Friday Favorites

FINALLY! One of my most favorite Friday link-ups is back! Ms. Lindsey, better known as The Bargain Blonde, has been super busy with her big move and new job, but she's back this week to bring us Friday Favorites! Join Lindsey, myself, and a million other bloggers and link-up.

 
{favorite all natural product}

Coconut Oil. Anyone else hopped on the coconut oil bandwagon? My lovely mother bought some and begged me to try it. So naturally, I did. Amazeballs. There are so many ways to use coconut oil. It's a great moisturizer. Warm some up in your hands and spread it all over your skin when you step out of the shower and you are guaranteed to have baby soft skin all day long. And while you're at it, spread a tiny amount over your face. My face has been out.of.control lately. The stress of leaving my old job and starting a new one has left my face red, splotchy, and a little broken out. After one application of coconut oil, I noticed the redness lessen and those tiny zits were gone. You can also use a small amount of coconut oil in your hair after you style it to keep the frizz away. Seriously ladies, google this shiz and you will find a million and one ways to use this bad boy!

{favorite snack}

Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn. This stuff is like crack. I'm eating some the entire bag as I'm writing this. And a plus, it isn't terrible for you! Although, I eat way more than the serving size so health is completely out the window...

{favorite pastime}

Pinteresting for Justin's closet makeover. Listen, I think my man looks amazing in sweats and a hoodie,  but the boy needs some options. Over the past two and a half years I've slowly been introducing him to the world of fashion, but I think it's time for some culture shock. J needs to be thrown into the fashion world  full force. So, in preparation for that day, I've been getting some ideas via Pinterest. He'll be looking fine in no time!

{favorite beauty secret}

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. And when I say it's a secret, it's because no one sees me with a pore strip on except for my cat. Well, and Justin, but that's just me preparing him for life once we're married. If you wear makeup almost every day like myself, the harsh truth is that our pores get clogged with all that makeup! So do your skin a favor. Wash your face every night before bed and throw on a pore strip every once in a while!

{favorite quote}

I stumbled across this quote while wasting time (what's new) on Pinterest. It was a great reminder for me during this transition I've been going through. I think it's something that can speak to us all during the trials and tribulations of life. 

Happy Friday, lovelies! I hope you all have an amazing weekend.

 

I Ain't No Wedding Planner....

If you really knew me, you would know that I am the most indecisive person ever. So indecisive that it's surprising that I've already settled on a look for our wedding! Sure, I pretty much came up with this decision last night, but that's still way ahead of Jenna's Decision Making Schedule!

Thank the good Lord above for Pinterest for wedding planning! How did brides plan their wedding pre-Pinterest???

We've been searching for the perfect venue, which hasn't been easy. We are looking to save some big bucks by providing the food for our wedding and many venues do not allow outside catering....biotches. Sorry Charlie, but I'm really not feeling spending $60 a plate on food that no one really likes! This past weekend we were referred to a local farm. They have a gorgeous barn that they rent out for an extremely low price....does that sound perfect, or what?! We still need to call to see if they have our wedding date available, but so far, it's our number one contender. A barn would be a perfect venue for my vision. Here are some pictures (via Pinterest, obvi...) that would be pinned up on my wedding vision board, that is if I had one...

Preeeeeetty sure this barn we're looking at won't have chandeliers, but the draping fabric adds a classy flair to a country chic wedding. The chandeliers could be replaced by oversized lanterns for a similar effect.

This is, hands down, my dream dress. Empire waist, a-line with a full, organza skirt, sweetheart neckline, and an embellished belt. Simple and gorgeous.

In love with the color pallet. Soft, warm, and natural. I think these colors would look absolutely beautiful in a country chic venue.

I love flower arrangements in different sized mason jars. Not to mention, these flowers and colors are breathtaking. I'll take it all!

I love the idea of a lantern surrounded by greenery and candles as a center piece. An antiqued lantern would look even better!

Wedding cakes can be so expensive. I love the popular idea of having a small, simple cake for the traditional cake cutting and then offering guests a different dessert. These cheesecakes in a glass jar are perfection! Justin's mom makes amazing cheesecake and the glass jar is such a unique presentation. Definitely stealing this idea.

Hydrangeas and baby's breath is a stunning combination. By far my favorite.

I have nightmares that our reception is a complete dud and every single guest is bored out of their minds! It give me anxiety just thinking about it. I'm definitely using these two ideas to help keep guests entertained and happy. Who doesn't love a photobooth?! And the bucket full of flip-flops is the greatest thing I've ever seen. Ladies, no one wants to dance the night away in their heels and we definitely don't want to dance around barefoot and then crawl into bed at the end of the night with Fred Flintsone feet. This is the perfect solution!

Now I just wish all of the above would plan itself! Please and thank you!

Happy Tuesday, ladies!

Weekend Highs and Lows

{via}

Week two of the new job and I'm already exhausted. I think it would be a great idea if someone would create a day between Sunday and Monday that is solely dedicated to sleeping. Sleepday. Who's with me?!

Onto my weekend highs and lows...

Highs

*J and I took our engagement pictures yesterday! It wasn't the best day weather wise; cloudy, windy, and maybeeee 40 degrees. But we had so much fun. Our photographer was hilarious and made us feel super comfortable. Even Justin got into it...so presh! Despite the cloudiness, the sun peaked out near the end and gave us the perfect fall lighting. I can't wait to get the pictures back next week and show you all!

*I bought fleece-lined tights for our engagement photos. Ladies, you need to go out and buy yourself a pair ASAP. Ah-maze-balls. So warm. So soft. So perfect.

*I brought to Justin's attention how great he looks in a sweater. I'm on a mission to prep this boy up. Now, I think he'll be more open to my Christmas and birthday presents of sweaters and other fashionable items that need to be in his closet. I'm going to start a Pinterest board dedicated to his closet make-over.


Lows

*Our apartment complex is being re-roofed and the roofers decided it was time to work outside of my bedroom window at 9 o'clock, Saturday morning. I just wanted one morning to sleep my face off...but nooooo. Cussing each other out, singing terribly, stomping on my ceiling.... give. me. a. break. Can't a girl get some peace and quiet around here?

What were your weekend highs and lows?

And all of you lovelies over on the East Coast....stay safe! I'll be praying for you all!

Friday's Letters

 

 Dear Blog, sorry I've been neglecting you and all of my favorite blogs this week. Starting a new job is no easy task! I promise that once I get used to my schedule, I'll show you some love again. Dear New Job, what am I even doing? I'm still unsure of what my job description is. I'll just have to keep on doing whatever my supervisor tells me to do until I figure things out. Also, if you wouldn't mind livening up the office a bit, I would be forever grateful. It's not easy going from a room full of crazy loud toddlers to complete silence. Dear Babies, ugh I miss you all so much. I've been having the worst time with this new transition. I mean, I have an emotional breakdown every other day! I can't wait to see some of you (pre-schoolers) today when you come to visit Head Start! At least my heart will be half full :) Dear New Supervisor, thank you for telling me the most dramatic story yesterday about a child and making my heart break only to say "But that wasn't real life. I saw it on Private Practice." Really?? Dear Justin, thank you for all your love and support. I know I've been a real Debbie Downer this past week, but all of those hugs while I'm crying over my babies means more than you know. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you, knowing that you'll always be there for me. Dear Sunday, please bring beautiful weather and gorgeous fall colors for our engagement pictures. Thanks a bunch!

Oh How Pinteresting

In case y'all want to know, my first (and second) day of work went splendid! I'm in the process of sprucing up my desk to look all cutesy and whatnot...because we all know that is what's really important when starting a new job! I've been a little (or a lot) busy with getting used to my new job and new schedule, and honestly. blogging has been my last priority. But you know I can't pass up OHP! So link up with Michelle and join me!

 

Weekend Highs and Lows

Welp, today is my first day at my new job! It always sucks being the new girl, but I'm pretty excited to start this new journey. Fingers crossed that I don't make a complete fool out of myself on my very first day!

Here are my weekend highs and lows...

Highs

*My mom and I went shopping this weekend for big girl clothes. So. Much. Fun. Since I was working in the classroom with toddler at my last job, I was able to wear whatever I wanted, so long as I wasn't dressed like I just left work at a strip club. It was all about being in comfortable clothes that I wouldn't mind getting messy. I'm excited to wear pencil skirts and dresses and heels to work now. I even have my "first day of work" outfit all picked out. I feel like I'm going back to school!

*I got an e-mail Friday night from my new boss letting me know that my position is moving to full time! I was hired in as a part-time employee and was told that eventually the position would move to full-time once a new grantee was found for the program. I never imagined that the position would move to full-time so soon! It is definitely a huge blessing, since we're beginning our wedding planning.

*I bought the two most amazing pair of boots yesterday. This event, alone, deserves it's own high. A pair of black, knee-high heeled boots and a pair of camel booties, all for $50. I die. I'll post pictures this week because I love them that much.

Lows

*Saying goodbye to my babies and co-workers on Friday was heartbreaking. I was a mess all day long. I absolutely loved my job and couldn't imagine ever leaving anytime soon, so when we received the news that we had lost funding and were closing a month and a half later, I was crushed. Ugly crying...all day long.

*I was in such a great mood after a fun day of shopping with my mom on Saturday until homegirl backed into my stopped car in the Costco parking lot. To make matters worse, she was probably in her late 50s and got out of her car with the most fake pouty-duck face. I almost slapped her. "I'll admit, that was completely my fault." No shit, Sherlock! Welp, at least I'll have money to fix the damage now that my job is full-time!

How was your weekend?!

High Five for Friday

Today is my last day at my job. I think I'm still in denial. But if being in denial makes saying goodbye to my babies easier, I'm totally fine with that. I'm so thankful for this experience and all that is has taught me. But more importantly, I'm thankful for all the little one's that have been a part of my life for the past 15 months. If I had my way, I would scoop them all up, take them home with me, and give them the life they deserve. But since I can't, I pray that someone will come into their lives who loves them and believes in them as much as I do and continues to give them the tools to escape the difficult lives they were born into. My heart is broken. I'm going to miss my babies so much.

But in an attempt to stay positive, I'm linking up with Lauren for High Five for Friday.

1. Since I'm starting my new job on Monday, I get to go shopping for new work clothes this weekend! I actually have to dress like a real adult for this job, and I'm pretty excited. But, let's be honest, I'm going to miss those mornings when I'm too tired to get dressed and I walk into work wearing yoga pants and a hoodie.

2. My Birchbox finally came in the mail yesterday and it was amazeballs. I opted for the normal Birchbox, which was a smart move on my part! I've heard a lot of people who got the special edition box were unhappy. I could have done without the Luna bar though. This is a beauty box people, leave the food out!

3. Fall is in full force here in Michigan and I love it. Boots, sweaters, scarves, jackets....ahhh!

4. I bought these above the knuckle rings and am dying to get them in the mail. Egypt...why must you be so far away???

5. I get to spend the entire weekend with Justin without any other commitments. I. Am. So. EXCITED!

Have a wonderful weekend, lovelies!