More Blog Love



Me, S and his niece, Ava on Saturday night!

I cannot thank all of you enough for your kind words, comments and emails yesterday! It blew this blonde clean out of her seat to see the outpouring of love from the blog community. I cannot wait to take all of you along with me on this crazy/amazing ride during these next 9 months of wedding planning!

My future SIL Sarah did a SUPER SWEET post last night about S and I...check it out here!

Sarah- I can never repay you for all you've done for S and I! I cannot wait to be your sister!

Also be sure to check out our cutie patootie flower girl, Miss Ava, on Sarah's blog. Could we have picked a sweeter kiddo?

And finally- GO HOGS! WOOOOOOO PIG SOOIE! Dear Lord, please, please let us beat Ohio State and win the Sugar Bowl tonight, ha!

Be blessed, lovelies-

Going to the Chapel!

...and WE'RE GONNA GET MARRIED!

In case my overly obvious context clues didn't give it away, S and I are engaged as of Friday night! To put it mildly, he took me by complete surprise and popped the question about 10 minutes before the stroke of midnight.

And the ring....oh my Lordy. This emerald cut beauty speaks for herself, doesn't she?

Blurry iPhone pic, but you get the idea!

The night started out just like any other date night. We had planned to get food from a local restaurant and go to a movie, which we did.

Here's what I wore:

And here's what my gorgeous fiance wore:

We came back to S's house after watching Black Swan and laughed and talked about the evening and prepared to toast at midnight.

S had told me earlier that evening that he had a couple surprises for me. The first? A Lite Brite. Let me explain...

I told S a few months ago that I missed my childhood Lite Brite, (it was my fav toy as a kid.) So S comes walking out of the room with this:

I laughed SO HARD.

I had honestly kind of forgotten about the remaining surprise until S told me he had one more thing up his sleeve.

...and this "surprise" was brighter and shinier than any Lite Brite.

Ignore the lack of make-up and disheveled hair...there was lots of hugging and crying!

It was a perfect proposal. Just me and my sweet angel boy. He got down on one knee, said some words I'll never forget and I bawled like a baby.

We plan to wed in September and we couldn't be more thrilled! Although this blog won't turn into a wedding blog, I will be doing posts from time to time about the planning process and the exciting moments along the way!

One last thing. About this time last year, I was pretty jaded by the whole romance/relationship thing. I wanted so badly to find my perfect someone. I prayed and prayed to God to show me the man he meant for me to marry. On July 15th, S fell into my lap and I knew immediately he was The One.

Single ladies, do not ever, ever give up. Just when you are discouraged, God will reveal his plan to you. Don't be afraid to pray to Him and ask for your heart's desires. I did and I have never been so happy.

Be blessed, lovelies-

2010: A Look Back

I was originally planning on having one of my guest blogger posts today, but I felt compelled to go a different route instead. Don't fret, Sarah and S will be here on Monday/Tuesday with their excellent posts for you all to enjoy!

Today, I wanted to take a look back at 2010 and all of the wonderful things that encompassed it.

For me, this year has been one of finding my true self again, strengthening my relationship with God, making new friends, having amazing experiences and, for the first time in my life, learning to live in the present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

2008 was the year where I started my first "big girl job" and learned to be an independent woman. I learned important lessons like how to renew car tags, fix leaky toilets, decorate a 6' x 12' cubicle and shop on a (gasp!) budget. I also learned the ropes of cutting coupons and how to distinguish between "I really want it" v.s. "I really need it".

2009 was a year of change. I learned that my plans don't always match God's. I learned to fly free as a single lady. I realized the value of my friendships. I realized that being happy with myself had to come before being happy in a relationship; essentially, I got reacquainted with Leslie. 



Impromptu photo shoot during my first week as a single lady in '09 : )

 
2010 was the year that, for the first time in my entire life, I let go and let God steer the ship. I learned that stressing about tomorrow, next week or next year is useless and that the present can be pretty incredible if we learn to live in it. I reconnected with old friends, grew this little blog, made new friends through said little blog, took a long-awaited road trip with Miss Dee, travelled to some cool places and...

 somewhere in the midst of all that, met a pretty amazing guy : )

A few especially memorable things:

The Celebrate Arkansas magazine article in July about A Blonde Ambition. It's nerdy, but this was so exciting for someone that started her blog on a whim and never expected for anyone other than her momma to read it.

For a couple of days, I felt like a celebrity. Then I remembered that I'm just a girl who works at an office and watches Ghost Whisperer re-runs and bakes cookies on Saturday nights and then I felt utterly un-cool again ; )

I went to California with my family and saw places like San Francisco, Napa, Cambria, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles.

I redesigned my blog.

I got involved in a great church.

I re-newed my love of working out.

I met S.

Saw one of my favorite bands, NeedToBreathe at the Ryman.

Paid a visit to Mr. Cash and Mrs. Carter-Cash.

Went to the hollowed ground known as Sun Studios in Memphis.

Survived my first blizzard.

Started my personal styling business.

Drank more Starbucks lattes than any one girl should.

...and lots more.

Sometimes when I get anxious about what tomorrow will bring, I just take a look back at this past year and remember just how blessed I have been. I remind myself to sit back, Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand, and enjoy whatever today brings.

Here's wishing all of you girls a fabulous 2011. Above all, may you find comfort and true happiness in yourselves!

Be blessed, lovelies-

Something Blue

 

Naomi Watts via Ellen von Unwerth


I don't know what it is about winter that makes me want to wear blue, but it seems every time the weather gets colder, I go in search of cerulean, teal, navy and cobalt. I've even been known to sport a blue, smoky eye from time to time.

Things to love about blue:

-It's a universally flattering shade. You can have red, blonde, brown or pink hair and still be able to rock this hue.

-Blue is the color of serenity and luck. No wonder brides often wear it on their wedding day!

-Blue conveys importance and confidence without being somber or sinister, hence the reason corporate execs and politicians choose it as their go-to "power" color.

-It's less expected than black, but more slimming than white : )

-It's Leslie's birthstone.  Two of the loveliest birthstones are blue, sapphire and blue topaz (December babies, holla.)

1) N.Y.L.A. Kama boot; 2) Premium Pale Blue Snow Jewel Dress from Topshop; 3) Premium Sequin Wrap Skirt from Topshop; 4) Eyes in Uniform shadow from Topshop; 5) Faux Lizzard Skin Box Bag

I'm desperately seeking the perfect blue military jacket to wear with skinnies and riding boots this winter, sewwwww....if you girls have suggestions, please send links my way!

We've got a couple of pretty solid (yes, I just said solid) guest bloggers coming our way tomorrow and next Monday, one of whom may or may not be the elusive "S". The other? The not-so-elusive Sarah from The Strength of Faith talking about her Wear a Dress Tuesday movement. In summary- get excited.

Be blessed, lovelies-

Trend Watch Wednesday: {Just Add Shine}

via Kate Spade FB page

In anticipation of this Friday, I’ve been scouring the web and thumbing through fashion mags for outfit inspiration.

Of course I’m loving that the sequin trend is still going strong, since anything ridiculously sparkly or glitzy is pretty much de riguer when it comes to NYE attire.

Delicious dresses and eye-catching accessories abound this year in metallics of every color. Some of my favs are sheath style dresses and long or bell sleeved frocks with a vintage twist.

When it comes to completing your look, you’ll obviously need to accessorize. Enter chunky bracelets, door knocker earrings and golf ball-sized cocktail rings. This NYE, when it comes to accessorizing your outfit, bigger and shinier is definitely better.

1) MZ Wallace Hamish Pouch 2) Gold ring from Old Navy 3) Swag Chain Bracelet 4) Two Tone Bracelet by Kenneth Cole

So now, what are we missing? Ah yes, footwear. One word ladies- heels. The higher the heel, the closer to God, right? : )

1) Sam Edelman Lorissa 2) Kelsi Dagger Linzy 3) Badgley Mischka Humbee II  4) Rock and Republic 5) Elizabeth and James Lilly

Pumps, wedges and booties are all the rage this season for a reason…they look ah-mazing with little dresses. Whether you opt for a shiny shoe or something a bit more demure, make sure they are comfortable enough to withstand the dancefloor.

Also, please say hello to our newest sponsor, The Trend Boutique! This Los Angeles-based retailer has just about anything a fashion lover could desire...everything you never knew you always wanted for your closet. With brands like Halston Heritage, Pencey and House of Harlow 1960, you're sure to find something you'll love. Check 'em out now, girls!

On a non-fashion related note, can I just say how BLESSED I am with this little blog? Every day I log on here, I'm immediately in a good mood just looking at the sweet comments you guys leave. Anywho, y'all have definitely made my 2010 one of the best years to date. From the bottom of my heart- thank you!

Be blessed, lovelies-