10 Years of Carrie Underwood

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

I have always been a music girl. Turning the dial on my little, pink boom box to find the the perfect song to clean to my room to. Or burning the perfect mix of music to sing on my car rides. Remember Napster? But until Carrie Underwood, there was no single artist that I could really pick out as a favorite. One that had songs that really moved me and I could relate to. And occasionally use for away messages.

So hard to believe it's been 10 years! I'm forever grateful to American Idol for changing my life! #blessed -Carrie Underwood

It's been 10 years since Carrie Underwood was crowned the queen of American Idol. Carrie has won seven Grammy awards and has the most No. 1 hits, amongst any of her fellow country superstars, on the Billboard Hot Country Songs-US Weekly. Have you caught on to my girl crush yet? I know I am at least partly responsible for making some of those singles Number 1.

I watched her from day one of auditions, texting away to vote, all the way to the end. I made my mom blast the song on the radio, much to her dismay, when I came home for my college break. But it was Carrie Underwood's music that has really taken me through the past 10 years. All my accomplishments & hardships the past decade all have a Carrie Underwood song attached to them.

Jesus, Take the Wheel
This song was her first successful single and will always remind me of my best friend in her freshmen dorm room as we played it over and over again. Thinking we were hitting the high notes just like Carrie was.




Mama's Song
And I know you watch me grow up
And only want what's best for me
And I think I found the answer
To your prayers
And he is good, so good

These are the lyrics that that I imagined saying to my mom as I got engaged and married without her physically here. I know she watched me grow up and only what was best for me.

Cowboy Casanova
There was nothing better to jam out to in a car that actually had a CD player.Windows down, pretending I was hitting all the high notes. Getting my fair share of looks from other cars I'm sure. Funny enough, that CD never made it out of that CD player. Must be because I played this song too much.

Two Black Cadillacs
Two months ago his wife called the number on his phone
Turns out he'd been lying to both of them for oh so long
They decided then he'd never get away with doing this to them
Two black Cadillacs waiting for the right time, the right time

Ultimate women's revenge.

Ever, Ever After
Fact. We walked out to the instrumental version of this song after we were pronounced husband and wife. Perfect mix of Disney and Carrie.


See You Again
I will see you again, oh
This is not where it ends
I will carry you with me, oh
'Till I see you again



Last Name

I don't even know my last nameMy momma would be so ashamedIt started off "hey cutie, where you from?"And then it turned into "oh no! what have I done?"And I don't even know my last name

 How fun is this song? A night in Vegas, wake up married. It was also really fun when she performed it and showed her huge engagement ring.

Just a Dream

So Small

'Cause sometimes that mountain you've been climbingIs just a grain of sandAnd what you've been out there searching for foreverIs in your handsAnd when you figure out love is all that matters after allIt sure makes everything else seem so small

Throughout my life I have always believed that everything happens for a reason and you can't sweat the small stuff. That's exactly what this song is all about. When I was in college, there were some tough times but thinking about these lyrics helped me.


Something in the Water

10 years later and Carrie Underwood can still bring all the feelings with her songs. So much meaning and such a connection with the words.



End of girl crush, fan girl moment. And still do not have Carrie Underwood's legs.


Who is your favorite artist or band? Have there been songs that have connected with you?
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A Decade of Accomplishments

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Looking back through the past ten years, it takes you on a strange journey. You think about how much has really changed and how much you really have accomplished. It shows you what has been missing and what maybe you could have done. But it also makes you hopeful for the next decade. Another ten years to accomplish a whole lot more.

When I looked back at my last decade, it was a whole lot of ups and downs. Growing moments and many things that I am proud that I can say I accomplished.


VIA

// Bought my first car
So this might be pushing the decade things just a little...But still so proud that I bought my first car with all my hard earned money. It was great knowing I worked hard so my mom didn't have to and I got what I wanted because I worked for it.

// Graduated high school
All the stuff I got into in high school, proud of myself. Managed field hockey, 3 jobs and a pretty active social life. Got into 3 ish colleges. One of which I accepted and met my future husband. Good choices.

//Joined a sorority
Said I would never do it. Said it wasn't for me. I was nervous as I started out but am so glad I stuck with it. Some of my best friends are from Alpha Xi Delta and my experiences in that house truly shaped me, good and bad. And without my sisters, going back to school after losing my mom would have been that much harder.

// Graduated college
Four short months before I graduated my mom passed away and I wasn't sure I wanted/could go back to school. My family and Brian convinced me it was what my mom would have wanted. But it wasn't to say I was an emotional mess and I am still not sure how I ended up crossing that stage and graduating.

// Took in a lovable kitty
My Lily baby. What can I say? My sister called and convinced me to save this kitty who was found outside in the freezing cold without her mom. She makes every single day interesting and I wouldn't change any of it.

// Lived by myself
If you want to really grow up and figure things out for yourself, live on your own. It was scary at times, humbling at others. I was doing it, being a real grown up with rent, a job and doing it pretty well.

// Started this blog
What started as a way to write out my feelings and help me deal with life without my mom has turned into so much more. It isn't something that you can just show up to sometimes. It takes real work and though and effort. I

// Got married
Being in a college relationship isn't always easy. Being in a long distance relationship isn't always easy. That's what makes our relationship truly wonderful. We worked hard at it the past 9 years and I am so proud we have come this far and so happy to be married to Brian. This might be my biggest accomplishment in another ten years!

// Survived credit card debt
It truly is a survival. I am so glad all of the credit card debt is paid off because it was such a burden on our finances. We already have a plan to teach our kids properly about their finances.

// Lived life without my mom
This will continue to be a huge accomplishment. It involves hard days that I have to get through and knowing that all the big moments, she won't be there for. It's going on without her. It was laughing again without her. It was getting married without her there on my wedding day. And it will be having kids without her being here and so many other moments. To still be smiling and living life without her, a huge accomplishment.

Thinking about the past decade, what are some of your accomplishments?

Side note: Also, proud I accomplished the fine taste of wine


Found Love. Now What?

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My Happies

Monday, May 18, 2015

With the things that are about to come to light in the next month or so, I could use a little old fashioned, what makes me happy list. And if you understand that, we are now BFFs and should just sign the papers for it now.



// Brian
In the moments he is not driving me bonkers, he can make me laugh like no one else and who I love being around. Just being my silly self around him and making him laugh, makes me happy.

// Lily
There is nothing better than this chunky, lovable kitty. She talks back and has an attitude 80% of the time. But her purr and cuddles make it all ok.

// A cold Diet Coke
Bubbly, deliciousness. I know it's terrible for me. Diet Coke might not be great for me and my diet but I am convinced that one won't make everything fall apart.Instead it makes me just ahh.

// Online Shopping
Ok, cheap thrill I know. But what can I say? Amazon Prime just gets me and I get to avoid shopping on weekends and instead spend it doing other fun things.

// Wine
As if you didn't know this one was coming. I take back all those times my mom used to have me try a sip and I said it was gross. Now, it's my lifesaver some days.

// Being outside
Former country girl can never leave her roots. Windows open, bare feet, sunshine.

// Reading a good book
There is nothing better than loving the words of a story so much you can't stop reading. As much as I love my Kindle, I still love the feel of cracking open a book.

// Catching up with friends
My friends are special. Most have seen me at my worst and still stuck around. They are pretty special people in my life and I love getting to catch up with the near and far.

// Dance Parties
There isn't anything that a good dance party cannot fix or celebrate. And to channel my inner Meredith Grey, sometimes you just have to dance it out.

// Alone time
Being an introvert means that I need time to recharge, literally. If everything is always on, on, on I get irritated, cranky and just plain exhausted. There is nothing better than being able to just sit and read or write or listen to music and not have anyone or anything bother me. At least for an hour;)


What makes you happy?

Found Love. Now What?

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Top 5 Marvel Movies

Friday, May 15, 2015

Is my comic book nerd showing?

We were one of the many who just couldn't wait to see the Avengers: Age of Ultron so we saw it the very night it came out. Overall, great movie. Highly suggest it but it will never compare to the original Avengers. Then again, Marvel can never really go wrong.


In all seriousness, I have no idea about the comics or comic book stories. I have no idea if these stories are the ones in comics. I just happen to like stories in the movies I see. Please excuse me if you don't agree because of actual comic book knowledge.

1. Avengers

I mean, it's the Avengers. They all come together in one movie. Marvel Explosion.

2. Iron Man 2



3.Captain America Winter Soldier

Ok, I loved the orginal Captain America. Him becoming Captain America...enough said. But they really kicked it up a notch with the second one.

4.Iron Man 3



5. Thor: Dark World



All the other Marvel movies are just as equally great, these are just a few of my favorites. And the ones that I tend to like to watch over and over.

Are you a Marvel fan? What are your favorite movies?

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Some Words for Society

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

6 years ago I walked across a stage and received a piece of paper. The actual piece of paper wasn't important at all. If I recall, the paper just told me about a sale in the college bookstore.

Pretty much how this post is going to go. Not that important, tells you some random thoughts going on in my head. And today, it get's serious as I take on how society has been behaving. And why I am not sure I want to adult anymore.


Let's first talk about a society that cares more about the integrity of a sports game than the integrity of an actual person. 440 million people watched a man, who has had 8 domestic violence charges, from beating up the mothers of his children, fight another man. As Yahoo News reports, Mayweather probably made out with well over $200 million. But no one talked about how Mayweather beats on women outside the sport. No one spent hours and hours posting about it, possibly making it one of the largest news topics this year. How this man is the highest paid sportsman in the world and he takes shots at women outside the ring on his free time. Glad we pay him so much to enjoy this freedom. 

Apparently that gets looked aside.Just as it got looked aside when Ray Rice, also in the NFL, knocked his fiance unconscious. He received a two game punishment for being recorded on video punching out a woman, half of what Tom Brady gets for possibly having some knowledge of deflated balls.  People are exhausting all forms of social media, news, etc. talking about "Deflategate." Yes, it's the integrity of a game and a role model to younger children. He's a player that doesn't get paid close to what Mayweather gets paid, also a role model for children and Ray Rice also carries being a public figure who might return back to the NFL this year. If only we put so much light on women's rights and domestic violence and fighting for their rights as we do fighting for the rights of all professional sports team.


Let's talk Kardashians in today's society. The Kylie Jenner lip challenge. Are you kidding me? Do not even attempt to Google it as I did because well, frankly I was confused. You will be even more disappointed with society and feel sad that teens feel the need to fit this image. It then turns out Jenner's lips are fuller because of filler injected in them. Just to recap, a 17 year old is getting lip fillers for her "flat" lips. Society.

I really do not understand how I even have to type about waist Training. The women of the 1920's hated wearing the tight corset that squeezed in their waists yet here we are, celebrities endorsing this today. This does not seem healthy to want to squish all your insides just for a small waist. In fact, they say it can affect your breathing and even possibly cause acid reflux. Doesn't working out and tightening your core and abs sounds better?

Interest on student loan debt pretty much makes me so angry. Yes, we get it. You have my whole life in your hands because you add astronomically high interest which is why 6 years out of college I am just starting to pay towards my principal on the loan. When did it become a burden to have a college education? More and more millenials are being forced to push back dreams of houses and kids because of the looming debt over their heads. As the Wall Street Journal mentions, "Millennials generally have encountered more hurdles en route to homeownership than previous generations, including strict mortgage-qualification standards, mounting student debt and, until the past year, weak job and wage growth."

YES.

What can I give a high five to in society? Freedom of speech and the digital presence. Because without either I wouldn't have this blog, wouldn't have this post and wouldn't have my own piece of the internet.

This is the end of your regularly scheduled rant ;)

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What My Mom Taught Me

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Age is just a number.



Work hard for what you want. It's that much sweeter.



You're only as old as you feel.



Who cares what everyone else is doing, do your own thing.



She would always be there for me, no matter what.



Even though she might not be here for me to call on the phone or go visit, she's with me every single day. She lives on in who I am, what I do. 

Happy Mother's Day to all!


Found Love. Now What?

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Currently | May

Thursday, May 7, 2015



I'll save you the meme but, It's Gunna Be May...is all I have to say.

designing
A few of these here and there.



I have a crazy idea that there might be a need for these and people might exchange me money for them. Crazy ideas sometimes pay off, right?

enjoying

The warm weather. It felt like the cold dragged on and on this year. I am just so glad we have warmer weather and I can finally ditch the coat. Running outside has it's benefits too.



ordering

Spring/summer clothes much to my husband's excitement. $95 at Old Navy almost sent him into shock.

Baby things. Wedding things...what am I not ordering is the question?


celebrating

This momma to be! 









My excitement might be a little overwhelming for her so I am trying to dial it back. But I am not sure I can contain it. My best friend is going to be a mom. When did we grow up?



tasting

Foods that I shouldn't be. Cake, desserts, wine. I was doing so.well. with the 21 Day Fix and a few weeks after. I see myself incorporating more of the bad instead of the good into my diet. Old habits they say...


Thanks to Anne & Jenna for allowing to tell you all what I'm up to every month!


What are you up to Currently?

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Getting Fit with Dove Advanced Care

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Dove. I received a product sample and promotional item to thank me for my participation.”




It's no surprise that I have been working on getting healthier this year. Just check my Instagram and my 2015 goals. I am one of those that has been posting my "healthy" food, workouts and "You can do it!" quotes. You will also see that I have completed the 21 Day Fix. My thoughts? Does it work?

They say all it takes is 21 days. 21 days to change habits and develop new ones. 21 days to change yourself. When it's put like that, it makes it obtainable. Makes it a goal I wanted to do. 

As I have previously mentioned a time or two, I have put on some unwanted pounds since switching jobs and I needed to change my eating habits. Less carbs, more veggies. That's exactly what the 21 day diet is about.

You receive different colored containers and follow a specific plan for calorie intake. You know how many containers you are supposed to have each day. It's absolutely essential that you meal prep since you need to make sure all your containers last you throughout the day. The first week was hard but by the third week, it became easier to know what snacks, lunches were what containers. Dinners also became easier as I was preparing ahead of time.

Was it worth it? Was I able to finish? 

Full disclosure: I was going to put a side by side picture here but couldn't bring myself to reveal what I look like now..

Going out to eat has changed. I am aware of what I am ordering. I find myself calculating the containers in my head of what each meal is. I still meal plan with salads being most of my lunches and broccoli in every dinner and multiple snacks a day. Spinach in my protein shakes and maybe adding a dash into my eggs with a topping of cheese.


At the end of the 21 Day Fix, I started on the Tone It Up Bikini Series. I have been doing pretty well following the workouts. There have a been a few days that I might opt for a later workout instead of an early morning one.



I like that the workouts are different but there is a schedule for me. It tells me what workout to do and what strength exercises to do with the cardio. If I had a little more of a budget, I would order the nutrition plan because being told what to eat would be a HUGE help for me. Basically, I need someone telling me what to do with everything.

After a full month, I am finally starting to see results in my body. My abs might start peaking out soon and my legs feel more toned. I am really excited and proud of myself for how far I have come in just a few months.

I was eager to try out the new Dove Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture with my new, more intense workouts. They equal more seat. Having used the same brand of deodorant for years, I was curious to see how this would hold up and compare. What can I say I am a creature of habit.



Each time I put it on, I felt like I was moisturizing my underarms. Does that sound odd? Possibly. You can actually feel the NutriumMoisture working its magic up under there. It has the ingredients that are known to be able to keep skin moisturized. Something I never felt in my other deodorant and something that is great for those workout tanks.

Dove Advanced Care lasted throughout my workouts and then some. I always felt dry and even after a serious Cardio Fix workout, the 48 odor protection proved itself. Not sure I would let myself wait the full 48 hours after one of my workouts but my bet is that it would last. This deodorant really lives up to everything it promises and I would recommend it again and again. I know this has knocked my previous deodorant out of the park. Or into the trash can at least.

What's even better than a deodorant that can get you through even your most intense workouts? One that is giving you the opportunity to WIN A TRIP TO PARIS.

Love At First Swipe Promotion 
Express your love for Dove Advanced Care for a chance to win a trip to Paris*      
 Dove is inviting all women across the U.S. to try Dove Advanced Care (and I recommend you do!) and share your love for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Paris, or one of hundreds of other prizes. You can get involved by visiting Dove.com/LoveAtFirstSwipe to create your love note for Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant and then share it on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest for a chance to win. 

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. The Dove Love at First Swipe Sweepstakes is sponsored by Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever. Open to individual, legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., who are 18 or older. Begins 12:00 p.m. ET on 4/20/15 & ends 11:59 a.m. ET on 6/15/15. For Official Rules, visit Dove.com/LoveAtFirstSwipe.

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The Princess has Arrived!

Monday, May 4, 2015



Like many others around the world, I have been joining in on the great Kate wait. Especially because I just love me some royals. Due the end of April, it seems that little princess, Royal Baby # 2 if you will, took her sweet time.

Saturday morning I woke up to see first that Kate was in labor then as I scrolled some more saw she had given birth, to a baby girl! 



So as I enjoyed my morning breakfast and coffee, I sat and watched the door to that Lindo Wing and read every article that would give me any information.  I was home when Prince George was born and waited for him to be introduced. I didn't want to miss this either.



As I ran my errands, I hit refresh, refresh, to see if any movement was happening behind that door. Around 11:45 the most adorable big brother arrived. 
Adorable on all counts.

Using a few brain cells, I knew it would be at least an hour before they would debut the newest member of the royal family. Big brother had to get some quality time in. I spent that hour shopping around and getting back to my car, saw they said within 10 minutes. Naturally I did what any other (in)sane person would do, sit in the car and wait those ten minutes. 

Perfect time for a selfie

Kate emerged looking as pristine as ever. But it could have been made easy by the hairdresser and stylist she had on site. White was also a bold choice because from what I hear, those lady parts just let it flow after birth. 




New goal: look like Kate Middleton after giving birth. 



As of today, this sweet little princess finally has a name, Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Named after great grandma, grandma and even grandpa, Charlotte is the feminine form of Charlie. 


Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge. 

*fun fact: my husband just said last night how much he liked the name Charlotte for a girl and I wasn't too keen. I might have changed my mind ;) I mean, she's now a princess so...


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