When I was a kid.. more like pre-teen, I would sit in my room hours on end and listen to music. Not only would I just listen, I would analyze the lyrics. I was that kid that would pause every 3 words so that I could write them down in my lyric journal. I would pour over them, ponder, take them in and learn lessons that others had to experience the hard way. It was my thing.. Side note: that was the point in my life where I wanted to be a songwriter. I was no Hillary Lindsay either.
I remember one song that stood out to me even back then. Actually, poetically (if that's even the right word) it wasn't even beautiful. It was the point of the song that I could feel the hurt in the writers' words that he was hurt. This song was one of those I headed the advice of someone much older and wiser than myself. I printed the lyrics and had them framed as a reminder that I was never going to allow myself to feel the angst and suffering that he had endured.
The song was "A lot of things different" performed Kenny Chesney, but written by Bill Anderson and Dean Dillon.. go ahead, laugh it up. Like I said, it wasn't poetic at all! Something about that song just got to me, and from that point in my life forward I vowed to never regret anything. The song described all of the things that the person wished he would have done different or changed in his life. I refused to ever be that person wishing they had done something different, spoken when they didn't, missed out on a chance to dance, or passed up the opportunity of a lifetime because they were too afraid to jump.
Don't get me wrong, I know there will be times that I may look back and say "What was I thinking?" but it won't be with regret, it will be with a learned lesson in my pocket. I will have done what I knew I needed to do in that moment, I will have taken that chance, laughed loud, loved hard, jumped high and far, danced in the rain.. all while my heart is racing and full of butterflies and smiles.
A long time ago, I vowed to take life by the horns, and I am doing just that.
I only have one life to live, and it will be enough, because I am going to do it right the first time.
June 24, 2013
June 23, 2013
Sunday Social
Since today's goal is to spend as much quality time with netflix, I'm going to keep to a simple post and link up for another ravishing edition of Sunday social
1. What is your favorite store to shop at?
I love boutiques! I find 80% of my clothes there. Some of my favorite ones are DressUp, Red Dress, Blue Door, and Fiore
2. If you could afford anything and everything, which designer brand would you covet?
I am usually not big on specific designers--I like what I like. I guess if I had come up with a few.. Michael Kors, Alice Temperley, LaRoque.
3. What is your must have closet staple?
A great pair of shorts. I cannot seem to have enough. If they have a fun shape like scallops or lace or a great bright color, even better!!
4. What is your favorite kind of shoes? (brand or type)
I love boots. Specially a great pair of cowboy boots. I love corrals and old gringo! Besides cowboy boots, I always need a good pair of tennis shoes.
5. What is the best clothing deal you've ever gotten? (sale or amazing find)
I'm always a bargain shopper. I've shared with you a few of my deals on here. However, the best deal I've ever gotten wasn't even on myself! One late winter when all of the sweaters and winter wear were going on sale, I stumbled across an 80% off rack in the men's dept in Kohls. Keep in mind, if I want Billy to look nice I have to shop for him. I found tons of his favorite style sweater marked down from $60-$80 each to around $5-$10!! When I got to the register, I had a savings of around $375!! My bill was right around $35. I still brag about that one :)
6. What is a style you'd love to try?
I want to try the Kim K/hippie headband thing. I think I'd look like a total goof wearing it to the grocery store, but this is all hypothetical, right?
June 22, 2013
Saturday Instagram Recap
My view last weekend on the beach
Billy came to take me to lunch, but he was in his brother's car. Behold the massive hat collection in his passenger floor board.
My new team elite shirt! I am so excited about this bad boy.
Finally got my hair cleaned up! I love, love, love my stylist! She is a miracle worker.
I am convinced this is what heaven tastes like. Guacamole just makes trivia nights that much better.
This is where they are filming part of Nina Dobrev's new movie "Let's be cops" It's literally right under my office.
The first book I've had time to read in a long time. I love Dan Brown. This was such a good choice.
I passed this sign painted on a barn yesterday while I was out running errands. Really stopped me in my tracks.
June 21, 2013
The story behind Treetops Cabin
This story actually begins back in the early 70's. Billy's grandmother was a librarian at a school and his grandpa was a professor at a community college in Miami, Florida. Billy's grandmother, Bonnie, worked with a lady who's mother lived in the North Georgia Mountains. This lady always insisted that they bring the kids up over the summer. Billy's grandpa had some obligations with work, so Bonnie found it to be the perfect time to take her friend up on the offer so she piled the 3 kids into the car and made the long (even longer then) drive to Blue Ridge.
They found their way to a cozy little valley right in the middle of the Cohutta wilderness. They stayed at a very old family cabin, that I believe has been around since the mid 1800's. They fell in love. They loved the people, the mountains, the area, the foods, the streams and waterfalls. I think right then and there, they decided they were going to take a piece of that place with them everywhere, because they never wanted to leave.
The next school year rolled back around, and as I believe the story goes, both of Billy's grandparents got raises. They had narrowed down what they wanted to do with their new income to two things, and decided to let their 3 children decide. Their choices were to hire a housekeeper that would come in and help do laundry and keep the house in order, or they would buy a small cabin up in the mountains where they could spend every summer from there on out (of course with the stipulation that the kids would have to step it up in the chores department as they were getting to that age). Unanimously they chose the cabin.
They were able to purchase a cabin just down the creek from where they had spent their first visit to the mountains. It started out as a very, very small cabin on the side of the mountain that looked like it was perched up in the trees. That was when Billy's grandmother, gave it a name, treetops, and it has stuck ever since. This cabin was so small that the kitchen and bathroom were the same room. From there on out, every summer on the last day of school, their car would already be loaded and they would drive up to Georgia to spend the entire summer. Day after day they would enjoy life and take in every second of their time there--hiking, biking, tubing the river, and having adventures. hey would stay here until the week before they headed back to school.
Eventually, they had to add on to the original structure. Presently, this cabin has 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and a real kitchen that only serves only as a place to cook and eat, and a precious screened in porch. That was the place that Billy spent every day of his summers, Christmas breaks, and hurricane seasons as a child. As Billy got older, and started getting more involved in baseball, summers began to get shorter as they didn't get started until after summer ball ended. As much as he loved baseball, I think he loved his cabin more. If you ask him about memories from his childhood, he will tell you that his best memories were from the cabin.. almost as if he actually lived there year round.
As the family got bigger, and those 3 kids at the beginning of this story had children of their own, it was time to expand again. This time, they decided to just start over, and build a brand new cabin right next door. Billy's grandpa was on the verge of retirement, and his retirement plan consisted of him propping his feet up at the cabin and never returning to South Florida, so he figured he'd build himself a newer, modern place to enjoy once he did.
Construction began sometime in the early 2000's and now we have the big cabin adjacent to treetops. 4 bedrooms, 3 bath, and a large multipurpose garage/gym/game room type thing downstairs. The two cabins were adjoined with a huge porch and awning that is perfect for early morning reading and mid afternoon cards games.
After Billy graduated high school, his mom decided to move to Georgia full time, and his grandfather saw that as a good reason to go ahead and retire from teaching. Thank goodness they did, otherwise Billy and I probably would have never met. Now time spent here isn't limited to the months of May-August. However, his aunt (until next week) still lives in South Miami and still makes the drive up every summer wither her little ones to share the same nostalgia she experienced with them. I've only been around for 3 summers, and this place already holds a special place in my heart.
I, myself, can't wait to make more memories with a family of my own here. We are so incredibly blessed to have a place to share together and to enjoy God's incredible creation. Every free weekend we get is spent there, we love when friends come to visit us and help to add to the stories these logs tell. Though I'll be busy the next two weekends, I cannot wait to get up there the next chance I get. I can hear her calling me now.
They found their way to a cozy little valley right in the middle of the Cohutta wilderness. They stayed at a very old family cabin, that I believe has been around since the mid 1800's. They fell in love. They loved the people, the mountains, the area, the foods, the streams and waterfalls. I think right then and there, they decided they were going to take a piece of that place with them everywhere, because they never wanted to leave.
The creek that runs through the valley that the house sits on.
The next school year rolled back around, and as I believe the story goes, both of Billy's grandparents got raises. They had narrowed down what they wanted to do with their new income to two things, and decided to let their 3 children decide. Their choices were to hire a housekeeper that would come in and help do laundry and keep the house in order, or they would buy a small cabin up in the mountains where they could spend every summer from there on out (of course with the stipulation that the kids would have to step it up in the chores department as they were getting to that age). Unanimously they chose the cabin.
They were able to purchase a cabin just down the creek from where they had spent their first visit to the mountains. It started out as a very, very small cabin on the side of the mountain that looked like it was perched up in the trees. That was when Billy's grandmother, gave it a name, treetops, and it has stuck ever since. This cabin was so small that the kitchen and bathroom were the same room. From there on out, every summer on the last day of school, their car would already be loaded and they would drive up to Georgia to spend the entire summer. Day after day they would enjoy life and take in every second of their time there--hiking, biking, tubing the river, and having adventures. hey would stay here until the week before they headed back to school.
The view from the Swiss family Robinson-esk porch. You can see that during the summer it stays very shaded.
Eventually, they had to add on to the original structure. Presently, this cabin has 3 bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and a real kitchen that only serves only as a place to cook and eat, and a precious screened in porch. That was the place that Billy spent every day of his summers, Christmas breaks, and hurricane seasons as a child. As Billy got older, and started getting more involved in baseball, summers began to get shorter as they didn't get started until after summer ball ended. As much as he loved baseball, I think he loved his cabin more. If you ask him about memories from his childhood, he will tell you that his best memories were from the cabin.. almost as if he actually lived there year round.
You can see the expanded original cabin in the background
As the family got bigger, and those 3 kids at the beginning of this story had children of their own, it was time to expand again. This time, they decided to just start over, and build a brand new cabin right next door. Billy's grandpa was on the verge of retirement, and his retirement plan consisted of him propping his feet up at the cabin and never returning to South Florida, so he figured he'd build himself a newer, modern place to enjoy once he did.
Construction began sometime in the early 2000's and now we have the big cabin adjacent to treetops. 4 bedrooms, 3 bath, and a large multipurpose garage/gym/game room type thing downstairs. The two cabins were adjoined with a huge porch and awning that is perfect for early morning reading and mid afternoon cards games.
The view from upstairs loft which is home to a bedroom, office space, and bathroom
I, myself, can't wait to make more memories with a family of my own here. We are so incredibly blessed to have a place to share together and to enjoy God's incredible creation. Every free weekend we get is spent there, we love when friends come to visit us and help to add to the stories these logs tell. Though I'll be busy the next two weekends, I cannot wait to get up there the next chance I get. I can hear her calling me now.
June 19, 2013
Mineral Sunscreen Review
I am a Real Housewives addict--specifically, Orange County and Beverly Hills. On the last season of OC, I remember Tamra whipped out this crazy stuff she said was sunscreen to cover Eddie's face. I had never seen anything like it before, but I was intrigued, because I hate the feel and smell of sunscreen. I would just assume not to wear sunscreen than deal with all that. Surrrus.. (that's ghetto for serious)
I did a little research and found out that yes, this stuff really does exist. Last week I ventured over to the mall to drop in to my Sephora to see if they had a similar version of this mineral powder sunscreen. They had the Peter Thomas Roth line of instant mineral powder in an spf 45 and another option for sensitive skin, even though the price of $30 was a little steep compared to traditional sunscreens, I figured it was worth a shot.
I cracked it open for the first time this weekend while on my beach trip..
The packaging is much like a bronzer, so it is very easy to apply--just turn it upside down and more will disperse into the applicator. It's compact and attractive, I just wish the top fit just a bit more snug. The other downside, that a lot of others seem to agree on is that the bristles are very coarse.. then again, if you are going to be applying this while sweating, you can't have a brush too soft that will absorb all of the sweat and oils. I honestly can live with it, it's not a deal breaker.
The powder is extremely translucent, which is a pro and a con. I can't see it on my face and it blends surprisingly well with my make up. On the other hand, the downside is.. that I can't see it. Oh the irony. It is a bit hard to tell how much you are putting on or what areas you are missing coverage. I tested it on my arm and noticed that it does come out evenly and thoroughly without a lot of vigorous brushing. That being said, I wonder how long the product will last before it runs out of juice?
I cannot iterate enough how EASY this stuff was to apply! There are no smells, it didn't leave my skin or hands feeling sticky, it's small and compact. I didn't notice any burning after my two days of laying out on the beach in the sun, just a little redness and who doesn't like a little of that when you've been laying out all day. Of course, like makeup and other sunscreens, I reapplied it throughout the day as I sweated or came into contact with water. It was also great for soaking up all the oils that had collected on my face.
My verdict is that this is a great product if you burn easily or if you are constantly applying sunscreen. It's also just a fun party trick to have in your bag. However, considering I usually don't wear sunscreen on my face and since my makeup has an spf in it, I think the $30 is a bit steep to use it solely on my face. The good news is, I'm sure I can use it on my shoulders and stuff as well at the ball field because it is easy to apply to those hard to rub in places myself! and less awkward than having a stranger help you.
June 17, 2013
Bachelorette Weekend Recap
As I told you all last week, this weekend was Amanda's bachelorette celebration. The girls and I ventured a few hours south to Hilton Head Island, SC to take in a few days of beach time, food, and lots of celebration!
We arrived at our condo very late Friday and we just settled in and played a few games and decorated our water bottles before hitting the hay, because we knew we were getting up early to get in as much beach time as we could in our short weekend trip.
Saturday we got up, packed our beach bags and coolers and headed out to a quick lunch at Salty Dog before heading over to the beach for a day of playing in the sand and soaking up the sun.
That night we went to dinner and then out to the Triangle to celebrate and indulge. We had an absolute blast. There are no words.
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Sunday was our last day on the island. We got up and went straight to the beach to get in a few last second hours before hitting the road to return home. While we were there, we conned some nice random ukulele player to play her a song and sing to her. Ahhh :) giggles.
Now today I'm back in the real world still trying to recover from being drained from the sun and our late nights. It was all so totally worth it!
I have a few more pictures on my real camera, but my card reader isn't working and I'm too lazy to get up to try to find the chord to use it via my camera. I'll add those later, because I know you would love to see some non-iphone pictures.
We arrived at our condo very late Friday and we just settled in and played a few games and decorated our water bottles before hitting the hay, because we knew we were getting up early to get in as much beach time as we could in our short weekend trip.
Saturday we got up, packed our beach bags and coolers and headed out to a quick lunch at Salty Dog before heading over to the beach for a day of playing in the sand and soaking up the sun.
That night we went to dinner and then out to the Triangle to celebrate and indulge. We had an absolute blast. There are no words.
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My favorite part of the night was the nice guy who offered to give the bachelorette a lapdance. Apparently taking your shirt off and dry humping a girl who is turning 7 shades of red was frowned upon in that establishment. The bouncer proceeded to interrupt that little ditty and threw him out the door. How unfortunate. Poor guy!
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Sunday was our last day on the island. We got up and went straight to the beach to get in a few last second hours before hitting the road to return home. While we were there, we conned some nice random ukulele player to play her a song and sing to her. Ahhh :) giggles.
Now today I'm back in the real world still trying to recover from being drained from the sun and our late nights. It was all so totally worth it!
I have a few more pictures on my real camera, but my card reader isn't working and I'm too lazy to get up to try to find the chord to use it via my camera. I'll add those later, because I know you would love to see some non-iphone pictures.
June 14, 2013
Bachelorette Trip Packing List
Today after I get off work, I am picking up my friend Denise who lives about 6 blocks from my office and we are going to meet the rest of the girls to start our road trip towards Hilton Head Island for Amanda's bachelorette trip (or #ajslastfling as it will be known on instagram for those who follow me or want to keep up with our shenanigans). I LOVE Hilton Head. I'm typically not a beach person, but the HHI lifestyle is one I could get used to.
I've been struggling to gather up everything I need for the trip. If you know me, you know that for starters, I always over pack. Also, unless I buy an occasion specific outfit, I am very indecisive on what to wear--especially when I don't know what everyone else is wearing either. Not to mention, I still have to bring all other other beach necessities.
Same island. Same people. I figured it was just a good excuse to throw in this picture.
I've been struggling to gather up everything I need for the trip. If you know me, you know that for starters, I always over pack. Also, unless I buy an occasion specific outfit, I am very indecisive on what to wear--especially when I don't know what everyone else is wearing either. Not to mention, I still have to bring all other other beach necessities.
AJ's Last Fling Packing list2 comfy traveling outfits (Come to mama, Norts!)PJ's2 bikinis (Duh)1 relatively decent looking coverup/shorts that I can wear to eat in prior to the beach1 dressy casual outfit for a nice dinner1 sexy outfit for bachelorette festivities (I'm thinking my birthday outfit.. not to be confused with suit)8 water bottles for us to decorate and keep as a souvenir for the weekendBachelorette SashFlat iron & Curling ironBathroom necessities (shamps, face wash, toothpaste - I'm excited about the toothpaste I'm testing for influenster so stay tuned)Makeup and all it's cousin productsChargers
Beach Bag Packing ListBeach Bag (I actually am stealing this genius idea from Jamie on using my Lilly market tote as supposed to typical beach bags. More versatile and it's actually cute!)Beach TowelSnacksSunscreen -- In addition to regular sunscreen, I am trying out this mineral spf for the first time too! I saw it on RHOC, and have been wanting to try it since. Be on the lookout for a review coming up soonBeach Entertainment (Sudoku, book, ipad, ipod)Hair TiesBaseball Cap
Luckily, I had pretty much everything packed up before the storm hit last night and knocked my power out. I still feel like I may have forgotten something, because this morning when the power was back on, I didn't really add anything else to my bags.
Anything you think I'm forgetting? What are your beach/bachelorette essentials?
June 12, 2013
What I'm loving Wednesday
I am loving that in 2 days I will be sitting on a beach on Hilton Head Island with some of my favorite girls and closest friends celebrating Amanda's upcoming wedding.
I am loving this new shirt I ordered from Blue Door last week! It is the absolute most perfect fit, and it's freaking adorable. Great cool summer top, but not baring too much skin.
I am loving that I FINALLY got a new dryer! -- after I was given Billy's mom's old (yet still very new) dryer and had him bring it all the way down to my place, to realize it's gas :( I found some nice man on craigslist who delivered and installed it for cheap! You can't beat that.
I am loving this scavenger hunt. I can't wait to do this with the kids at the cabin this summer. Ashley and Jimmy would LOVE this! We can even come up with prizes like cupcakes or mini golf.
I am loving this tee! This will be mine for the 4th of July! My little patriotic heart is fluttering right now.
I am dying to try this recipe. Ever since we ate Mary Mac's a few weeks ago, I have wanted it again. I am loving that I can now have tomato pie whenever I want now.
In case you weren't aware, I am a shorts-aholic. I can't get enough of colored or patterned shorts. Besides, what southern girl isn't a sucker for a monogram? I am loving these super adorable colored and monogrammed shorts. Can I have one in ever color please?
I am loving that my Influenster box got here yesterday! I can't wait to test out all the goodies inside and share them with you!
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