Friday Faves: Football Edition

This week in honor of the impending football season coming up in a couple of weeks, I thought I would do a special Friday Faves around the best time of the year! For guys, it's about the sport. But for us ladies, football season is about the party and the clothes!

Stacey and I at the Auburn vs Florida game last year

I love me a good tailgate- whether it is at the actual game or in the comfort of my living room. There is just something about Game Day Saturday that makes me happy. But you need to look good doing it! So most of my Faves are clothes related. Imagine that! If you can tell from the photo above, I am in desperate need of some Royal Blue additions to my closet for my beloved Gators. It's a sad state of affairs.  So, here are a few things to remedy that!

1. Chevron Dress- I love this little dress and it would be perfect for a hot Saturday here in the south.

From Totally Collegiate

2. Orange! Blue! Also a good option for you Gator Girls out there!

From Twelve Saturdays

From Totally Collegiate

This simple blue dress worn with a pop of orange from a fun statement necklace would be adorable.

I also loved this cute top that would be perfect for a more casual look paired with some jeans.

From Twelve Saturdays

3. Total Nole Envy- I am totally jealous that this top doesn't come in another color option. It would be so cute with some skinny jeans and some boots, preferably of the cowboy variety. It is the South after all!

From Twelve Saturdays

4. Some SEC love- Any home or office would look good with this adorable SEC Mascot painting. In the SEC, we are all huge rivals the day we play each other, but we support our fellow Conference members- especially when they are playing other non-SEC teams.

From Annie Laurie Art

5. Go Dawgs! (of the Citadel, that is)- I know David would love to make it to a Citadel game this year, and this dress needs to be in my closet for when we go. (thank goodness for the North Carolina Tar Heels for having the same color scheme. ha!)

From Totally Collegiate

6. The Ten Commandments of Football- Taken from this 2011 Southern Living Article

1.  Thou shalt wear team colors. But think twice before adorning yourself with body paint—you don’t want to be the Internet photo that goes viral.
2.  Thou shalt know—and sing—your team’s fight song from beginning to end. Sure, you can “watermelon watermelon” your way through the alma mater, but not memorizing the fight song is a fan failure.
3. Thou shalt keep your language clean (unless, of course, the quarterback fumbles on fourth and goal).
4. Thou shalt support the coach. Even when his calls are questionable.
5. Thou shalt be respectful to visiting teams. Remember: Southern ladies and gentlemen never boo.
6. Thou shalt set up a tailgate no fewer than three hours before kickoff (six if it’s a night game). Table linens and matching huggers encouraged, but not required.
7. Thou shalt theme your tailgate food around the visiting rival. Gator bites, anyone?
8. Thou shalt stay through the fourth quarter—rain or shine. That’s what ponchos are for, y’all.
9. Thou shalt respect the solemnity of Game Day by planning weddings, births, and other life events around the football schedule.
10. Thou shalt not covet other teams’ bowl games, national championships, or Heisman Trophy wins. There’s always next year

 Alright, that's all I have for you today. If you want a really cute place to get the low-down on more Southern Football, check out The Game Day Belles. It's super cute!

Time Flies

Today is my nephew's first day of Pre-K. It seems like only yesterday that they were bringing him home from the hospital. It's amazing how quickly time passes. When I was younger, the year seemed to take FOREVER. Summers were almost endless. The older I get, the more I realize how quickly the time goes. It seems like only yesterday that I was in school myself. Now my little Barrett is going to school and will be riding the bus. His little cousin, Rendi who is the same age as he is, also starts Pre-K today.

She is going to a different school though because her mom teaches there. Barrett commented this morning that he wished Rendi was going to the same school as he because he was nervous to ride the bus from the elementary school to the middle school where his mom teaches. Broke my heart to hear that! But I know that he is a big boy and will do just fine. I know my poor mother is probably having a hard time today. She quit her job to stay home and keep Barrett when he was born. It's going to mighty quiet around the house without him. So say a prayer for her!

I can't wait to hear all the details about his day. When all the initial excitement is over and he realizes that he has to go back tomorrow!

One of my favorite stories from my kindergarten days is the day that I rode the bus home from school. I had been so excited to ride on the bus like a big girl. That day finally arrived. We live about 10 miles out of town, so it took like 2 hours to get home that day on the bus. I was upset because I didn't get to ride in the seat with my brother. My mother met us at the end of the driveway. I ran off the bus and into her arms. She asked me how I like the bus ride. I replied to her "It was fun, but I'm never doing it again." And guess what? I never did!

To all of you who are sending off kids to school, I wish you all the best school year. Time flies. So enjoy those early years with your kids. They will be off to college before you know it.

Thankful

These days the most overwhelming feeling that I have is being thankful. Thankful for the wonderful blessings that I have. Thankful for my family. Thankful for my friends. But most importantly, thankful for a loving God who has watched over me and protected me when I wasn't smart enough to do it myself.

I spent so much time surviving. Where making it through the day was a struggle. It's hard when your peace has gone. Step by step, little by little- that peace has returned. And where there was once no peace, no understanding, heartache and grief, there is now peace, understanding, gratitude, love, and joy. God will give you double for your trouble, if you remain faithful.

Now, I am no longer focused on surviving, but thriving. It's such a great feeling to be able to enjoy your life. Maybe you have never been in the position where life was unbearable, so you may not know what I am talking about. Maybe you know full well what it's like and know exactly where I am coming from.

Sometimes life takes you on an unexpected journey. Little did I know last Thanksgiving when I sent a text message to a dear, dear friend over the holidays to catch up, that I would find a relationship with one of the best people I know. I wasn't in the market for a boyfriend. Wasn't interested in going down that road anytime soon. However, I believe God had bigger plans for me and David. He placed in my life again a man I have known virtually since birth. A man who I have loved for ages. A man who has been a great and close friend throughout our lives. A man I was so smitten with in kindergarten that I bestowed a kiss upon for winning a game of colors on the computer.A man I am still smitten with today. A man that I am truly grateful for.

This weekend, I got to spend time with people that are near and dear to my heart. My brother Brad and his wife Nicole came up to stay with us on Friday night. Stacey has a friend that plays in a local band and they were playing at a local restaurant in Thomasville. I am so glad that Brad and Nicole were able to come and hang out with us.

I was also glad that my sweet, sweet friend Lorraine was able to join us as well.

I was happy that I could introduce her to my brother and sister-in-law and to David. We had a wonderful evening and a great Saturday doing nothing but lounging around the house watching movies and hanging out. It truly made my heart happy.

Blessings come in many shapes and forms. They come in the form of family and friends who love and support you. They come from prayers- both answered and unanswered. They can come from situations. A new job when you need it. That $20 you found in an old pair of jeans. A word of encouragement from a stranger when you really need one.

I have been truly blessed. I have two wonderful parents who love me and more importantly who love each other. To have two great role models to guide and teach me and to raise me in a Christian home is a great blessing. I have a brother who I know would bend over backwards for me and who I can claim as my best friend. I have my beautiful cousin Stacey in my life. I would die for that girl, I love her so much. I have two wonderful grandmothers that I deeply cherish. I also have a wonderful boyfriend that was raised by two amazing parents. They truly raised a man who is a gentleman. Who is full of integrity, honor, and strength. I have a wonderful job and an employer who cares about me and appreciates all that I do. I have countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and a nephew who I can't imagine my life without. I also have a church family who has loved and supported me. I am truly a blessed girl.

Sorry if this post is too mushy this morning. I am just feeling extremely thankful today. One of my favorite hymns is Count Your Blessings, so this morning I felt that I needed to name them one by one.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Counting your blessings is a good way to start the week. What are you thankful for? Time to name them one by one!

Since I'm Stuck at Work...

...I might as well blog! I am totally stuck at work this afternoon, thanks to a lovely Worker's Comp auditor named Alan. Thanks, Alan. I guess I could be working., but I'm just not in the mood after playing lawyer this afternoon making up a warranty contract. I've had my fill today. So instead, I'm going to goof off. Beware of randomness in this post {as per usual with my blog posts.}

Today is someones birthday! My sweet cousin Heath is celebrating his birthday today! He is getting married in December to such a sweet, sweet girl and I am soooo happy for him. He deserves the best because he is one great dude.

Here we are last summer picking peanuts. That was a fun day.

This weekend I accomplished a monumental feat. Ok, so not really. But it felt like a big one to me. I have never made a ham before. I don't know why I thought it was intimidating. Because it was so easy. Not to mention delicious.

I wanted to cook David a home cooked meal this past weekend. Mainly because when I talk to him in the evenings he is usually eating a can of fiesta corn -straight from the can I might add- or something random for dinner. So I stocked up on lots of fresh veggies for him. I baked the ham, stewed some squash, fried okra, and tomatoes. The thing that I was craving the most from this meal, I totally forgot to make. Completely spaced out. Our local Harvey's usually carries fresh field peas in the later summer months. When I spotted them, I was so excited. And then I forgot to cook them for him. Oh well. They were pretty tasty last night when I made them.
I think David has reached his photography limit. I think we may be done for awhile. I made him take a few pictures before we met up with a friend on Saturday. He told me that I looked really nice. That was a good enough excuse. Plus we sorta matched. I blame him. Heehee....

Notice the sweet bunny ears

I did have one victim that couldn't complain.

Moxley would sit still all of 2 seconds. He was more interested in demolishing Bentley's tennis ball.

And guess what? I had some other random stuff to share, but I think Alan has everything he needs, so I can finally go home. That other stuff will have to wait for another day.

Wakulla Springs

It has been a super busy summer. This was the first weekend since perhaps April that David and I spent a whole weekend in Thomasville. It was nice not having to drive anywhere for a change! We have planned to go to Wakulla Springs ages ago and this weekend it finally worked out so that we could go. I went to Wakulla Springs about 2 years ago with my girl Stacey. You can read about our adventures here. David hasn't been since our Science Club took a field trip there when we were freshmen in high school. So, it had been a minute for both of us going. Every time I go to Wakulla Springs, I am reminded how much I love it down there. It is so pretty and just reminds me of home and the Chipola River that is so dear to my heart.

I had no clue that Wakulla Springs was so popular. I guess the only times that I have really gone were during off-peak seasons. As in going for school field trips during the school year, or like Stacey and I did when we went in March. I was shocked when we pulled into the gate and had to wait like 15 minutes to just pay to get in. Crazy! I was also shocked at the amounts of foreigners that were there. It made me question how they found a place that seems so obscure to me like Wakulla Springs. But I'm glad that so many people get to experience such a beautiful natural Florida landscape.

There were so many people there, that it took a while before we could do the Riverboat Cruise. While we waited, we checked out the lodge/restaurant. I still love going in there. It is so pretty.

The murals on the ceiling are gorgeous. This picture does not do them justice. After looking at a few exhibits, it was time to head out!

And for fairness sake, I was there I promise. Just usually on the other end of the camera!

Hey! I'm a hot mess in this heat!

It had been raining and it was really humid. So it made the water have a fog over it. It was beautiful.

Wakulla Springs has been the site of many movies and television shows. Many Tarzan shows were filmed right here. As well as the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

We encountered lots of wildlife. Many birds, a few alligators, turtles, and even some manatees.

Nesting site

Peek a boo!

Mama with her chicks

Manatee. Wish I had gotten a picture of the calves that were with them...

I believe that this is my favorite picture from the whole day.

I had no idea that David had such strong feelings about birds before. When the bird was spotted David points at it and says "look at that bird up there looking all disgusting." Granted the bird is malting, so it's feathers are falling out. I guess David dislikes this bird due to many encounters in the swamp. They are really oily and greasy and will eat your fish. I think I am going to have this picture blown up and framed for him to hang over his couch. I think he would love it!

Well, that's my adventures at Wakulla Springs.

It was beautiful and I enjoyed every minute.

See ya later, alligator!

Friday Faves- Birthday Edition

I realize that I still have 1.5 months to go until I turn 29 again the big 3-1. However, there is no time like the present to start thinking about presents. Ha! So for this edition of Friday Faves, I'm going to do a run down of some things I would love to have for my birthday. And there is a major theme on these items. I think I may have a problem!

Here we go!

1. Key Chain  - Real fancy, right? But I just adore these key fobs from The Pink Azalea. So super cute. They can make them in any color you want and.... of course get them monogrammed. You had me at monogram :)

Dot Key Fob

Swirl Key Fob

Or I would settle for one of these acrylic ones:

Monogram Acrylic Key Chain

2. Workout gear - Ok, maybe not workout gear. Maybe just lounging around the house gear. However, if I did have these, I might be motivated to walk around the neighborhood just because these are too cute to hide.

Running Shorts

3. Coffee Mug!  How cute would this be tooling around my office? (oh yeah, it's monogrammed as well)

Coffee Mug

4. iPhone Case - Maybe one of these days I will break down and get one, but at $60 a pop it's hard for me to justify it just so my phone is pretty. But I love them!

iPhone Case

5. Erin Condren Life Planner - Just typing this out makes me feel like I am cheating on my beloved Lily Pulitzer planners that I have used for the last couple of years. But everyone raves about these planners, so I would love to try them out!

Erin Condren Planner

Although, I wouldn't turn down my beloved Lily Planner if given to me!

6. A New Camera Lens! Need to add to my arsenal of torture devices :-)

Cheap option

70-300 mm

Or splurge!

55-300 mm

7. A New Wallet - Love this cheerful green!

Kate Spade

8. Still want these earrings

Bauble Bar Peach Cut Studs

9. Stationery -  Every good Southern girl needs stationery. To write thank you notes or to just say hello. I currently have none, so I need to restock! These light and bright ones are too cute!

Stationery

But of course, I'm always a fan of the classics! Can't go wrong with an elegant embossed monogram.

10. Watch- It's safe to say that I have a MK watch addiction. I love them. I still have my eye on the tortoise shell one. Fear not, I'm sure one day I will break down and buy it.

Michael Kors

But I wouldn't turn down this Timex watch. I really want one :) You know, for casual days.

Timex Weekender

Wow. I just realized that I went a tad nuts with this. Sorry!

Wisdom Wednesday

⁹ Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. ¹⁰  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹ Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹²  Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

~Romans 12:9-12

Love. Four simple letters strung together into one little word. However, everything rests upon this simple principle. When the Pharisees tried to trick Jesus by asking him what was the greatest commandment, how did Jesus answer? Love the Lord your God first and love your neighbor second. Simple as that. Everything else will fall into place because you love your God and you love people. 

I wish I had some grand message to throw out to you today, but I don't. I think that this beautiful verse speaks volumes for itself. 

If you participate in She Reads Truth, you will know that the latest series is about prayer- and the power that comes through prayer.

I adore verse 12. What a message! Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. What beautiful truth.

Hope. That's another four letter word that should be as simple as its construction. But at times, it's hard to hope. Especially when life knocks you down to your knees. But then again, when you are knocked down to your knees, you're in a much better position to pray. Huh. Funny how that happens. At times when my hope was lost, I could always count on one thing- love. Love from my Heavenly Father. Knowing that He has me in His hands because I am His child. The more I focused on that, the more hope abounded.

The picture above shows my Love painting that I have up in my office. I have talked about it before, but if you don't know, I keep it in my sight to help remind me. Remind me not only to show love to the people I encounter at work every day, but also to remind me of a love that knows no end. A love that is everlasting. And that my friends is a good thing to be reminded of constantly.

I'm thinking about adopting these four verses as my motto for my life. I think it sums things up pretty nicely!