Motivation...or just another reason to shop

It’s almost the new year and it seems the most popular resolution is weight loss.

Or something to do with the appearance of the body.

It can be hard to incorporate exercise into your life.

I know you’re thinking, “Working out five days a week? I can barely brush my teeth twice a day.”

Or is that just me?!

But, I know making time for exercise is a must for a healthy body.

I also know that when I think I look good, I feel good. 

So even if you’re not feeling your bod just yet and you still want to look dope at the 

gym, I have some gear to motivate that ass of yours.

Okay, I’ll be honest here. I just love work out gear. 

I feel so fierce when I wear it. Even when I don’t work out.

 I’m just grocery shopping and yet I feel like I can kick some ass.

These are a few things I’m considering buying in the very near future. 

As exercise motivation, of course. 

Kicks // Bra // Hoodie // Water Bottle // Sports Band // Shorts //  Leggings

 

Obviously, Nike is the go to for all things athletic but Victoria’s Secret has an athletic section, too. 

And their shit is fierce. Which will make you feel fierce. I mean, how else would you want to feel when exercising? And I took a peek at Old Navy and they have this turtleneck burnout hoodie.
 Uh, yes.

 Oh, and how effing dope is this Nike band?! It keeps you informed of your activity,

whether you’re cooking, running, shopping...at the bar...you’ll know the progress you’re making! 

I love that it tells you how much and how hard you’re working out.

I know adjusting your sched and body to new things can be difficult at first, but keep in mind, 
you’re building a better version of yourself. 

You can climb that mountain, one step at a time. And look hot doing it. 

Good Luck and happy new year, babes. Because you are all babes. ;)

Festive Friday Five

Can you believe that next week is New Year's Eve?! Most people have the issue of having a party to attend with nothing to wear. I, of course, have the opposite problem.
 I have a festive little dress with no where to go. Or at least I can't decide where to go. 

Living in Atlanta, I have an insane amount of options, so you can't really blame me.

But  if you are looking for some inspiration...

or just want to look at the fun festive Polyvore I created, here you go!

Dress: 

The obvious, glittery choice.

Skirt: 

How f-ing festive is this feathery skirt??

Pants: 

I need these pants in my life like yesterday.

Shorts: 

It's a fun alternative to a dress. If it's chilly where you are, 

throw on tights underneath or even thigh highs!

PJs: 

This is what I'll most likely be wearing if I can't decide where to go. 

These sure are cute pajamas.

Do you have any plans and if so can I tag along? haha

But really.

Happy Friday and New Year.

The Merriest Christmas

This Christmas was one of the best Christmases we've ever had. 

Last year, we were all over the place because of family drama. Bella was opening presents and wasn't even able to see what she had because she had to open more in order to stay on schedule. 

It was the epitome of ridiculous and didn't feel like the Christmas I was used to having.

 Nor was it fun. In any way.

This year was the complete opposite. 

We ate, opened presents, ate, played with presents, ate and napped. Perfect Christmas!

 

On Christmas Eve, we decorated cookies, made homemade hot chocolate and watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I was nervous at first because Bella scares easily. (She was scared of Brave and Tangled) But the Grinch has become one of Bella's favorite movies! Thank God because it's my favorite and it was going to play whether she was terrified or not.

 

 

Then on Christmas morning, we watched the parade, ate pancakes and fruit, and opened presents.

Speaking of presents, Bella received so many incredible gifts.
Shout out to all her "Santas".

 This girl got a make up kit from my mom.  A real make up kit.

Right when she opened it, she smeared every color all over her face and asked,
"How do I look, Mommy? Beautiful, right?"

Thanks, Nini.

She also got things I didn't even think about getting her but were perfect for her. 

She got all things creative from a massive art set to a jewelry making set.

 They say the only mess moms don't mind is the one made on Christmas morning.
 

 

P.S...Why is Devon's shirt tucked in?

 I looove this time of year and all the festivities. 

It's insane that it's already over and 2014 is in less than a week.

My friends graduate college in the summer and Bella will officially start preschool in the fall.
I'm so not ready for 2014.

Festive Friday Five

It's Friday, December 20th, which means the real countdown to Christmas begins.

 I don't understand how people do 25 days til Christmas. I would have stopped giving fucks by day 14.

Although, I will say that five days until Christmas just gives me more anxiety..
if that was even possible.

Our weekend will be stuffed with last minute shopping.

Bella's great grandmother sent us a generous amount of money to help with gifts so we're

using that to buy her a new kitchen set. 

The thing is, I have to prime it, paint it and put it together and find a hiding place until Christmas Eve.

Talk about a challenge.

Thankfully, I have something to divert my attention.

My weekly favorites!

Favorite Flashback

This is one of my favorite holiday episodes.

This episode is one of the many reasons I love Boy Meets World.

It’s realistic and festive. 

And I love how Topanga had them drive to Vermont for syrup only to use 

powdered sugar on their pancakes. Just like a woman.

 

Favorite Holiday Book

 

buy it

 It’s about a dog who misunderstood the song Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.

I’m dying over here.

Favorite Holiday Drink

 recipe

Apple Pie Spiced Cider.

That Martha sure knows how to spice up everyday things doesn’t she?

(pun intended)

Favorite Combo

 source

This manicure is subtle, festive and girly. LOVE IT.

Favorite Wrapping

 source

How fun and festive are these? I need to step up my wrapping game.

 We wish you a fun, festive and happy holiday!

The 13th Year

 

  I can't believe it's been thirteen years since my fool of a brother was born. 

He's the youngest and the only boy in our crew so he's special and he knows it.

He's the definition of the baby when it comes to birth order and I love him for it.

He's also silly, athletic, a gamer and doesn't know how cool he is. 

(He actually has groupies. We've witnessed them on multiple occasions. Ha.) 

 He's been the greatest addition to our family of girls and I wouldn't trade him.

Not like I could if I wanted ;)

 This year is the beginning to the what should be the best years of your life.

The teen years.

 

Quick advice:
 

The only girl you need is mom 

Tuck when you get "excited" 

Get a grip on your voice. It'll start changing

and you don't want to sound like you're yodeling.

When it comes to facial hair, go big or go home.

A Justin Bieber stache is never acceptable.

Be yourself and you can be anything.

 

Don't try to grow up too fast. 

Everyone wants to be young or at least feel that way.

 

While things are fun as a teenager, they can and will be awk 

but you'll handle it like the stud you are.

Happy birthday little bro. 

My Top 10 Christmas Movies

In my opinion, family traditions make the holidays.
A few years ago, my mom started a Christmas Eve tradition where we each pick a
Christmas movie and pig out on whatever appetizers my mom made.

 We tried switching up the movies every year but somehow always ended up with the
 same movies in rotation. I'm not complaining because we clearly loved them.

 I'm hoping to have a Christmas movie marathon of classics but I know
 I'll have to toss in some "kiddie" ones for Bella's sake.
Anyway, here are my top 10 Christmas movies.

Home Alone:
Because, duh.

Home Alone 2:
 Because it's the sequel of duh.

The Santa Clause:
I think this was the first Christmas movie I ever saw. I think that's why I love it so much.

Elf:

The quotes from this movie make pop culture.
And Zooey Deschanel is an angel.

 Even if her hair is blonde..

Jingle All the Way: IT'S TURBO TIMEEEEE. How could I not include this?

A Christmas Story:
The classic of all classics.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas:
I LOVE THIS MOVIE.
Mostly because I can't tell it's Jim Carey and it's Taylor pre-Jenny Humphrey.

The Polar Express: 

This movie is just magical on all levels.

The Holiday:
I'm about to be five shades of honest here. I don't want to like this movie but I love it.
I love it so much. I really don't know why either.

Alvin and the Chipmunks:
This movie is the right amount of silly and annoying.
Perfect balance for a Christmas Eve movie night.

I can't wait to start this tradition at our house. We might even try using our fireplace...
that's a big might because neither Devon nor I have
experience with a real one.

So wish us luck that we don't burn down our house on Christmas Eve.
Because knowing us that's exactly what will happen.

The thinks I think pt 2

I don't have a Twitter but I do have a wandering mind. I did a post where I just wrote whatever came to mind and figured I'd share again. Lucky you.

First of all, WHY ARE THERE PETS ON ANIMAL SHOWS? It makes zero sense.

Why is America's Funniest Home Videos still airing? One, we've seen hundreds of male genitals get hit with a plethora of objects. It's not funny anymore. Two, we have YouTube.

Vanessa Hudgens is 25?!

1pac 2pac redpac bluepac

There are high schoolers dressing in 90's clothes for decades day..shoot me

If I went missing or something happened to me, what picture would my loved ones choose?

I made the tragic mistake of getting rid of my old clothes before buying new ones. Now I have an empty closet. And while it's sucks not having clothes, it gives me an excuse to buy a new wardrobe.

I noticed that anytime I feel chubby, I continue to eat like shit.

It will be 2014 in two weeks....

...so there's that. My heart is shattering. 

Friday Five

Can you believe it's already Friday?
No complaints, obviously, but December is flying by! 

My brother's birthday is next week and Christmas is in two weeks! 

Then 2014 will be here! 

Apologies for all of the exclamation points...

I really need to slow down before I hurt myself.

Anyway, here are this week's five.

Favorite Flashback 

Movies are so much better once you're older. You catch quotes that you missed as a kid.

Favorite Ombre

source: inspiredbycharm

Who said ombre was just for hair?

Favorite Breakfast Setting

This would be the one and only time I wouldn't mind dining 

outdoors so early in the morning.

Favorite Quote

Just let that simmer for a moment. #howmany

 Favorite Cozy Space

Can I have this living room? Just for the winter though.

Hope you enjoy your weekend and do something festive!

I think we're making our mugs this weekend...and possibly a gingerbread house.

side note that no one cares about...

I have to be at work at FIVE FIFTEEN A.M tomorrow morning!

 Real life.

Babble: Pasta sauce + insurance + wings

My day consisted of the strangest components.

Is it just me or does your toddler choose to eat weird shit? And like it.

Today at lunch, Bella asked if she could have frozen peas. As in she wanted to eat them frozen.

Later, she started eating what was left of the pasta sauce. Tilted the jar up and was like...slurping it.

I had another jar and just gave her bowl. #judgeme 

But wait, before you do, the packaging said there was two servings of veggies per cup...
or something like that so I figured, she's getting her veggies.

 

Then, at work, I felt like a legit adult. Talking about life insurance and shit.

I am officially paying for my own dental insurance.
And life. And accidental. And preventative stuff. 

Way cool and way scary. I have to say that the company that employs me is AWESOME. 

They offer insane benefits even for PT people like me! 

Hook. Me. Up.

Tonight the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show aired. 

Totes missed seeing Miranda this year!

It's the pinnacle of winter other than Christmas...or at least mine.
 I love the show for many reasons. 

The stunning women, obvi.
Is it just me or have the VS models gotten skinnier since the HeidiTyra days?

 Eh, whatever, they're still fierce. 

What I love most is seeing what new creations the designers make! 

Like Behati said, "I can't believe they still have ideas." 

And I love love love the performances. Minus Bieber 2012...that was weird.

This is my all time favorite VSFS performance. 

 It's been in my head since I first saw it in 2006. JT is and will always be the shit.

  Speaking of VS models...have you seen the most glamorous working mother ever? 

You have now.

If only every woman had it like that.

So that's an update on my week..and it's only Tuesday.

Guys Gift Guide...

....at least for the guys in my life.

I love Christmas solely for the shopping. 

Okay, not just for shopping but it easily makes the top

 three reasons why I love Christmas.

This year, I'm shopping for all the men in my life.

And damn, shopping for guys is hard.

You have the sports guy, the outdoors guy, the tech guy, the car guy, the frat guy...

What about a combo? Or if they don't fit into any category?

I looked at other blogs for Christmas inspo and was disappointed.

A plaid shirt? A wallet? A tie?

*Eyes rolling*

People still consider these!

I needed something realistic that my guys would like and find useful. 

I came up with these.

  the boyf // dad // almost anyone // literally anyone // little brother

 TOOL BOX:

Each year, my mom, dad, brother and sister pick names so we can

 focus on one person and make sure it's a gift they like.

(For me, it's a money saver. Ha.)

It's supposed to be a secret Santa kind of thing so...

Mom pretend you're not reading this and know whose name I have. Kaythanks.

This year I have my dad. I was told that he wants a tool box or iPhone Bluetooth.

I found a really good deal on Amazon for a toolbox so I'll probably be getting that for him.

I know he will use it and it's something he wants.

COLOGNE :

Then there's Devon. We don't really like to focus on gifts. 

We can buy things for ourselves and it's more fun to concentrate on traditions and 

spending time together. Especially since we work opposite scheds.

But he's been talking about cologne since he ran out months ago. 

I know he won't buy it for himself so I figured I'd give it as a present.

I got him Aqua Di Gio a few years ago and he loved it.

It's a little expensive but it smells soooo good, 

it's his only present from me and I know he'll love it.

MONEY:

My brother's birthday is next week and he STILL DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE WANTS.

If it were any other year, he wouldn't be getting shit since he "doesn't know".

However, he's turning THIRfuckingTEEN and he has to get something.

Money is always a good move.

FAST FOOD GIFT CARD:

You can never go wrong with a gift card to your guy's fave fast food place.

I chose Chickfila because as someone living in the south, 

it's pure sin not to like it. 

VIDEO GAMES:

I don't know if Devon and my brother will ever grow out of video games.

I figured it was phase. Wrong. It's a way of life. 

Grab the game your guy has been eying. If I were to buy one, it'd be GTAV.

They don't come out with it every year, it's never ending, not to mention it's dope af.

Hopefully this helps someone. If not, I just revealed my Secret Santa in vain.

Friday Five

Cheers to the freakin weekend...
if I didn't have to work 7 am- 3 pm both Saturday and Sunday.

Ha. But hey, it's money I need. Let's get into the favorites! 

Favorite Flashback

 I LOVED this movie.

Vada: Pacifist!

Thomas J. Sennett: Am not!

Vada: Bedwetter!

Thomas J. Sennett: I stopped that! 

FACT: This was one of the two movies that made me cry.
 I was sincerely devastated over Thomas J.

  

Favorite Holiday Tune

Grown ups can have a Christmas list, too.

 

Favorite New Tradition

  

source 

I know the idea is old news but I'm thinking of having us all decorate mugs every year.

We want to have hot chocolate and cookies while we watch Christmas movies and

I think it would be nice for each of us to have our own special mugs.

Plus, it would be so fun to see how Bella's drawings change.

Favorite Stretch

I just started a new job and my body isn’t used to all the crazy shit I have to do.

So I come home and do a few stretches to help relieve tense muscles, regroup and refocus.

 side note: you don't have to look so serious when doing this...

Favorite Quote

"Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for - in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it."

That Ellen.