5 on Friday | Oh the Weather Outside is Freightful

Thank goodness it if FINALLY FRIDAY!! It's has been bitterly chilly here the past few days {ahem... Tuesday all 50 states were below freezing!!}, which has called for layers upon layers of comfy, cozy sweaters, scarves, and boots. For me, this week has been hectic and outright crazy. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend and spending Saturday playing football and enjoying a meal with friends.

Sooooo let's get to it:

ONE
The theme of my week has been crazy "firedrill" after "firedrill" at work. Planning a year in advance can sometimes be difficult & setting up and "fluffing" aprox. 18 Christmas Trees was just the icing on the cake. I think that I learned this week more than I ever want to know about a fake Christmas tree. From tips to hinges versus branches to wrapped and twigs, I can now call myself a Christmas Tree EXPERT!

TWO
I added this new Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor to my make-up collection and I have been getting so many comments on the color and friends asking where they can get it that I thought I would share. Lately it has been a go-to in my makeup routine.

THREE
I linked up with Elise, April, Katie, & Zelle as they hosted one of the best link ups during the Holiday Season-- These are a few of my favorite things. If you missed out you can find my list here. Next week I will be sharing some stocking stuffer ideas! 

FOUR
Last night {Thursday} I went to the Do It Herself workshop with Home Depot. The project turned out to be very challenging.... but in the end we 85% completed the Holiday Marquee. My group selected that since I was the best with the Jig Saw at cutting the rounded edges that I should take our project home. I think after a little more TLC & coats of paint it will be something fun to hang in the house for the Holidays.

FIVE
Today marks 33 days until Christmas! YAY for taking time off work and spending time with family and friends. On Monday my friends and I put together our Operation Christmas Child boxes and are going to deliver them this weekend to the drop-off. I am filled with JOY knowing that I am touching a child in need with a special Christmas gift!

Thanks to Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha!

Relax.

Think about it... 1440 minuets in a day & trying to find just a few to sit and be still sometimes seems like it is a task within itself. I found this on Pinterest and it really put into perspective that I need to take some time and just sit & relax. My week has been so crazy. From "Fire-drills" at work to just plain overloading myself with plans/ activities and trying to fit my workouts into my schedule I have been down right BUSY! I am looking forward to being able to spend relaxation me time this weekend and enjoy just being.

xoxo

Smart Spending | Workout Gear

I would not call working out one of my favorite activities, but it is something necessary to help me keep in shape and stay healthy. I have been going to LifeTime Fitness consistently for almost a year. Yippie!!

One thing that encourages me to go to the gym is that I have cute workout gear. Now that I am a "regular" I see typically two types of women in the gym: the throw on the old t-shirt and shorts probably with holes, and the perfect make-up/ hair duo rocking the matching break the bank outfit. 

My look: something between.

For me when it comes to fitness gear, I like to have a balance: Splurge & Save items. This helps me spend my money wisely and focus on the items that offer a reason for the expensive price tag.

Splurge: Leggings/ Yoga Pants
I think that most gals would agree that extremely expensive pants are almost always worth it. Think Lululemon Wunder Under Pant ($82- $92). Think of these as an investment, you are and should wash these pups a ton, and nobody wants to have them lose their shape or compromise the materials. I have a few pairs of these babies & I do not think that I will ever go back. I have never had an issue with them stretching out or rolling down even during a workout!




Save: Shorts
I hardly ever wear shorts when working out, but when I do I am not running a marathon or cycling. For this reason there is really not a reason to pay a bunch for shorts. I have a few Nike pairs ($20). Sometimes you can even find great shorts at TJMaxx or Marshall's.








Splurge: Sports Bra
Unsupportive, ill-fitting, and uncomfortable bra is also pretty bad for you (enter premature sagging). Please do yourself a favor and spend some mulah. I have a few items from Nordstroms Zella brand which are stylish, supportive, and come in a variety of colors.







Save: Top
Stop by any store and what are you likely to find an Athletic Gear section. Workout clothes have become ultra popular not only for working out, but also as leisure wear. Forever 21 has a great selection that is surprisingly stylish and inexpensive. This workout top ($12) has unique faux leather side panels & we all know leather makes everything better.




Splurge: Tennis Shoes
If you only can splurge on one item of your workout outfit please make it your tennis shoes. Your feet, knee, and hips will be thanking you for doing a little extra for them. Remember you only have a pair of each and they can make you out of commission if not properly taken care of. Zappos.com has a great selection of shoes for any type of workout + they have wonderful customer experience. Lately I have had my eye on these Asics (normally i'm a Nike girl though).

Save: Workout Bag
The workout bag itself offers only something to carry all of the above mentioned items. It does not need to be something fancy or expensive. Shamelessly I use my reusable Lululemon bag to carry all of my stuff in + the nice thing is when its wearing out I can toss it out and not feel like I have wasted any money. If you don't want to be such a scrooge, American Apparel offers this bag in a multitude of colors, its only $24, and I could get if monogrammed!



Save: Socks
Hopefully you are like me and rotate in and out socks on a regular basis and are NOT hanging on to them for years. Socks wear out easily, get holes, dirty, stinky, and all the above. Use, Reuse, and Replace is the motto. I am lucky enough to visit the Renfro Sock Outlet in Mt Airy, NC but if you are not in NC, you can pick up good quality inexpensive socks at Target.




xoxo

2014 Favorite Things| My List

These are a few of my favorite things 2014 Christmas List:

one| I absolutely love all GOLD everything and these Pavé Round Stud Earrings would be the perfect addition to any outfit + they are timeless. I could see wearing them while running errands or dressing them up for a night out on the town.

two| I have been needing some new boots, but I am not willing to splurge myself for these beauts. Hoping that Santa sees my list this year. nod.nod.wink.wink.

three| Now that the cold weather has come to stay I am craving some new flannel pj's. I love the penguin & snowflake print of this Bedhead pair. 

four| Monogram. Need I say more. The two letter monogram has been pretty popular this season and I have been looking at this necklace for a few weeks. A huge plus is that is is less than $40!

five| I cannot live without my morning coffee. I got a friend this to-go cup earlier this year and now am wanting one for myself.

six| Who can go wrong with new nail polish in their stocking. I am always in need of a new pink or red shade {my go-to colors}.

seven| I love being organized & having cute stationary. This journal would be perfect for me to keep my daily work notes or to do lists in.

eight| I would really love to add this new coat to my closet this year. I love that it has a hood and is longer than my other Barbour I have had my Barbour red quilted jacket for a super long time. I have been very pleased with the quality despite the price tag. I would definitely recommend to anyone.

nine| This year more than anything I want to take a fun trip somewhere. Jack and I have both been saying this for a while and there are so many places that we want to visit that {fingers crossed} we can pick one and jet set!

Thanks to April, Elise, Katie, Zelle 

xoxo

OCC | Inside the Box

EKKkkk! I am so excited to share with you today tonight (in this super late post) what is inside my Operation Christmas Child box. I have been waiting all weekend until tonight when I got together with some girlfriends to stuff our boxes after our Supper-club. we decided that in total we would make 2 boxes for girls and 2 boxes for boys. I created a box for a 5-9 year old boy. 

Look here to find out more about OCC. 

First: Toys!

Beyblades (2) this way the boy can play with his friends. Pick up sticks-- an old favorite of mine when I was small, a crab stuffed animal that can also be used like a loofah & Matchbox cars.

Second: Essentials

I know that this child will likely not have the same dental access that I have and so I included a regular sized tooth paste & 4 tooth brushes. I believe that brushing your teeth is one of the most important hygiene routines. I also have a Scooby Doo washcloth and a loofah + some socks. I just not realize that I forgot a bar of soap. I will make sure to add that before delivery.

Third: School Supplies

I enjoy being organized & having tons of supplies. I chose an Iron Man activity book + coloring pencils + crayons and a Spiderman pencil pouch to store all writing instruments. Also included are a jumbo Avengers pen, writing tablet, Cars pencils + erasers, and a Mickey & Friends dry erase board.

Fourth: Sweets

I tried not to include too many sweets, but I had to throw in a few. The Yoohoo singles are perfect and you add them to water. I also included Smarties. When I was in middle school before any test or quiz of my teachers would hand out Smarties to calm her class. I had pretty much forgotten about these gems until I saw them at Dollar Tree & I knew they would be perfect for my box. 

Fifth: Finished Product + the Letter

In my letter I wrote about how blessed the child who receives this box is and a little about myself. My hope for this child is that they see how much God loves them and that they can grow in their own relationship with him. I hope that this will also brighten their day & that they will be happy knowing someone somewhere cares so much for them.

I have to admit, but it was extremely hard to fit cram so many goodies into such a small space. It made me even more humbled for how extremely blessed I am in my life & how much giving something so small as a shoe box can change a child's life.

After being dropped off, it should take approximately a week for the box to get to the child. I am going to pray that this box arrives safely to a healthy and loved child. That they would know that someone cares about them and that whatever situation they may be in can be brightened from a stranger. I encourage you to pray along with me for all of the children who will be receiving boxes over the next few weeks.

Remember to link up with Hayley for the #OCCBLOGSHARE.

Happy Monday!!

XOXO

5 on FRIDAY | TGIF

One- Just because it's Monday 
Jack sent me these beautiful flowers "just because it's Monday". I love sunflowers and these were the perfect way to brighten up my Monday.

Two- Supper club 
Each week Jennifer, Sara, Elizabeth, & I meet for a "supper club" and take turns cooking for the group. This week Jennifer made Basil Chicken Curry with Cauliflower rice and a side veggie salad. It was delicious and a super quick and easy recipe.

Three- Happy Birthday
Saturday, Nov 15th, Winston {Sara's pup} turns ONE! I am sad to miss out on the day, but we will be celebrating next week. HBD Winston!

Four- OCC
I spent this week gathering items for my Operation Christmas Child box. I found some wonderful items at Family Dollar and Dollar Tree and cannot wait to share what's in my box with you Monday. It is not too late to join in and make this Christmas special for a child in need.



FIVE- TOMS @ Target
I can't wait to pick up this poncho ($28!) below when the TOMS+Target Collection launches Nov. 16th!

Thanks to Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha!

xoxo

Starbucks BOGO Free

If you are fan of Starbucks get excited because it's Starbucks BOGO Free Week!! What a way to treat yourself (twice) or treat a friend with one of their favorite holiday drinks. The BOGO runs only from Today, November 12th until Sunday, November 16th 2pm-5pm AND, as a bonus, My Starbucks Rewards  members get an extra hour, until 6pm. 

This year's new creation is the Chestnut Praline Latte. This latte is a combination of espresso, steamed milk, and flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices. Then it is topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs. I will certainly have to give this new drink a try! Other flavors also included are Caramel Brulee Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Skinny Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, and Eggnog Latte. (Flavors may vary based on location).

My favorites are Peppermint Mocha and the Caramel Brulee Latte.

While you are out this week getting some early holiday shopping done, stop by Starbucks and grab something yummy! 

xoxo

Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran's Day! Today is a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Personally I am very thankful for my Veteran 94 year old grandfather. We would not be where we are today as a country if it were not for you and countless others. Thank you!

Me and Grandpa

Here are some specials that different places are offering to all Vets.

• Get a free haircut. Veterans who visit Great Clips shops on Nov. 11, can either receive a free haircut — or a card for a free haircut to redeem by Dec. 31.

• Eat a free meal. At Hooters, the freebie meal on Veterans Day can be worth up to $10.99, with any drink purchase. Applebee's, Chili's and California Pizza Kitchen all offer free meals from a special menu to vets and active military.

• Eat a free buffet. Golden Corral is serving free dinner buffets (with beverages) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, at all restaurants, to anyone who is serving or who has served in the military. That same date, Bonanza Steakhouses also will offer free buffets for vets and active military.

• Down a free burger. Shoney's offers its signature All-American Burger, free, to vets or active duty military all day on Veterans Day. Or, you can head to Red Robin and get a Red's Tavern Double burger with Bottomless Steak Fries, on the house. Max & Erma's offers a free cheeseburger combo and dessert to vets and active military.

• Drink a free coffee. Starbucks is offering a free, tall brewed coffee on Tuesday to all U.S. military veterans and active duty service members — and their spouses.

• Scarf down free pancakes. IHOP offers vets and active military free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Bob Evans also has all-you-can-eat hotcakes on Veterans Day for veterans and active military.

• Lick a free cone. Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt shops are giving away free single-scoop ice cream cones to all veterans and military personnel on Tuesday.

Work-out for free. 24-Hour Fitness offers free use of the health club to vets and active military through Tuesday.

• Enjoy a free appetizer. Red Lobster, through Thursday, is offering free appetizers to veterans and active duty military.

• Sip a free beer. Restaurants owned by CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries (including Gordon Biersch Brewery, Rock Bottom, Old Chicago Pizza and ChopHouse & Brewery) offer a free craft beer to active and retired military Tuesday.

• Down a free doughnut — and coffee. Krispy Kreme will give a free doughnut and small coffee to anyone who identifies themselves as a veteran or active duty military on Veterans Day.

• Get free game tokens. Chuck E. Cheese will give 20 free tokens to U.S. military vets and active-duty military through Saturday.

• Get your junk hauled, free. For disabled veterans, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling locations, will offer free junk removal to disabled vets who book on Veterans Day.

** Thanks to USA today for the above specials.

xoxo

Weekend | In the 919

The "919" is the Raleigh area code & if you are from there then you know that the 919 is kind of a big deal. Most of my weekend was spent with family in Raleigh, but first my weekend started out in Charlotte. 

Friday night I babysat for these two cuties! They are both huge Panthers fans & we always have a great time together. We watched Elf {getting in the Christmas spirit} and played Battle Ship. I am looking forward to their Elf on the Shelf, Noddy, making his appearance soon!

T & H, can you tell they love the Panthers?

After they sank 2 ships we decided that meant they WON!

Saturday morning I woke up SUPER early and my brother {Alex} drove us to Raleigh. We spent the morning hanging out and took a trip to KROGER {my favorite Grocery store} and ran into Planter's Mr. Nut. Planter's was promoting their new Salted Caramel Peanuts and ya'll these were amazing. They are perfectly seasoned and I can see these replacing Honey Roasted Peanuts. 

Me & Alex with Mr. Nut

We spent the afternoon hanging out, enjoying the beautiful sunshine, and building a fire in the fire pit.

Cricket, enjoying the sunshine.PS look at the shadow of Cricket, it cracks me up!

Homemade Pumpkin Pie 

Alex with the huge fire

Roasting marshmallows

 S'mores ingredients & finished product 

Jack and I met some friends {Katie and Chris} at Tazza Kitchen on Sunday for brunch. The coffee was amazing & Jack's French Toast was to die for. After brunch we met up with my family+grandpa+cousin to watch Jeff Dunham's {the Ventriloquist} Disorderly Conduct Tour. It was absolutely hilarious. Achmed the dead terrorist was my favorite character and at the end of the show audience members were able to ask Achmed a question. My favorite jokes were the ones asking Achmed about praying, where he answered "I don't know why by my neighbor prays 30 times a day for those Panthers." Which was hillarious because the Panthers have not been playing well lately. 

When Jeff would ask Achmed the questions he would say "Jane Said Dear Achmed"... and so on. Someone was trying to catch Jeff off guard and wrote in their name as Filma Cracken so when Jeff read it sounded like "Fill My Crack In" which was hillarious because Achmed is a skeleton. 

After the show I drove back to Charlotte and enjoyed watching Scandal.

xoxo