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

via

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

via

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

via

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