Thankful Thursday, 3.1.12

Want to make sure your mental health is positive?
Write down at least five things you are thankful for and link-up with us!
(Studies show that making a list like this will ensure a positive mental health.)

Grab the button if you'd like! :)

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I am so happy to see that Thankful Thursday has been a success and you wonderful ladies enjoy linking up!

I give thanks to God for all that I am blessed with. What if you only have today what you thanked God for yesterday? That question always resonates in my head.

Some of the things I'm thankful for on this gorgeous day that God has blessed me with...

The weather! It's been so dreary on this side of the world the past two weeks or so. We haven't had a sunny day in literally two weeks. Wednesday was our first day in two weeks!! I am not thrilled how hot it is already...but yay - finally some sun shine!

Relaxation. Last Sunday, after church, I got to relax for a bit of the day. (The rest was full of scrubbing the bathroom tub, the grout - I HATE grout, laundry, etc..all that "fun" stuff.) But for a couple of hours I got to sit and just relax with the puppies I am dog sitting for. ALSO - I am thankful for a new hair product that I think I already mentioned. Not sure if you can make it out in this photo or not - but my curls have been pretty happy lately...

One of my darling high school friends made an ap for iPhones/iPods, etc. I'm so proud of him! Over the course of the year, they made what is known as Fuzzy Cubes. If you enjoy playing puzzle games, I highly recommend it! If you decide to download it - let me know what you think!

I am also thankful for the fact that I was able to financially afford to shop and buy some new clothes. Unfortunately, when I tried to pick out what I was going to wear on Monday to work - it seemed like I didn't get anything. And what I did get were shirts kind of like I already had. So what did I spend my money on? Beats me! I hate that. But - regardless - I did spend money and was able to afford it. Thank you Jesus. :)

I'm also thankful for winning some great giveaways the past couple of weeks! I've one Essie nail polish, make-up brush, some great samples (thank you Kate!) and a super cute key chain (thank you Savannah!) One of the samples was of some urban decay primer - I've been debating about the Naked palette - I really like this primer - so I think I might cave and grab the palette! The perfume sample is delicious, too - DKNY. The key chain makes me smile every time I grab my keys.

My cousin's baby was born on leap year! 8lbs, 7oz - 20 inches. I can't wait to meet her!

What are you thankful for?! ox

Bag For Cami!

Remember when I was pleading for help to find a purse last week?

Well, the lovely Dee from Strings & Buttons is an absolute sweetie pie & wanted to help me find a purse! (Love you!)

And now introducing the lovely Dee...

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Hello everyone! This is Dee over at Strings and Buttons! So happy and honored that Cami is hosting me this week. What started off as a cry for help to find the right bag, ended with a nice e-introduction and friendship. I've put together a sweet little collection for Cami so she can find her perfect "all-day every-day" bag. All the bags I've chosen are under $100! Cami didn't want anything "too crazy" so I opted mainly for neutrals with a little kick (such as that neon lining or those gold zippers). The way I see it, and during these difficult economic times, every gal needs a multi-functional bag that has handles (and preferably a strap) and can be worn in more ways than one. Personally, I avoid big over-sized bags and I like bags that are versatile and can go with most of my closet staples. I hope y'all have enjoyed my selection here. Please feel free to visit me at my blog and write me if you want more recommendations. Again, I want to thank Cami for this great opportunity to meet all of you! Hope you all have a lovely week!

1. Marla Raya Flap Lock Hobo Bag | 2. Mischa Barton Marie Shoulder Bag |
3. Fossil Mason PatchWork | 4. Melie Bianco Lilia Shoulder Bag |

5. Mischa Barton Yoko Shoulder Bag | 6. Audrey Brooke Sweater Satchel |
7. Fluro Trim Crossbody Bag | 8. Mischa Barton Germaine Across Body Bag

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Which one would you choose?! They are all so gorgeous!
I think #3 is my favorite...with #6 being a close second!

Top Three Clothing Stores

It's hard for me to shop...it really is. I'm a tall, skinny lady so finding clothes that fit & are proportional is really tough. And rather irritating.
BUT based on last weekend's shopping and other experiences - I have come to a conclusion about my top three stores to buy clothing from.
My top three stores are based on not only style and how well the clothing fits, but also the price.

Number One - Banana Republic (website)I literally never shopped here before until recently. I am so happy I did! I shopped in the "petite" section and I scored gold! Adorable designs for a decent price. (I was at an outlet store so I'm not sure how different it might be from a non-outlet store.)

I would say that Banana Republic is more classy instead of stylish.

I will definitely shop here again & am excited to. I snatched two blouses and a nice t-shirt for less than $35 total.

Banana Republic styles!

Number Two - Body Central (website)
Absolutely adorable & stylish outfits for a very affordable price. I could walk through the store and say "I want that outfit" on pretty much every single mannequin they had up. Believe it or not, that's how I did most of my shopping at Body Central.

One of the best things at Body Central is that they had whole outfits laid out as to what would look good together - instead of having to piece it all together on your own. A very stylish store!

Body Central Styles

Number Three - Papaya (website)
Papaya is similar to Body Central in the sense that it is a "stylish" store. There are less outfits picked out for you - but they have enough where you won't get too overwhelmed trying to find the perfect shorts to match the shirt you just found out fits you!
You can find some absolutely great deals there, too. And if you like online shopping - I'd recommend doing some shopping online at Papaya...their great prices bleed on to their online shop.

Papaya Styles

What are your favorite clothing stores?

Tasty Tuesday - Vegetable Zucchini Lasagna

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Vegetable Zucchini Lasagna

(I forgot to take a picture....oops!)

Ingredients:
-3 large zucchini
-1/2 onion diced
-2 cloves of garlic minced
-2 cups of spinach
-1 squash diced
-1 1/2 colored peppers sliced thin
-spaghetti sauce
-mozzarella cheese

Directions:
1- Slice zucchini thin long-ways. Bake it in the oven on 350 for 10 minutes just to soften them up.
2- Add all vegetables together in a pan and saute until soft.
3- Place a layer of zucchini on the bottom, sauce, mozzarella cheese, then vegetables in casserole dish. Repeat.
4- Bake in 350 oven for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted.

This Weekend's Stash

I think I might dedicate this week to shopping & fashion!

V & I went shopping during the weekend & I scored some great deals! All of the additions I made were much needed & very necessary...my wardrobe thanks me, that's for sure. I haven't been clothes shopping in a good...goodness...eight months if not more.

I'm going to share some of my finds with you today. Let me know if you have any tips or fun accessories to add!

Here are some of the "highlights" of my shopping excursion...

My first pair of SPERRIES. So excited.
So comfy. Not the prettiest but very comfortable and great foot support.
There are so many Sperry shoes...too many to chose from!

I've never owned a one sleeve dress before - but I love the color!
It's a little sheer so I'll have to wear a slip under it. Thinking of
wearing this for a spring wedding. What do you think?

Long tank top but cute when I bunch it up!
I like all the possibilities I have for accessories!
I have a pair of super cute navy blue shorts this
will work perfect with.

Believe it or not, this spaghetti strap is a little heavy...but
I think I look pretty good in yellow so I had to get it!

You can't really tell because of the lighting - but this is a
silver blouse. I've never owned anything like it before -
I am digging the ruffles!

A little short...but hey, it's spring soon! And it's going to be a hot one.

I'm definitely ready for the Florida sunshine...can't you tell? ;)

Link-up: Ashley's & Cassie's

My Goal Today...

I need to start instilling this in my life & make this my goal every day!
How are you going to make someone happy today?


I found this on Pinterest - you can see all my boards!

Friday Letters, 2.24.12

Dear God:
Thank you for all that you have blessed me with!

Dear Blogger with Comment Capcha Set:
It's horrible. I can't read it. Pretty please remove it so I can comment!
Dear Florida Weather:Please decide what you want to do. Today it's supposed to be near 90 degrees and tomorrow in the mid-60's. Which is it? I'd prefer the mid-60's since we didn't have much of a winter.
Dear Cuddly Dogs I Am Dog-Sitting for:Thank you for being good boys this morning so I didn't have to be late for work. I like when you're cuddle bugs!


Dear Person Who Just Said I Look Like I'm Stoned:I've never been stoned in my life. But thanks.
Dear Two Men Who Just Said I Look Beautiful Today:
Your compliments came at a perfect time today - right after the above gentleman. You two are sweethearts and made my day...thank you!
Dear Stores I'm Shopping At Tomorrow:Please have my sizes!! Oh and some cute outfits.
Dear My Lovely Co-Worker:I hope you have an amazing vacation! You deserve it.
Dear Potential Freelance Work:I welcome you! And am excited for the possibilities we have.
Dear Got2Be Hair Products:I think you're great! My curls have been pretty rockin' lately!
Dear Boss:I understand you want to add new fitness supplements and products - however, I will not promote anything I do not believe in. Especially Visalus products. Sorry.
Dear Body:Thanks for the four days this week of great workouts! I'm happy with your performance.
Dear Glass of Red Wine & Jacuzzi:I cannot wait to come home to you tonight after dinner with my parents.
Dear Sister:I am sorry that I am texting you ten times a day to see how you're feeling post-car accident. I love you and will continue doing so.
Dear Weekend:Please be good to me. I don't normally get two days off in a row!
Dear Readers:I love you. I think you're wonderful. :)

Linking up with Ashley!

Macro Greens

A couple weeks ago I blogged about receiving a sample of a product at work. Some of you asked me to review it, so - your wish is my command! ;)

It's a Macro Greens Apple Lemon Ginger Bar...

Sounds pretty intriguing, right? "Raw Anti-Oxidant Super Food" Sounds pretty SUPER to me.

It sure tasted super, too! You could literally taste every single ingredient in it...dates, brazil nuts, dried apples...so much yumminess & healthiness in every bite!

Take a look at what it looks like...

Looks kind of...odd? BUT SO GOOD.

So healthy -

A list of all ingredients:

Doesn't it sound like just an amazing blend of HEALTH?

The only down fall is that if you order them from the company's website, they're $3/bar. They're delicious - but with that price, I'm going to save these delicious snacks until I get rich! ;) (At least to eat on a consistent basis...if I see them at a store, for about $2, I'll grab one because it was seriously super delicious!)

Until then, I'm going to keep eating healthy...in cost-efficient ways.

Thankful Thursday, 2.23.12

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Did you know that people who wrote down five things they are thankful for once a week felt not only happier but healthier? (According to a study done in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.) Counting your blessings helps you empathize, too. When you do this - you'll focus on what really matters!

I am thankful for...
A great workout week!
House sitting & dog sitting three dogs for two weeks! We're moving on in for a couple of weeks to a house with a pool & jacuzzi...warm weather, please!
Having Saturday AND Sunday off...woohoo, a "real" weekend!
A total stranger telling me how beautiful I am at the grocery store the other day. Oh, and that I am totally "rockin it." (Haha. Totally unexpected but totally cute. Made me smile!)
A friend bringing some delicious homemade Indian food to work. I've been craving it lately - we had a conversation a couple weeks ago about it and he brought me some right out of the oven/stove! So delicious.
Finding a new delicious protein powder - cinnamon roll flavor, too. Super delicious in chocolate almond milk!
Praise Jesus that my sister was safe & out of harm's way in a car accident last night. GOD IS GOOD. He was definitely with her last night.

Oops...I went over my "five per week." ;)


What are you thankful for?!

Catch 22

Loans suck. Don't they?

I keep getting the question - "when are you going back to school?"

I have a Bachelor's degree right now in Psychology. Am I using my degree? No. Am I upset about that? Yes. Especially because of all of the loans I have!

I had the bright idea to go to a private university for my college education...not sure why. I wish someone would have warned me about all of these loans...I really would have. At least if I went to a public university and wasn't drowning in loans - I wouldn't feel so bad for not using my degree.

I have tried to get jobs in my field...I've been on interviews, I've talked to many people, I've networked. Maybe the timing isn't right? I have noticed that most companies are hiring internally when a position is available.

Very often I receive the advice - "you should get your Master's." Yes, I should. I would be most likely to obtain a better job.

But it's a catch 22. If I go back to get my Master's - I'll have more loans. Do I really want that? No. I completely understand that I'll be more likely to get a higher-paying job so I can pay off my loans faster...but it's a lot!

I've often thought about going to school in another country. I know a handful of people who have done that and have been able to get great scholarships or some Pay Day Loans UK that didn't have a high interest rate.

So here I am...the middle of my catch 22.

No matter what I do - I know God's got this. He is in control - not me. That's what gives me my sanity. :)

AND - being happy helps a whole lot, too!

Boston Style Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday - Boston style!

When I lived in Scotland, I had an amazing flatmate. I went to visit her fall of 2009. What a fun time we had (both in Scotland & in Boston!)

Some highlights of our trip...

HARVARD! It was so neat being there.

George Washington armed some troops here back in the day.

We don't have leaves like this in FL - so I was happy ;)

Cheers bar!

Boston at night!

I want to travel...!

The closest I have (so far) is Alumni weekend at Stetson the weekend of March 17 - spending a whole weekend with some of my best friends...so excited!