The case of the sick slacker

Phew.

Made it through this week! Sadly, it's Sunday {already?!} and I have to get back to the grind tomorrow. 

This week was a bit of an odd one. On Monday, Charles stayed home sick, which is rare, and on Wednesday, I stayed home sick {even more rare..I can't even remember the last time I stayed home sick...I hate the feeling of having to make up work..I even did in school}. I slept practically all day. Thursday and Friday were spent still half sick and in a busy fog of events. I still don't feel fully recovered, but I'm working on it. 

I hope all of you have had a beautiful spring tease of a week like we have had here. I have to admit, I got spoiled by the gorgeous weather. I'm ready for thunderstorms, cookouts, floating the river, ahh. 

Friday marked 5 months since Charles and I got married. Holy gracious, where did the time go? We have started tossing out ideas on how to spend our first anniversary {I know, still quite a ways off, but it's never too early for a planner to plan..}

Remember last week, when I told you that last Sunday I spent lazily watching movies and cuddling with Charles instead of catching up on laundry and dishes and cleaning that I didn't get to do since we were out of town last weekend? Well I had planned to catch up on all of that during the week a little bit at a time...then the sickness happened...for both of us. Which meant a lack of energy...and no cleaning. Needless to say our house was a bit of an absolute utter disaster. Suffice it to say I don't need to explain what my Saturday consisted of. 

Today, Charles and I had a few of our friends over and we learned how to make homemade eggrolls {my oh my were they delicious} and Charles made his famous avocado crab salad, which is insanely good. We also hadn't seen these friends in quite awhile, so it was great to play catch up and have a fun time trying new things. Completely delightful Sunday. 

Another hearty photo segment to make up for being so absent lately..{In no particular order..}

New fave candle "Flannel" by B&B Works! I don't know if a candle can really smell "cozy," but if cozy had a smell, it would be this candle. 

Before and after of my favorite handy man with a green thumbs hard work on Saturday. Removed the obnoxious bushes! We also bought some new pots and are going to add some new landscaping here in a few weeks :) 

Charles and I thought it would be fun to rewatch our old favorite show, Entourage, from the start! We've had a blast cuddling and watching the old episodes. 

My Saturday in a nutshell {after I was done cleaning, of course...} Tried a new beer, cut up and marinaded some veggies for the grill, and busted out the chacos! {sound the trumpets}

On top of being sick, I got to be "super wife" and make Charles food for his work potluck. He told me about it the night before, per usual. Pizza balls it is! 

We were so exhausted by the time Friday came around that we didn't even want to think about cooking, and we found our way to Marketplace! Flaming queso, get in my stomach. 

My handsome hard worker! 

I told him it was a bad idea, but not a soul was to be found at Lowe's, and of course the one thing we wanted was on the top shelf. 

My Saturday morning view before I started cleaning...oh happy day. 

Eggroll fun! Such a blast. 

Now I'm sitting here, a cup of afternoon coffee in hand {mental note, go to Sweet Bay and pick up a few packets of chocolate chai mix...}, and a loaf of banana bread baking in the oven. I may or may not have added in chocolate chips as a treat for Charles, but shh..don't tell him. In a few hours we will be headed to a local Catholic church to pick up our to go orders of food. It's their Spaghetti Supper fundraiser for their elementary school, and we love to go through their "drive thru" and pick up our orders! We get spaghetti, a salad, bread, and ice cream all for ten dollars, and we support a great school! Win win. 

I know I talk a lot about "mushy" things, and about how much I enjoy spending time with my husband. Some might call it the honeymoon phase, but I don't see it that way. 

I've had a lot of friends come and go the past few years, but my husband is someone who has always been there for me the past few years. Yes, I do have a handful of quality friends that have always and will always be there for me, and vice versa, and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Everyone has the story of a friend who stopped hanging out with them because they had a career change, got into a relationship, stopped wanting to go out or go to parties {or host parties...}, or went through a hard time. 

I've gone through plenty of hard times, even when I've been quiet about it. I've had friends who couldn't deal because of it. But there a some people who have always been there for me, and I won't forget them because of it. To have quality friends, you have to be quality friends. I'm extremely blessed with some great people in my life, and wouldn't trade them for the world. That being said, I also won't forget those who weren't there when I needed them the most. 

I hope this week you all take the time to reach out to your friends, new or old, and let them know that you value them. 

"If you're absent during my struggle, don't expect to be present during my success" 

Day 2: The BEST day of our life

Hi lovies! Back again, with more pictures coming at you from Beaty Photography Visit them!

XOXO

Back from the Wedding Induced Hiatus!

Happy Fall, Y'all! 

It only seems fitting to say "Happy Fall", since the weather feels totally gorg! Ok, so maybe it is raining and cloudy outside, but the temperature? Spot. On. Of course, I did just get back from Cancun, Mexico so I am eating up this amazing late September weather change. I've even got my Scentsy plugged in with the Glade Fall Hayride scent, and a Kirkland's Cinnamon and Brown Sugar candle lit right beside me, my pups cuddled up at my feet, my husband {yes you heard correctly, I am officially Mrs. Charles Alley} cuddled beside me, and football on the television. Throw in the sound of rain beating on the windows and we have hit the Welcome Home jackpot!

Anyhow, I have to apologize for my brief hiatus. I swore to myself that I would keep up with my blogging the week of the wedding, and then I don't know what better explanation to give you other than, life happened, plain and simple. 

As a treat to you all for my unexcused absence, I will bombard you will posts this week! Are you as excited as I am? Good. 

I cannot tell you how THRILLED I am to finally be married to my best friend. My heart skips a beat when I hear my husband call me his wife. It's an incredible feeling, a true bond. I am blessed beyond measure. 

Something I am on the hunt for is a daily devotional for my new wives. I have looked and looked and I keep finding some amazing looking devotional, and it has been incredibly hard to choose. If any of you new {or "seasoned"} wives have some suggestions, do share! 

"Too much talk leads to sin," so let's get started with some pictures of the past few weeks! I'll do more in detail posts of the honeymoon, the wedding, the reception, etc. in due time, and it will be a whole Wedding Mini Series. Until then, here's a few sneak peaks of my life the past few weeks via pictures...

A little rehearsal dinner fun! It rained ALL day {I was a nervous wreck about it pouring during the dinner} and it cleared up in time for a gorgeous sunset <3

Groomsmen gifts! Crown Royal is the only way to go for our boys!

My BFF Sydney and I getting ready in our oversized monogramed men's shirts! Get them here!

An Arkansas Bride has to watch the HOG game before walking down the aisle!

My two best men on the day I promised "Forever" to Charles<3 

First thing we did as husband and wife was made a trip to the fair for a Gyro! We have the BEST gyro stand in the spring, and the owner makes an appearance again at the fair in the Fall, so we HAD to go get one! Delicious!

Honeymoon at the Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun, Mexico!  We had a BLAST and were treated like royalty by the people at the Riu Palace. Planning a trip to Mexico? Visit the Riu website! We will absolutely be back, so here's a HUGE shout out to the people at Riu Palace Peninsula.

I've really had a whirlwind of a few weeks, and I mean that in the best sense of the phrase! I'm off to catch up on my recorded episode of Nashville {boy oh boy I can't wait to find out what happens during the season premiere, yet another reason to heart fall} and try to fight with American Airlines until the find the two bags of my luggage they lost, which so far, nobody we have spoken with has been helpful, and we are starting to get furious with their whole company. It's as if they don't even care that all of our luggage {which contains IMPORTANT and NECESSARY personal items} is floating around somewhere unknown to them. It's time to bust out my writing skills and write a highly worded email to their customer service department and give them an earful. 

I hope you have all had a FABULOUS few weeks without me, and get ready to hear from me nonstop. I love you all!

Xoxo, Michele Alley {I know, I'm annoying, but I CAN'T get enough of my new last name}

P.S. Don't forget about the Season Three premiere of Revenge tomorrow. You're welcome <3  

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.

Running on coffee and fumes!

Is it really Monday again? I promise y’all, Mondays come around sooner and sooner every single week. I feel like I have completely reached my limit with all of these crazy and hectic weekends. Being gone every week sure is fun; however, it is finally catching up to me! I’m exhausted and Charles and I are living out of travel luggage – not ideal. Not only am I exhausted (and a little crankier than normal...Oops!) but I feel like my housework and my appearance are suffering because of it! I kid you not; I have boxes among boxes of wedding gifts from our three showers just sprawled out on the floor of our guest bedroom, living room, front foyer, dining room, etc. It’s hard to even move around! Plus, the house could just use some all-around TLC, and so could my body! When you’re always on the go, you don’t have time to cook a proper meal, so you end up heading out to your favorite fast food restaurant (hey Chik-Fil-A, you’re looking tasty…) for quick and easy meals. I also have been struggling to stay awake long enough to take my make-up off before bed (HORRIBLE).

Even though right now the only thing on my mind is a nap, I’ve decided to dedicate this week to getting my house in order and getting caught back up! I really believe that a clean house can make all the difference in your stress levels and your life. People need to be surrounded by a calm environment. I am all about making lists, as I’m sure you already know, so I have been searching the ever so wonderful Pinterest to find some good cleaning lists and cleaning ideas to help keep me on track! Here is the list I am going to try to follow this week, since for once I have NO set in stone plans for any nights this week:

I think sticking to a cleaning schedule it a very good way to not get behind. I know that with everything that people in their twenties have going on, sometimes life gets in the way and things such as doing the dishes seem miniscule, but at least with a schedule, maybe I won’t get AS behind? One can only hope! In the midst of blogging this, I’ve already made plans for two nights this week (maaaaybe this cleaning schedule won’t work after all…)

So the past weekend was the bachelor / bachelorette parties! The future hubs and his friends went to Dallas! What a great time they had. I went to Wal-Mart and stocked up on Water, Gatorade, Granola bars, band aids, gum, roto, BC Powder, tums, etc. I wanted to make sure they had everything they were going to need for three days since I wouldn’t be there to baby my baby! He had an absolutely fab time, I couldn’t be more grateful for the friends that he has! I truly believe that absence makes the heart grow fonder, because these past few days of having him home makes me truly appreciate him and we have been loving on each other non-stop!

Here's Charles and a few of his buddies on the way to Dallas! He had 14 friends go!

 

My bachelorette party was also this past weekend! We started out the morning with some to –go coffee from Sweet Bay (a locally owned coffee shop that is THE best, what have I told you about shopping, dining local?) Then, we ventured on to Tulsa, where we did some light shopping and a light lunch at The Cheesecake factory (their pomegranate mojitos and chicken caesar salads are to DIE for!) Afterwards, we got ready and headed to dinner at an Italian hole in the wall called Ti Amo, which was heavenly! Unfortunately, it was right by the BOK center, which just HAD to be hosting Rascall Flatts and the concert started right when we were going to dinner. Parking was a nightmare, let me tell ya! We then ventured out to some bars and started our night, then drove back the next day! Now that all of the showers and parties are complete, the WEDDING can happen! We are into the 30 day range, y’all! 38 days until I get to marry my sweetie! It’s insane the amount of emotions I am feeling right now. Here are a few pictures from the low-key trip!

Started off with some Sweet Bay!

Per usual, our sisters before the bachelorette picture

Koozies I made from www.totallyweddingkoozies.com! I also ordered our wedding favors from this site, highly recommend!

 

 

 

Well, everyone, it's been great, but it's time for me to get back into the swing of things! Hopefully my life calms down this week and I can get into a better routine (fingers crossed, not holding my breath!) Until then!

 

Michele