Saturday morning and who’s gonna play with me
{pressroom – new favorite coffee shop.restaurant.soon to be wine bar in downtown Bentonville}
{cappuccino + mocha + adorable tiny flower}
{fabulous homemade granola + vanilla yogurt}
{husband’s breakfast tacos – chorizo, eggs, avocado, cilantro, salsa, lime – delish!}
“Nothing’s ever gonna happen ’round here
If we don’t make it happen
Sleep away the day if you want to
But I got something that I gotta do”
Head, heels & standards
“Keep your head, heels and standards high.”
– via a chalkboard in my best friend’s kitchen, i.e. why we are best friends
C’est la vie
It’s been a crazy, fabulous, ridiculous, stressful, exciting, reminiscent, tiring week. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This week’s recap in lessons learned.
1. You can sleep when your dead.
2. One text/phone call/email can make the world of a difference to someone.
3. Sometimes reconnecting with old friends is exactly what you need.
4. Whether people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime, cherish each of them.
5. A sunday dinner, whether with a big family or a lone newlywed couple, is the perfect way to start a week.
6. Risk it all and just say yes.
7. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. *truly a life motto
8. Best friends are for life, no matter what gets in the way.
9. You can have more fun at a janky bowling alley than a fancy party if you’re with the right people.
10. Don’t judge something simply because you don’t understand it.
11. Relax.
12. Never stop learning – about yourself, your significant other, your family, your friends, the world around you.
13. Don’t be complacent. Don’t be afraid to dream. Don’t forget your passions. Don’t quit.
14. To art enthusiasts and newsies around the world, Bentonville, Arkansas is no longer simply Bentonville, Arkansas.
15. “Success, people praising you, it all goes away.. and when that day comes, if you dont like who you’ve become, you’re done.” – Rufus Humphrey, Gossip Girl
Inspire me.
Who doesn’t love a great quote? Well while catching up on a dear friend’s blog (kgd) I was inspired by multiple quotes she had posted and just had to share.
Enjoy and be inspired.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. —African Proverb
Sadness be gone. Let’s be people who deserve to be loved, who are worthy. ‘Cause we are worthy.
—Malin Akerman, Happythankyoumoreplease
Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.
—H. Jackson Brown Jr.
and one via A Cup of Jo
“I must learn to love the fool in me–the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool.”
— Theodore I. Rubin, MD
My Weekend Was:
{Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs}
*seeing a new band with old friends – Andy Frasco, I love you.
*dancing like nobody’s watching ’til the wee hours with my best friend
*spending a full day in my pajamas on the couch, only leaving the apt for ice cream
*two fabulous impromptu afternoon naps
*incredible steak dinner cooked by the hubby
*a beautiful drive through the Ozarks to Eureka Springs
*driving through historic downtown windows down, 70 degrees, playing O.C. soundtrack – perfection
*a much-needed afternoon getaway with the husband + a reminder of God’s beauty all around us
*Sunday night – getting ready for the crazy week ahead with Desperate Housewives + late night hot tub
05.28.11
Our wedding pictures have finally arrived! Below is a snapshot of my perfect day.
*
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
– Colossians 3:12 – 17
{Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks}
{story time with my girls to calm my nerves}
{BFFL}
{so darn cute}
{olivia + emma + zoe = most adorable flower girls ever}
{my new father-in-law}
{what a studly group of men}
{the best part of the bride walking down the aisle – watching the groom}
{so many emotions}
{maid of honor + best man}
{best bridesmaids a girl could ask for}
{so epic}
{“I’ve only waited 7 years for this!”}
{beautiful mother}
{first dance}
{I definitely get my dance skills from my dad}
{my new parents-in-law}
{most incredible speech I’ve ever heard}
{bromance}
{time to party}
{so much dancing}
{and it comes off}
{pink mustang getaway car}
{one of my favorite parts of the night}
{Aruba here we come!}
*
and finally the wedding video, which shows the entire evening so perfectly.
Falling for Fall
{fabulous bookmark}
{honeycrisp apple sangria – yes please!}
{fall = layering}
{toffee crunch cupcakes}
{welcome to the backyard of my dreams}
{love nude for fall}
{cinnamon sugar pumpkin bread – NOM!}
{A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E}
{a little fall inspiration – RIP Steve Jobs}
PSL, Boots + Candy Corn
Something happened —
fall, er, winter it seems, came quickly
and so did the busyness of the holiday season.
*
Life update:
*this week (and presumably next) has been a blur with work + finalizing media relations/scripts for the Charity Challenge of Champions next weekend
*a new second job that I am SO excited about: Northwest Arkansas Associate Editor for AY magazine
*PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) is back and boy is it exciting – but please don’t ask the husband how he feels about it
*a lot of my friends/family are following after their passions in an inspirational way, and though I admire and often envy them, God has given me contentment with where I am, which is a really wonderful place
*I’m starting a 3-day detox diet tomorrow in preparation for a new healthy living plan that includes no sweets for a month – so pardon my grumpiness for a few days, and please don’t tempt me
*husband bragging update: taught his first rock climbing class at the fitness center today; is now a buyer for L&C; and is just as adorable and fabulous as ever
*
Fall anticipation:
*Boots, boots BOOTS – I need new fall working girl boots, suggestions?
*Halloween – although it’s a month away I’m already terribly excited for pumpkin carving, hay rides, brainstorming couple costumes and CANDY CORN.
*Scarves – I just bought a fabulous leopard print one at BR today and quickly paired it with a thin crewneck sweatshirt, leggings and cowboy-esque rainboots to update my rainy day ensemble for dinner out with a girlfriend
*a particular October weekend that includes Ben Rector and Auburn at Arkansas
*oh, and fall TV that starts this week – Gossip Girl, Heart of Dixie, New Girl, Castle, Glee, Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother – so many shows, so little time!!
P.S. I’ve been watching High School Musical while writing this and it still makes me as giddy/unbelievably happy as it did when it came out, and yes I’m 22. (If you didn’t already know this about me, you have a lot to learn.)
“It’s a crowd favorite. Everybody loves a good jazz square.”
“It’s just dancing. Sometimes I think it’s cooler than homework.” XO
Weekend Picturebook: Colorado
The husband and I took a weekend trip to Colorado to see my parents in Loveland. Ask him how the trip was, and he’ll tell you without hesitation he’s ready to move, and after this trip, I’m inclined to agree.
{Loveland}
{Taking a shopping break with a ‘Rado brew}
{Pearl St. – Boulder}
{Red Rocks Ampitheater – unfortunately, I did not take this picture, but had to share the beauty}
{STS9 at Red Rocks – an experience we’ll never forget}
{ “cutest” Bloody Mary I’ve ever seen}
{the bike library – Ft. Collins}
{evening picnic}
{thank you Whole Foods for a delicious, unconventional picnic}
{Mom and her second baby Roxie}
{beautiful morning walk – goodbye Loveland, we will be back soon}
Hog Fever
Yesterday was the start of a new season in the South – college football. Though I was born in Bama, I’d like to think I was born a Razorback fan and will die a Razorback fan. So, here’s a look back at some pictures over the past few years in preparation for the season.
WOO PIG SOOIE!
{destined to be a Hog fan – age 3}
{college roomies and besties ready for some Razorback fun}
{freshman year, first pep rally}
{Freshman year on ESPN… where’s Mille?}
{Family tailgate at Pratt Place}
{D-Mac <3}
{Trav weekend trip to Little Rock!}
{highlight of Senior year – Sugar Bowl in NOLA}
{the girls on Bourbon St.}
{first post-grade tailgating}
{love tailgating with my husband }
Fail Better
“Progress could be slow and frustrating. And, of course, that could make you angry. … we needed to fight for our rights and concentrate on the things we could control. And what you can control… is your own performance.” – Ken Chenault, CEO of American Express
“You’re gonna have trouble doing a lot of things in life, but they can be done. If you say ‘I can’t’ that means there’s no solution, you’ve given up, you’ve quit.” – Matthew McConaughey
“Don’t give up. Fatigue, discomfort, discouragement are merely symptoms of effort.” – Morgan Freeman
“Finding your passion will eventually get you to where you’re supposed to be.” – Katie Couric
“Follow your bliss… but don’t sleep with your boss. You will succeed.” – Barbara Walters
“Ever tried. Ever failed. No Matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” – Samuel Beckett
*
Work It, Working Girl
My body doesn’t like my job. I don’t think we were built to sit down 8 hours a day. So, if you’re like me, and you find yourself slouching and feeling lazy most of the day then join me in desk exercises! I picked some least likely to draw attention from your co-workers. So go ahead and do your body some good – work it, working girl!
- Sitting in your chair, lift one leg off the seat, extend it out straight, hold for 2 seconds; then lower your foot (stop short of the floor) and hold for several seconds. Switch; do each leg 15 times.
- Sitting tall in your chair, stretch both arms over your head and reach for the sky. After 10 seconds, extend the right hand higher, then the left.
- Let your head loll over so that your right ear nearly touches your right shoulder. Using your hand, press your head a little lower (gently, now). Hold for 10 seconds. Relax, and then repeat on the other side.
- Sitting up straight, try to touch your shoulder blades together. Hold, and then relax.
- Forget emailing the guy three cubes over — walk.
- The easiest exercise that you can do at your desk is butt squeezes. You can even do them while you are on the phone or typing up a report. Simply squeeze and release your buttocks muscles several times. This is the number one exercise that will help prevent “office chair spread” of your hindquarters.
- You can also march with your feet in place. This will exercise the large muscles in your legs. For easy calf exercises, you can raise your feet up on the toes and lower them. Be sure to use your muscles when you do these exercises for maximum effect.
- A great trick for working on your inner thighs while you’re working on that spreadsheet is to stick a full water bottle between your legs and squeeze against it with your thighs. The bottle offers some resistance (and is there for hydration should you over exert yourself!)
- Sit in your chair with your legs crossed and your feet on the seat. Place your hands on the armrests, suck in your gut and raise yourself a few inches above the seat, using your belly muscles and hands. Hold for 10-20 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds. Repeat five times.
- Take the stairs — two at a time if you need a harder workout! Do this 5-7 times a day.
- Or if you’re highly motivated, go to the gym during your lunch hour.
Hello, Monday
I love Monday nights. How could you not? Mondays are… Mondays, so the relaxation that comes after 5pm is better than any other day (except Friday of course.) Agreed?
Last Monday was spent catching up with two beautiful gals over wine about college, weddings, husbands/boyfriends/fiances, big girl jobs and life. This week? Relaxation with my latest therapy, The Hills.
Oh, and not to mention Gossip Girl and the new Rachel Bilson show Hart of Dixie are on Monday nights starting very soon. ❤
Weekend Picturebook: Kansas City
{Intercontinental on the Plaza}
{Balcony view}
{Always waiting – Anthropologie)
{Blanc – Burgers + Bottles}
{“Ham” Burger – ground pork, grilled pineapple, jalapenos, orange glaze + my new favorite beer – Apricot Wheat}
{Nap please!}
{After-dinner martinis – Flirtini + “Pear” Miscuous}
{and Chocolate Fondue! at The Melting Pot}
{Late night on the Plaza}
{Early morning at the market}
What did you do this weekend?
Northwest Arkansas Sartorialists {Fall Fashion}
Fall is almost here! So in preparation for fall fashion, I asked a couple of my fashionista friends with two different, but equally wonderful styles to share what they’re looking forward to the most.
Tomboy Style (tomboystyle.blogspot.com)
My New Roots (mynewroots.blogspot.com, I think…)
Cup of Jo (joannagoddard.blogspot.com)
Three words to describe my style
Classic, vintage, quirky
Fall must-haves
Navy and white striped J.Crew dress
High-waisted, wide-leg jeans
Fairisle cardigan
(Plus, colored cords, pleats and menswear — with a bicycle and crunchy orange leaves to pedal through!)
One go-to fall piece I already have
Brown leather Report penny loafers. Not only are they a classic shoe investment that I’ll be able to wear for years, but they are a fun reminder of the first days of school of my childhood — yes, I was one of those little girls who wore little skirts and knee socks and penny loafers. Needless to say, I’ll be re-inventing the back-to-school uniform now that I’m older: think trouser jeans, a gold boyfriend watch, a striped blouse topped with a blazer and an ethnic-inspired scarf with, of course, the classic loafers.
Fall thing, not fashion related, I’m looking forward to the most
Caramel apple spice, from Starbucks!! Amazing!
Three words to describe your style
Classic, chic, sometimes bohemian
One store for fall fashion
Banana Republic. I can always find something that’s classy and spot on trend.
Great fit and great choices! And their quality can’t be beat!
Foolproof fall looks
Boots boots boots! I’m OBSESSED! Oversized sweater, skinny jeans, and riding boots.. and an amazing bag. Cardigans are a must.. I’d say invest in a NICE neutral cardigan. Look for fabrics that don’t pill easily. It’s hard to tell with wool and silk fabrics – stay away from cheap merino/silk/angora they use shorter threads so it’s cheaper but will start balling up the first time you wear it! Oh, and clogs!
What fashion piece are you dying to wear this fall?
Thank GOD it’s Friday
Can I get an Amen to TGIF? It has been one of those weeks. Though I’m lazing on a Friday night, the weekend is full of fun surprises trying to stay busy while the husband is away and getting in much needed time with my girls – Saturday brunch with one of my oldest and dearest, Saturday afternoon shopping and rendezvous with my always exciting bff and Sunday decorating and gossiping with my lovely {practically} twin. And of course the much anticipated Sunday night when the husband comes home from a week away. Oh weekend, I love you.
A few lovely pics and thoughts for your weekend:
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you will be criticized anyway.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I knew the woman I wanted to become.” – Diane Von Furstenberg

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” – Thornton Wilder
The Book List
It’s going to be a rough week. My parents just moved to Colorado, the husband will be in Salt Lake City for work and the neighbors I was hoping to bug all week to curb my loneliness are leaving for San Diego today.
So, I’ve made some big plans for the week – to read. I haven’t read nearly as much as I would have liked this summer and since things are finally settling down (as much as they can) I’ve decided to make this week a good start, a book week. So, I share with you my lofty list:
Classy, Derek Blasberg (see my last blogpost for a taste of this incredible, hilarious book; absolutely a new classic)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J.K. Rowling (got inspired to read the series again after the last movie)
The Old Man and The Sea, Ernest Hemingway (a timeless book that should have been read long ago)
Y: The Last Man, Brian K. Vaughn, Pia Guerra, Jose Marzan, Jr. (finally making good on a promise to read this graphic novel)
The New Rules of Marketing and PR, David Meerman Scott (professional development)
Though it may seem like a lot for a week, I’m about halfway through two of the longest books on the list and I’m determined and excited (and I’m a fast reader!) My reviews will come in a week.
What’s currently on your book list?
Travel Chic
How do you dress when you travel? Is it all about comfort? Style? Or in-between? I’ll never forget my mom telling me that my grandma was always dressed to the nines when she traveled – that’s how she was raised and that’s how she thought it should be. At first, I thought this was absolutely ridiculous, but as I grow older (and wiser, I hope) I’m starting to find a good balance between my grandmother’s legacy and my personal style for the airport runway.
First, let me share a taste from one of my new absolutely favorite books of all time that sums it all up perfectly – Classy by Derek Blasberg “Because if you’re not a lady, chances are you’re a tramp.”
Though it’s too small to read, you get the picture. At the airport (and life, of course), we want to be a lady, not a tramp. So here are a few celeb examples I think wonderfully depict airport fashion:
{Rachel Bilson – my go-to style girl. Simple, modest and chic.}
{Lauren Conrad – keeping warm in an oversized sweater, but pairs it elegantly with comfortable black boots and tights. And of course a hat, because you may not have time to fix your hair, but can still look classy.}
{Kim Kardashian – huge fan of her, huge fan of black, huge fan of leopard. Fabulous, fun outfit.}
{Cat Deeley – though the shoes are too odd for my taste, again love the all black ensemble with a statement bag – modern and comfortable.}
{Beyonce – while this isn’t exactly my style, it’s worth sharing. Her oh-so-comfy outfit is updated to more than pajamas with the cardigan, jewelry and heels.}
{Kim – I couldn’t resist a second picture that is a great example of how to update jeans for a classy airplane ride.}
So please share, what is your airport style?
My weekend was:
*dinner with friends and developing our reality show “Pinnacle Hills”
*the start of a birthday week celebration for the husband
*shopping, including a handsome new Diesel watch and a gorgeous new Gianni Bini bag
*reconnecting with old friends, ones which you can sit and talk to for hours and it passes in a blink of an eye
*planning – a trip to Dallas, a trip to CO and a sad going-away party
*1 of 3 birthday dinners for the husband with his new in-laws
*relaxation with my friends on Wisteria Lane
*solving mysteries with the husband, Castle and Beckett (blogpost to come on what this tv show has taught me)
*sleeping in and taking naps, how much better could it get?
*fantastic.
Just do it.
It’s time for a change. A health change. If you know me, I go in and out of extreme workouts (P90X, Jillian Michaels, Running) and extreme laziness (no explanation needed) but I’m sick of that feeling of hating my body every day. But how do I get motivated? How do I get going? It’s so hard to get back into a workout routine once you’ve stopped and you’re complacent with laying on the couch (or by the pool) when you get home from work. But that’s not who I want to be and that’s not who I’m going to be.
So first, a few motivational quotes to get going:
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”- Jim Ryun
“Learn to work harder on yourself than you do on your job.”- Jim Rohn
“Things work out the best for those who make the best of the way things work out.” -Russell Simmons
(This one is really because I saw it and just love the Simmons family, RUN DMC FOR LIFE!)
“You have to stay in shape. My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She’s 97 today and we don’t know where the hell she is.” -Ellen Degeneres
(This is probably my new favorite quote of all time.)
But when it boils down to it, I think this is the best piece of advice:
“The whole idea of motivation is a trap. Forget motivation. Just do it. Exercise, lose weight, test your blood sugar, or whatever. Do it without motivation. And then, guess what? After you start doing the thing, that’s when the motivation comes and makes it easy for you to keep on doing it.” -John C. Maxwell
*
Motivation can only get us so far, and I’m at the point where I need some practical steps.
So I found The 4 Simple Steps from ZenHabits that I think are a great starting point.
1. Set one easy, specific, measurable goal. Write this down. Post it up. If you don’t write it down, it’s not important. Don’t — DO NOT — set a difficult goal. Set one that is super, super easy. Five minutes of exercise a day. You can do that. Work your way to 10 minutes after a month. Then go to 15 after 2 months. You can see what I mean: make it easy to start with, so you can build your habit, then gradually increase.
2. Log it daily. This is the key habit. If you can log your workout, you will start to see your progress, and it will motivate you to keep going. And you have to make it a habit to log it right away. Don’t put it off, and say you’ll do it before you go to bed. As soon as you’re done working out, log it. No exceptions. And don’t make the log complicated — that will only make you resist doing the log. Just the date, time, and what you did.
3. Report to others. I think this is key. You can do it on your blog, on an online forum, with your spouse, or friends or family, or a workout partner, or a coach, or a group, or a class. However you set it up, make it part of the process that you have to report your daily workout to other people. It could be using an online log, or on a forum, or through email, or the phone, or just by telling your co-workers what you did this morning. But be sure that they know your goal, and that you are going to report to them, and be sure that they are expecting it every day.
4. Add motivation as needed. The first three steps might be enough for you to get the habit going. But if not, don’t just give up. If you miss two consecutive workouts, you need to look at why, and add a new motivation. Rewards, more public pressure, inspiration, whatever it takes.
*
Those are wonderful and I plan to use them, but a few of my other ideas include: hanging pictures in our closet of celebrity bodies that I want (I don’t think my husband would mind that either), cutting out all drinks but water and coffee (mostly diet coke), deciding on a specific amount of sweets I can eat per week, eating only natural foods and nothing processed.
*
So I turn to you for help. What are some of your favorite healthy living tips and tricks?
Eat, Drink & Be Merry: Life Lessons from an Aruban Honeymoon
1. Never underestimate the advice of a cab driver.
2. While on vacation, leave behind social media as well. Nothing on Twitter and Facebook are that important. Be in the moment.
3. Do what you want to do on vacation – even if that’s laying on the beach all week and only moving to flip over or for Happy Hour.
4. Make it a habit to ask for one piece of marriage advice from couples who’ve been married longer than you.
5. You will be gouged for food and drink while on vacation. Get over it, and enjoy. (It will be worth it to live on cheese and crackers for a few weeks when you get home)
6. Always, always pack a snack and a blanket for a plane ride – even if you don’t have kids, and especially if you have a husband with a teenager’s metabolism.
7. You can always learn something new about someone else, no matter how long you’ve known them.
8. A book can be a great companion. (Side recommendation: The Girl with the Pearl Earring)
9. If there is a specialty drink popular to your location, live like the natives and drink up.
10. Don’t get too caught up in taking pictures. The best memories are unforgettable.
11. A room that’s always clean is the sign of a wasted life.
12. Go off the beaten path, preferably in jeep wrangler, and you’ll really get to experience beauty.
13. Don’t be that American. Learn about the history of other cultures while visiting them.
14. Eat the irresistible gelato two nights in a row. It won’t kill you, or make you fat.
15. Honeymooners are always recognizable – especially ones with “youthful exuberance.”
This is your life, is it everything you dreamed
Last time I saw you bloggers, I was “An Apple A Day.” Don’t be alarmed, this blog will be very similar – simply chronicling a new life and due to a new last name, we had to part ways.
As an introduction to the new blog, here’s a tidbit about me:
Recently married to my highschool sweetheart.
Recently graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Journalism.
Recently employed at Sam’s Club as Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator.
My life is changing from a single girl livin’ it up in college to an eight to five working girl who’s just trying to figure out life in between.
This is my blog of all things mille – love, faith, fashion, food, adventure and life.
*
I’ve thoroughly missed blogging. I’ve seen pictures, recipes, advice, inspiration and so much love that I wanted to share with you. To make up for it, my goal is to post something every day this week. (Hey, we’ve got a lot to catch up on. I’m MARRIED!)
Get excited. My theme for tomorrow?
Life Lessons From An Aruban Honeymoon




























































































































