8.28.2012

The Most Cliche Blog Post Ever

Or alternately titled: If You Really Knew Me...
...sorry, had to jump on the bandwagon. 




If you really knew me, you'd know...

...that I wasn't holding out in order to be cool, it just took me 34 1/2 months to think of a long enough list to post.

...that I love to sing. And I can actually carry a tune, not very well, but well enough.

...I have to set my alarm on even & random times, i.e. 5:24 pm. I don't know why, so don't ask.

...that for most of my adult life, I was 75 lbs heavier than I am now.

...I am super sensitive and get my feelings hurt too easily and too often.
...and I most likely won't say anything if you're the one to hurt them.

...I look just like both of my parents and act just like my mom, already. 

...I can quote every line to any given episode of FRIENDS. It's an obsession.

...I really love giving shots. And drawing blood. Yep, totally a nurse at heart.

...I carry Crystal Light packets in my purse at.all.times. (You never know when water may need a little sprucing up...or vodka...)

...If I'm short and quiet in a text message, I'm either mad or upset. And passive aggressive.

...I pile too many obligations on my plate at one time. I just can't say no. Ever.

...I love reading OOTD posts but would never post them myself. Mainly because I can't put pieces of clothing together to save my life (thank the Lord for dresses.)

...I really want to own a bakery. Or a cupcakery. I love to bake!

...I love to have a good time. I love laughing and I thrive on having people around me all the time.





If you really knew me, you'd know...

...that I listen to KLove 99% of the time. 

...that I'm a bit insecure. Must come from the years of being overweight, but still to this day, I am shocked when anyone finds me attractive. Or calls me thin. Who me?!

...that I believe a glass of wine and a long talk with a best friend is better than any therapy

...that I cannot handle twangy country music with lyrics involving, but not limited to, beer, drinking, big butts, trucks, and/or redneck women. Can't.handle.it.

...the only plastic surgery I'd ever get is a boob lift. Yep, this 24-year-old has saggy, old lady boobs. Don't believe me? Ask Faye. She'll tell you the truth.

...I love Celine Dion. No, really...by love, I mean I am obsessed with her.

...that I want to be the next version of Jon and Kate plus 8 (minus the divorce and the crazy, duh.) Too bad no numbers rhyme with Rachel or Andrew (other than 2...and that's not enough...and 22 is just a few too many. I didn't say I wanted to be the Duggar's.)

...than more often than not, I'd rather watch a football or baseball game than go shopping

...that I wish I could be a professional traveler. Why hasn't the Travel Channel hooked me up with a job yet? I could just go to cities and explore and then share the best spots/restaurants/shops for a twenty-something crowd. Show in the making?!

...I get really uncomfortable with any kind of controversy. I don't confront people and I let people walk all over me, most of the time.

...I worry as if it's my second job. I'm working on that issue, but that's just how I am. Just call me overly dedicated.

...I really love my boyfriend. I think he's the best thing since sliced bread. And I like bread.

...birthdays are my favorite. I love to celebrate! Maybe it's because birthdays involve cake...



Just a little glimpse into the real Rachel, because I know you were just dying to know.
Happy Tuesday, chicks. 
Let's go out there and make it a great day--and let's hurry it up, weekend. SEC football starts on SATURDAY! Hotty Toddy!

8.23.2012

Catching up via Instagram

It's 4 am and I'm wide awake. Blame it on the night shift life, but insomnia is raging full force. Which I suppose is a blessing in disguise--gives me a little time to actually show the blog a little love. You know the usual song and dance..."work and school and life and blah blah blah have kept me so busy..." but really. Story of my life. 

I'm off work today and am going to try to cling to my sanity and see the sunlight, work out without being in a rush, and actually lay eyes on some of my friends. Being social always recharges my batteries after being drained a little by work nights and busting my rear to try to get into the swing of grad school. Humph, life. I need a vacation.

Here's a little bit of a life update through Instagram, just to prove I'm still alive and well.

I've been reading through Ephesians and I'm really loving Ephesians 3:14-21...it's been popping up randomly in devotionals and in cards, and I love to keep reading it! It's such an incredible testament of His love for us.

This past Friday, we went to Starkville (our rival university's town, for those of you who don't live in the South) to celebrate Andrew's BFF's birthday! I really love Andrew's group of friends from home, so I'm always excited to see them.

Molly, me, and Rebecca--two of my favorite girls in the whole world!

One of the best things about going to Starkville--getting to hang out with my Kelsie!

Somehow I didn't get a picture of the birthday boy or his sweet girlfriend...didn't even get a picture with Andrew. Humph.


 Saturday night, one of our precious friends from high school got married! So we went to celebrate with her and her new hubby...
Kelsie, Mrs. Wells, and me

 The happy couple dancing their first dance :)

 Kelsie's mom, Vicki, Kelsie and me...my second family

 Photobooth fun...you know how I love photobooths

 Sunday night was taco night...our house is finally almost perfectly put together, so we had a few friends over to enjoy some dinner with us! 

 And this is what we do for fun on Sundays...play with a camera app on my phone.
Had to post this picture because it cracks me up.

Something else I've been doing a lot of lately...reading and studying. 
This is my "Finance in Healthcare" book--also known as "A Nurse Attempting to Read Chinese." Send me some prayers :)

 Last night, we had Dierks Bentley in the Grove. It surprisingly wasn't too hot, just super crowded. I felt so old with all the little freshman running around--oh, and when we were in college, our wardrobe was Nike shorts and sorority tank tops...now, it's apparently high-waisted, cut-off jean shorts with midriff tops. One trend that I won't be getting on board with...

Can you tell how excited we were to see Dierks!?

 My mother came up for the concert--she's Dierks' biggest fan. I was so happy to get to see her though!!

Pardon the big, white leg...

 Friends...

Mr. Bentley himself...I'm not a huge country fan, but I will say he isn't too bad to look at in his white t-shirt and tight jeans!

Well, I'm going to attempt to doze off for a few before the day gets started. I'm going to lunch with two of my favorites and then going to see a play tonight with Rebecca. Good day!  Hope you all have a lovely day...I seriously MUST get caught up on your blogs. Miss my people! 

Happy Thursday to you!

8.17.2012

Football Friday

Football season is almost upon us...
Can I get an amen from the SEC choir? 
I know some (maybe most...) of you don't give two squats about football season, but it's basically my favorite, so just let me be excited for a little bit. 

I've been contemplating a little Hotty Toddy anticipation post for a few weeks now, just to show y'all a little bit of what I'm looking forward to--from game day attire to the menu/decor in the Grove, I've had the wheels turning on these ideas for a few months now. After all, kickoff IS the best day of the year, so why not prepare for it?



                                                                                                                    Source: google.com via Fan Gear on Pinterest

Oh, and let me get on my soapbox for just a second or two--I was reading Kelly's Korner today, one of my daily reads, and loved that she was posting gameday attire! Nothing I love more than some SEC themed outfits--and I happened to scroll through her comments at the bottom. Talk about burning my butter! Yeah, I get that dressing up for football games is foreign to some people. Yeah, I get that wearing high heels to cheer on your favorite team is bizarre to others. BUT ya know what, I think that wearing jeans and a t-shirt in the heat is odd. You clearly don't live in MS. I think that not tailgating before a football game is bizarre. So the moral of the story--to each his own. I LOVE football, and I LOVE feeling pretty in a new dress, so why not combine the two!? Is there a law against wearing a cute outfit to a football game? Nope. Heck, I don't wear jeans regularly anyway--give me a dress over pants any day! Come visit the Grove and you'll change your opinion. Yeah, it's hot as Hades, and yeah, there are days when I instead toss on some jeans and a cute top, but it's tradition. It's beloved by many. It's what we, as Southerners and Ole Miss fans, enjoy doing. And I can tell you one thing--I'd rather go to the Grove naked than be wearing jeans to the first ballgame, which falls when the temperatures will still be in the upper 90s. I'd prefer to not have my pants sticking to my rear all day long. Give me a sundress and flats any day, and I'll be the happiest Rebel fan out there. Although I'm fashionable, I'm not stupid...I'll be rocking the skinny jeans, boots, and red/blue scarf come November. So keep your opinions to yourself--I like dressing up for football games...I think that's perfectly okay, so that's that. Moving on :)

 

                                                                                                                     Source: twitter.com via Bailey on Pinterest

Now, onto the fun things...just a little look into the red and blue extravaganza I'm picturing in my head when it comes to Grove planning:

I have this little dress in my closet, and I think I'll pull it out for homecoming.


                                                                                                              Source: flirtwithathens.com via Ally on Pinterest


And I may decorate it up a little with this necklace (red and blue, duh!):

Perfect color combo!

I'm thinking our Grove tent will be decorated with a few of these little beauties...

                                                                                                                Source: etsy.com via Rachel on Pinterest



                                                                                                       Source: aucourantfloral.com via Rachel on Pinterest



                                                                                                  Source: myheartsdesireblog.com via Amy on Pinterest




And of course, lots of yummy and delicious treats:


Source: etsy.com via Rachel on Pinterest



                                                                                             Source: bloggingsimple2201.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest



                                                                                                             Source: foodgawker.com via Chris on Pinterest



                                                                                                       Source: silverstarkitchen.com via Rachel on Pinterest



                                                                                            Source: canyoustayfordinner.com via Rachel on Pinterest


But, then again...the main event is REALLY this:

                                                                                                                          Source: google.com via Katie on Pinterest


First down...Oooooole MISS!

The countdown is on...15 days! 
Tell me, Rebel fans...ARE YOU READY?!

What are YOUR favorite things about football season? Is there anything that you're especially looking forward to? Tell me some of your favorite football traditions!

8.16.2012

always remember...

A little thought for your Thursday...


                                                                                    Source: whimsicalraindropcottage.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest


Let's all keep that in the forefront of our minds today, shall we? 
Every reaction we have starts a chain reaction with those around us...
So, let's smile at a stranger.
Hold the door open for someone behind you.
Say "thank you," "please," and "you're welcome."
Go out of your way to say a kind word. 
Let patience show to those around you.
Try, with every reaction, word, or expression, to be positive.
After all, WE have the choice over our attitude, and our attitude affects those around us, so let's choose to make a difference in someone else's day. 
That's what really matters, isn't it?

Happy Thursday, y'all!

8.14.2012

DIY Chalkboard!

I'm finally getting my cute little house all perfect, down to all of the smallest details. I've been really crushing hard on having a chalkboard somewhere in the kitchen/back door area, so Sunday was the day to take the plunge and do a little DIY! 

I scoured Pinterest for an easy idea, and my project stemmed from this one.  I loved everything about this idea and just knew I had to recreate it!

Supplies needed: 
One frame of your choice and design
A piece of wood backing or a piece of wood cut to your dimensions
Chalkboard paint and paintbrush
Paint in your color choice for the frame itself

First, Andrew and I went to our local Goodwill and searched through their picture frames for one that would work! I found a couple that I really liked that were very girly and ornate, but they were $20 and $30--not a price I want to spend at Goodwill! 

{one} Search for a frame with a structure that you like! This one was a little more simple than I was looking for, but for $2.99, the price sold me! Disregard the ugly picture inside of it, of course. That will be tossed in the trash! 


{two} Ideally, look for a frame that has a wood backing to begin with, but if it's just cardboard like mine was, mosey on over to Home Depot and get them to cut you a piece of wood to fit the dimensions of your frame. Who am I kidding--Andrew did this step.


{three} The supplies you'll need to paint...I couldn't find any spray chalkboard paint at our Home Depot, but I've read on numerous sites that the canned kind covers better and lasts longer! 


{four} Separate all of your pieces and get to painting! Do a few coats of the chalkboard paint to make sure it covers well. I used a bright blue for my colored frame, let it dry, and then sanded it a little for a more distressed look. I ended up coating it with a clear coat afterwards, too, just to make sure it was sealed. 


{five} Let all the pieces fully dry, put your little project back together, and then hang it on the wall and enjoy your masterpiece!! Mine is right by my back door, so it's the first thing you see when you walk in my house!

You could even go for a smaller frame and keep it on an easel on the kitchen counter, or a longer, more rectangular frame and stand it up against a wall! Easy peasy and super cute!



You know I couldn't resist putting a football countdown on here for now! I'm super excited for all the possibilities--fall greetings, Christmas cheer, New Year's wishes...the list just goes on and on! If you know me well, you know this excites me more than it should! 

Happy DIY-ing to you today!
Have you found any fun projects lately to work on? Share them with us!

8.09.2012

Today is a big day.

As you're reading this, I'm probably scrambling around my hotel room, looking for the back of my earring, guzzling down gulps of hot French vanilla-flavored coffee, and trying to fit my portable hole punch in my Tory Burch purse.

That could only mean one possible thing...

Today is Orientation to grad school. First day of the MSN program. EEEEEEK. Hopefully the LAST first day of school I'll ever have. (I think I said that after my first day of nursing school...little did I know that I just couldn't get enough education.) I'm as nervous as a girl could possibly be--I've checked and rechecked my schedule, changed my outfit 3 times, and haven't touched a bite of my breakfast. Nerves galore.


                                                                                                      Source: pin4fun1025.blogspot.com via Jen on Pinterest

My heart is still a little unsettled with the next few years to come...my prayer has always been for God to open the doors for me (in regards to furthering my education) and He definitely opened lots of them so far this year. I don't know if it's the huge changes to come, the unknown of what may happen, or the jump out of my comfort zone--but I'm questioning everything and anything. I'm just praying for God to lead me where He wants me to go, and I know everything will fall into place.

That being said--I'm super excited about starting school again. I know that sounds like such a nerdy comment, but I bought my books yesterday and even did a little school supply shopping, and it really got me pumped. I love what I do, and I can only imagine that I'll love it even more through this Masters program. 


                                                                                                                Source: beehiveco-op.com via Ali on Pinterest

Fingers crossed that in 3 years, I'll be Rachel Dillard, C.F.N.P. Here's to hoping!

Say a little prayer for me if you think about it today. I'll be wading through paperwork, shaking hands and saying my name over and over again, and punching holes in every piece of paper that comes my way! I need all the prayers I can get--I may be 24 years old with a BSN, but I still feel like that little girl with butterflies on her first day of kindergarten!

Happy Thursday!

8.05.2012

Sunday Social, Round One

I rarely ever post on Sundays, but here I am. I just couldn't resist this week's Sunday Social theme. You know about the love affair I have with fall! I always love reading these posts from my favorite bloggers, but I've never taken part in it myself, but again, here I am. Time for a little fall action for #SundaySocial!

Sunday Social

{one} What is your favorite fall activity?
Ummm, that's an easy one, and you probably saw it coming a mile away: SEC football. Also known as the best football in the country, duh. I'm literally counting the days until kickoff...it's like the countdown to Christmas. #26days




{two} Do you follow a football team? If so, who and why??
If you've been around these parts for any length of time, you already know that I'm a huge Rebel fan. Not only did I grow up coming to the Grove and loving all things red and blue, Ole Miss is also my alma mater. My family instilled that love for the University of Mississippi a looooong time ago! Go Rebs!

I'm not much of an NFL follower, but with the extent of my college football love, it works out well--I don't quite have the time or energy for it :)
{three} What is something fun about fall in your area?
Well, besides all the football fanatics and legendary Grove days, I can't get enough of all the pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall festivals! One of the churches on the Square sets up a pumpkin patch, and that always kicks off fall in the right way...as soon as you see the pumpkins going out, you know fall has officially arrived!
{four} Fall favorite staple outfit?
Check out this recent blog post of mine for all of my fall fashion crushes, but here's a sneak preview...this basically sums up all that I love about fall fashion in one picture!

Source: google.com via Rachel on Pinterest
{five} Thing you are looking forward to most this fall season?
Fall always seems to reunite all of my favorite people, between football games and holidays--I'll get to see all of my friends and family in one place! That's definitely the quickest way to make me happy. There's nothing quite like that first crisp, fall day...the kind of day when you open your windows, light the pumpkin spice candle, and enjoy a cup of cider while snuggling on the couch! Everything is just a little warmer, slower, and cozier in the fall, and I'm definitely ready for a change of pace!!
 
{six} Favorite fall holiday? Traditions?
Definitely Thanksgiving...and with the spread my family provides, you would agree, too. I can't wait to carve pumpkins with my friends, and of course, many, many gamedays in the Grove. I'm already planning menus, outfits, and weekend schedules!!! And of course, I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks--it's the flavor of fall!
 
Thanks for the fabulous questions, Ashley and Neely!
 
Happy Sunday, all you lovely folks...headed to church in a bit, then lunch with my guy...I'm thinking a little tennis this afternoon then squeezing in a nap before taco night and PLL marathon with Faye!! Sounds like a good #SundayFunday to me!

8.02.2012

Spilling My Heart: On Weight Loss

Well, here I am again. There's about to be some heart-spillage around here, so brace yourselves if you're up for the read. If not, I'll just catch ya tomorrow.

I'm always one to write what I'm feeling, say what I'm thinking, and just put it all out there for anyone to read. That's just who I am...some people think it's crazy, I find it normal. And today is no exception. Weight loss. My biggest triumph and struggle, all in one big, fat emotional package.

I'm leaning more towards the struggle side lately. Weight loss is hard, y'all. I feel like I'm posting about the big elephant in my life, because I hate admitting that I struggle with it every day. I want to be one of those girls who just loves working out and loves creating new, healthy recipes...but I'm not. That's not me in the least bit. I've become muchhhh more of one of those people in the past two years, but deep down, it's still something I have to strive for. Sure, I always feel so much better after a good cardio session and am always super pumped when I find a healthy recipe that I love, but that's not the everyday. Most days I feel like a huge failure with it all. I love posting little success stories when I've hit a new weight decade or goal, but more often than not, I should be posting about the fallbacks I have. That's the real life of it. That's what happens on a regular basis. And I've always promised to be real with y'all, even when it's hard to admit.

I don't jump up on the scale every day and see that number shrink. I honestly don't remember the last time I saw that number go down. I've stayed at the exact.same.weight. for weeks at a time, and some days it even creeps up a number or four, and I make excuses like, "Oh, I'm just a little bloated" or "It's because I didn't weigh first thing this morning." Bull, Rachel. It could be that Mexican you ate last night or that bag of chips you grabbed for "lunch." I'm in denial half the time. 

It's like a full-time job. Every day, day in and day out, my mind is on it. I'm obsessed with it, and it's not a healthy obsession. I've really been down about it lately, because I had gotten to a weight that apparently my body was comfortable with, and wasn't losing any more. Granted--my workouts became lax and much more lenient than they had been in the past few months, but I figured that once I was in my maintenance phase (again) that it would be okay to cut back a little. 

But a little bit of cutting back leads to a lot'a bit of cutting back in my book.

Confession #1: I haven't stepped foot in my gym in almost 6 weeks. 
Confession #2: I now own an elliptical--it sits 8 feet from my bedroom--and I've only used it 5 times in the month I've had it.
Confession #3: Work has been so busy lately that I just reach for whatever food is convenient or comforts me, not what's best for me.
Confession #4: I'm not even sure where my tennis shoes are currently.

I'm such an emotional eater. Look it up in the dictionary--and you'll see me. In the happy times, I celebrate with food. After a long night at work (which have been a plenty lately,) I just want comfort food. If I have a long weekend off, I first plan where we should go to eat for date night. If I'm upset over something, pass the Ben&Jerry's. It's as if those things will take away the emotions that I'm feeling, when in all reality, they probably just amplify them even more. Then those emotions turn to guilt from what I just ate, and the cycle just starts over. It's never-ending.

I know I'm not alone in this battle, which makes it a little easier to bear. I know that every woman going through weight loss knows these feelings all too well. So if you're feeling this way today, or have lately, know that you're not the only one. 


What helps you from falling into that rut or letting that cycle take over? How do you keep from reverting back to your old ways when it gets tough?


I honestly feel like I should be a pro at this by now, I mean it's been over 2 years since my journey began. But every day brings new challenges and tests me...and I realize I still have so much to learn. I have to talk myself into staying positive half the time.


But then, I'll see a picture of myself from 3 years ago. Or I'll look in my closet and see my size 8 jeans hanging there. And I start to remember all of those feelings.

Remember how good it feels to slip into that smaller size in the dressing room. Remember that feeling when you finish a workout that you didn't think you were going to make it through. Remember that smile you get when someone asks you if you've lost weight. Remember the happiness you felt when your boyfriend/husband comments on how proud he is of you. Hold on to those things, keep them fresh in your mind, and whatever you do, keep on going

                                                                             

8.01.2012

Oh How Pinteresting Hump Day

Woah, hey August. Where did July go? Heck, where is 2012 go?! We're going to be ringing in the New Year before we know it. 


Let's pin a little, shall we? 
Thanks, Pinterest for finding me all of these favorites this week...

favorite pick up line:
                                                                                             Source:tumblr.comviaRachelon Pinterest
favorite nail color:

                                                                                                   Source: shortnchic.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest




favorite top:

                                                                                                                Source: sheinside.com via Rachel on Pinterest


favorite mantra:

                                                                                                    Source: thevirginiabelle.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest


favorite preciousness:

                                                                                                   Source: schoengeistig.tumblr.com via Rachel on Pinterest


favorite ensemble:

                                                                                                     Source: emaleebrown.polyvore.com via Rachel on Pinterest



favorite recipe:

                                                                                                              Source: tastykitchen.com via Rachel on Pinterest

favorite Hotty Toddy treat:

                                                                                                       Source: grovegal.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest



favorite wedding pretties:

                                                                                                                Source: weddingbee.com via Rachel on Pinterest



favorite funny:

                                                                                                              Source: google.com via Rachel on Pinterest



Linking up with the wonderful Michelle today for a little Oh How Pinteresting! 

Join in and share what you're pinning this week!
Happy Hump Day!
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