Aprel & Mille Mille is Aprel's BFF from college. My family has accepted her as our sixth sister, that's how much we love her.

Matt & Joseph | Joseph & Matt Like Father, Like Son. Matt is Aprel's hubby, Jo is her 3rd lil babae!

Future Bro-in-Law with Aprel's 2 & 4.

 

Youngest sister & oldest sister share fashion sense!

I've been searching for the perfect curtains for my room for the last two years. Nothing ever seems to be just enough me and just the right color. I saw these beauties about 6 months ago at  and fell madly in love. (madly in love.) Nonetheless, this girl's salary just doesn't support $400 dollars worth of curtains, at least not for one window in my room. So I waited and waited, than finally they came down to $200. But still, I just could not allow myself. And then, the sunshine from above and they were $100 ($50/panel), but I still waited. I needed Christmas to come and go before I could allow myself such a splurge. And finally, today, they are mine. They were the very last two in stock. When I went back to the page after my purchase they were no longer available. I am so thrilled that I chose to buy them today. {Destiny} LOL
 I'll admit it, I've looked at them every day for the last week.

And here the are:

I wrapped the inside of some frames as Christmas decoration and then was presented with the idea of actually putting gifts under those decorations. So, this is what a certain roommate is getting for Christmas....

Here are the gift frames, I mean, aren't they just the cutest Christmas presents you've ever seen (okay, maybe not 'ever seen', but they are pretty cute!)




Here are the prints that will go inside of them (I'm not sure how I'm going to do this between now and Christmas...).
 If you know me and/or the recipient of this gift you'd realize the irony of this particular quote. Very long story short I would be the 'nut'. Haha
 This quote is so simply true.
**** was a big fan of this quote. I kind of think that it counters the previous quote, but both seem to pertain to ****'s work ethic.

So, there you go. I'm excited to put them in the frames to see if they actually look good or not. And I'm excited about giving them to ****. He completely excepts this gift, but we've been putting off finishing this project for almost 6 months now!! 

Which reminds me, it's amazing how much you will do for other people that you won't do for yourself.
Rephrase: It amazes me how much I will do for other people that I won't do for myself.
The End.

There is just something about the rain that relaxes me. Even when I have to deal with it in the car and in traffic. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's terrifying; but I still find peace in it. Maybe it's the smell, maybe it's the color that is makes the sky, or maybe it's some unrealized attractive memory I have of it. I love it.

It's this weather that has actually inspired two mixed CD's that have played in my car for years. {Mixed CD's - remember those? iPod's did a pretty good job at making them obsolete, nonetheless, they will always be one of my favorite things}

I'm not the only one who is in love with the rain. In fact, sooo many others have captured it in so many other ways, so I will share with you those that come to mind:



Shimmering Streets, Canal and St. Charles by R.C. Davis




Misty Morn on St. Charles by R.C Davis

 Really, absolutely anything by RC Davis is beautiful. But, these who paintings he's really captured two of my favorite things - New Orleans in the rain. It feels magical, doesn't it?!

Rain Days {Grooveshark}
I've made you a Grooveshark station highlighting some on my favorite and the classics.
(http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/playlist/Rainy+Days/40184042)

Some Rain Lagniappe {photos: thank you Flickr.com}
(pronounced /ˈlænjæp/ LAN-yap) is a small gift given to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase or more broadly, "something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure." The word is chiefly used in the Gulf Coast of the United States, especially Louisiana. {definition: thank you, Wikipedia.com}

(Cuba Gallery)

'Can I Have this Dance'

^{Let it rain!}

'Just keep swimming' has been my moto since Wednesday of last week. Wednesday of last week was when I started training for the Mardi Gras Half-Marathon. I'm very anxious to participate and I've gotten a few of my favorite girls to participate in the training with me - Carrie, Lauren & Megan. It's very cool that we have all come together on this, even though we are all miles and miles apart from each other. It's just the actual training that I"m having a hard time finding time for. I feel exhausted and hungry all the time. I will fight through this. More importantly, I will run the 4 miles that I have postponed due to my busy weekend.

Running Schedule:
Tuesday: 4 miles on treadmill.
Thursday: 2 miles on the road
Friday: 3 miles on road (with David?)
Sunday: 4 mile long road run in the evening
Please hold me to this.

I did run on Friday afternoon. And since then I've been going and going... This weekend was crazy busy. I'll cover the highlights with some text. I'm still on a search for my camera charger. I could have really used a camera this weekend.

Friday: Katie's Birthday downtown. We went to Drago's and then The District where were happened to run into Reggie Bush. He told Katie he was playing on Sunday, but he didn't. Bummer. It was a pretty awesome night!

Saturday: LSU!! David and I drove down for the tailgate to see everyone for the last home game. We were lucky enough to get tickets near the student section. It was SOOOO much fun, but I'm still hoarse from yelling. I wish we could watch every game from the student section, it is truly an experience! That evening we ended up getting a hotel downtown with Brad and Co and, we had Superior for dinner. Superior Margaritas are really, truly unmatched.

Sunday: Saints!! It was a perfect Sunday. David and I woke up and went to Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral at 11:00. I'd never been to church there before and it was absolutely beautiful. It was a religious experience, no really, it was!! After church we went to Harrah's for the Champaign Brunch and then straight on to the DOME! Every game should be at 3:00, it's the perfect time for a home game. Saints Won!!! And I think they actually have their swagger back! It was nice to watch a smooth game. We stayed until the very end! After it was all over, I was truly EXHAUSTED. Actually, I'm still exhausted. But, it was a good, good weekend!!

I'll give the weekend a 9!!

These were too unbelievably true not to pass on to you!! I'm not sure the origin, I just know the string was passed from group of work people to the next group of work people and I laughed all three times I read through this and full-heartedly agree with nearly every-single-one! Enjoy!

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment, during an argument, when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is no need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the heck are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood. At least I did yesterday.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

16. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

17. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

18. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear, or understand a word they said?

19. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

20. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

21. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

Credit will be given to Beth Borecki since she is the original source of these email chain!!

The end. I know, I was sad when it was over too.

I'm removing negative energy from my life. I've decided that, right now, it is the most annihilating thing that is in my life. Negative people, negative attitude, negative feeling, disappointments, feeling discouraged, negative language...all of these things are taking away from my healthy living. I've felt jaded, boring, negative...I don't need to further my negative adjectives for you to understand the point I am trying to make. If I let myself continue to be bogged down and paralyzed by the negativity that infiltrate my life it will become my ever lusting destruction. (Theatrically dramatic, I know.)


I have been feeling stressed, but I assumed that it was a normal stress level for a twenty something. However, I had a chiropractic evaluation yesterday and I realized that I may be more stressed than the average person. This said stress may actually be causing physical problems with the way my nerves are functioning. This nerve issue has certainly externally effected my life, but I didn't realize just how much until it was pointed out to me. The tense nerves in my neck may be the cause of my fingertips losing blood circulation. W.T.H?! The negative energy in my life may be the reason my fingers turn white in cold weather. Whoe.

I want to feel encouraged, to find the best things in people, the best in situations and relationships. I must refocus my relationship with the Big Guy. It is absolutely, 100% vital to my life right now to find the happy and beautiful things, to find peace through God, and to find uplifting, joyful people to share it all with. So I'm on a mission - A mission to become my very bestself.

{Disclaimer: this is all off the tiptop of my head at midnight on a random Wednesday}
My Bestself is a person who always has the right thing to wear to the occasion. A person who thinks and plans ahead for special occasions. A person who wraps presents and gives Thank You notes for random acts of kindness. A person who exercise on a very regular basis. I will run a half-marathon. I want to complete a short triathlon. I want to have time in my daily/weekly life to sitdown and put together my originals ideas. I want to be a person who writes in a paper journal. I hope that the paper journal is something that my children will find oneday and be able to relate to. I want to find the best in people. I want to be a person who can run, with grace, in heals (I think I am that person). Someone who always has a camera and a smile behind and in front of the camera. I like being a person who drinks out of a martini glass when everyone else is drinking beer. I don't like that the liquid in my martini glass is $5 more than the stuff in the brown bottle titled "Bud Light". I don't have to have the very best, but I like to have a few things that people admire. I want to have the perfect relationship with my boyfriend (I do have the perfect relationship with my boyfriend). I will be a person who praises Our Lord in the morning and says thank you to Him every night for all the blessings he has granted me. My bestself is someone who volunteers without complaints or expectations. A good listener. And a good speaker. And someone who goes to bed in time........

And with that, I am done for the night.

I hope that your day finds you with love and happiness and the inspiration is ever-flowing.

xoxo

There are just a few purchases that I have been really, really pleased with the last few days.

Here's to sharing good experiences!

Happy 1: My new Jessica Simpson purse.
I saw it and had to have it. I'm not good at buying purses, it takes me months to find one that I actually love. My last purse was a lovely yellow bag from Target that had seen better days. I bought it over a year ago...It needed to be replaced, but I loved our time together. {This pic doesn't do it justice}

Happy 2: Awapuhi product line by Paul Mitchell.
I'm a Paul Mitchell girl, have been since 2008 when I become completely color dependant due to some genetic malfunction in my hair that has caused me to go awkwardly grey in my early twenties. The texture of my hair just hasn't been the same since I discontinued regular use of Pantene Pro-V. UNTIL NOW. My hair stylist recommended Awapuhi on Friday. I'm in ABSOLUTE LOVE with the Shampoo & Conditioner. I haven't tried the Deep Condition or the hair spray yet, but I'm sure that I won't be disappointed. My hair feels amazingly touchable.

Happy 3: Amazing Cosmetics undereye concealer.
I think all working girls struggle with those ugly undereye circles. I had all but given up my search for the perfect concealer. I tried almost everything: Covergirl, Bare Essentials, Orgins, Mac... and then one day I walked into Sophora and asked for an undereye concealer. This edge girl with jet black hair and pink bangs brought me to this concealer. She explained that it took a little bit, so be gentle. I'm not going to lie, I over used it the first few times and it stayed wet for awhile. Now that I got the usage down people are actually noticing and asking me what I'm doing different. I finally found my miracle concealer...it might be the answer to a decade long search.

Happy 4: Speak Now by Taylor Swift
I don't think this needs explaining. I just love her new album.

Before I leave you I have to tell you that The Band Perry song "If I Die Young" has been stuck in my head for about two weeks now. It is beautiful.


I hope you all have a perfectly wonderful Tuesday.
I hope that I'll be in touch sooner than later.
I hope this proves to be useful to at least one other person.

Start your Christmas shopping!

Loves

When I'm lucky, I get to work on fun graphic design projects for my office job. Over the last 6 months I've learned a lot about working in Adobe workspace and sometimes I even impress myself with how efficient I've become. Haha. Designing is like crack to me. It's addictive and puts me in and really good mood. Normally these projects don't ever make it to my blog, but I figured it was time for a new post anyways!

Lately I've been feeling like in order to have a good post I needed to have graphics, photos, illustration, and the like. But, way back in the day when I was much better at blogging regularly pictures were a perk, not something to be excepted. No worries, I'm not going back to that because I absolutely love posting pictures. However, today I'm just sharing some thoughts that have been knocking around in my head for a little while.

Note: You will probably end up getting a few pictures because I think that's the best way to communicate. Case in point, this next paragraph.

I'm reading a book (by reading I mean listening to an audio book). My dad put everyone he knew on to this book. "Switch, how to change when change is hard" by Chip & Dan Heath.



Amazon.com


My dad is a respected person in his industry of work and among his peers, so I was interested in what all the talk way about. He gave my brother the audio book and that's how I got my hands on it. The book gives some interesting perspective on things that I have noticed, but have never given much attention to. It speaks a lot about how to get something to happen you have to be emotionally driven, not logically driven. Because, no matter how much we know somethng should change, we don't actually make it happen until we have drive and we are by driven our emotional side. (my words, not theirs.)

In one of the chapters they talk about how there are two different kinds of attitudes a "still mindset" and a "growing mindset". Basically, a growing mindset believes that they are always capable of changing to become better; whereas, a still mindset believes that you are only as good as you come and that if you weren't meant to do something than you won't do it. Clearly, they are bias to the growing mindset. I was a little disturbed because I believe, in part, that some people really aren't capable of changing. But, I guess that's a mindset those people have. If I did have that mindset, I can't have that mindset anymore. I have to be open to adventures that I'm not always comfortable with. And now I feel overwhelmed. Haha.

Like I said, this is only my take on the book. And only a teeny, tiny piece of the information that comes from it. But, I'm liking it. I might even listen to it again or buy the book for reference purposes.

Note the change of subject...

I believe that careers are like marriages. Let me explain.

Some people go their whole life trying to find the perfect person to marry. Some people go their whole life trying to find a career that makes them happy. I don't think there is much different in the two things. I believe you can fall in love with your work. When a marriage is working well, it's because two people are in love with either other. They respect each other. The compliment each other. They bring out the best in each other. I REALLY BELIEVE a career can have the exact same effects. Once you find the things that complements you so well that it makes you a better person, you have to grab hold of it. Grow with it. Live for it. Love it. If it can bring out the best in you, than you can pull out the best in it. If the career you find compliments who you are as a person, who you are as a person will wear nicely on your worklife.  Promise Tangeman is a perfect example of someone who has fallen in love with her career. She has brought her personal and spiritual life into it in an awesome way and she's rocking it. I admire & respect her so much for that. (I talk like I know this woman, I don't know her, I just really admire her.)

Consequently, I have found a few things that I love. I am doing everything I can to laydown a path that will lead me to success. However, I continuously feel like others are happiers, more fulfilled, and getting it right before me. But, I'm getting there. I'm finding that love one day at a time.

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”

- Lao Tzu quotes

“Beginning is easy - continuing hard”

- Japanese Proverb quotes

Quotes from thinkexist.com

Nothing happens in one day. Everything takes days, weeks, months, years to build. It's continuing on that is hard. If you keep on keeping on anything is possible. Every decision leads you in one direction or another.

This past weekend one of my dearest girl friends got hitched. I'm so happy for her. She's in one of those relationships that is perfect. They seem perfect together & it gives me a peace of mind to know that she is truly happy. Unfortunately, I was not camera happy enough, so I was unable to snap the perfect pictures. But, I will share with you a little of the weekend.

The Dauphin House, Bed & Breakfast. It was my first B&B experience, but umm, let's just say that it photographs well...



That table witnessed some pretty good girl time late on Saturday night, complete with shooting stars and transformers blowing. Thinking back on the weekend, it seems so grown up to go to weddings with boyfriends instead of your family. I guess that's part of being a 20-something, which I love.

The wedding was a beautiful, private, beach wedding (that I didn't get any worthy wedding pictures on, I know, I don't even know how that happened).



The reception was a champagne and wine bar. The underground band, who sung to us all night, had a lead singer who made prettyeyes at the lovely Miss Anna-Claire that evening. The food was delicious. And Megan, the bride, was absolutely stunning.


Anna-Claire, thank you, thank you for having a changed camera that was taking worthwhile pictures.

Old {Friends}
{Love you} Knew
Borrowed {photographs}
True {life}

Speaking of wedding weekends, the beautiful and charming {now} Mrs. Jennifer also said some vows this weekend. Adam & Erin Falgout Photography has put together this beautiful video. {One of those pretty bride's maids is my sister.} Adam & Erin are pretty awesome too and local to Louisiana!


Jacques & Jennifer Wedding Day Trailer from Adam & Erin Falgout on Vimeo.

I love weddings.

Good thing, cuz this weekend is Ashley, the little sister's, bridal shower. I can't wait to share the whole event with ya'll. It's been really fun to plan, but I have to admit I'm a little nervous. We're trudging through new territory {figures crossed}. Not to mention, it's still takes a moment for me to realize that my little sister is getting married. She must be all grown up.

I have a wonderful blog coming to you full of pictures and details...but it's already past my work night bedtime, so I'm calling it a night. But first, I wanted to share something i read this weekend in Glamour, and of course can't find right now to properly quote -- the idea -- always know your limits in life: for love, for friendships, for working out, for work, for family. Know what you will tollerate and what is your "you've pushed me too far" limit. Once you know your limit you can actually push yourself too it instead of being overwhelmed and not knowing when the right time is to stop.

I hope to share this idea more, because I love it.

This weekend...I'll give it a 7. :)

Not to change the subject or anything, {but} if you want to feel bad about yourself visit the Runner's World blogs. I immediately want to leave work to go jog.

I'm going to start a creative paper journal to help develop the looks and ideas that I love. I'm sure that some of the creativity will spill on over into this blog. Creativity and art are like this never ending list of possiblities that I'm a bit obsessed with.

I'm also going to help Aprel, my big sister, start a blog. I can't wait for her to start telling the world about her amazing, little, awesome family.

I just wish I had more time...I'm sure that's part of the reason I've bee resenting my 40-hour a week job. I mean, I must keep it, it pays the bills. But it also henders my creative process.

Speaking on the j.o.b. I g2g.

Still working on downloadings some fun pictures from last weekend & sharing a little project that I've been working on.

Good Morning, Loves (said it with a brit accent)

I've been just laying in my bed for about two hours now just a wishing that I would go back to sleep. It never happened, so here I am at 5 AM in the early, early morning. The coffee pot just told me it was ready for me to have a cup, please hold one moment while I go handle that. I promise I will be right back....

Back.

This week of work isn't really like I work week at all. It's like working for a weekend and playing for the week, because I am only working on Tuesday and Wednesday. Allegedly. It's Saints week. I am oh so very, very ready. The camera will be out. The Drew 'em dem shirt will be purchased. And my toenails are painted gold. I'm ready.

I thought I'd share the mood with some photos from this time last year.
{The beginning of the road to victory}

{ via Anna Taintor }

Oh and don't forget it's Tuesday. I know it is going to feel like a Monday all the day long.

How do we become friends with people?! What makes us stay friends with people?!

Yesterday I was driving over the Causeway, (the longest bridge in the world, the bridge that I drive over most every day of my life) while checking facebook (safe, I know...that's what the iPhone's good for, right?) and stalking various college 'friends' on my minifeed. A few of them reside in and around New Orleans and I didn't even realize. They are girls that were actually really good friends with my really good friends... Long story short, if got me thinking why we keep certain friends or why other people don't "keep" us as friends. I never really came to a conclusion, it's just something pretty interesting to ponder. Honestly, it made me feel small for a moment when I realize how many people who come and go in my life rather insignificantly.

So, I googled "what makes a person a friend." I didn't find an answer (yet), but I found this by some Gregory Schmitt,
      "My favorite definition of a friend is someone who is glad you showed up and has no immediate plans for
       your improvement. I like this definition because it reflects the idea of gracious acceptance of who I am,
       regardless. A friend wants to spend time with me. A friend wants to share joys and sorrows. A friend
       wants to remember the good times, enjoy today and plan for tomorrow."
{the rest of the article} 

I don't know what actofGod allows us to form friendships with certain individuals; but I completely agree with 'Greg'. "Gracious acceptance of who I am, regardless." Really, to find one person that truly allows you acceptance is amazing....so to be blessed with a posy of girls that do just that is absolutely, through the grace of God, beautiful.

Sometimes I think about the girls who will stand next to me the day I get married {though, the day may be years away}. I feel stressed because I've never really thought I'd have 10 girls up there with me, but I don't know how to begin to 'prioritize' my friendships to have less, LOL. How completely silly is that stress?! (We'll see that actually happens when it's worth thinking about.)

Another crazy, stupid stress? How to make time for all the people in my life. Bring on the people. I love every moment I am in the company of a friend, thought it sometimes inhibits me from doing everything I 'need' to do, I wouldn't give back a moment of my time.

So, in honor of timeless friendships, I give you a little taste of my birthday bash {sad to see August go}.

Pat O's girls. (Meg, Presh, AC, me, A, T, Katie & Tasha}

Proof it was a successful night.

{it was a} late, late night.

Today is: Friday, Saints' Preseason Game Day, Cheryl's Bachelorette Party and first day of the weekend.

Football season is back in town. Maybe it's that the air has been cooler in the mornings than usual but I feel like the Saints bring magic to this town. The buzz is back and I'm in love again. It's not the football, but the atmosphere. {Although, I will admit, I've started to enjoy the games...shhh}.












{} Aprel and I are throwing Ashley's Wedding Shower.  I just really enjoy throwing parties! I find my element in the whole planning invitations and decorations. Though, the dayof is always overly stressful...it's nice to know when it's all said and done people enjoyed themselves. I've learned that a little bit of effort goes a very long way.

{} SportFit Nutrition {SFN} is about to open. The freelance work I have been able to do for Matt, the owner of SFN, has been fun; but it has also felt rushed. A brag-worthy project can never be rushed....

{} ...which plays into the website that I am designing. I played with Wordpress. What? I know. I jumped right on that bandwagon. I haven't played with it enough to know if I like it or not...right now it's not "easier". We'll see.

{} Still on the eternal search for time. The search will never end.

{} Yesterday I visited Scriptura.com. Let me share with you some of this beautiful work because in the forty-five minutes I spent clicking around their site I am in love with invitations and calligraphy.

"Let the good times roll" {Via Scriptura}

"Streetcar" {Via Scriptura}

While I was visiting Scriptura I also discovered their Calligrapher, Maria Helena. Doesn't she make your heart melt?

{Via Maria Helena}

In conclusion:
I'm in love with pretty things & Saints season.

My Week


|Monday|
Work, dentist and Spa Martini date with T & Amanda (then get home to hang up clothes).

|Tuesday|
Work in early – out late. Sushi{?} Date Night with David.

|Wednesday|
Work. Home early for laundry & me time.

|Thursday|
Work. S&M meeting. {Finally} drinks with Gracious. I wander if she wants to run with me before drinks?!

|Friday|
Work {half day?}. Must make the decision on whether to go to the Saints game or to Cheryl’s Bachelorette party . . . this is a tough one.

|Saturday|
R&R?!

New “To Do”

Rank my days from 1 – 10. Explain.

Yesterday {Sunday}
9.5 for productivity.
It felt really good to wake up to a clean room.

The overall day I’ll give it a 7.
Better than average but nothing extraordinary.

Jean Therapy