Southern Comfort

So, I am slightly obsessed with cooking in a Crock Pot. I guess that means I'm lazy, but it's just so easy. And very rarely does something not turn out to be delicious. Am I right, or am I right? Well this past Sunday, I tried a new Pinterest recipe (thanks to my sister!!) and it was, of course, Delish.

Crock Pot Chicken & Rice

Via Southern Plate

4 Chicken Breasts

1 Can of Cream of Chicken Soup

1 Chopped Onion

1 Cup of Shredded Cheddar

1 Can of Whole Kernel Corn

1  Package of Yellow Rice 

(Zatarans, Saffron etc.)

Salt n' Peppa

Place chicken, Chopped Onion and Soup in Crock Pot. 

Salt n' Peppa.

Cook on Low 6-7 Hours or on High 3-4 Hours. 

Cook rice as directed.

Add in Rice, Cheese and Corn.

Mix Well and let sit in Crock Pot until Cheese is melted and all is warm!

Serve.

Serve with bread, of course.

Perfect Southern Comfort Food!

Makes me even more anxious for fall.

Even more anxious than I was last night when I bought Polka Dot Sweaters at Old Navy.

Sweaters in 100+ heat??

I've lost my mind.

Can I have the heart ones too?


And just for sh!ts & giggles..
Snoop Dogg has changed his name.
He is now Snoop Lion.
And has a coffee table book coming out.
I'm sure it will be coffee table appropriate...
I am pretty pumped for the Reggae album though!

How I Make that Money Honey

I am absolutely in love with this link up because I ALWAYS wonder what on earth other bloggers do. Mainly because I am nosy, but also because I cannot figure out how they have so much time to devote to blogging and all that it entails. And who in the world knew that it involved so much when first joining the Blog-O-Sphere?

I graduated from Mississippi State University in 2007 with a business degree in Risk Management, Insurance and Financial Planning. Why that major you ask? I have NO idea.

Moving right along..

I entered the real world quickly and landed a pretty awesome gig.... at New York Life. Seriously, Callie? An insurance salesman? That lasted all of two miserable months. Fantastic company, but that job was not for me. I am not a cold calling salesman. I actually walked in and quit as the guy who hired me was handing me my first check. Poor little guy.

I then worked a year in property and casualty insurance underwriting before leaving to work for the company I am currently with. I have been with this company for right at 4 years now, which seems crazy! We are a small, old school insurance company of 15. I started out in an assistant type position in the group insurance department which handled group insurance for companies such as law firms and doctors offices. As of January 2011, I now work with one other lady in the Individual Disability Underwriting Department. Basically that means lots of proposals, lots of spreadsheets and lots of letters..

My office is "all business in their suits" old school and is very different than most everyone's big companies, I would assume. We celebrate all major holidays with pot luck lunches and devotions. It is not abnormal for a meeting to be held to say a few prayers for someone in need or to give thanks for something major that has happened to someone recently. It is so refreshing to me to be in a place where God is still in control!!

And that my friends is the exciting work life of Callie. Glamorous, right?!

Story of My Work Life.
Every Single Day..
My toes are currently purple.

Friday Letters

Dear I-55 South:

You will no longer be seeing me every morning and I am ecstatic about that. I made it 4 full years of merging into your bumper to bumper traffic made up of everyone in Crazy Town without an accident and for that I deserve a gold medal. On to better things.... like the frontage road. See ya never!

Cal

Dear New Office:

You are going to be just lovely and I cannot wait to meet you. You are grey and new and even have a door (ha!). While we will be without full furniture for a few weeks, when we are all done you will be the cutest office on the hall... no doubt! I have all of my pictures framed and ready to be hung and even a few new snazzy office supplies. You will have an unintentional Mississippi State theme and I am loving it! I may have even snagged us a maroon chair. You're welcome.

Your Newest Tenant

Dear Chick Fil A:

I will sure miss having you a few feet away. I have a feeling I am going to have serious Buffalo Sauce withdrawals and if they are anything like Coca Cola Classic withdrawals... it's about to get serious. If you could just pop up at our new work location, that would be fantabulous.

Spoiled Food Lover

Dear USA:

I cannot wait to see you kick some serious butt at the Olympics. I already have my gymnastics schedule on hand and cannot wait to watch every minute that I can... I feel another Magnificent Seven year coming on... Let's do this!

Your Biggest Fan

Dear Life:

You have been insane lately. Don't get me wrong, I love it!! But, if you could slow down just a bit I sure would appreciate it.

Beat Down & Tired

Dear Readers:

Do you hate cancer as much as I do? Today through Sunday at Stella & Dot, all proceeds from the sale of the Tribute Bracelet ($36) will go strait to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. The bracelet is perfect for stacking a fabulous Arm Party and would make a perfect gift! 

Help us in the fight against this terrible disease!! 

Dear Weekend:

It's so great to see you again. Now let's get this party started.

Your Best Friend

Thankful Thursday

Big week here for Callie Collins! I had no idea this week would be so exciting, but boy am I loving it!

First of all, on Tuesday I signed up my very first stylist with Stella & Dot!! What a huge deal for me. I am so excited for her and cannot wait for her to get started. She is going to love it. 

Secondly, Kendol and I celebrated our three year anniversary yesterday. We exchanged (a few weeks ago) lime green Adirondack Chairs for our new patio (completely romantical, huh?), Kendol had the prettiest flowers waiting for me when I woke up yesterday and we went to Nick's for dinner last night.

And last but most certainly not least...... 

As of Tuesday..

Kendol and I own land.

2 acres to be exact.

In Rankin County.

In the best School District.

(important for down the road)

There are woods and  farm fields everywhere around it.

Our house will be in the "country" but not. 

Five minutes from everything.

I AM ECSTATIC!!!!

Who even knew these types of things were possible in the big city?

I would show a picture, but it's nothing but a lot of trees.

Now to wait and save money for a few years... BOOOO!!! 

(Must remember... the more I save, the better the house)

Can my house please look like this? 

With a huge front porch?

And a front porch swing?
And rocking chairs?
And a pool....
Just throwing that out there..

Source: houzz.com via Callie on Pinterest

And let's not forget that the Olympics start soon... Yippeee!!
And I just got word (via text) that our local dance studio is now offering dance classes for us old folks!!
YES!!

HE FILLS MY LIFE WITH GOOD THINGS. 

PSALM 103:5

Tres

Welp, it's that time of year again folks!

I became Mrs. Kendol Collins 3 years ago today.

3 years.

It is just crazy to even think about.
That's twice as long as we dated.
That's 15 Kim Kardashian Marriages.

Summer 2007

Summer 2012

I am not mushy whatsoever (unfortunately), so I will not be publicly professing my undying love and obsession for my husband via the internet but I did want to share something sweet with you. I think this song describes mine and Kendol's marriage and love perfectly, simple! This song is so sweet and well, it's just dang perfect!

There's nothing fancy bout the way I love you,

there's nothing you could not find in any other (wo)man.

There's nothing fancy bout the way I love you,

but I love you as hard as I can.

There's no good reason for the way you love me,

but you're my walking dream come true.

There's no good reason for the way you love me,

But I thank God that you do.

I don't know the perfect conversation,

I don't know the way to turn a head,

I don't know the perfect way to prove my love,

But I know I'll love you till I'm dead.

There's nothing fancy bout the way I love you,

It's as simple as the stars in the sky, and the blue in the sea.

There's nothing fancy bout the way I love you,

But it sure is fancy how you love me.

Last Party Yo!

Last Party Yo

Before Liz Becomes

Mrs. Tardio

We spent our weekend at the Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham lounging by the pool, celebrating Liz's last days before becoming a Mrs. The resort was fabulous and so was the food and pool. On Friday, everyone arrived at different times so we went to the resort restaurant, Brock's, for a late dinner and cocktails. I had Maine Lobster Linguine and it was faboosh. O-Mylanta!! 

We spent Saturday laying out at the pool getting our tan on. The day of relaxation and sun was much needed! Late Saturday afternoon we had the lingerie shower and headed to dinner. When we got to the lobby to wait for our cabs, we came to find out that the resort had booked a Party Bus for us... Heck yea!!! I had not had a party bus experience in quite sometime. It took me back a few years.

We had dinner at a restaurant called Five and it was awesome. If there is one near you, GO!! The atmosphere. The menu. The food. All fantastic.We then found out that Birmingham had a Tin Roof. Liz's favorite! To the Tin Roof we go to dance our little booty's off.... and they didn't expect us to be near a fan without doing Glamour Shots, did they??

Sister :)

And the highlight of the night came when someone handed the lead singer Liz's task of "singing to at least 5 people." He then got her on stage to sing with him... little did he know the song he picked was the song of our entire youth and Liz (and most of us) had dance moves to the entire thing. Dixie Land Delight. She sang her little heart out, shook that tambourine like nobody's business and played the heck out of her imaginary fiddle all while managing to not miss a beat on the sweet dance moves or spill her drink.

True Southern Belle Right There.

Thank you kind sir in your hot pink converse for making our day. And thank you Liz for being an amazing sport!! You rocked my socks off!

I can't believe that you are getting married in a little over 2 weeks. 

I cannot wait!!

The 4-1-1 On Moi

Hola Pretty Ones. I ran across this little link up earlier and I just had to do it. First of all, because I am a sucker for a little Q & A... and Secondly bc there are lots of newbies around here. If you already know the answers, just keep on scrolling!!




1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?
I have been blogging a little over 2 years. (Check out my first post HERE!) I wouldn't say that my blog has changed, necessarily. Grown? Evolved? Yes. Changed? Not really. I still document my life, as a scrap book of sorts and document all of the great things God has blessed me with. Hence the name "The Good Life" and the bible verse that goes along with it. But I have added a few things. 


2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY!!! My favorite place on earth, of course. If  you've never been there, come on down and tailgate with us! I promise you'll fall in love too :) I have a Business degree in Risk Management, Insurance and Financial Planning. (All one major... I am not over achiever with 3 majors... no worries!)

3. Where have you traveled?
The big places I have gone are New York City, Disney World, Montego Bay Jamaica and on a cruise to Cozumel and Playa Del Carmon. I am no world traveler. I can only dream!!


A few pics from the Honeymoon in Jamaica.

Off to Snorkle

View at our Resort

Climbing the Waterfall at Dunns River Falls

4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
First, I would build a house... but a beach house would come in at a very, very close second.


Beachside in Seaside, FL, please!! 


5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?
~When people's pants are too short. Especially businessmen in suits... who tailored their pants to be too short. Idiots.
~When people just assume sweet tea... I realize I am in the minority, but not all southerners drink sweet tea. 
~When you let someone over while driving and they don't at least wave to you in acknowledgement. RUDE!! Or when you follow the signs and clearly know a lane is about to end, then someone wants to get over last second. Sorry Charlie. You aren't getting over in front of me. 
~And one to grow on: Taylor Swift and The Band Perry's song lyrics.


6. What is your favorite movie?
8 Seconds and Dirty Dancing, for sure!!


7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?
Beer and Wine are about even for me! Liquor on the other hand... If I'm drinking that, I advise you to steer clear. It makes me mean.


Otherwise,  I drink water and Coca Cola Classic!


8. What is something you enjoy doing when you have me time?
I like to run, shop, do my nails...Or you know, watch trashy reality television.


9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be? 
O man... If we are talking a local store, I guess I would say Dillards bc I have lots of different brands to choose from for clothes, shoes and purses.  But, I would love a shopping spree for Pottery Barn or some other decor store for new beddings and some statement pieces for the home. I could have that $10,000 gone in no time. I'm sure of it. If we are talking local, I would spend it at Pear Orchard Antiques.


10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.
I seriously don't have anything good to answer this with. Maybe the time I hit the Sonic pole in my Oldsmobile Delta 88... Stylin' and Profilin' in the Grocery Getter. No wonder I hit that pole... it's as long as a boat. What did my parents expect?

11. What day would you love to relive again?
My Wedding day!! Just so I could take in some different moments than I did the first go round. Soak it all in a little more, be there for the moments that I may have missed out on!!

(And so I could spruce up my decor a little via pinterest, of course. How unfortunate is it for those of us who married before pinterest??)

P.S. Tool is not ok for a late July wedding in Mississippi...
Who would have thought ha?
Sorry friends

12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?
Not that she looks anything like me, but Rachel Bilson is my favorite. So I say her. Why not? She will just have to work on her southern accent a bit bc mine is thick.




13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years? 
I was a lifeguard at the local pool and worked in a clothing/outdoor/hunting/fishing store throughout high school and holidays of college. I also worked as a hostess/busboygirl in college and loved every minute of it! I think everyone should work in a restaurant at some point in their lives. Plus I got to eat a homemade plate lunch everyday for two years... YUMM!


14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

Delta Delta Delta Bid Day 2003
Many Days spent at the Creek
Daytime Fun at the Boys... Notice their Britney poster!
Senior Spring Break in Chicago 

Mud Races with Colby

One of my most favorite pictures of all time.
Mudraces in High School

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
OOO maybe Paris... Or backpacking through Europe ... Or somewhere amazingly tropical. 


16. Show us the most current picture of you or your family. 

Kendol and I at my friend Kate's rehearsal dinner in June.

Sisters, Momma and Niece a few weeks ago in Seaside, FL.
My poor Daddy doesn't get to go on the beach trips.
Life of farming man, I suppose!

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?
I believe Kendol and I will be in a new, slightly larger home and we will probably have a child or one on the way :)


Now... Tell me about yourself and ask me more questions!!

My Run In With..

So, this morning I leave my house and start my 40-ish minute trek to work, as normal. I arrive downtown. All seems quiet, as normal. Then I turn onto the street my parking lot for work is on. I see about 20 police motorcycles in perfect little lines, all but blocking the entrance to my parking lot. A police car in the middle of this intersection and the next and tons of police and highway patrolmen gathering at different places throughout the streets. 

First thought?? O dear lord, what has gone on in downtown Jackson now? Am I in the middle of a real life crime scene right here at work? (I clearly watch too many detective shows on t.v.) Then I snap back to reality and I remember they are all just hanging out. Nobody is crowded around a body or a garbage dump looking for clues.

LIGHTBULB

Someone important is at the Marriott and is about to be escorted out. I must stay for the action. Little did I know, I didn't have a choice but to stay for the action. Don't mind if I do!! Queen Nosy, here.

I barely got to the parking lot before they stopped traffic, so I was actually standing on the corner when it all went down. Five policemen on motorcycles start their lights and crazy sirens and fly by. Then comes the pack of 20. Then two police cars. Then two grey Tahoes full of folks and a white van. Followed by a few more police cars. All of those policemen... and the windows on both Tahoes are down. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of being protected by the police?

Anywho, lots of excitement around Jackson this morning. Or for me and the 15-ish others standing on the street corners, gossiping, just trying to figure out who in the world is that important around here. (Note: nothing exciting happens down here)

Come to find out, it was supposedly the possible future Pres... Mr. Romney, himself.

Ok, Ok... so maybe it wasn't really a "run in" but pretty cool to say that I just happened to see Ol' Mitt this morning on the way in to work. Not too shabby for a Tuesday morning.

Food Coma

This weekend summed up in one word.

FOOD.

Ok, I'm done..

Kidding, Kidding.. 

No, but seriously. 

I'm pretty sure I ate enough to feed a horse this weekend. 

Friday night was spent having dinner and yogurt with my bestest friends.

On Saturday, Kendol and I headed over to my Aunt and Uncle's for the annual Family Summer Swim Fest. I love this day! And it is so crazy how much it has changed. 

Babies, Babies, EVERYWHERE!!

My favorite picture of the day!!
Hayes with Uncle Earl.
Sweetest Ever.

After swim fest, Kendol and I had a little bit of a different double date night with Colby and Tiffany. As I've said before, my office is moving on up... and out of downtown.. in two weeks! Well next door to my current location is one of Jackson's oldest and most famous restaurants called "The Elite." He made the comment that we needed to have a lunch date before I left downtown bc it's his favorite. Come to find out, Colby had never been. ROADTRIP!!! We ate our weight in Veal Cutlets and their home-made comeback. El Delicioso!!

Notice the original booths and hat/coat racks on each one. Love it!
Needless to say, we were the youngest in there by 40 years and I'm sure the fellow patrons did not approve of my cutoffs. Sorry about that. And we were unaware that you can brown bag... Bummer! 

Sunday was spent cleaning the house for my Stella & Dot Fall preview party!! It seemed the GiGi Studs in red were a favorite of everyone!! They are so cute on. Then the weekend ended with some patio time and some steaks on the grill. 

Fabulous Weekend. 

Fabulous Weekend, indeed!

(I am still in a bit of a Food Coma this morning)

He fills my life with good things. 

Psalm 103:5

Linking up with Join the Gossip, Sami's Shenanigans and Five 30 Three for Weekend Updates!
Join the Fun!

Now It's Time to get Funky

Anyone singing the Cha Cha Slide now??

O, you are?

Great.

I'm not the only one.

Favorite Rooms... Just a little on the Funky Side.

Source: acresofdiamonds.tumblr.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: livingwithlindsay.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: dailydivadish.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: wanelo.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: bellemaison23.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: gatherlove.tumblr.com via Leta on Pinterest

All of these rooms make me so happy in their own little ways!! 

Giddy actually.

And isn't that the point?

Source: quote-book.tumblr.com via Callie on Pinterest

Stylin' and Profilin'

Ok, so there are lots n' lots of new folks around here, so I'm just going to throw this out there. I am a Stella and Dot Stylist, in case some of you didn't know! (Seriously, so fun!!) Anywho, the new fall line came out on Saturday morning and it is beyond cute. I mean, what kind of stylist would I be if I didn't share the goods!

First and foremost it is very apparent that black and gold are majorly in for fall/winter. This is something you will never find me complaining about. I love both!

Lots of bangles and lots of statement pieces.

Can I have them all?

Nina Bracelet, Kalahari Bangle, Tempest Bracelet, Duchess Bangle, Chimera Bangle, Ella Bracelet

And don't you even worry, there is plenty for the lovers of color, like myself!!!

There's so much fun stuff here. The foundation bracelets (red and turquoise ones) below are part of the Stella & Dot Philanthropy. Each bracelet that is sold benefits in aiding women and girls in need. The sale of these bracelets will help raise money to rebuild a school in Bronx, NY.

Lakra Bangle, La Folie Necklace (also comes in purplet), Gigi Studs in Red, Foundation Bracelet in Red, Olivia Bib Necklace, Arc drop Earrings,  Emerson Bangle, Foundation Bracelet in Turquoise Pippa Necklace (also comes in green)

Precious stuff, right?!! Anywho, I have something special up my sleeve! In honor of the new line coming out, I am having a "Mystery Hostess." Anyone who places an order on my Fall Preview Trunk Show will be entered to win the Hostess Rewards. (If you don't use this link, be sure your hosts name is Kendol Collins)  I am having a preview party on Sunday with the new look books and pieces that I have acquired. If you are around Jackson, I would love for you to come by!! I will draw the name of the winner of the hostess rewards at the preview party on Sunday!

And I must not forget to spread the word, there have been some gorgeous statement necklaces placed on "The Summer It List" Sale Page.  I have been drooling over these two since I started.
HOLY MOLY!!!

Marchesa Necklace, Bamboleo Necklace