Why must the weekend end?!

It’s official, Monday has come around once again! Monday’s are just not my favorite. In fact, Sunday afternoons aren’t my favorite either, because it just feels like a pre-Monday! I feel horrible complaining about Mondays, because if I dread Mondays, I have a job. A good job. A job that I love and am proud of. Yet I still dread Mondays..

Even though I haven’t fully hopped on the Monday bandwagon, I’ve decided to embrace this Monday. It’s a nice, chilly morning, I’m wearing my favorite fall leggings and my olive Piko top {both from Suite One…go figure} and I’m enjoying a nice cup of coffee. This Monday just isn’t so bad afterall, it’s all in your perspective.

How was your weekend? Mine was a much needed lake getaway. Friday, right after the husband got off work, we headed straight down to the lake and cooked a nice dinner and enjoyed the beautiful sunset on the deck, and we hit the hay early {which is typical for me anyways, getting up at 4:30 every morning for work doesn’t make staying up until midnight quite so appealing..}.

I woke up at about 4am on Saturday morning to the sound of pouring rain and thunder, and saw a beautiful lightning show at the window. Needless to say, that put me back to a peaceful sleep for another 2 and a half hours. When I woke up, it was still sprinkling, so I opted to write thank you notes inside with a cup of coffee, half watching “Almost Famous” while I worked. Finally the weather cleared up, and  Charles and his brother and father worked on various tasks around the lake house, as well as Charles removed a bunch of oxidation from the back of the boat, as well as changed the boat name and put a metal looking Razorback on the back of the boat, what a handy man!

 

After piddling around for a little bit in the afternoon, and having a few cocktails with the neighbors, we started working on dinner, which was incredible! Ahi tuna steak, grilled asparagus, and pasta. Delish! And the best part? Charles cooked it all. He’s a man of many talents, but sorry ladies, I snatched this one up and he is off the market! After baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies and watching Home Alone 2: Lost in New York {the best Home Alone in our opinion..} we hit the sack early again! Married life, I tell ya!

Sunday morning Charles and his brother helped their dad with a few more projects, and I packed up and cleaned up as much as possible, and played puppy wrangler to make sure they didn’t get in the boys way. We headed home and unpacked and did some chores at home {it never ends} and then met up with my family for dinner at Olive Garden. I knew I didn’t wanted a big glass of Sangria, and lo and behold that’s just what my parents ordered. They are people after my own heart. If you are ever at the OG, try their Berry Sangria. It’s amazing, just what I needed to wrap up a nice weekend!

 

Now I’m usually not too big on the country music fad, however, there are a few songs you just can’t keep out of your head. I’m starting to become more of a country music fan {as long as it’s not that honkytonk, way too country music. That is not ok.} Here’s a few songs I’ve been singing along to in my car for weeks!

 

Sunday was also made wonderful because of the text I got from my dear friend Katie, and it went a little something like this {see below}. In summary, MAC cosmetics is coming to our local Dillard’s! I know, I know, how could it have taken this long for a MAC to come to our mall, and trust me, I’ve had similar thoughts, and often. Just in time for the holidays, my birthday, etc…looks like I know what to put on MY wish list! Hint: All Things MAC.

 

She also made my day by informing me that Old Navy is having a boot sock sale, and I’m in desperate need of some good boot socks, because you can never have too many, and for $3.50 a pair? Can’t beat that and you can’t say no. She made the great point that these would be great stocking stuffers, or maybe part of a small gift for a friend!  Maybe even a dirty santa gift, the possibilities are endless. I’m going to raid this sale right after work {and you should, too!}

I’m pleased to report back that I completed ALL of my thank you cards {it took forever and I had a sore hand and a headache, but they are done}. I accomplished most of my “to-do” list, with the exception of the Christmas lists! That’s going to be my primary focus for today. Charles has a board of directors meeting for the Blues Fest this evening, so I’ll have some time to get some work done on the lists after work. I’ve started working on them early enough that I’m not in panic mode trying to get it completed.

The Christmas Cards I created and ordered via VistaPrint have ALREADY shipped, y’all! Jump on the bandwagon and get yourself some. Mine should be in today, which gives me optimal time to address them and get them out to people and not be in a rush. How great is that?! I’ll probably get them addressed and ready to send out in the next few weeks, so that I don’t have to worry about it closer to the holidays. Getting ahead of the game is kind of a rush for me, if you hadn’t noticed.

I hope you all make the most out of your Monday! Go check out the amazing Old Navy sale! XO

Michele

Wacky Wednesday

Happy Wednesday, y’all!

I’m quite a fan of Wednesdays, it means we are halfway through the week and almost to the weekend! {Applause, applause..} I am particularly excited about this Wednesday because it is a long overdue LADIES NIGHT! I can’t even tell you how needed this week. When 3’o clock {aka, quitting time for this lady} rolls around, I’ll be headed to buy a nice bottle of wine and some snacks for my best gal pals! If you don’t have a ground of ladies that you enjoy ladies nights with periodically, I recommend you go befriend some girls right this second and start a monthly girls night!

This is going to be another spontaneous, no themed post. I have so much to share! {Deep breath}

As I mentioned in my last post, I was looking for an inexpensive yet good quality website to make our family Christmas cards. If not by pure dumb luck, I would never have found out that VistaPrint has holiday cards, and {once again, like clockwork} I opened my email this morning to find a bright and shiny coupon for VistaPrint. You better believe I went to their site right then and there and created the CUTEST holiday cards for friends and family. I got 30 of these cards, with extra envelopes {I’m kind of totally accident prone} for $30. I cannot wait! Check these out {they have a plethora of designs to choose from, or you can create your own}:

"Married and Bright"...how punny for us Newlyweds? <3

 

A.dor.a.ble.  Plain and simple. Check out vistaprint now, while the discount is still good!

I’m not sure about you all, but Monday completely did me in! Since Starbucks is right down the street from my office, I decided to get myself a little Monday afternoon pick me up! Behold the Captain Crunch frapp from the Starbucks “Secret Menu.’’ It turned my day around! It tastes more similar to crunch berries than the actual Captain Crunch, but it is just the most perfect cold pick me up.

 

Then it was off to get some new dog food for the babies. I decided to try out the Rachael Ray dog food, and WOW, I have two happy happy babies on my hands! The fur babies are absolutely loving the food. I think this one will stick with us for a while. If you haven’t tried the Rachael Ray dog food and your pup is getting sick of their current food, check it out! I purchased it at Wal-Mart for around $15 dollars for a big bag. Your babies will thank you =) Charles is still baffled by the fact that Rachael Ray has dog food, he just can’t get over it! Males, I swear. Sometimes they just don’t get it.

 

Tuesday was once again a hectic day all around. On top of the work craziness, I ran out of astringent, so I had to make a trip to the store just for one item! I hate that. Instead of going into Wal-Mart and braving the crowds {not to mention driving around aimlessly for a parking spot}, I decided to go to Walgreens. Mistake? For my wallet, probably. But man oh man, I sure found some treasure! Here are my Walgreens finds:

 

{Sea Breeze Clear-Pore Astringent} Ahh, the only thing I went to Walgreens for! I should have known I would have ended up with more products! Ok, this stuff may not have the most pleasant smell in the world, but it gets the job done, and well I might add. The smell doesn’t linger, so to me it’s not an issue. There is a hint of grittiness to this astringent, which means it adds some exfoliation, and I’m a fan! Only runs about $5 and you get more product than the Clean and Clear astringents!

{Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss}   I picked up two of these off of a recommendation from Katie {check her out! www.gloriouslyreallifexo.blogspot.com} I got the colors “Rose Pearl” and “Sun baked bronze.” The only word that comes to mind when describing this lip gloss is fantastic! They aren’t sticky or too gooey, they go on smoothly, the applicator is a sponge tip {which I appreciate}, and the color pigmentation is wonderful. They have gorgeous fall colors, I truly recommend checking them out! As an added bonus, they are BOGO half at Walgreens right now! Walk run to Walgreens! Now! I’m not a big fan of most lip products, I prefer a more natural lip, but this product provides the look I’m going for. Trust me. If I spend this much time and energy talking about a lip gloss, you probably need it.

{Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino and eye shadow in Beach Sand}   I picked these up through recommendations I have heard from other bloggers. I picked up the Red Vino blush for two reasons: First, the most raved over Milani baked blush is the color Luminoso, which my local Walgreens was out of. Secondly, I was drawn to Red Vino because it looked like a good transitional fall blush, and all of my blushes now are a coral, summer color. I am LOVING Red Vino, although I was surprised when I applied to my cheeks and I saw how pigmented it was. I don’t have to use near as much product as most blushes. It’s a steal at only about $7. I picked up their eye shadow in Beach Sand as well, and although I haven’t experimented with this eye shadow much, it is a neutral and it is sparkly. I’m quite sure I’ll adore it!

{Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask}  We all know that we were drawn to face masks when we saw the old movies of girls at sleepovers, in their cute pajama sets with face masks on and cucumbers over their eyes, painting their nails, and having a blast! Or maybe it was just me. It just is the epitome of being a girl. Who wouldn’t love a good sleepover with your gal pals, pampering each other, telling stories, and drinking a nice glass of wine. Sign me up! This mask is the same mint green color {hence the name..mint} that the masks you saw in the movies were. It smells DIVINE, which is rare for a mask, and makes your skin feel like a baby. I’m afraid that I have a mask addiction now, but at least the bottle only runs $4 at Walgreens! Thank YOU, Queen Helene.

{Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo} This was another recommendation from Katie, that I haven’t gotten to use yet! Stay tuned…I’ve heard it is the closest thing to a miracle in a bottle for your hair that you can get in Walgreens. Only $6!

{Dove Go Fresh body wash in Plum} As much as I love my Olay body wash in Sunflower Oil, it is too much of a summer scent for me to appreciate in the fall. This plum smell is “plum fantastic”..pardon my pun. I can’t stop smelling this. It’s a bit on the pricey side at $6 a bottle, but look how humongous that bottle is? I can totally justify that for something that will last me ALL fall and keep me smelling fantastic and keeping my skin soft and supple without that white buildup on your skin that the lower end body washes and soap bars tend to leave behind.

I also saved about $20 dollars on these products with my Walgreens loyalty card, so if you don’t have one, GO GET ONE! You won’t be sorry, it’s no cost to you, and you save money! It’s a win-win if I’ve ever seen one.

Not that you really care to see this, but I got my name plate with my new name on it at work today! Warms my little heart. It’s like I’m becoming a new person! I’m such a nut.

 

Tuesday was also “just because I love you” day in the Alley household, and I was blessed with this fabulous present from my even more fabulous husband! What. A. Keeper! My goodness. Look at the cranberry detailing on this bag, what a fantastic day Tuesday was! Charles, if you’re reading this {I know you aren’t, but still}, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! You’re just the greatest, wabers.

 

Ok guys, it’s almost quitting time, and I’ve got a girls night to prep for! Be a blessing today!

{P.S. Sorry for the sideways pictures! My blogger / computer is not cooperating today and doesn't want to let me rotate!}

Michele Alley

Good books, TV addictions, and a steal of a deal!

Hey, y’all!

It’s a wonderful morning here in Arkansas. I'm on my second cup of coffee! The mornings are cool and crisp, and they are reporting that by mid next week, temperatures are expected to drop and the humidity is expected to take a dramatic dip. There are no sweeter words to a southern soul than LOW HUMIDITY! Isn’t it the TRUTH?

The best part of my week so far is without question the birth of my first nephew! I am a first time Aunt to Thomas Patrick Marsh, the most beautiful 6 pound, 12 oz, sweet baby boy ever! Unfortunately, my precious little nephew lives farther away than I would like, so I won’t be able to officially meet him until Christmas! I could just love on him every. single. day if he was here. Naturally, this means I am looking forward to the holidays all the more this year!

Ok, so is he not THE CUTEST thing you have ever seen in your entire life? I'm in love!

 

In other news, I am on the hunt for a few nice reads for my Cancun vacation! This time next week, I will be sitting on the beach with my kindle in hand, enjoying a margarita and enjoying the company of my husband! I’m really looking for a few “feel good” books for the twentysomething woman {no, I’m not talking about Twilight; no, I’m not talking about 50 Shades of Grey, no matter how much I enjoyed that book…} I’m talking about a good for the soul book. I will most likely end up perusing through the Kindle bookstore to find a few good reads this afternoon, but if you have any suggestions, PLEASE let me know!

I thought it was about time to share my TV obsessions with you. During the summer, I don’t get the opportunity to sit back and catch up on juicy shows as much, because for some reason, I am CONSTANTLY busy. Anybody know the feeling? I’m sure you do. It’s summeritis in its best form. Fall slows down a little bit, I have a chance to breathe and relax! If we aren’t watching the Razorback football games {yay}, I’m probably doing chores and watching Netflix on the iPad. I LOVE that you can watch Netflix / Hulu on your phone and iPad, because when I’m cleaning the house, I can watch as I go. It makes cleaning all the more enjoyable. Just grab your iPad, click on Netflix, and start folding that laundry, doing those dishes, making the bed, etc. It gives you something to do while you do chores, which makes the time fly by. Here’s what you will catch me watching this fall:

Revenge. I cannot express how much of an addiction this show is to me. I. Am. Obsessed! I have gotten several friends hooked on this show {for which they love me greatly}, and we always compare notes. If you’re looking for a darker show that will keep you on the edge of your seat in every single episode, this one is for you. Seasons 1 & 2 are on Netflix and Hulu Plus, and season 3 starts at the end of this month {so I suggest catching up and quick.}

Nashville. Need I say more? I live in the SOUTH people. Anything with the name Nashville on it, I feel obligated to watch. It’s funny, dramatic, musical, all thrown into one! Not to mention, Hayden P. does a fabulous job in this! I found this show on Hulu Plus…not entirely certain that it is on Netflix.

Mistresses. If you want a scandalous show about four girlfriends who all find themselves in rough spots with their marriage…this show is for you. I didn’t think I would like this show as much as I do, but it’s absolutely fabulous! This one is also found on Hulu Plus.

 

Parenthood. Okay, so I’ll admit it. I {along with thousands of other people, I’m sure} started watching this show because I was OBSESSED {still am} with Gilmore Girls. I literally watched every episode at LEAST 3 times, some even more than that. If you weren’t obsessed with GG…HOW?  It’s one of the best shows I’ve ever watched. Lorelei from Gilmore Girls {aka Lauren Graham} plays a major role in this show, so naturally I had to watch. This is a family show about all of the children in a family growing up and raising their own families. It’s got drama, humor, family fun, and everything you can think of in this show. I’ve been drooling over each new episode. There are currently 3 seasons of it on Netflix, and each season is about 21 episodes or so, so it keeps you busy for a while!

 

Orange is the new black. WOW. This Netflix original has taken me by storm. It’s about this woman who got busted for a crime she committed nearly 10 years earlier. She had completely turned her life around, gotten engaged, etc and then she was caught and sent to prison. Not only that, but she was sent to the same prison as the person who got her caught. It follows her around and documents her experiences as well as her fiance’s experiences with her being in prison. So. Addicted. It’s a problem.

 

 

Sitting here talking about all of these television shows that I am “addicted” to makes me feel even more strongly that Charles and I need a hobby. We are thinking that once we get married, we are going to take up bike riding. That way, we can get some exercise, spend quality time together, and get some fresh air! What do you guys do for “married people” hobbies? What do you do for your date nights? I truly believe that keeping your marriage alive and fresh and not getting into a rut can be one of the best ways to stay active in your marriage {says the girl who isn’t even married yet and knows nothing, haha!}

Well it’s Friday, 8 days before the wedding! It’s time to start the pre-wedding pampering! This afternoon when I get off of work {at 3pm, who doesn’t love that?!} I am getting my hair done, because nobody wants to see a bride with dark roots! It’s just plain unflattering. This weekend will be spent running various errands and lots of cleaning and sleeping in {crossing my fingers, because I can’t ever sleep in}. Sunday afternoon, my friend Angela and I are making a venture across the river for a “final fling before the braces go on” event for my friend Katie, over at www.gloriouslyreallifexo.blogspot.com! I can’t wait to spend a fun night, catching up with girlfriends and forgetting about the wedding week stress! Monday night I’ll be getting a facial with my momma {mother daughter bonding time!}, Tuesday, the girls from work are throwing me a shower, and Thursday at 10:00 am starts the vacation time from work for picking up family from the airport, setting up the reception hall, and a big family cookout! Then Friday will be the day for mani / pedi’s, massages, the rehearsal, and the rehearsal dinner. FINALLY, Next Saturday I get to marry the love of my life! I cannot even stand it. I know you all must be utterly sick of hearing me mention it all the time, so don’t fret, because it’s coming to a close!

Some things I’ve been loving:

 

My Custom dress hanger! Want one? $6.99 and this precious hangers is YOURS for the taking. Go here!

 

My Instagram sign for the wedding, modeled by the fabulous Charles. I picked up a $3 frame from the clearance section of Hobby Lobby, got some chalkboard paint and painted the glass, then glittered the edges and used a clear spray over that. I then took some “Chalk paint” and wrote the words. Chalk paint works so.much.better than chalk, I kid you not. Go to your local Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and try some out. The only downfall is, there isn’t a big collection of colors, you are more limited than if you use regular chalk.

I’ve been using VistaPrint like CRAZY lately doing some cute personalization items. I love this site, but at times it can get expensive. Need some new business cards? Want a custom iPhone case? Want a cute new travel bag? Check out this Living Social deal here! This gets you $60 dollars worth of items for only $16! You just can’t beat deals like that, y’all!

 

Ok, all. I promise, promise, promise I’ll keep you updated on my whereabouts this weekend / week. Have a great weekend. Be a blessing, be a friend. Use your words to heal, not to hurt.