8.29.2012

Seeing Spots


It seems lately that all I am drawn to are Polka Dots. I have been snatching up a few deals for fall, all of which are polka dot and from Old Navy: A melon colored cardigan with white polka dots, two of the  Polka Dot Sweaters and the Polka Dot Chambray above. I would say it's obvious what my go-to will be for the next few months and I don't hate it one bit.

So for today's O, How Pinteresting, we are going to be seeing spots EVERYWHERE!!






Source: etsy.com via Nancy on Pinterest







Source: iknowhair.com via Naomi on Pinterest










8.28.2012

Even When the Rain Falls

Source: google.com via Callie on Pinterest
 ~NeedtoBreathe

While I know this song is not talking about a literal thunderstorm (or hurricane in our case) it always comes to mind at the first drop of rain. And this morning, I found comfort in it with all of the craziness going on around me.

Now that Tropical Storm Isaac is officially a hurricane, I am beginning to worry a little. Maybe because Katrina didn't effect me personally? My hometown is too far north, so it was not effected. And besides making for one hell of a slip n' slide filled hurricane party, she didn't do much damage to Starkville either where I was in college at the time. But I will never forget watching footage on t.v. the next day and walking into the Tri Delta house to the tears of my sisters who had no idea if there houses were still standing.. or what had become of all of their childhood memories.. or if there families were ok? Devastation.

But where I live now? Was effected. Not at all like everything south of us, but there was damage and there was no power for days.

While Kendol assures me that it will not get to that point, do we really have any way of knowing? While I'm not one to freak out over weather, I am terrified for all of those down south who are still recuperating from Katrina. If you could, please say a little extra prayer for those along the coast lines. And for the farmers. For their crops. And for anyone and everyone who may be in the path of Isaac. Hopefully he will not leave a path of destruction, but just in case..

In the meantime, I will continue to be comforted by the words of my favorite song and wait for the rain to start falling...

As I typed that last word, the following chorus began on my computer:

O no, You never let go
Through the calm & through the storm
O no, You never let go
In every high and every low
O no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
~ Matt Redman

Fitting? For sure. Just God's little way of telling me everything's going to be alright.

8.27.2012

Weekend Top Ten


1. I spent Friday night at the gym.. Major first.. Who am I?
2. Had a little Mexican date with Kendol and Stephanie (counter-productive??)
3. Then a trip to Wal-Mart for some new tailgating supplies (Gettin' ten kinds of crazy on a Friday night!) Holy Crap... It's game week people.... YES!!
4. Followed by movie night. We watched American Reunion and This Means War. I loved both!
5. We went to Soulshine Pizza for lunch on Saturday. New location? Awesomeness! Any place that serves their beer in Mason Jars is A-OK with me!
6. We spent the afternoon cooking up a big ole batch of chili, hanging with the fam and watching some football!
7. Spent Sunday being referred to as "The Land Mass Between Nola and Mobile" in regards to Isaac. Seriously weather channel? That land mass is called Mississippi. #Idiots
8. Then I made a little road trip to my parents to take my shotgun to my little sister and spent the afternoon with my Momma.
9. Followed by a dinner date to Buffalo Wild Wings with Kendol.
10. And last, but most certainly not least, I believe we have found our house plans!! Which resulted in two sleepless nights due to decorating the entire thing in my head. #Psycho Paint colors? Seriously how do you even start with that? O my lord. It's going to be a long two years.



P.S. Don't miss out on an awesome give-away going on Girl Booklet Blog ! I'm giving away a $50 Stella and Dot credit and there's lots of other goodies, including free ad spaces!!!

P.S.S. Speaking of Stella & Dot, don't miss out on the FINAL days of the Summer IT LIST Sale. There are some crazy good sales going on there.

8.24.2012

Friday Favs





Ok, there are so many things that I am loving right now, so I am going to have to narrow this down just a bit.

~ Old Navy Polka Dot Sweater ~
I seriously can not wait to wear mine. 
I got it in green, as well..
Bring on the fall weather.



~ Stella & Dot Bracelets ~
I seriously love every single one of them, but the two I have been sporting the most are the Foundation Bracelet and the Renegade Clusters.
The Foundation Bracelet is seriously one of my favorite pieces!! I think I find a way to fit this in no matter what I have on.
The Renegade Cluster is another daily wear. After literally wearing my gold one all the freakin' time, I purchased the silver. I love it just as much!!!! 


~ New Computer ~
As I said on Monday, Kendol got a wild hair and purchased us a new laptop on Sunday. (If you know Kendol... this is way out of character ha!) After going so long without a computer at home (screen busted on our old one), I have been loving having this new beauty around. Thank goodness for crazy good Best Buy deals!

~ Long Lost CD ~
Ok, so I haven't changed out the 6 cds in my car since I got it almost three years ago. Probably even longer ago than that, a co-worker asked to borrow an Elvis cd for her daughter's school project. I took my cd case into work and it stayed there until we moved offices. Insert this gem. I went scouring through the cd case to see what I could dig up and let me tell you, I hit the Old School Jackpot. I have not listened to anything else since I put this sucker in.

Dance Party for One.

A few of it's glorious tracks: Bourbons & Lacs, Dirty Pop, A Little Missy Elliott (one time!), Shout, Widespread's Little Lilly, Champagne High (love that song), Remix to Ignition..and let's not forget the theme song from Salute Your Shorts (So random.. hysterical)  It seriously gets better with every song... 


May you download or pull out a few of these tracks over the weekend have yourself a dance party.
I know I will.
Happy Weekend Lovelies.

....and I'm going to need one of these before Christmas season.
LEGIT

Source: ebay.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

8.22.2012

O, How I Wish I Was a Fashion Blogger

I am seriously so envious of all fashion bloggers. I wish I had even an ounce of their creativity and their confidence. Let's be honest, I would look like a fool on the street corner with Kendol snapping pictures of me. It would definitely need to be filmed for reality t.v. and I'm not going to lie, we would possibly win an award for it.

Why do I wish I was a fashion blogger? So that I could try all kinds of crazy trends and have people respect them and love them... Instead, I think I would come to work and people would look at me like I'd legit lost my marbles. Most folks just wouldn't understand it. (EX. Kendol every single day of my life ha)

Also, who doesn't want an excuse to shop more often? I wouldn't hate that at all. 

Have a reason to get that piece that you wouldn't normally be able to justify? Yes, please.

It's for the blog!!
For the love of the blog!!
I had to buy it...

So anyways, where am I going with this, you ask? I was just scouring pinterest in search of some new ways to wear the trusty ole' chambray shirt. There are so many ways that I would just never even think of. I am thinking that maybe I should try one new way to wear it a week or something and post about it. Then I could be a pretend fashion blogger?? Dream come true! (I would need a photographer, stat)

Anywho, is anyone else as a fan of their chambray shirt as I am? And let me just let you in on a little secret. Mine is from Wal-Mart. It's Miley Cyrus. I have had it for 3 years or so. It still looks brand new and I wear it ALL the time. It is still to this day, one of my favorite things in my closet and it cost less than $10. True Story.

Moving right along to some trends that I would love to try.

CHAMBRAY WITH A SASSY SKIRT




CHAMBRAY OVER A DRESS


Source: imgfave.com via Callie on Pinterest

OPEN FACED CHAMBRAY
(Yea, I made that term up... and it's genius)




CHAMBRAY + POP OF COLOR



DENIM ON DENIM



AND LAST BUT MOST CERTAINLY NOT LEAST...
CHAMBRAY + TUTU
(or TuTu Chambray)
That made me giggle.
(I would legit wear this if someone gave me a tutu)




So tell me, what's your favorite way to wear chambray?

8.21.2012

How 'Bout We Talk Skin Care?



Have any of you heard of Rodan + Fields skin care products? 
Have any of you tried the Rodan + Fields skin care products?

I, personally, have not but I have some products on the way and cannot wait to test them out. I hear the products work miracles and Lawd knows this face could use a miracle or two in the "removing lines" and "sunspots" departments.

I assume you are wondering why we are discussing this?
(No I am not starting to sell this too ha!)

A sorority sister of mine and I have been chatting about the products and she is doing something super special for all of you bloggy readers. For one week only, you can get a full regimen for 45% off. WHAT!!! Seriously, that is a STEAL for these miracle workers!
Get it while it's HOT!





Not sure which regimen you need? Never fear! 
Just click right HERE and take the little survey. 
It will tell you which one you need and why. 
And click HERE to read in more detail about each product.

Seriously, this is the time to buy if you have ever contemplated it. When will a chance like this come again? Who knows! First come, first serve and the deal stands for just 7 days!!!
Email Megan at mbowen.myrandf@gmail.com for pricing and more detailed information. 
Just tell her Callie sent ya!


Begin. Rant.


Yesterday I had something happen to me that, as far back as I can recall, has never happened before. Maybe it's because I grew up in the south or maybe I am just spoiled, but I was appalled. And I let my little Redneck Freak Flag fly.

 Let me preface this by saying that my office building is pretty upscale and full of well dressed and I assume well educated people... or so I thought.

This little incident went down as I was leaving work. So, I was walking out of the building and I was approaching the door at the same time as two men coming into the building. What would most any normal men do? They would open the door for the lady with a little nod and a grin, then continue on with life. Not these two. Not even an "O no! We got here at the exact same time and I've already opened the door. Let me walk on through then hold it"... or a "walk through the door but I'm in a major hurry so I'm going to give it an extra big push so that it stays open long enough for the lady to walk through"..... NOTHING.. the two gentlemen a$$ holes walked strait on through the door and passed me like I was a ghost and they had no idea I was even there.

THIS IS NOT OK!
DID NO ONE TEACH YOU ANY MANNERS WHAT SO EVER?
BLESS EM'

I would have even understood if they were a few steps ahead of me and it would have required them to hold the door for a few seconds before I arrived... but that is not how this went down and I know these two were not ones who didn't know better. They are architects or lawyers of some sort in expensive business suits. I know they didn't get where they are with manners like that.




See that picture up there?
What is the largest thing on the whole board?

HOLD THE DOOR 

Did no one teach them this as soon as they could have possibly understood it? It should have been right there with "Yes, Mam", "No Mam", "Please", "Thank You" and "Ladies First!" Remember those? Apparently not..

And this doesn't go for just men. Had I gotten to the door one step before them, I would have taken it upon myself to hold the door for the dapper fellows in the fresh pressed suits.. Why? Because that's what respectable adults people do.

And how did I let my little Redneck Freak Flag fly, you ask? There was no "Bless your heart " or any of that jazz. I flung open the door behind them and let out a rather loud and disappointed "Ummmm....Are you serious?" (under my breath, of course) (Whoopsy..)

Lawd have mercy... my blood pressure's boiling again just thinking about it.

So boys, if you ever want to be taken seriously, have a little respect. The least you can do is hold the door for a lady. It's just the respectable thing to do. Simple as that.

This is how I know that I am meant for Mississippi.
I would not make it long anywhere else.

Rant. Over.

Teach children how they should live and they will remember it all their life.
Proverbs 22:6


Moving right along to more happy thoughts..
~It's currently 70 degrees.. 
In Mississippi...
In August..

8.20.2012

Weekend Top Ten

Seriously, could I have been any more productive this weekend? I'm still not sure what in the world got into me, but it needs to happen more often. For real.

~Friday night, Kendol and I had a little date night over burgers then headed to watch Eleanor cheer in her last "first" football game ever.

~The sisters , mother and myself spent Saturday shopping our little booty's off trying to find Eleanor some cute new outfits for her senior pictures.

~No worries. I did a little shopping for myself and I hit the maroon jack pot at NY & Co. I never even go there, but I'm sure glad I did. I now have some new goodies for football season.

~Since, it was our first weekend at home with nothing to do for the first time in forever, we decided to have a little cook out. 
Drunk Chickens. Check. 
Hashbrown Casserole. Check. 
Green Bean Casserole. Check. 
Cocktails. Check. 
Friends. Check. 
Great night. Check.

~Brunch Date on Sunday morning to Sway's Bistro. I had the "Tupelo Honey" French Toast, of course. Something Elvis on the menu? It was an obvious must have... (the biscuits and gravy were absolutely divine too) If anyone local is ever looking for good brunch, seriously go to Sway's.

~I cleaned out both extra bedroom closets and bought new sheets for both of the beds. (What in the world?)

~I went a little crazy in B&BW over some new candles. The scentsy things weren't doing it for me anymore.

~Kendol and I cleaned out the pantry, refrigerator and some other cabinets. 

~I gave myself a little mani with my new E.L.F. polish that I received in my giant shipment from the half off website sale. Score.

~Kendol surprised me with a new laptop! WHAT??
Best Husband Ever ALERT!



8.17.2012

Friday Letters

Photobucket

Dear Hayes,
I sure have enjoyed our morning play dates this week, even if they mean waking up an hour early. (that means you are super special) I sure will miss taking you to school after next Wednesday when your Daddy gets home. Maybe we can send him out of town again soon? Kidding.. Kinda..


Dear Karma,
I'm not sure what Kendol did to you, but could you lay off of him a little? A lost/stolen wallet (really he just left it on top of my car) and a flat tire in two days? I think that's enough. You proved your point.

Dear Eleanor,
Could you not grow up so fast? You are not supposed to be a senior yet... It's not supposed to be your last year to cheer and we most certainly aren't supposed to be shopping for clothes on Saturday for your senior pictures.. When did this happen?

Dear Sonic,
Just because I pass two of you on my way to work now, doesn't mean I can stop every.single.day. for a large coke... even if they are just a dollar. I have to cut you off. So sorry. I still love you and your glorious beverages.

Dear Maid Fairy,
Can you come visit my house soon? My baseboards are a little scary. See you soon? Great!!!

Speaking of fairies...

Dear Ipad Fairy,
Can you please send one of your genius pieces of machinery my way? Immediately? First and foremost because I don't have a computer and am in desperate need.. (what kind of blogger doesn't even have a personal computer?) and Secondly, I REALLY need something to fill my gorgeous new bag with. Seriously... Soon, I am just going to have to tote it around empty and look like a fool. You don't want to make me look like a fool, do you?
I was rewarded this beauty and the Ipad case to match from Stella & Dot.
I'm still drooling..

Dear Kickoff,
You are only 15 short, short days away!! The Collins' are ready for ya!



Dear Rain,
Go away. For real. I have my first football game of the year to watch tonight. And I would really like to do that without rain gear. If I had some Hunter Rain Boots, it might be a different story.. but I don't so.. So get on outta here! (Do you sense another necessary Fairy? Why yes Fairy... while you're at it... just send on over a pair of these too)

Dear Eleanor (again),
Thanks for introducing me to this beauty. Because of you two, I have been thoroughly entertained and everyone around me now thinks I am crazy. I seriously laugh uncontrollably.

Source: imgfave.com via Callie on Pinterest



8.16.2012

Lightbulb!

All In My Twenties


Although this link-up started three weeks ago, my journey towards getting healthy did not. It started in January of 2010 and hasn't stopped. It's had it's ups and downs, many of which I have discussed on this blog, but I have never quit it completely and for that, I am super proud.

I was not raised healthy. I am from Mississippi after all. I am still probably not what most would consider healthy. I love food. I love country food. I love Coca Cola Classic. I love a good cocktail. And I have not and will stop these things. But I have changed them ALOT.

I used to drink quite a few cokes a day. A few years ago, I didn't even know a calorie existed, much less what it was. And I certainly didn't know how many of them were in every beer that I drank.

In January of 2010 (I had put on about 10 pounds since being married just 6 months prior), I set a goal to start running. All of my friends from college had gotten into running and had all participated in the St. Jude Half Marathon just a month before. I thought to myself, "If they can do it, so can I." They were no more athletically inclined than I was, but running? Running was just not my thing. The farthest I had ever run was around the bases in a softball game. Or possibly to the bathroom after holding it in for an hour on a road trip. I'll put it this way, I lasted less than a week in track before the coach made me cry. Running made my knees hurt. He didn't care and simply told me to "Get over it!" That incident is all that I thought about when it came to running. Little did I know that the running is not what made my knees hurt. It was growing pains. And possibly the wrong pair of shoes.

So, in January of 2010, I put that memory behind me and turned on my brand new Ipod Touch that I had just gotten a few days before for Christmas. I don't think I was gone for even ten minutes and may have run 30 seconds of those ten minutes. But I made it out of the driveway. Shortly after, I began the Couch to 5K program and for once in my life, I stuck to something. I completed the program and if you can believe it, I ended up joining my friends at the St. Jude Half Marathon that December. Exactly one year later I ran 13.1 miles. It still gets to me every time I think about it.

What? Callie? Half Marathon? Those words don't go in the same conversation much less the same sentence. But I did it. I was not at all prepared, but I crossed the finish line.. alive.. and that's all that matters. 

Since then I have continued with working out. I have tried everything from running, to spin class, to the Elliptical, to the treadmill, to weight machines, to P90X Kenpo and Ab Ripper, to Jillian Michaels dvd's (ggggrrr), to Zumba. I have spent many, many an afternoon making a fool of myself in the comfort of my living room for all passers by to see, as I flail my lanky arms around and shake my booty (much less sexily) to the Zumba video going on on my T. V.

All of this with little to no results. Small changes, but nothing major. 

In January of this year, I began counting calories with the My Fitness Pal app on my phone. I miss a day here and there, but it has helped more than anything. I am down 10+ pounds and have kept it off for 8 months now. I now think about every little thing I put in my mouth. While I am not above a good ole juicy hamburger or some Sonic Cheesesticks, I eat these things alot less often than in the past.

I knew that I had made an actual "Lifestyle Change" for the first time on Tuesday. Yes, after all this time it just hit me two days ago. A co-worker and myself went to a local pizza place for lunch. A place that I LOVE but don't get to eat often bc it is not convenient at all to my house or our old office. But the new office? It's right down the street and I had been dreaming about it for three weeks. We got there and it was just as I remembered. I placed an order for a small Pepperoni, Bell Pepper and Bacon Pizza. It was going to be glorious. 

Wrong. 

(Lightbulb! Lifestyle change? Yep)

I just about couldn't eat it bc it was so greasy. That grease would have never phased me a year ago... if not, even more recently than that. I picked up my first piece and under it was a pool of grease. I almost threw up in my mouth. I ate two pieces and it was great, but not near as delicious as it used to be. I guess because I have finally trained myself to realize what is good, what is bad, and what is worth it.

The pizza wasn't worth it.

I don't have before and after pictures like most of the O, so brave participants bc my journey started long ago. And although I have accomplished alot, there are still many things I would like to improve upon which is why I joined the link up. So that maybe, just maybe, it would hold me accountable to putting forth a little extra effort in these areas. And to possibly help encourage some ladies who are just getting started bc it is definitely not an over night process!

Maybe this will really help push me to get back into working out and eat healthy hardcore. Maybe next week, I'll have another revelation. Maybe not. We will see. In the meantime, here's what I need to work on.


~Abs
~Thighs
~Arm Definition
~Routine Workouts 
This requires working out in the mornings, so that there is never the excuse of "something came up."

Until next week, my friends!
We can do this!

My First Love

What kind of fan would I be without a little tribute to my very first love on this day.

The story goes a little something like this. My grandparents had what I assume is a camper mattress under their bed. When we were little, we would pull it out and use it as a gymnastics mat, of course. We would spend hours doing backhandsprings and dancing our little hearts out to Elvis, until all hours of the night. As he said "Music should be something that makes you gotta move, inside or outside."

All those nights I spent dancing in Itta Bena, MS are where I fell in love. Not with him, but his music. I was too young to appreciate his pretty face at that point. From then on, I was an Elvis fan.

I still spend many, many a car ride and day at work listening to nothing but Elvis. And I (still) have a huge poster framed in one of our extra bedrooms and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. This poster to be exact. Why? Because that is my Aunt that's on the shoulders. What are the chances? (They even made this poster into a tank top this past summer at F21. My little sister was able to snag one!)



I mean seriously, what's not to love?

Source: google.com via Kelsey on Pinterest








"Til we meet again, may God bless you. Adios." ~Elvis

Seriously, what if I get to hear Elvis sing in heaven one day? What if it's "How Great Thou Art?" 
Holy Cow.