drove to Pigeon Forge to see what we could get into before heading back home. After breakfast we drove past a TRIPLE decker go kart track that was amazing!! There are several different tracks but I swear this one is the best!!

Cabin Fun:
Hammocks, Rocking Chairs, & Hot tubs
Beer Pong & Circle of Death
Miss America Television Program (even the boys watched!!)

 It was a much needed vacation for all.
While Gatlinburg is a little bit of a haul from Charlotte I'd say it was well worth the trip!!

Creeper Status

So I was running errands a couple days ago when I happened to find myself within minutes of our potential neighborhood. I couldn't help myself but to cruise on through and check out the house again. I casually drove down the street when I saw two ladies standing on each of their driveways chatting just a couple houses down from "ours" - I tried to play it cool but obviously I was obviously creeping cause I had to turn around in the culdesac and pass them yet again. 

Once I was almost back to the end of the street my mom's voice ran through my head, "you should talk to you neighbors and see if they like the neighborhood." It seemed like a good idea and possibly the perfect opportunity so I whipped the car around and headed back towards "our" house.

When I reached the street the women had just gone back inside. Feeling like a TOTAL creep I hung my head and quickly turned around once again. At that point there was no way I was invading their property to knock on either door. I think I'll be avoiding the neighborhood until inspection time, oops!! 

New neighbor / creepy girl that's passed your house four times...

Bluebird Lane

It's official, we are home owners pending an inspection!! 

Tyler and I have been looking for houses over the past couple months. We got a relator in early December and started looking around the area for good prospects with marginal luck - the houses seemed small, or the neighborhood was too tight, or the area wasn't ideal. It seemed like there was always something - that is until we stumbled upon Bluebird Lane!! I knew Tyler was in love when we stepped onto the back porch, seeing woods for days and him drawling an imaginary bow I had to roll my eyes. I'm sure he's already scheming a plan to hunt from the back porch next deer season, which is fine cause I'm already scheming paint colors, furniture, and plenty of DIY projects. 

After talking with our relator we decided to put in a low ball offer and then wait to see what would happen. Obviously expecting a counter offer we were SHOCKED to get a phone call last night saying they accepted!! When I got the call it was fifteen minutes before the start of my shift at work. I swear I was doing a little happy dance in my head for the next several hours trying my best to keep myself contained.

Now all that's left to do is sign paperwork and schedule a home/termite inspection - keep your fingers crossed. If everything goes to plan we could be moved in by mid-February, just in time for our five year anniversary!! 

God is great, life is good.

Me, Myself, and I

So I guess I need to somehow introduce myself to anyone who's curious enough to skim through my attempt at blogging. 

First and foremost I am a Christian. I'm in my early twenties and have been engaged now for nine months - geez it seems like yesterday!! My fiance, Tyler and I have been dating for almost five years now and he is one hundred percent my rock and best friend. I absolutely love to cook and consider myself pretty artsy/crafty when I can find the time to do such. I love makeup, my cowboy boots, and our dog Smoke who is two years old now but still a puppy in every way!! 

Tyler and Smoke from last year...

I'm also a current dental hygiene student in my LAST semester of school!! I am beyond excited to finish up school and start my career. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well, It's going to be a big year!! 

I'm happy, I'm thankful, I'm blessed.

New Years Resolutions

Saying that 2013 is a big year for me is an understatement - possibly the biggest understatement of the year, ha ha!! I'm graduating from college, hopefully finding a job, getting married, and buying a house. Watch out world I'm taking over!! So as far as new years resolutions go I haven't put much thought to it, maybe a new years to do list would be a little more appropriate in my case...

1. Make an attempt at blogging
2. Begin house hunting... it's begun, it's exciting, and it's full of compromise
3. Graduate from college
4. Pass my state boards... both written and clinical exams
5. Find a full-time dental hygiene position
6. Join a church with my man... definitely in the works
7. Own a home and prepare for DIY projects galore
8. Start planning our wedding... though there's still so much more to do
9. Plan our honeymoon
10. Chase my photography pipe dream

I think that about sums up my year in a nut shell.

It's going to be a whirlwind but I'm unbelievably excited to see what all He has is store for me!!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Phillipians 4:13