Spring Wardrobe Spruce Up

Hey everyone! I've really been on a roll with my Stella & Dot sales recently and I wanted to show you some of the things I've been sharing with ladies interested in making a purchase.

For me, finding outfits that go with bauble necklaces is the hardest thing in the world. I've always leaned more towards small, simple pieces but am so excited for the excuse to get out of my comfort zone a little bit. I found these two photos on Pinterest and love the way these outfits look!

Featured: The Mae Necklace, The Somervell Necklace, and the Christina Link Necklace.

Featured: The Daphne Necklace

Something I'm hopelessly addicted to though? Earrings. Especially studs. They go well with everything - casual and dressy outfits, hair up or hair down, work or play. Here are a few of my favorites for this season.

The Janice Studs are perfect with just about anything, and the best shade of green. The Dorothy Pearl Studs are a southern woman's best friend - pearls go with everything. And the Delphie Studs come in turquoise or lapis - I gave the lapis ones to my bridesmaids to wear on my wedding day even!

Here are two outfits I wore last week that showcased my growing S&D collection:

Top: Loft, Leggings: J Crew, Boots: J Crew, Earrings: Stella & Dot Linda Studs, Necklace: Stella & Dot Sanibel Reversable Pendant 

Top: Old Navy, Jeans: Joe's Jeans, Vest: Patagonia, Flats: J Crew, Earrings: Stella & Dot Janice Studs, Bracelet: Stella & Dot Serenity Stone Cuff, Necklace: Stella & Dot On the Mark

Ready to spruce up your spring wardrobe now? Shop my next trunk show today!

 

Weekend Wrap-Up

What a weekend, folks! I tell you what - I think the usual Case of the Mondays sets in even worse when you parents leave and head back to their home 9 hours away. But, we had the best weekend - I couldn't have asked for better weather, food, or company.

I borrowed Dad's camera to play around a little bit, but of course, I forgot to get them off before giving the camera back :) But, Mom and I kicked off the weekend at the Commissary (the grocery store on post) and the Class 6 (the liquor store on post). We made a baked ziti Friday night and played Blokus (my parents are way too good and L kept ganging up on me!) and watched "Guilt Trip".

I had the lowest of expectations (the bar isn't set very high for Mr. Rogen) but it was surprisingly sweet! We really enjoyed it - and it's on Netflix!

Saturday we made cinnamon rolls in the waffle maker (oh my goodness - this was dynamite! - a definite Pinterest win) and went to post. We checked out L's office and Mom and I walked through the PX (Post exchange... it's like the Army Target) and Dad and L went to the post museum. We came back for lunch, and Mom and I went to Miss Lucille's. Mom found a great milk glass hobnail ice bucket and a small gift for my sister, while I came out empty handed. But, we stopped at Target on the way home and I found our bar! I got it all gussied up that night and will post photos soon! We grabbed dinner downtown, and settled in for movie #2 - this time it was "Stripes" in honor of the Army.

Sunday we took them to church then went to lunch with our "Best Army Friends" C and K. It was still such a beautiful day, so we decided to take Loola and head to Dunbar Cave State Park for a small hike. Loola did find on the trail, but was so excited to see all the people and other dogs, which got to be a little much. Not to mention when she noticed the ducks in the lake... (that's the black lab in her I guess!)

We made honey jalapeno chicken tenders (recipe adapted from The Splendid Table) on the grill for dinner with a pre-made salad and grilled zucchini and our friends C and M came over with their puppy Bailey to hang out for a while. And, because my family loves a good movie, we wrapped things up with "Mirror, Mirror."

Mom and Dad left this morning and I miss them already! But, it's back to the grind for me and L - including getting ready for a trip to Louisville this weekend! Hope you have a great Monday!

Bad Blogger

Hey, everyone! I'm so sorry I've been MIA. I've been in Memphis for a work trip and have been so pooped at the end of my days I don't have the energy to do anything except enjoy trashy cable television and go to sleep way too early.

But, I wanted to share some things that have been on my mind recently.

First, the outpouring of support for my Stella & Dot adventure has been unbelievable. Non of my friends have a tremendous amount of disposable income, and the fact that I have 5 trunk shows before the end of March is so exciting. My sister has been feeding me the best ideas (wait, I thought I was the business major!), my sponsor has been checking in constantly, and it's amazing to feel this excited about a side project.

Second, my parents are coming to town this weekend and I am so excited! Visitors make our 1 bedroom apartment a little tight for the duration of a visit, but I can't wait to show them around post, take Mom to Miss Lucille's, show them our church, and get some quality time in (without all the dogs running around like at Christmas!).

Third, L and I had the best Valentine's Day - we turned our celebration into a weekend long affair. We started a new tradition (seeing the cheesiest movie possible since he took me to see "The Vow" on Valentines for our first date), caught up on R&R, got a great dinner - it was just a weekend jam packed with being with one another. Which is perfect, because the possibility of deployment is on the table again... Thanks, Army, for that Valentine's Day present.

I hope everyone is having a great week so far - I know I am. There is beautiful weather in Tennessee (finally!) and I'm feeling so motivated at work and am plowing through projects. I'm just so incredibly happy and my spring fever is in full swing :) I'll be back tomorrow with a report on my weigh-in. Wish me luck!

Weigh In #6

Well, it seems my enthusiasm for Weight Watchers cycles. One week, I'm dreading it, the next, I'm excited to see my progress. I've had some bad weeks so far, but I hadn't gained - only lost or maintained. Until this week anyways...

I had high hopes. I ran intervals on Monday (2 min walking, 1 min up pace running for 30 minutes), biked Tuesday, ran intervals yesterday (same as Monday, but for 45 minutes), and took Loola and the two dogs I pet-sit during the week each for their own loop around the complex this morning. 

I hadn't eaten super well this week, but I had lots of fresh fruit (thanks for the incredibly reasonable prices, Kroger!), and had watched my portions. I really thought I was going to be OK, but, I gained.

It wasn't much, but it was enough to discourage me a little bit. I'm back to 58.67% of my Romper goal, 29.33% of my Maxi goal, and 25.88% of my ultimate goal. So far, I've lost a total of 5.37% of my body weight, which isn't nothing, but I have a long way ahead of me.

So this week, my goal is to work out every day - if I can. (I travel for work next week which always complicates my routine.) And to watch what I eat on the road. It can be way too easy to fall into the quick and easy trap so I'll have to be careful. 

So, happy Thursday, everyone! Have a good Valentines!

Wish List Wednesday

Today's $100 allowance Wish List has a Valentines theme, of course! All little items I certainly wouldn't mind being given - without busting our budget, of course.

This acrylic mini-state charm from Moon and Lola is so cute, and I would love one of Tennessee OR Virginia. (I'm not picky you know...) And, at $22 a pop, L could definitely afford to get me both.

Who doesn't love MayDesigns and their fight against ugly notebooks? At $19 each, I could afford many more of these - to go with the two I already have, of course. And the math nerd inside of me loves that you can get graph paper on the inside!

It'll be summer soon - so why not get your new Lilly koozies now? Only $6 and I love all the new spring prints.

I'm dying for one of these Stella & Dot Poufs and, although they come in lots of patterns, why not keep it festive with a Valentines print? Each pouf is $24, or 3 for $60 right now! (Buy one here at my trunk show!)

I'm a little addicted to phone cases, and this one would be a perfect addition to my "collection" - if we can get it for Tennessee, of course! $22 from the FieldTrip Etsy Shop.

What are you hoping for this Valentine's Day?

Weekend Wrap-Up

What a wonderful, beautiful weekend!

Friday night was girls night - and we had such a great time. We all seemed equally relieved to have so many other women who were in our EXACT positions. I knew the Army would provide me with lots of great friends, but to click with so many women this quickly? It's truly a blessing. 

Saturday, I ran out to Dunkin Donuts to get some treats to surprise L with when he got home from staff duty. We had a lazy morning, then treated ourselves to lunch out. Did a little shopping for the apartment and had a comfort food dinner. Classic hot dogs, mac and cheese, sweet potato tots, and some beers :) We watched a movie on the couch, and enjoyed the quality time.

Sunday I had my Stella and Dot party! Only a few girls were able to make it, but they were all so supportive - I was so grateful. I'm about halfway to earning back what I invested and couldn't be more thankful for everyone who ordered. 

Today was a typical Monday - it's always hard to get back in the swing of things - but I did get a workout in, and got my usual household chores done, which helps me rest a little easier. Nothing like some endorphins, an empty laundry basket, sink, a made bed, and picked-up dog toys to help my stress levels.

I hope everyone else has a great week!

Five on Friday

Woo Hoo! TGIF! Here's what's on my radar for the weekend.

• I have my first Stella & Dot show this weekend. I'd really love to earn back in commission what I invested earlier this month, and thanks to some early orders (placed by my beautiful family members) I'm on my way there. I've said it before, and I'll say it again - click the link if you want to spoil yourself a little bit this weekend!  

• I have girls night tonight with some other Army wives/girlfriends. I'm so excited to have real girlfriends down here and am happy I'm not stuck at home alone while L has staff duty.

• Speaking of friends, a fellow Army Wife let me use some of her GlamGlow and I am ob-sessed. I had seen it on Pinterest, then on Turquoise and Teale, Ashley gushed about it. I knew I had to try it. C put some in a tupperware container for me and I finally used it this week. I didn't leave it on long enough, but I could see a difference even after 5 minutes. The blackheads on my nose, chin, and forehead were all cleared up and my skin felt so much better. It's a little expensive (it's cheaper on Amazon) but worth it!

• Since L has to work some long hours this weekend so I'm hoping to get through some to-dos while he catches up on rest. I'm trying to tackle the laundry room - it's so daunting! And I want to do so much to organize but just can't find what I'm envisioning in my head.

• I'm planning the menu for Sunday and I'm excited to do some cooking. I'm going to make Elizabeth at A Carolina Mrs's jalapeno poppers, spinach dip with hawaiian bread (a family recipe - stay tuned!), Becky at A Girl and Her Sparkles' mini cheesecakes (except with an oreo crust), some cheese spread, and some Girl Scout Cookies. (I can't wait to go out and buy all the cookies I can afford. Especially after all these kooks trying to keep them down. As a 13 year Girl Scout, I know how much the organization can teach a young woman. The empowerment, the responsibility, the confidence. These scouts deserve to feel supported and not ridiculed.)

 I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Weigh In #5

So, this morning I emailed my sister and asked her to convince me to go weigh-in. I just wasn't confident about this week - not enough physical activity, too much junk, WAY too much stress - I knew it would go badly. But, she told me to go, and I was reminded that in last week's meeting that this is a lifestyle - there will be ups and downs, and you have to hold yourself accountable.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised when my meeting leader let me know that I was down! 2.2 whole pounds - little victories!  I'm down 1.4% from last week, which means I have lost a total of 5.49% of my body weight. I am an even 60% of the way to my Romper goal, 30% of my Maxi goal, and 26.47% of my overall goal (which gets me the Elsa top!) 

Dinners were all over the place. Sunday was the Super Bowl, and I think I did a good job of avoiding the spread. We had chili, we had pizza rolls (whoops), we ate out... I wasn't super careful, and didn't do a great job meal planning. I worked out once, and need to get into a better routine of it because it's going to be the difference between plateauing, and keeping the pounds coming off!

At this rate, I'll be ordering my Romper the end of the month, my Maxi dress by mid-April, and hit that glorious goal the first of May! Wahoo!

Wish List Wednesday

Today is a very special edition of Wish List Wednesday. Although I usually stick to my usual $100 allowance, I want to show y'all some of my favorite Stella & Dot items - all less than $100. And if you see something you like, click the link to purchase it today! (Face it, retail therapy makes this polar vortex after polar vortex a little more bearable.)

How cute is this Amelie Sparkle Bracelet? Only $39 and it comes in silver, gold, and peach.

I love this Macey Bangle so much, I bought it for myself already to add to my (ever growing) collection. Only $39!

I'm not usually brave enough to wear a statement necklace, but the soft colors in this Elodie Necklace make it easier to wear. Plus, I love that it's adjustable. And only $89.

I'd like to introduce you another part of my collection - the Sanibel Reversable Pendant. Only $79 and it's the perfect item to dress up or dress down.

These are the earrings I gave my bridesmaids to wear at the wedding - the Delphie Stone Studs. They were a perfect compliment and, even though some of my bridesmaids usually shy away from yellow gold, they were use fans. Only $24.

And on days when I feel like getting a little bit fancier, these Lily Chandeliers will be my go-to! I can already imagine outfits with items already in my closet. And for $39, how can you say no?

But no matter what your style, Stella & Dot has tons of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings available. So go ahead - shop away at my trunk show! Purchases made by Friday will be here by Valentines Day!

Resolution Update #5

Ah! It's finally February! One month down, eleven to go. But, I'm really happy with the progress I'm making with my resolutions! Let's check it out...

A bad habit I'm going to break: Drinking soda. -- I did OK! I did slurge on a Cherry Coke at Target this weekend, but I've been focusing on water. Ashley at Turquoise and Teale recommended I pick up a case of La Croix for when I'm craving something flavored and fizzy, and I'm now obsessed! Pop one open, add a paper straw, and my lunch is transformed!

A new skill I'd like to learn: Calligraphy! -- Practice makes perfect, right? I'm keeping at it... slowly but surely...

A good deed I'm going to do: I'd love to find a Girl Scout troop to get involved in -- I'm currently waiting on my paperwork to fill out and get approved to help! I'm really excited about this!

A place I'd like to visit: Just out of the country. -- Still waiting to hear if a vacation is in the works. Every time I try and do research, I decide to go somewhere else. We definitely want it to be affordable, but nice. I look at cruises, all inclusive resorts, Air BnB... and I get overwhelmed. I just want to know if it's a possibility!

A book I'd like to read: The Bible. L and I are following this plan and right now we're right on track. We're reading about Moses now and I really enjoyed learning so much about Passover. I remember hearing these stories growing up in Sunday School and what not, but I really do enjoy reading through it all again with L.

A letter I'm going to write: I'd like to participate monthly (or maybe twice a month!) in More Love Letters. -- They have finally put up new bundle requests! I'm going to sit down this afternoon and write a letter to mail - no more waiting til the end of the month like last time.

A new food I'd like to try: Indian food -- I feel like since I knocked this one out so early, that I may pick a new one each month! So, what are your suggestions? I'm drawing a blank, so I'm open to new ideas!

I'm going to do better at: working out and eating better. I was really happy at weigh in last week but this week was awful - thanks a lot, Super Bowl. I did work out yesterday, and plan to today, but I know it won't be enough. I let us slip up on meal planning this week and, in an effort to save money, just didn't buy enough food really. So, I'm wiping the slate clean and giving it another try!

I'm also loving all the posts about February goals - so much so that I was inspired to make a few myself. (I copied the format that Taylor at Taylored and Turquoise used, for the record.)

1. Love my husband - Find new ways to show my love for L. I love doing little things for him, like packing his lunch, making dinner, doting over him when I can, but I want to find new ways to make him feel special.
2. Be intentional with others - I think this is going to play well into my Stella and Dot endeavor. I've been wanting to branch out and meet new people, and this is a great chance for me to do that. I want to take time this month to talk to more people - at my Weight Watchers meeting, at church, at Army functions - and make those connections.
3. Go on adventures - My parents come to down this month for a visit, so I think I'd like to plan a jam packed, fun visit for them, and really show them what a hostess they raised.
4. Time with God - I know L and I read the Bible almost nightly, but I really want to take time to myself to reflect on what it is we're reading and digest what the is being said.
5. Organize - with my parents coming, this will be high on my list of things to do, and I hope to tackle our laundry room before they get here! (Wish me luck...)

I hope everyone has a great Tuesday!

Weekend Wrap-Up

Well, another weekend has come and gone, but at least now we're officially in February! I've seen lots of hate for January on blogs today, and I have to say I agree. It just feels like a month of Mondays! But, we're already into February so onward and upward!

This weekend, I worked on my first Stella and Dot trunk show! I'm hosting my own party to invite friends over and encourage them to bring co-workers and other Army Wives, who will hopefully want to hose their own parties! If you wanna treat yourself to something nice, click the link and shop my trunk show! (Anything ordered by February 8 will arrive by Valentines!)

With the help of my handsome and wonderfully patient husband, we also got our headboard done!

It took two tries, but I love the way it turned out. I ended up using a razor blade to scrape off the paint marker seating charts, and we screwed a few d-rings into the back, about 4 inches from the top. We hung them up with hooks, each built to support 50 lbs. In all, the project cost us less than $8 and all I want to do is lay around in my comfy room now!

Our Super Bowl party was a huge success, which is more than I can say for my Pinterest snacks. The pinwheels were OK - not as pretty but everyone enjoyed them. I didn't even try the puffs, we took the cop out and went to Publix for chips and dip on the way. But, I made so many new friends and loved putting faces with names of all the people L works with.

I hope everyone else is having a great Monday!