Life. {Via Instagram}

Ohhh Instagram, how I love thee. I wish I had taken more pictures this weekend… but, I didn’t. How cute is Swag? He’s my bro and Hollie’s pup and he’s a giant! But sooo lovable. And I did some drinkin’ this weekend… Jack, tea, coffee… {Jack failed at making me feel better.} And those boys… two of my bestest guys {the blonde’s my bro – the birthday boy}.

I woke up Saturday morning feeling so yucky. Sore throat, stuffy nose, coughing… the works. And that wasn’t boding well for me because I had a busy day – work and my brothers birthday celebration. So I made myself some tea and ignored the sickness that was setting in. It was such a rainy, rainy day for a scavenger hunt – but it was a lot of fun despite the rain and being sick. We had to do everything from get a random person’s number {which I did, then got asked out on a date – by a 20 year old – I’m almost 29, guys. Needless to say we had a good laugh} we had to do a shot with a random person {that turned out comical – Amy ended up doing a shot with a friend of mine from HS – so we cheated a bit, whatevs} we had to skinny dip in Lake Logan {we didn’t do that one – ran out of time} and visit a legendary “haunted” rock in our area… among LOTS of other things.

Sunday I had a lazy day around the house, sat on the porch and soaked up the beautiful day. I wish I hadn’t felt so sick, I’d have loved to go for a hike. Oh well.

{I realize it’s halfway thru the week and I’m posting about the past weekend – it’s my blog, I do what I want. }

Happy hump day, dolls!

Happy Birthday to youuu…

Dear Momma,

Happpppppppy Birthdayyyyyyyyyyyy. {I won’t mention how old you are – but, you don’t look a day over 29 – what? You can’t look younger than me! } I’m gonna try to make this short and sweet – I know you probably don’t want to tear up while reading this. So I’m going to try to not let that happen. {You’re welcome.}

Thank you. For everything. You are one of the most amazing women I’ve ever known and I am so grateful that we are so close. There is nothing more I love than our Saturday routines when I’m home. I love going to Panera and meandering thru all the stores in town looking for absolutely nothing. I love hanging out in the living room watching Lifetime movies all day long. I love when you have a couple glasses of wine and turn into one of the funniest people I know. {NOT that you aren’t funny the rest of the time.;)} I love how you and Dad are still in love and still support each other, daily. I love how you pretend to get so pouty when we are picking on you. {But really – sometimes you are just an easy target.} I love how you call me at the same time, everyday. I love how no one can put life into perspective like you can. I love how you give me your absolute honest opinion on what I’m wearing – whether it’s what I want to hear or not. I love that you and Dad have given Bubba and I such wonderful lives and brought us up with good morals and the ability to be ourselves, and to know ourselves. I love how you both have supported me in my love of fashion and creativity; regardless of it’s practicality. I love that you allow me to be me, mistakes and all. I love that the minute my heart gets broken you are ready to hop in the car and bring me ice cream and do whatever you can to mend the broken. I love that sometimes your best relationship advice is “be careful with your heart”. I love your eyebrow plucking abilities. {Seriously, you should charge people… but, not me.} I love that you try to think outside the realms of matchy/matchy when I’m describing something I want to wear. And then always follow it up with a “I wouldn’t wear it – but, it could work on you.”

I’ve spent a lot of time writing this post. A lot of time deleting, thinking, rewriting, and deleting again. Sometimes, words just don’t seem like enough. So I apologize for my seemingly jumbled thoughts.

There has been one constant in my life and that’s family. And the older I get the more I realize how very rare that is. Growing up I took it for granted, when you’re 15 you don’t see beyond yourself. At that age, you don’t realize how lucky you are. I know I didn’t realize it. Maybe it’s something that comes with age, maybe it’s something that comes with experience… whichever it is… I realize it now. I’m thankful everyday for you, our relationship, Dad, Bubba, and our family. {Including the extended ones, of course!}

I hope this year is an amazing one. The best yet.

I love you with all my heart.

p.s. A HUGE birthday shout out to TWO of my beautiful friends, Meg and Mandi! I hope you ladies have the best birthdays and I can’t wait to have a celebratory drink/cupcake/cookie/etc {Now, all y’all hop on over to their blogs and wish them a good one!}

Happy Birthday to you!

Today is one of dearest friends birthday {Amy…pop onto her twitter and wish her a good one!} – we met almost 4 years ago when I began working for her and her family. Who would have known that we would grow into such amazing friends..and that her family would be like a second family to me. We are together more than most {happens when you work together AND are friends outside of it!} and it’s almost gotten to the point where we don’t even have to speak; we just know what each other are thinking.

It’s been such a fun, crazy, silly ride the past 4 years. Vacations, concerts, night outs, night ins, road tripping with the girls, you name it we’ve done it and loved every minute of it…

Here’s a lil trip down memory lane…

p.s. these aren’t in any specific order. 

I hope you have the happiest of birthday’s, Love. You deserve it. Here’s to this being the best year yet and lots more memories to come! 

And anyone else celebrating a birthday today {pssst, RYAN!} HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY birthday to you too!

Source: Uploaded by user via Shelly on Pinterest

Love always.

Birthdays. Sushi. Karaoke. 4th of July.

Hey pretties

Happy 4th of July to you!!

Hope you are having the most fabulous weekend – mine has been filled with…

 sushi {i’m slowly trying different kinds and i’m really enjoying it.}

karaoke {first time for this… and it was a blast! I made a total ass of myself – but it was so fun!}

drinks

movies {I watched Marley and Me – I don’t know what I was thinking. That movie is too sad!}

and friends.

Pretty nice if I do say so myself

Aren’t these cupcakes amazing?! Our sweet friend Tammi bakes these bad boys. Check her out – she is AHHHHMAZINGGGG! Polka Dot Cupcakery

And it was this guy’s bday! Happy Birthday Alex!!!!

p.s. Today is also my cousin Laura’s birthday – This girl is more like my sister than my cousin. She and I can fight and bicker but laugh and be silly in the next minute. I love this girl with all my heart. She is one of the strongest girls I’ve ever known and I am so proud of her for all she has done. If you are friends with her – pop over to her page and wish her a happy birthday. She deserves one of the best! Happy Birthday girlie!!

What’d y’all do for your long weekend?!

Love always.

Guest Blog Post: Missy from Yellow Duck Cookies {Happy Bday Eve}

Hey pumpkins!

Happy Saturday, did y’all have a fun Friday evening?!

As I said yesterday it’s Missy’s birthday tomorrow and I thought it would be fun to have her guest blog on her birthday eve! {And we know that I LOVEEEEE birthdays and celebrate any way possible – so you know that’s how we are doing hers!}

Here she goes…

Hello! My name is Melissa and Jackie asked me to guest blog on her site! I am a Fashion graduate from Ohio University and I own Yellow Duck Cookies.  I currently live in Columbus,Ohio. This blog is going to be the about the main things in my closet right now and just some of my fashion favorites.

- The color Marigold. I’m obsessed with this color! My purse is this color and the cardigan I own this color I wear constantly. My favorite colors to match it with are Royal Blue and Plum Purple.

- FLATS! I am starting to become very fond of Mary Jane inspired strappy flats. They have such a vintage and girly feel to them. I wear flats with everything and they have taken over my flip flop love and let me tell you that is serious.

- Vintage inspired summer dresses. You will more likely never find me in a skin tight sexy dress. It’s just not me. I love high waisted girly cute dresses. They are the most flattering on me and the most comfortable. My birthday is next week, any of these will do
- I’m not looking forward to the humidity and heat at all because this means my tights are going away for awhile. I’ve been trying to stay out of the tanning bed and wearing these tights have helped with the paleness I hate! Tights bring so much character to an outfit.

- My style icon is Sherri Dupree Bemis from the band Eisley. I first saw them open for Snow Patrol in 2004 and have been a huge fan since. She is a very confident person and dresses and does her style at her own will. I’ve seen her in every hair color and in outfits I would have never even thought of then been like wow that is adorable. She inspires my daily fashion an she is just quite adorable in every aspect. This is someones closet i would love to have! Yep that’s my girl crush! Haha

This past year I’ve been very nostalgic with my fashion. I love Mary Janes and ballet flats from my childhood. I have found myself loving Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty again… And I’ve seen it in all the stores. I would kill to still fit in these outfits!!!

 

I hope you enjoyed my guest blog as much as I loved writing it! Have a great week!

Melissa

Fun right?! Hope you guys enjoyed it and have a fabulous Saturday!!!!

Love always.

{Pink and Green} and some Zac Brown Band.

Hi Pretties

How’s your Thursday going?! 

I’m pretty busy today but wanted to link up to Pink Preppy Lilly Lover for Pink and Green Thursday! {EEEEEK!!! Who doesn’t love this color combo?! It’s so… preppy!! }

I’m also going to the Zac Brown Band concert tonight… O.M.G. I’m soooo excited!! Amy {THANK YOU!} got tickets for her and I to go for my birthday {see, i’m still managing to celebrate!} {oh, did I mention that I have kick-ass friends?!} !! So pumped! Gonna rock my cowboy boots {which I love so much that I want to buried in} and a cute like floral dress. Wearin country like I know best!!

Anyways… on to the picture show…

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

I love this. I think it would look super cute with denim cut-offs. I. need. green. shoes. I must find some cute ones – have you seen any?!

Source: sunkissed-dreams.tumblr.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

This doesn’t even need words. How perfect are both of those shades?! I am in love with them. {However, I’m pretty sure I own both just not in pretty Chanel bottles. *swoon*}

Source: inspirationfordecoration.blogspot.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

I love this. My bedroom {when clean} is in similar shades – but I love the simplicity of this. I think it’s my new inspiration for some redecorating in my bedroom. It’s so clean and girly.

Source: huset-shop.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

I. love. the. pillows. I want to make them – and put them on the above pictured bedding. How summery and perfect?!

Source: pink-to-green.blogspot.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

So when I first saw this, it sounded kinda gross… but the more I thought about it… the more I want to try it. Strawberry and Argula grilled cheese… could be very yummy… could be very gross! Haha. Have you tried anything like this?!

Well lovelies, that’s it for Pink and Green – I think next week I’m going to do photos of what I own that are Pink and Green inspired!! 

Have a most fabulous Thursday!

Love always.

The bucket list. 28 things.

Turning 28 feels weird to me. I feel like I should be married, having kids, living the white picket fence dream.  At least that’s what I thought when I was 18. Then – 28 seemed a lifetime away. And it was – just as 18 seem like a lifetime ago. It’s funny; we are planning out 10 year class reunion – 10 years? Where’d the time go?

Some awesome bloggers {like her and her} have made “bucket lists” and I’ve always wanted to make one. To make a list of all the crazy, simple, silly, outlandish things I can think of that I REALLY want to do.  So I thought what better time than my 28^th birthday to begin one…

So here goes, guys. {and I highly encourage you make one of your own if you haven’t already!}

Source: honey-and-bee.tumblr.com via Jodie on Pinterest

1.     Learn to surf.

2.     Make it to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

3.     Sew {and design} a party dress.

4.     Live in a pink house.

5.     Go for a girl’s weekend with my Mom.

6.     Take a picture of myself in front of the Eiffel Tower. 

7.     Go “unplugged” for a week.

8.     Take my kids on family vacations like my parents did. {Those are some of my favorite memories}

9.     Send snail mail more often. Who doesn’t love getting fun mail?!

10.  Watch every Audrey Hepburn movie.

Source: None via lizzie on Pinterest

11.  Have weekly father/daughter dates.

12.  Find “movie love” – I believe it exists.

13.  Run in the Race for the cure next  May.

14.  Live by the beach {maybe in my pink house…}

15.  Host {and cook} a holiday family gathering.

16.  Read the classics. {Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Erye} 

17. Lose 15 lbs. For real, with good ole diet and exercise.

18. Read all the books that I buy. 

19. When I go to bed at night, unplug myself. Put my phone away, turn the TV off and read.

20. Volunteer at the Humane Society.

21. Travel all over Europe.

22. Grow my hair long. Longer than I’ve ever had it. 

23. Give my clothes to a girl that needs them.

24. Go on a clothing detox and not buy anything for 30 days.

25. Find a way to create more hours in the day. {What – a girl can dream. }

26. Raise my family {when I have one} in the country. Like I was raised.

Source: tumblr.com via Kendall on Pinterest

27. Take more me time.

28. Help start a clothing brand, from the ground up.

When you sit down and think about the things you want to do before you die. It’s not an easy task. Some things are hard to put into words. Some are just completely silly. And some… I just don’t know that the world needs to know them. {No offense, loves – but sometimes we have to keep a few things a bit private }

I started with 28 – because… I just turned 28. I hope to add to it and to cross things off and keep you guys updated throughout – now you all can kind of hold me accountable. {That’s a little intimidating!}

Have you made a bucket list?!

Happy Tuesday, loves.

Love always.

I will be back soon.

Hi loves.

So sorry. I have been so MIA this week. 

I promise come tomorrow we will be back to our regularly scheduled program. I needed a little break. I hope you understand – I have missed you all dearly and hope you haven’t forgotten about lil ole me and my lil ole bloggy. 

Tonight we are having a bonfire to commemorate me turning old. So once the birthday festivities are over… I will be back.

Have a fabulous weekend. Chat with you soon.

Love always.

 

My Birthday Wishlist. {Semi Wordless Wednesday}

Hi loves – how are you?! I feel so very distant this week – what is with me?!

I have really failed this week at blogging. I equate that to it being absolutely disgusting here {we are talking 45 and raining – it’s the middle of May. Not. Cool.}, me not feeling 100%, and well, it’s my birthday week… so nothing else really matters. {ok, ok, so I haven’t really been celebrating it everyday – like I wish I could – but, I can dream and play “princess” all week if I want… and believe me… I have been… and not the good princess. yesterday I had an evil bout as the ice princess… bad. news. bears.}

BUT today… I’m much happier. So thats good for all parties involved – mainly, myself.

So, since it is my birthday eve {and Wednesday}…

Here is my birthday wishlist…
by way of Flip Flops & Pearls Semi Wordless Wednesday!

 
Feel free to send me anything you see…I won’t be too picky ;) hehehe.

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

yellow wedges. they would seriously go with EVERYTHING. *sigh*

do i want yellow wedges… or sperrys?!

decisions. decisions.

Source: ffffound.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

long hair. can you get me this?! or maybe just suggest a magical potion?! 

Source: weheartit.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

this manicure. it. is. so. me.

Source: chictopia.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

i love this dress. and the bike. i need a bike.



Source: thestylishwanderer.blogspot.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

this print… in a frame. because i will forever and always have messy hair. and i have learned to embrace it. love it, really.

Source: weheartit.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

he. is. adorable. i want. {this is about the point years ago that I’d put on my begging, pouty face and say “daddyyyy, pleeeeeaseeeee, can i get him?! prettttttty pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease?!” cue pouty face, again… and, it would work. (I will have you know that this act works SO well that my Mom has been known to call me when she wants a puppy/kitten/polar bear/fuzzy cute animal and have me recite this to my Dad. That’s the truth, kids.) BUT i’m 28 – and this face and pouty voice doesn’t work on many other people. *sigh*} …and i don’t think Tric would enjoy him… cats + rabbits = a massacre. {i’ve witnessed this. RIP Rascal.}

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

What?! This is MY wishlist. Therefore, I can wish how BIG or small I want. And I want to go to Paris.

Now. Please send me, or pack me in your suitcase – I’m not picky.

Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

Birthday breakfast, say what?! Lemon pancakes, people. I. would. be. in. heaven.

Source: effyeahprinceharry.tumblr.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

Hey, if I’m gonna dream – I may as well dream big. We all know how much I want to be a princess. {This week was no exception. I thought I was one.} Oh, Prince Harry… we would make the most adorable couple.

Source: imgfave.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

I wish to always remember this.

Source: chloesnails.blogspot.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

I need this.

Source: bleubirdvintage.typepad.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

I want to spend a day relaxing, reading, sipping mojitos right here. Someone needs to build me one of these… or just take me here.

I know, I dream big. But thats the point of wishlists, isn’t it?!

Happy hump day, dolls!

{And happy birthday eve to me! }

Love always.

p.s. I’m aware of my horrible capitalization errors. Sometimes I was on. sometimes i was off. It’s kind of very annoying, right?! Won’t happen again. promise. But it’s my birthday week, and i’m using it to all advantages. {and I wrote this post over the course of a few hours, and kind of went in… and out of it. Oopsy.}

p.s.s. I love you guys for reading my obnoxious blogs this week. You. Are. Amazing.

Good karma.

Source: weheartit.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Hey dolls – how was your weekend? Mine was pretty stinkin’ busy. Saturday morning I participated in the Susan G. Komen race for the cure – which is always such a heartwarming event. I’m proud to be apart of it. 

Went out for happy hour Saturday evening, which was nice. Can’t beat a good happy hour with good friends.

And yesterday – it was grocery, cleaning, and chilling out from the week. 

But the good news is… It’s MY BIRTHDAY WEEK!!!!

{yes, for some reason, at some point in my life – I decided my birthday warranted an entire week instead of just a day. I’m okay with it. }

So this week will be full of wish lists, random facts, and goals of mine. Saying goodbye to 27 and hello to 23 28. Wow, 28. That seems so old, to me at least. I know, I know – it’s really not that old. But I can remember turning 18 and thinking how far away 28 seemed. Hmm.. Life is funny. 

Anyways, I’m going to finish my Starbucks and get on with my day. I do hope you all have a fabulous day. {and week – I’m sending everyone good karma since its my birthday week! }

Anything exciting going on for you this week?!

Love Always.