everyday inspiration

Latest

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.

Posted by  |  October 15, 2011 | Categories: Family & Friends, Fashion, Happiness, Inspiration, Life | 4 Comments

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}

Posted by  |  October 7, 2011 | Categories: Fall | 2 Comments

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

Posted by  |  September 17, 2011 | Categories: Fall, Fashion, Life | 2 Comments

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}

Posted by  |  September 12, 2011 | Categories: Fall, Family & Friends, Happiness, Inspiration, Travel | 1 Comment

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 }

Posted by  |  September 4, 2011 | Categories: College, Fall | 3 Comments

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

*

Posted by  |  September 1, 2011 | Categories: Inspiration, Life | 3 Comments

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.

Posted by  |  August 31, 2011 | Categories: Health | 2 Comments

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. ❤

Posted by  |  August 29, 2011 | Categories: Happiness, Life, Television | 2 Comments

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?

Posted by  |  August 28, 2011 | Categories: Life, Travel | 2 Comments

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.

 

Daily blog reads

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?

Posted by  |  August 20, 2011 | Categories: Fall, Fashion, Inspiration | 1 Comment