Friday, August 26, 2011

If I was from Paris I would say Oooh la la la la lala


As soon as I'm finished with work today I'm headed to Charlotte with Merritt to see Grace Potter & The Nocturnals!

Grace Potter has a single out right now with Kenny Chesney called "You and Tequila" and its awesome!

I've only recently become a GPN fan but I'm looking forward to seeing them live and you know I love going to concerts!

If you don't listen to GPN check them out! Below are some of my favorite songs!

-Medicine
-Big White Gate
-Paris

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Help



I went and saw "The Help" the day it came out with my mom and sister. I must have been living under a rock prior to it opening because I had only heard about it (the movie and the book) a few days prior.

Let me just say that this movie is FABULOUS. We laughed and we cried. Emma Stone plays Skeeter, one of the main characters and I just LOVED her in this role.



One of my favorite lines from the movie is seen below. You're going to have to see it for yourself to see why! I am now looking forward to reading the book!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving...


-Luke Bryan's new CD "Tailgates and Tanlines". The songs are great and I love the album title. Mmm he's also quuiiite nice looking.


-the fall line for Tommy Hilfiger. I hadn't been a fan of Tommy in recent years but I think the fall line is ah-dor-able. I love plaids and will have to have some of these items!


-Merritt. Isn't she presh? She is also great. Our chats make me laugh and we always, always, have a good time! I'm excited that we are going to see Grace Potter & The Nocturnals together on Friday. I love our concert outings...they are always a good time...especially when they are in Charlotte!



Tuesday, August 23, 2011

This Post Is Not A Healthy One!

I have to warn you, nothing about this blog post is healthy...AT ALL! Okay well maybe there's one thing healthy and that would be the salad...but other than that its just plain out horrible.

As I've written about before, my sis is moving to Boston. Sadly, that day is quickly approaching as she leaves a week from Friday. Before she leaves she is determined to cook a ton of food. She will be living in a dorm, for the first time in her life, and will be sans kitchen. My sister is an amazing cook and I try to convince her to go to culinary school on a daily basis...however she is not. I try to refrain myself from entering a food coma when she cooks but its just so good and I know my time of her cooking is limited. I know that I'm supposed to write about eating healthy and losing weight but this food was too good not to share and I have to brag about my baby sister and her awesome cooking abilities (Juli, if you are reading this, you should go to Culinary school!)

First we began the meal with appetizers. Tomatoes, Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinegar. We also had Havarti cheese and bread...enter phase one of the food coma I am currently in.



For the main course we had bread (yes more, mmm carbs) with melted butter and honey. Salad with cucumber, tomato, parmesan cheese and a special dressing and Pastina. The Pastina has peas, carrots, pasta and a white sauce. It's one of Giada de Laurentiis's recipes...and it was freaking fabulous.



For dessert we had the below! It was pie crust, with chocolate chip cookie for the first layer, funfetti cake and then frosting. We found it via Pinterest...YUM!


Time to nurse my food coma! Night ya'll!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Fan Apparel

I have three teams in my life that I cheer for...The Packers, The Badgers and The Clemson Tigers and I love getting new stuff to wear when cheering them on!

Anyways, I walked into Old Navy on Saturday and the first thing that I noticed was the cute collegiate items that they had. I tried to find the items online to share but they aren't on the we bsite. I then noticed that they had NFL apparel and when I didn't see any Green Bay Packer items, I immediately went home and looked online. Sidenote-I know that I'm not in Wisco or in a surrounding state buuut the Packers were World Champions last year so I feel like every store should have to carry Packer items! (Okay so maybe I'm dreaming, but it would be nice!)

After my Old Navy splurge I remembered that Victoria's Secret has had cute collegiate/NFL apparel before. I wasn't sure that they would have Packer apparel because they didn't last season (which they got quite the nasty letter/tweet and so on from me! World Champions, heeelllooooo?). Imagine my excitement when I saw that they DID include the Green Bay Packers in the NFL line this year...WOOOOO HOOOO! The stuff is just presh...so I have to share pics! I again, splurged and picked up a few Packer items. Sadly, they did not include Clemson in the line...I don't really get that seeing as how Clemson been included the past few years. Victoria's Secret, how do you decide this?!?!? Time to step it up, puhhleeeease!

Purchases!






I can't wait for this stuff to arrive. Go Pack/Tigers/Bucky!!!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

The One Where I Paid $300 Too Much!

Back in early May I went to the Minute Clinic. In case you aren't familiar they are located in the CVS Pharmacies. Instead of going to a doctor for small things (sinus infection, colds, allergies and so on) you can go there and see a nurse practitioner! Its great because you don't need an appointment and usually don't have to wait very long!

I had forgotten about my visit until a bill came from them a few weeks back. I went online yesterday to pay my bill. Sidenote-I pay everything online and its usually great. My dad still sends in checks for every.single.thing and I don't get it. I like that I can see that my bill is paid right then and there and get an e-mail notification...ok so back to my bill. I log on and you have to enter in your bill information and then the amount.

The amount of my bill was $33.20 so I enter that in, click "submit" and get the confirmation screen. When I get to that screen I realize that I had entered $333.20 instead of $33.20! I overpaid my bill by $300!!! Ahhhhh! I began to freak out. This isn't like paying a credit card where you would have a credit and can spend it...this was to the doctor! I don't need $300 in a credit for future appointments because I, thankfully, don't get sick that often! Fail, fail and fail.

After my freak out and mild panic attack I ran downstairs to my dad and told him how much of an idiot I am. He laughed and had said that he had mailed in a check once doing the same thing and that they should hopefully be able to fix it...ummm I sure hope so! Of course the billing office wasn't open yesterday so first thing tomorrow morning I will be calling them. Wish me luck. I hope to have my $300 back soon...otherwise, who needs to go to the minute clinic?!?!

Lesson learned...double and triple check when you enter an amount online for a bill!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Wilmington!

On Tuesday my sister and I hit the road at 6:30 am and headed to Wilmington, NC. We had signed up to be extras on one of our favorite tv shows “One Tree Hill” quite a few times and finally got picked. Wilmington is where the show is filmed…btw Dawson’s Creek was also filmed in Wilmington!


Downtown Wilmington


We got to Wilmington around lunch time and did a little shopping because we had a few hours to kill before we had to head over to the filming location. We also got some lunch at a Brewery downtown which was delicious!

Enjoying a cold beer at lunch!




My sis and I also went to some of the OTH filming locations. We only went to a few because we visited Wilmington the summer before (which I wrote about here) and hit up some of the OTH hotspots! I will add that if you have never been to Wilmington you have to go(even if you aren’t a OTH fan/Dawson fan)! The town is adorable and one of my favorites to visit!



Earlier that day we had received an email that disclosed where they would be filming. The location was behind the Ford dealership.



When we pulled in there were trailers set up in the parking lot for the actors/actresses/makeup/wardrobe! Immediately, we got so excited!

Lisa Goldstein's Trailer (she plays Millicent Huxtable)


We continued on to where we were told to park and chatted with other people that were going to be extras for the day. Most people had received a part but my sister and I had not…they also told us that they were overbooked with extras for the day. Casting call had gotten moved back to 5 p.m… so we were starting to get nervous. Our drive was 4.5/5 hrs and I had to work the next day. They warned us that they could shoot for 9 or more hours (the day before filming started at 9 a.m. and ended at 8 p.m.)… not looking good…we had to make a decision.

Crew Trailers


We decided to drive back out to where the trailers were set up and wait and see if we could see anyone/get pictures with anyone when they came out. We waited for a while and finally decided to leave and head back home. We didn’t get to be extras and we didn’t get to meet anyone from the show. We later saw on Twitter that about 3 hours later Sophia Bush (Brooke Davis) and Austin Nichols (Julian Baker) came out to take pictures with everyone waiting…epic fail on our parts…we could have gotten to meet them. However, there was a positive that turned out from leaving early…we got to stop at Fazoli’s on our way home. Now I know what you are thinking, “how in the world was Fazoli’s a highlight”. Well, we grew up eating Fazoli’s in Wisco and love it. We don’t have any close by and the last few times I’ve been in Wisco I haven’t gotten it. I limited myself to 1 breadstick and only had half of my baked spaghetti…deeeelicious.

Even though we didn’t get to be extras and we didn’t get to meet anyone from the show I still had a blast and would do it again. I got to spend the whole day with my sister (remember, she’s leaving me soon for Boston), we got to go to one of the most adorable towns and see “behind the scenes” stuff from one of our favorite shows…all in all, a great great day!

Monday, August 15, 2011

My Weekend.

I can't even begin to describe how hard it was to wake up this morning. All I wanted to do was sleep. I hate that Mon-Fri I want to sleep in and Sat-Sun I wake up bright and early...its seriously annoying.

Saturday morning began with a trip to the Farmer's Market with my mom and sister. My sister and I then began crossing things off my mom's "To-Do List" for us. We did a little shopping and some more cleaning.

Saturday night we headed downtown, as a family, to watch the Packer's play. The whole fam got dressed in our Packer gear...I know it's only preseason but we were excited. We went to one of my favorite bars, The Ale House. I love going out with my family and we had a really good time.

My mom, sis and I


Once we saw that my dad had turned his hat backwards, we had to get a pic. It cracks us up when he does this.


We brought along our Packer koozies!


Sunday I got up, worked out, and went to church with Merritt. After church we grabbed some brunch and then I spent the afternoon studying (or attempting to). I had trouble concentrating and all I really wanted to do was take a nap.

Sunday evening I watched "P.S. I Love You" and went to sleep verrry early. It was a great weekend...sadly, I'm already looking forward to the next one. Dear Monday, please go quickly!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Congrats to my sister!

Its official, my sister is a Clemson alum! Congrats, Julianne! I cannot believe how fast your four years at Clemson went! I'm looking forward to many visits to Boston as you continue your education!

My sister finished up her last class in early June but didn't "officially" graduate until today. After my long graduation ceremony 3 years ago, she opted out of "walking" and instead is having her diploma mailed to her. I really wanted her to walk because I think it's a once in a lifetime thing and I didn't get to see her graduate from high school as I was living in Mexico at the time. I told her she has no choice but to attend her graduation ceremony for her Master's program.

Anyways, we are spending the day celebrating as a family! I surprised her with a cake yesterday and we bought some champagne. We are also going to watch the Packers play their first preseason game tonight...couldn't think of a better way to celebrate.




Congrats again Julianne! I'm so proud of you! Now, onto grad school!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Lilly Pulitzer Fall

If you are a Lilly Pulitzer fan and you haven't checked out the new arrivals you must stop everything that you are doing right now and check it out...I.am.serious. I got so excited about the new arrivals that I midway through looking at them I had to hide my wallet from myself! Ok, obviously I knew where I hid it but it could NOT be accessible because it would have been bad, bad, bad news. I am going to allow myself to make a purchase or two.

Here's what I love love love loooove!



My friend Emily is getting married in October so I need a cute dress. I'm thinking about these two!



This one gets extra points because it has a bow!


Um how precious is this belt? Man I love a good bow!


Love this cardigan!


Ok that's it for now! Seriously, go check the new items out asap!


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm loving...


-Target's workout gear. I got a new sports bra yesterday and I'm obsessed with it. It is comfy and it comes in a bunch of fun colors! It's the C9 by Champion!

-Gilmore Girls. I've always loved the show but recently I've been re-watching Season 7, the final season. Its kind of a love-hate relationship though when I watch the final season because I get sad that its over...pathetic, I know. I just loved that show and wish they wouldn't have canceled it mid season. I really want to see if Rory and Logan get back together or if Lorelei and Luke get married.

-Goldfish baked S'mores. You can have 52 of these delicious little guys for 4 pts+...it's a nice little snack. Plus you can stack up the three flavors, which tastes deelish, or eat them separate!


Aren't they cute?
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-one of my friends from high school now lives 5 minutes from me!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Sunday Funday!

Oh Sunday Funday, what a great day you were. It’s very rare these days that all four of us are home and aren’t running around to a million different places throughout the day. On Sunday we all spent the day together cooking, eating, and hanging out! It was a blast!

My day began with cleaning my room and helping my sister clean hers. (Aren't I a great sister!) We both purged our closets of clothes that we don’t wear anymore (we even got rid of the stuff that you say “Oh, I might wear that soon” or “Oh, I’ll fit into that again”)…that’s progress. There was one exception though and it’s a pair of jeans I had my freshmen year of college. They’re from Abercrombie and Fitch which means they’re already a size or two smaller than other jeans and I LOVE them. Sadly, they don’t fit anymore …thank you freshmen 15 plus quite a few more…but I am determined that they will fit again…which is why I keep them. Anyways, I’ve decided that when they do fit I will wear them THAT day…even if it’s Monday-Thursday (We can wear jeans on Fridays)…I even warned my co-workers. Okay back to my Sunday.

After cleaning I ran out to the mall quick with my mom. It was tax free weekend here and it was also Friends and Family at GAP. I had done my fair share of stimulating the economy the day before so I only allowed myself to go into the GAP. I was super disappointed too and walked out empty handed. GAP you need to step it up a bit.

My mom and I then stopped at the grocery store to get the stuff to make Fried Pickles. I LOVE fried pickles and order them quite frequently when out for happy hour. I’ve wanted to make them for a few weeks but haven’t had the time. I wasn’t sure how they would turn out but they were DELICIOUS! (I’ll get back to them in a second).

Before we made the pickles my sister made homemade Juicy Peach Margaritas. I opted out because I’m trying to stick to the WW but I did have a taste test. These ritas were TO.DIE.FOR. You absolutely MUST try them. We got the recipe from this blog (one of our most favorites ever, "How Sweet It Is")…I have to warn you that you might gain weight by just looking at it. Her recipes are fabulous and we have tried a bunch and have yet to find one that we didn’t like. My sister served the min our Redneck Wine Glasses. All in all, we will be making these again soon...like on Thursday soon.

Blending the peaches!


Additional peaches before pouring in the Rita...is your mouth watering yet??? Mine definitely is!



Oh, hello there Peach Margarita. I recommend that you make these asap...as in this week.


Then it was onto the fried pickles. I assisted in making these. It was the first time I have ever fried anything so it was both a learning experience and interesting.

The pickles being soaked in buttermilk, hot sauce and garlic powder.


Coated with Uncle Bubba's Frying Mix!



The finished product aka deliciousness.


Now believe it or not, I managed to NOT go over my points on Sunday and I lost .6 pounds last week. .6 may not sound like lot but hey I have to celebrate small victories in order to keep going with this!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Cabin Weekend-Summer Edition

I'm finally getting a chance to blog about my trip to Wisco last weekend! I left Thursday around lunch time and arrived in Atown late afternoon. Kal picked me up and we immediately headed to do a little shopping for the weekend. I then met up with three of my high school friends Nick,Nate and Jordan for dinner and drinks! I hadn't seen my Nate in 2.5 years because he is currently teaching English in Korea. It was so great to see all of them and we had a blast at dinner! I left dinner with an aching stomach from laughing so hard. It was a great way to kick off the weekend.

Nick, Nate, Jordan and me!


Nate and me!


After dinner, Kal picked me up and we headed up to Katie's cabin. There were a few of us up there and at midnight we began celebrating Tess's birthday!




We had a jam out session and two of the song favorites were Taylor Swift's "Mean" and Jalson Aldean's "Dirt Road Anthem"


Friday we got up and began the day with a run...yes a run. It was quite difficult on my part as I had one too many Spotted Cows the night before. We were then off to do grocery shopping and headed to the lake to spend the day on the Fun Station. I loooved the Fun Station!

The Fun Station!




Our other friends began to arrive around dinner time. We spent the evening hanging out, catching up and having a good old time!

Saturday morning I got up to run with Kal and Erik. I struggled to keep up with them but am happy that I made the effort to go. We then spent the day on the lake, hanging out and playing outdoor games. It was a blast. Saturday evening we all got ready and headed to the local bar. It turns out they had a DJ and a big cookout which was a blast. We danced and danced and danced!

The Girls


The Pillars...aka these people have been at all 4 cabin weekends. I missed the summer edition last year because we had a family vacation planned.




Dancing!


These pictures don't do justice as to how much fun the weekend was. I already am counting down for the winter edition!

Friday, August 5, 2011

Can I get a T.G.I.F?

Every week it seems like I am over-joyed when Friday rolls around. I mean it takes Friday long enough to get here so I think I should be excited! However this week seemed to go by quickly (not complaining). I'm not sure if it was because I spent the majority of the week in a fog recovering from last weekend or what. Speaking of the "fog" that I was in this week...I know that I am by no means "old" but I can’t party like I used to and bounce right back. My 3 days of fun definitely caught up to me and I was super tired and felt like crap. However, it was totally worth it and I would do it all over again…and plan to in 6 months for the Winter Edition!!! (not that I’m counting or anything)

My week consisted of eating much, much healthier. I’ve managed to stay on plan/track all week and am planning to do so this weekend. I struggle a LOT on the weekends because I’m not in as much of a routine and food is around me constantly…but if I’m going to be successful at this I have to figure out a way to deal with the temptation. I know that I feel so so so much better when I eat healthy, work out, and have less adult beverages…I just forget that “good feeling” when I see unhealthy food options!

I also worked out, spent time with my family, and relaxed! I was supposed to be going out of town this weekend but will be staying in town to help out with the dogs instead. I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this but we have three dogs and our house has become a zoo! Growing up we had zero animals (with the exception of a gerbil and chameleon). When I started high school my parents purchased Maybell Madison(renamed Mayhell because of her antics. She got her middle name because we purchased her in Madison, WI). Mayhell enjoyed being an only furchild for the majority of her life thus far. When my sister began college she got a dog who we call Clem. Finally, shortly after I graduated I got Blakeli and that is how we ended up at three. I don’t think my parents ever imagined that ALL three dogs would be under one roof. I never saw that day coming either. However, since I live at home and my sis is temporarily at home for the summer we are all under one roof…and we will continue to be as my sister is not taking Clem with her to Boston.

This weekend I will also be blogging about Cabin Weekend Summer Edition! TGIF! Woo!