12.30.2011

A New Year's Mantra



                                                                                 Source: thetaoofdana.com via Rachel on Pinterest


Happy Friday, sweet friends.
Ring in the New Year in style. 
Wishing and hoping for lots of joy, happiness, blessings,
 and success for you and yours in the coming year.
2011 was fabulous--2012 has some big shoes to fill.
Let's see if it can fulfill my expectations--bring it, 2012. 
:)

12.29.2011

birchbox.

Also known as my latest obsession.

Two things I love? Samples and beauty products. And when you combine the two of those things, you just can't go wrong in my opinion. Put me in a Sephora and I'm good to go for hours on end.

So when I read about Birchbox on another blog a few months ago, I was immediately interested. So imagine my delight when I checked my mail yesterday and this little package was sitting in my mailbox. Sheer excitement!


Birchbox is a company (started by two women, duh) that helps us beauty seekers try out samples of popular products from luxury brands each month. This cute little box arrives in your mailbox filled with 4 or 5 samples of anything from makeups and hair care to perfumes and skin care.

Pretty much the coolest little box you'll ever receive in the mail.

I'm loving the samples I got this month--the perfect amount for me to try out to decide whether or not buying the full size is worth it or not. 


My favorite things this month?
-Twirl fragrance by Kate Spade...definitely buying the full size with some Christmas money. The quote on the package--"she had a cocktail in her hand and confetti in her hair"--love! 
-Face Glow By Terry...totally skipped my foundation last night and just used this--looks like my bare skin, without the redness and blemishes. I love the fresh face look and this doesn't disappoint.
-And the verdict is up in the air about that bright pink lip gloss you see up there in the picture...a little intense for my fancy, but I figured it may just be perfect for a fun night out, maybe New Year's Eve! Andrew and I have a hot faux NYE date tomorrow night, so I may just break out the fuchsia for the occasion. We shall see.

I sure wish this came more than once a month...
Birchbox didn't sponsor this post, I just love this idea and wanted to share with all of you!
Have any of you heard about Birchbox? Opinions? I think it's totally fun and can't wait to keep trying out products...I'm crossing my fingers for some Nars or Stila makeup next time!

Happy Thursday, y'all! I'm off for two nights so I intend on soaking up every.single.minute of free time. Hope your day is fantastic!

12.28.2011

Hump Day Blurbs.

Hey there people. It's Hump Day. And all I've got for you are some random thoughts. 

I really like the word blurb...and I really feel like blurbing today. So here goes.

...I have days when I just feel too stagnant. Too comfortable with life and where I am at the moment. So naturally, my brain gets going. I start plotting and planning--trying to figure out the best next step for me. And I realized that now is just as good a time as any...I'm attempting to start the daunting process of applying to grad school. Getting my Nurse Practitioner's license--yikes. Just the thought of it makes me tremble.

...The genius (sarcasm...) idea of going back to school entails me taking the GRE. Bring on the vocabulary words, verbal reasoning, and quantitative problems--oh joy! I just love a good right triangle. So far I've learned words such as panegyrical and apogee (a.k.a. words that no one know.) It makes feel productive and a bit stupid all at the same time. 

...And I figured, while I'm putting forth a little productive effort, I may as well take the jump and sign up for a 5K. I'm desperately needing some inspiration and motivation to get this butt back into shape. Eeek, a 5K. My first one. (And now I'm kinda kicking myself in the pants for signing up for it like it was no big deal...) What have I done to prepare, you ask? Oh, nothing. Someone please send a sister some encouragement. This task is already making me shake in my running shoes. (Side note: to use Couch to 5K or no? Any tips from you runners?)

...I'm currently typing to you from my brand spanking new MacBook Pro...a surprise Christmas present from mi madre and padre. I was absolutely ecstatic, to say the least. But now, I sort of feel like my grandmother trying to navigate herself through Facebook--clueless. Surely there's some Mac for Dummies book, right? I hope it doesn't take me forever to catch onto how to use this beauty--because I'm slightly obsessed with it, even if I only know how to get to the Internet. Baby steps.

...I've diagnosed myself with Post-Christmas Depression Disorder, more commonly known as PCDD. Symptoms noted are episodes of tears in front of the dwindling Christmas decor, prolonged sleeping to avoid the lack of holiday spirit, and excess eating of leftover Christmas sweets. I've yet to find a remedy, but I'll be sure to let you know if any breakthroughs in my condition are made.

...We just got our work schedules today for the next 6 weeks, and let me just tell you--it's about a bajillion times better than this past one. Granted, it was the holidays AND I was off for Christmas, both those 3 nights on back to back are making me a zombie nurse and a MIA friend/daughter/sister/girlfriend. Hence the lack of blogging... I almost did a backflip behind the nurse's station (& good thing I was at the hospital because I would've needed the ER after a stunt such as that.) I even have 8 days off in A ROW towards the end of February...amazing, right? Everything is looking good from my eyes at the moment.

...and last but not least, I won't spill my heart out about Christmas, because of course, it was absolutely perfect. But I will show you a few pictures to compensate for all the words this post has had. Christmas is my bff. Already counting down the days until my favorite season comes around again...






Happy Wednesday, y'all. It's my bedtime...one more night at work and then twoooo off! 
Hope your Wednesdays are wonderful!


12.23.2011

{fill in the blank Friday: Christmas edition}

I can't get over the fact that Christmas is 2 days away.
 It's Christmas Eve Eve, y'all. 
Where did December go? I am literally counting down the hours until I get to go home--a day full of sleep and then one 12 hour night shift is all that separates me from 2 days with my wonderful family celebrating the birth of our Savior! 
Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it...

So in usual Friday style, my thoughts are all over the place. So therefore I remedy that with a little Fill in the Blank...and it's the Christmas edition, so even better!


{one}   The best way to spread Christmas cheer is     singing loud for all to hear, duh. But no really--giving more than you receive. Being selfless and doing more for others than you do for yourself...best feeling in the world. 

{two}   The thing I love most about Christmas is   getting to spend time surrounded by all of the people I love. Everything slows down for just a brief moment in time, and everything in the world is perfect, cozy, and wonderful. 

{three}  The holiday season is a time for   being thankful for all of the things we are blessed with, making memories with the people you love the most, and celebrating the birth of our Savior! Jesus is the reason for the season! 

{four} favorite thing to eat at the holidays is    anything and everything my grandmothers make. Ahhh, sweet Southern food. Worth every single little calorie. The gym can wait until later, right? 

{five}  I will be spending Christmas    in Greenwood with my family!! BOTH nights...which is unheard of in a nurse's world. I am so blessed to be off work and able to be home for Christmas Eve AND Christmas Day! We'll be doing all of the usual Christmas traditions, with Andrew added in on Christmas afternoon :) I am the luckiest, happiest girl alive!

{six}  Tis better to (give or receive?)   give, without a doubt. My roommate and I were just talking yesterday about how much we've genuinely loved Christmas shopping for family and friends this year. I absolutely love finding the perfect gift for someone and seeing the look on their face when they open it--priceless and wonderful. Giving to others gives back more than I ever realized it could!

{seven} I'm dreaming of a    cozy, filled-with-love, happy, wonderful     Christmas.


I could just burst right now, I am so happy. The anticipation of what's to come in the next few days is just about enough to overwhelm my heart and bring tears to my eyes--geez, I'm such a huge sap. Christmas just does this to me.

Pinned Image

To all of my wonderful readers and blog bffs, I wish you the most wonderful Christmas. I hope you and your family and friends enjoy celebrating the reason for the season, and I hope many more memories are made. Hug them tight, kiss them, and let them know how much you love them. And have yourself a merry little Christmas :)

12.22.2011

a faith like Mary's

I want more than anything to have a faith like Mary's

Last week, I went home to celebrate my Mama's birthday with my family. One of her favorite Christmas songs is "A Baby Changes Everything" by Faith Hill, so naturally, I heard it a few times while I was with her. I had probably heard that song a dozen times before I really heard it. And when I heard it, it hit me. 

Hearing the nativity story, I've always been so focused on picturing Mary as an ordinary, lowly, meek girl that God used in a huge way--I've never really thought about how extraordinary her faith was. How huge, bold, and unwavering her faith was--such a contrast to the picture I've always had of her.

Pinned Image

Picture this. A teenage girl--much, much younger than any of us. Unmarried. Still living under her parents roof. Innocent in every way, simply trying to live her life to glorify God. And the Creator of the Universe chose her to carry His Son, to carry the Savior of the world. Can you imagine? I think I would've passed smooth out right then and there...but Mary simply said yes. Without hesitation, just followed her God in obedience, trusting that His will was greater than her will. She didn't make excuses, she didn't ask for some grand sign. She just said, "Yes, Lord, yes." 

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name." 
Luke 1:46-49

It gives me chills...every time I read this passage, my eyes fill up with tears. She didn't question His plan, she just went with it. She didn't hide in fear, she didn't let her fear get the best of her--she just trusted. I want more than anything to have more Mary moments in my life. 

 I pray that I can surrender to His will as humbly and faithfully as she did. I can't imagine the ways that God would use me if I just had faith like Mary's.

12.21.2011

{holly jolly Christmas}

I'm all about some traditions when it comes to the Christmas season. There are so many traditions that we have that make the holiday season special and truly complete to me--from the decorating the Christmas tree as a family and the parties to making Christmas cookies for Santa and reading the Christmas story around the tree on Christmas Eve. This year hasn't been any different--keeping old traditions and making new ones.
Nothing makes me happier!

Monday night was our Annual Christmas party/Dirty Santa with my group of girlfriends...I think we're on the 8th (?) year and counting. We talk about it all during the year and can't wait for all of us to be back together during the Christmas season--really one of my favorite nights of the year

This year was a little different because we're all grown up and living in different cities--and it being on a Monday night kinda threw a curve ball to those that had to work the next morning. So granted, our crowd was a little slimmer, but there was definitely just as much fun had and memories made. I honestly really just enjoyed being able to sit with 5 of my best friends in the same room and talk. Talk about anything and everything--I miss that so much

These girls are such a blessing to me. They're the ones who know me inside and out and love me through thick and thin. I've known some of these girls for over TWO decades. I've lived with 3 of them. They'll be standing beside me on my wedding day. And I love them to pieces! 


Mama's tree...my favorite.

And with new traditions, Morgan, Faye, and I had our roommate Christmas last night after stuffing our faces with our fav Mexican food. My roommates are wonderful. I loved getting to celebrate Christmas with two of my very best friends--they're my Oxford family. So thankful for them! We had such a good time opening our gifts--I must say, we did pretty well on our gift buying (thanks to wish lists...they're the best.) 




It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

12.19.2011

{a very tacky Christmas}

Per tradition around these parts, the holidays absolutely must include some type of Tacky Christmas party. Actually, t's really just an excuse for everyone to don the funniest, most hilarious Christmas outfit possible, while indulging in lots of good food and maybe a few cups of Jingle Juice. 

It's a grand ole time all around, folks. 
Here's the proof...
...and be sure to click to enlarge, because you're gonna 
wanna see every detail of this shindig!





There's nothing I love more than a good party, so throw in some fabulous people and a polyester Mrs Claus dress and I'm as happy as can be! Merry merry!

I'm definitely having myself a merry little Christmas so far :)
Happy Monday, y'all!

S-I-X days until Christmas!!!

12.16.2011

{bucket list}

Whoaaa, Friday already? This week is completely flew by. Only n-i-n-e days until Christmas. We're down to single digits, people. I just can't seem to wrap my mind around that...

So, Bucket List Time...
A new year is approaching, and with the flip of the calendar comes lots of resolutions and changes. Lately, I've noticed on Pinterest lots of tags titled "bucket list" from a specific blog/Tumblr, and I've seriously loved a lot of them. I really like the idea of adding onto a bucket list instead of making resolutions that I know I'll never keep. Therefore, I created a Bucket List pin board, and have started pinning my favorites...here are just a few.


What do I want to do before I die?



                                                                                        Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest





                                                                                      Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest





                                                                                          Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest


                                                              Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest


                                                                       Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Chelsea on Pinterest


                                                                   Source: runningandbeautifulabs.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest


                                                                     Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest


                                                                     Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest



                                                                             Source: Uploaded by user via Rachel on Pinterest


                                                                       Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest


                                                                      Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest


Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest





                                                                           Source: perfectbucketlist.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest


...just to name a few :)


Happy Friday, y'all. Hope your weekends are wonderful!

12.13.2011

{Wedding Weekend}

Pardon my long absence lately, a terrible sinus infection has taken over my body and has held me captive in my bed for the past few days. No fear--I'm finally starting to feel a little better, so I figured it was time for a little blog updating!

And what a weekend to update on...

I love me some weddings. Any wedding and every wedding. But it's so much more special when you're celebrating with one of your very best friends--makes the whole weekend even more wonderful. My precious friend, Mary Gwen, got hitched this past weekend, and the wedding was absolutely incredible. We had such a wonderful time celebrating their big day, and every detail of the event was absolutely stunning!

This verse is so perfect for Scott and Mary Gwen...


The weather was perfect (cold, but gorgeous,) the friends were all in attendance, and I think everyone celebrated their little hearts out! And I got sick as a dog...but totally worth it!

Mary Gwen's house (reception site) on the morning of the wedding

Stunning, gorgeous bride!


 Our fabulous bridesmaid bouquets


First dance with the sweetest couple!


Still dreaming about this cake...totally delicious!

 
Cutting the cake!

 
Best friend! Loved being with you all weekend :)


Have you ever seen a more gorgeous bride? Didn't think so!
These are just a few snapshots I got on my phone this weekend--can't wait to see photos that our friends took! We really had such a great time...perfect weekend right in the midst of all of the holiday festivities!

Speaking of holidays--here's the finished Dillard family Christmas card for 2011. Turned out pretty great, I think!

(front and back)

Happy Tuesday, friends!
12 days until Christmas :)
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