Sunday Social

Happy Sunday everyone! I was super excited about Neely's new link up, so I thought I would try it out since this is the first week she's doing it! I'm not much of a weekend blogger, but I may have to start if y'all like this one

This weeks Questions:

How did you come up with your blog name? I used to have a blog by the name of Georgia Girl in the District. When I made that title I was completely new to blogging and didn't have any idea anyone other than my in real life friends would read it. This time around I wanted something a little more creative. I consider myself a bit of a southern belle hence the "belle" but more than that I wanted to represent my love of politics and specifically my views as a moderate democrat. For those of you not familiar there is a group of moderate Democrats who call themselves blue dog dems. We are more fiscally conservative, socially liberal. (Think Bill Clinton). And there you have it. Blue Dog Belle. 

What is your favorite thing about blogging? I love having the creative outlet that blogging creates, but more than that I love the friends and support I get daily from all of you lovely readers!

What is one thing you have discovered because of blogging and now cant live without? Oh god, there's too much to count. Color blocking is a trend I can't live with out. Make up reviews, recipes, etc. NO WAIT. scratch that. I found pinterest through blogging about a year ago and I now cannot live with out it. Oh pinterest.   

Facebook or Twitter? and why? Well, I'm still kind of new on the twitter train, but I definitely check my twitter more often. 

If one celeb read your blog who would you want it to be? Oh jeez. I don't even know. I've been reading Megan McCain's blog for years and I kind of love her.  

What is something you want people to know about your blog? Hmm... that's kind of a hard one. I feel like my blog is pretty self explanitory. I guess I would want people to know that this is just an expression of me and everything I love. I'm not pretending to be something I'm not. I don't claim to be a fashion or make-up guru, but I do love both those things, so the opinions expressed on the blog really are just my own.

Hope y'all have a great rest of your weekend. I'm off to do some chores before settling down for the SEASON FINALE of MAD MEN tonight. so sad. Oh yeah, and Real Housewives of New Jersey, can't wait for that wedding!

{Friday Fancies} #1

Today I decided to link up with the lovely {av} for 

sweater  |  shorts  |  watch  |  necklace | bag |  wedges

Have a great weekend lovelies! 

{25 before 25}

After Reading Gretchen Rubin's book, The Happiness Project, I've been inspired to do my own. Her whole story did not focus on her unhappiness, but how she actively worked to make herself (and her family) happier.  The book made me realize that I really am the only one who can make myself happy. And while I don't think I'm generally unhappy, I am always looking towards the future, what will make me happy then? What career? What city? a husband? kids? a puppy? But I don't want any of those things right now. I need to live more in the moment. Do things that make me happy today, just because I can. I really think even small steps towards happiness will make a huge difference in my life. Gretchen focused on a different aspect of her life each month, but I've decided to do mine in the form of a 25 before 25 project. As I write this I have approximately 10 months before I hit the big quarter century. These are some of the things that I hope to cross off the list before then.

1. find a job that makes me happy.
2. clear out my closets
3. learn how to sew
4. read 25 books
5. take time for projects
6. work to make new friends
7. show up for the ones I have
8. do a spending freeze for a month
9. practice meditation/yoga
10. do something unexpected
11. go to new york
12. fill my walls with art that i love
13. save money
14. focus on fitness
15. get enough sleep
16. take the LSAT
17. host a themed dinner party
18. volunteer
19. treat myself, because I'm worth it
20. upgrade the camera
21. make 25 things found on pinterest and blog about it.
22. practice making fun cocktails
23. do a 5k
24. take a cooking class
25. Blog every day for a month
26. commit to continuing these goals once 25 comes and goes


My deadline is April 24, 2013. Wish me luck. I've also created a new page here so you can keep track of my progress through out this next year.

Do you have any kind of happiness project? or a 25 before 25? 30 before 30? I'd love to hear about it!

Girls Night Out

It's been almost two weeks now, but I still need to update you on the fabulous event I went to in NoVa a few weeks ago. It was the "Girls Night Out" fashion event hosted by Northern Virginia Magazine. They had giveaways, swag bags, and a fashion show. I had my make up done at the Smashbox counter at Nordstrom. I picked up a BUNCH of samples and I want to tell you about my favorites.

not the greatest pictures ever, but hey, not too bad for an iphone right? The hair and make up was great, and all done by the W Salon! I'm definitely going to check them out.

I went to Aveda for a hair consultation and picked up some large samples.  I'm loving:

damage remedy shampoo

color conserve conditioner 

color conserve leave in

 Then I hit up bareMinerals for a free make under (which I rescheduled) and a sample. I was SHOCKED when the girl color matched me to be a MEDIUM. WHAT? ME? Medium? I'm like beyond fair. Thank you sunless tanner, you are making me feel like a real person.

I also did some shopping, The Limited was having an AWESOME sale, on top of a discount from that night. So I picked up a new pencil skirt which I LOVE and a cute color blocked sweater. I'm dying to go back after these white jeans though

all in all a very successful evening.