Day 5: Spain

Happy Wednesday! I hope y'all are enjoying the

It has definitely been a challenge so far, but one that I'm loving, so I hope y'all are too. Today's topic is 

 a picture of somewhere you've been

Well this was actually a hard one for me... because I've been a lot of places. But the one place that captured my heart is...

SPAIN

in 2004 I spent 5 weeks one summer in a home-stay in a small town called Almunecar on the beach in Andalucia. Well to say I fell in love with the country and traveling in general was quite the understatement. 

I went back for a full semester in 2008, and those four months changed my life completely. I met so many wonderful people, including KC who I still talk to every single day (except when she's in her law school exams). I lived in Valencia (on the east coast) and I definitely left a piece of my heart there. 

If you ever find yourself planning a trip to Spain, please go to Valencia. It's absolutely gorgeous. It's got fabulous beaches. Amazing architecture. Great Restaurants. They invented Paella! and it's not your "typical" tourist city--- which I love. I could seriously gush about Valencia for hours, but I'm sure y'all don't want to read it, so I'll keep it brief. 

I was lucky enough to have about 5 weeks afterwards to travel around Spain and Europe, which I haven't talked about much. But I was bit hard by the travel bug, and I still get the itch to just get up and go.

Where is your favorite place to travel? 

Day 4 and ASOS

Today's topic of the 

a habit that you wish you didn’t have

I am addicted to the snooze button. Seriously. I think I always have been since probably about age 4. I love to sleep, but I do not appreciate being woken up (even if it is by my iphone). I usually set the alarm for 15 minutes before I need to get up, but my "body clock" wakes me up 10 minutes before that. But why get up like a normal person? No. I need those extra 10 minutes. Duh. Unfortunately I have an insane ability to fall deep into sleep in 10 minutes making it ridiculously hard to wake up on time. Then I'm running late. Dry shampoo and a sock bun happens way too often. Maybe that'll be a new years resolution... I don't know if 20+ years of a habit can be broken... But it sure is a habit I wish I didn't have. 

Now... I pulled this post together, but apparently I'm behind in my blog reading, because one of my usual Tuesday Linkups (Loving Lately as seen here, here, and here) is no more. Well. No matter. This is my latest obsession. I've been doing some online hunting lately, and I am seriously obsessed with all things ASOS. Unfortunately their stuff doesn't fit me very well. For some reason it's cut for girls much taller than me... so I can't ever get the fit just right. No matter. A girl can still shop right? 

Day 3 and The Birthday Party

Happy Monday! Before I update y'all on my jam packed weekend let's get to know me better with day 3 of the....

a picture of you as a child

I know. I was so cool right? The hipster bangs. The sun glasses. The red boots. I mean. I couldn't be any cooler. 

There are some awesome ladies out there who are also doing the challenge, if you're participating will you please send me a link to your post and I'll make sure to give you a shout out!

Check out Emily and Sarah Elizabeth and Mree

Now, I wanted to thank you all again for your help last week. The party went well, and I think my minimalist decorations were a hit!

We did a full bar with some DIY signature cocktails. We had lots of fun making simple syrups and thinking of cute names for drinks! Then I made these, and omg y'all. they were SO good. 

We opted not to get a tree this year, but we hung up lots of lights in front of the window and it's so pretty. 

I also neglected to take a picture (I know-- blogger fail), but I made this super cute polka dot banner that we ran all over the house. It was SO easy and took maybe 30 minutes to put the whole thing together. I promise I'll post a picture tomorrow--- and take you through it. So fun.

Oh. Of course there were drinking games played. Beer Pong and Flip Cup at at 25 year old's Birthday Party is totally acceptable right?

Day 2

Okay, it's day two of the

the meaning behind your blog name

I'm so excited to finally talk about this, because I think there are a lot of people out there who don't "get" my blog's name. If you're not a political nerd you may not know what a blue dog is. According to their website...

"The Blue Dog Coalition was created in 1995 to represent the commonsense middle of the Democratic Party. Blue Dogs advocate for mainstream American values, a commitment to fiscal responsibility, and a strong national defense. 

The name “Blue Dog” originates from the long-time tradition of referring to a strong Democratic Party supporter as being a “Yellow Dog Democrat,” who would, “vote for a yellow dog if it was listed on the ballot as a Democrat.” Leading up to the 1994 election the founding members of the Blue Dogs felt that they had been “choked blue” by the extremes of both political parties." 

So essentially a "Blue Dog" is a moderate Democrat. Fiscally conservative, socially liberal is what I like to think.

The Belle portion comes from my desire to be a southern belle. Haha. Well, really I just wanted a name that would represent multiple aspects of my personality. You guys know this, but I'm a political junkie with an addiction to glitter and sparkles.

Day 1

Welcome to the inaugural day of the...

day 1 – recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

"Hi There!"

1. I always sing along to the radio when I'm in the car. 
2. I have a fear of cotton balls
3. My eyes change color depending on what I'm wearing (they range from very light blue to deep green)
4. I'm obsessed with everything on Bravo. 
5. I cannot stand Kelly Clarkson.  
6. I spent a summer in Tanzania teaching english to children affected by HIV/Aids. 
7. I have four best friends. Three of whom I've known since before I was 12. 
8. I am super picky about textures. Clothes, food, linens. Everything.
9. I lived in Spain.
10. I was a super competitive softball player. I played just about year round from age 12 to 18. 
11. I have a unhealthy obsession with cilantro. 
12. I probably watch CNN 60 hours a week. No lie. 
13. I hate texting. I avoid it at all costs. Even more than that, I hate when people abbreviate their texts.  u no wat im sayin.  
14. I am was once an N'SYNC super fan. Lance was my favorite.
15. I'm not ashamed to say I have a serious crush on several elderly grey haired politicians. (If you really need to know: Joe Biden,  Chris Dodd, Max Baucus and Bill Clinton. 

and Happy Birthday to this girl!

Love you BW!

A month of blogging challenge and Friday Fancies #10

Okay ladies... this one has been on the 25 before 25 for a while now and I think December is as good a month as any to attempt blogging every single day for a whole month. I know. It's going to be tough, but I was re-evaluating my list the other day and was painfully shocked when I could only truly cross 2 things off the list. #fail. So I'm posting my agenda for y'all to see. If anyone wants to join me I'd love to have company, if not that's okay too. 

Some days these may be the whole blog post... some days it may be more of an after thought. Either way I think it will be fun, and is a good way to find my voice again.

So here's the plan 

day 1 – recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind your blog name
day 3- a picture of you as a child
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you’ve been
day 6- favorite super hero and why
day 7-  a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you

day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you’re proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
day 11- write a bucket list of things you want to do before you die
day 12- what I would find in your bag
day 13- your 5 favorite books and why
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- a picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- write about a sweet memory from your past
day 20- write a letter to someone
day 21-a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave a lot
day 24- post your favorite quote or verse of scripture and why
day 25- favorite holiday tradition and why
day 26- list 10 things that you are thankful for
day 27- my day job verses my passion
day 28- cruise a thesaurus and pick out 10 words you like the sound of
day 29 – favorite tv shows and why you like them
day 30 – movies you can watch again and again.
day 31 – what is your wish for the new year?

What do you think? Want to join me? Now for the main event...

This week's theme is "My Style" aka what do you actually wear? Well, even though my other Friday Fancies posts suggest otherwise, I do not always glitter and leopard. Shocking. I know. Lately I've been rocking a lot of black and a lot of pencil skirts. I also wear solid cardigans like it's my job. I hate blazers--- and only break them out when I really have a reason. ugh. Anyways. If I want to switch it up I normally throw in a fun scarf or a bright sweater. 

Cardigan | Skirt | Camisole | Flats | Bag | Watch | Earrings | Necklace | Scarf

I am also not a heels girl. Flats all the way. I also strongly believe in investing in gorgeous accessories that you'll love. I'm obsessed with my kate spade bag and my michel kors watch. I know how that makes me sound, but I really do love them... and wear them all the time. If you find something you love that much, invest in it. You'll get your money's worth plus some added joy every time you look at your watch :)

Cookie Craziness

In all of my pinning madness for the birthday party on Saturday I wanted to share with y'all some yummy cookies I'm thinking about making. Click on the photo for the original link and corresponding recipes.

Rolo Stuffed Snickerdoodles

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I pinned these from Rachel Schultz's blog a few days ago--- and I can get them out of my mind. mmm... and there are so many possibilities to switch it up with different candies and doughs. Why didn't I think of this?

Nutella and Peanut Butter  Cookies

insane combo. 

Baked S'mores

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These aren't quite cookies, but they just sound too good not to feature them. Mmmm. my mouth is actually watering at the thought. 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Now that is a chocolate chip cookie if I've ever seen one. They aren't fooling around. at all. yum. 

Birthday Party Planning

Friends... I need help. This lady is having a birthday on Saturday. We are throwing her a little soiree at our place on Saturday and I need cute ideas. I spent some time on pinterest the other day, but nothing is jumping out at me. So I'm asking for your help. We are expecting 15-20 people so we're planning on cocktails and maybe breaking out the table for some drinking games. I'm not looking to go over the top, because she's not really that kind of gal, but I do want to make it special. So....

I need decoration ideas. 

cute food ideas.

fun cocktail ideas. 

links to cute printables. 

Normally I'm pretty good at coming up with good ideas, but today I'm struggling. and with a crazy few days at work. Gearing up on my law school applications and a few other things I have cooking at the moment, I'm at a loss for time! 

So please leave me a comment. Tweet me. email me. just send me your best ideas from parties you've been to in the past, cute things you saw on pinterest, etc. HELP PLEASE :)

Happy Tuesday

Hi Friends! I'm home, and suffering from some post thanksgiving depression. I think it's the weather here in dc. 40's. rainy. windy. just generally gross. I had a great time back in Georgia. It's been a year since I've been in Atlanta, and I always seem to forget how much I love it!

Because I'm lazy I'm stealing a few gorgeous photos from my irlbff Lauren. I know I've mentioned her many a time before, but seriously y'all. She has an AMAZING food blog. Go check it out. In the meantime admire her gorgeous photography skills.

via: Lawfully Wedded Wife

Late night at Waffle House is a must when in Georgia. 

We also did some window shopping in Virginia Highlands, and omg yall. I'm obsessed with this sparkly dress. I have inaugural/christmas parties on my mind already and I need some new dresses. 

via: Lawfully Wedded Wife

I'm kind of obsessed with this picture. Do you ever just see yourself and just realize you look so much older than you think? I'm 24, and I fully know that... but I still feel like I look the same as I did when I was 18. This picture definitely proves we have aged gracefully in the years since we left Atlanta

via: Lawfully Wedded Wife

*PS do my teeth look whiter? Why yes they do! I'm about half way through my crest white-strips pack, so I'll have a full review coming soon.

via

KC and I had quite the flat tire incident on Friday afternoon. After a little black Friday shopping and lunching she was dropping me off and clipped the curb. Well any normal curb may just scratch the side of your tire... but this curb... no. it put a huge gash on the side of her tire and the thing was flat in mere seconds. Unfortunately her tire guys broke the lock to access her spare... so the ordeal continued. Thankfully Costco had them in stock and we were able to replace it fairly easily so she go get off to athens. It's definitely a story for the record books... but at least we got to spend an extra few hours together! Miss you already!

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Plus. I got to hang with my bff Ashley. I can't believe how old she's getting! She's definitely entering the pre-teen years, which make me sad--- but excited because we'll get to go shopping and drink coffee (and hot chocolate) together more often!

How was your thanksgiving holiday?

also don't forget

Some thoughts for the holiday

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Happy Almost Turkey Day + Insta-Dump

Hi Friends. I feel like it's been far too long since I've done an instagram dump and just generally updated you on the day to day of my life! Oh wait... that's because it's been over a month. woops.

 

It's been ten days of relaxation and getting back to normal--- which has been greatly appreciated.  Plus I missed Oliver the cat more than I thought I would. Isn't he cute?

I am at work today, but flying to Atlanta for a long weekend first thing tomorrow morning. Then I'll head even further south to Hawkinsville, Georgia to visit with family and have dinner at the Steak House. Thankfully I'll get to spend some quality time in my home town catching up with friends like this one and this one oh and my favorite 9 year old. I'm heading to Athens on Saturday to go between the hedges for the first time in TWO YEARS. So excited. Then... who knows. I fly out Monday night so I'll have some time to kill (just no car) so it should be interesting.

Whatever you're doing and where ever you are I hope you have a fantastic holiday! Eat  lots of yummy food for me :)

Novemeber Birchbox

stila all over shimmer liquid luminizer 

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Review: LOVE LOVE LOVE. This is a gorgeous cream highlighter. And you can get all three for just $20! This would be a perfect stocking stuffer or just little just because gift. They're all gorgeous shades too!

Masqueology 7D Moisture Cream

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Review: really gentile scent. Super creamy. but other than that... ehh. A solid moisturizer but for me, it's not worth the $$.

MCMC Fragrance Phoenix Eau de Parfum

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Review: I think I'm one of the only people who LOVE getting perfume samples in their birchboxes. They are always big enough to last a few weeks and now I have so many I can switch up my daily scent all the time (which I love). This has to be one of my favorites. Ever. It's super floral, but it's very light at the same time. 

Masqueology Revitalizing Eye Mask

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Review: Okay--- I got this weird face mask from these people a few months ago--- and was less than impressed. Needless to say I was disappointed when I saw this in my box. but OH how I was wrong. These are this cool gel pad that you put below you eye and let it dry. First of all, I was obsessed with looking at these. They're like a mesh surrounded by gel and it's awesome. Second. They totally worked. I've been fighting fatigue like no other lately (mostly because my body hates me because I've put it through the most ridiculous sleep schedule the last 4 months), and bags are gone! Yay!

One Love Organics® Aromatic Body Serum

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Review: I'm kind of obsessed with this body serum. It's essentially just a scented oil but I've never really used an  oil to moisturize. I'm in love for real. AND, I apologize if this is TMI, but I've been dealing with some winter eczema on by legs and after only 3 days of using this... it's gone! That has NEVER happened to me before. 

Masqueology Masque Cleanse

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Review: More Masquology? I mean--- I know you're trying to sell this stuff in the store Birchbox--- but three products in one box is a little much. I want more of a variety. Needless to say this was a bit of a miss for me. Lightly scented. Cleaned my face. Not worth the price. But I appreciate the sample.