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Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween!

Since we work at a social media marketing company, it's only appropriate that our costumes matched that... with tutu's, obviously :)

Happy Halloween. 

& whatever you do tonight, be safe!!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Fall is in the air.

After work Friday, I headed straight for some family time on the boat. Wine, sunset, my sweet nephew and relaxing 
on the lake was exactly what I needed. I couldn't have asked for a better Friday night.
On Saturday, I attended a friends wedding. The bride was just as breathtaking as she always is (proof below.) 
The wedding was gorgeous and we had a blast dancing the night away.
Another weekend in the books and it leaves me wondering where the heck this year went. I honestly can't believe it's already October and inching closer to Christmas everyday. This is my favorite time of the year so I'm soaking it all in while I can :)

Speaking of this time of year, I'm on my way to buy this gorgeous sweater that I have been obsessing over all day. Yup, I must have it. Following boutiques on Instagram is probably both the smartest and dumbest thing I've ever done. #sorryimnotsorry

Friday, October 11, 2013

Nail Polish Life Saver

It's time to let you in on a little secret that I've been keeping for a few months.

I finally found the most amazing nail polish in all the land. 

My first question when sampling new nail polish is always about the dry time. I can't tell you how many times I've had freshly polished nails and my hand grazes a pillow after 30 minutes and BAM - smudge! I don't know about you, but I just do NOT have time to wait hours for my fingers to be smudge-proof. Yes, I made that word up :)

Allow me to introduce you to my new favorite nail polish: 
Rimmel London 60 Seconds Nail Polish.
They currently have 26 beautiful shades that I haven't even made a dent in yet. Did I mention these babies can be picked up at your local Walmart for $1.50. I can't make this stuff up. It's a gift from God!

Not only does the nail polish actually dry in 60 seconds but it's smudge-proof in under 5, which allows me to focus my time on other areas that I have yet to master a quicker drying time for, such as MY HAIR. One day, one day.

And just because this dang song won't get out of my head, I'm leaving you with Royals.

You're welcome.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Seeing the world

Traveling scares me.

Not the actual act of exploring new places, but the getting there part. I've said it before and I'll say it again - planes 
are my biggest fear... really any manmade object that involves heights.

There are people who spend their lives waiting for their next adventure. Admittedly, I've never been one 
of those people. I enjoy being at home surrounded by the people that I love most, it's what brings me comfort. 
However, when I see photos like the ones below, I get a strong desire to experience different cultures 
and see all the beauty the world has to offer with my own two eyes.
Those photos alone may, or may not, have single handedly influenced an overseas vacation addition to my 30 before 30 list. 
So much to do, so little time!
I doubt there will ever be a day when I'm too old for a Mary-Kate & Ashley reference ;)

Realistically, I know I'll never see all, or even most, of the world. Let's face it - I don't have the funds, time or 
desire to spend years away from the ones I love. BUT - if you were to do a 2-3 week trip and pack as much in 
as possible, what locations be included on your "must see" list? Tips & tricks always welcome!


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Sequin Tribal Skirts

Lately, I've been lusting over Tribal/Aztec Sequin Skirts. I want them all, in every color.
If at least one of these could make it's way into my closet, you would see a very happy Stephanie. 

I love that you can dress them up for a night out
Dress them down while going to a daytime outdoors festival
You can even throw on a blazer for a more elegant look
There is something about those shiny versatile numbers that just makes my heart go pitter-patter.
Don't be surprised if you see me rockin' one (or 6) in the coming months :)

Friday, October 4, 2013

Confessional Friday

I confess... I don't like pumpkin anything - not spiced lattes, seeds, pies, nada. The only thing that makes me happy about pumpkins is that they remind me that fall is here. Here in the Sunshine State we don't get to enjoy the leaves changing, the snow falling or the things that most folks do in the north. But, something about the small change in temperature and the month of October reminds me of happiness.
 I confess... My heart is aching - not from the relationships in my life, but other areas. I'm doing my best to look at the bright side of things because I do have so much to be thankful for, but that doesn't mean I'm not still hurting. Trying to stick with the mindset that everything happens for a reason.
I confess... I'm "treating" myself to a shopping spree this weekend. All of my close friends and family have chosen to either be out of town or busy this weekend. Sure, I could reach out to other friends but I don't even have the desire to make plans. So, after a tough few weeks, I've decided to go to therapy, retail style ;)
I confess... I've been slacking in the gym - as in, I haven't been in two weeks. With all the extra free time this weekend, I need to make it a point to get back on track. Our company is taking us on a cruise for our retreat in a month. It's time to get to work if I hope to be bikini ready by then!
Join the link-up to share your confessions!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

My first VoxBox from Influenster!


What Is Influenster?

Influenster is a free -to-join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences. Influenster creates links between brands and members to reward participation and influence future products.
I was thrilled after being selected for my very first VoxBox, like elated. Sad, I know.
They sent me a new SlimSoft toothbrush, Colgate Total Mouthwash and toothpaste. Perfect timing for the ol' switch-a-roo, as it was 3-months since I bought my last toothbrush. The toothbrush was amazing and I immediately fell in love with it.

I'm not committed to one brand when it comes to toothpaste. I switch between Colgate and Crest and I definitely think I'll be purchasing this Colgate Total Whitening when my current tube runs out. I loved the flavor and my teeth felt squeaky clean after. Plus, who doesn't love travel size cosmetics? :)

If you want to join Influenster, you can signup here!

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

30 before 30

I always tell myself I want to get back into blogging - then life happens. I need to remember that the sole purpose of this blog is to be able to look back on all of the things I did. Starting now, I'm making a pledge to blog at least once a week. If I can do more, I will but I think that's a good goal to get back into the grove of things. 

Speaking of goals - I've had a 30-by-30 list going on for over two years. I'm ashamed to say that I've barely crossed off anything during that time. For the sake of accountability, I figured I should share it. So, here it goes!
  1. Go to New York 
  2. Take a trip to Boston
  3. Go to Chicago - take a photo in front of the 'Bean'
  4. Visit Charleston 
  5. New 4-door car - black on black
  6. Pay off said car
  7. Own a home 
  8. Have my fairytale wedding... & a marriage more beautiful than my wedding.
  9. Be called Mommy.. maybe even by two kids.
  10. See The Fray in concert
  11. See James Morrison live
  12. Develop a regular workout routine - 3 times a week before work?
  13. Pay off student loans <-- I can't wait for this day!
  14. Become a member of a church and attend regularly
  15. Have home decor for every holiday
  16. Host and prepare a holiday dinner for my entire family
  17. Have a White Christmas
  18. Obtain a position at a non-profit to gain experience for Make-A-Wish
  19. Go white-water rafting
  20. Go horseback riding on the beach
  21. Swim with dolphins
  22. Run an official 5k
  23. Go skiing in North Carolina
  24. Go camping
  25. Start a family tradition
  26. Stop drinking soda
  27. Learn to french braid <-- I've never been able to do that!
  28. Build up my savings to 20k
  29. Pay for a strangers meal
  30. Have the photos on all my computers transfered onto one hardrive
With just under 3 years remaining until the big 3-0, it looks like it's time to get to work ;)

Tuesday, October 1, 2013