Friday, November 11, 2011

Happy Veteran's Day, 11/11/11, TTOD

It's 11/11/11!  I am definitely the person who makes a wish at 11:11 on a regular day (if I happen to notice the time at the right moment) so I'm excited about it being 11/11/11!

However, more importantly, it's Veteran's Day.  I want to thank all veterans and service members past and present that serve our country.  Thank you for your dedication, sacrifice and love!

On the pier
James (waving) and Dad returning home
USS Enterprise

*TTOD: Today, I am thankful for my family members who have served in the military.  Along with my Grandfather, my Dad served in the Navy for several years.  In fact, he was out to sea when I was born (Dec, '90) and didn't see me until he returned in May of 1991. I am especially thankful for my older brother who is currently in the U.S. Navy on the USS Enterprise - been in for four years and has two more to go - stationed in Norfolk, Va.  He has already served on one 6-month deployment and will be deployed again in March of 2012. I am extremely thankful for his sacrifice to serve our country and I look up to him as one of the smartest and strongest people I know.  Things aren't always easy in his position and at times he is working on minimal hours of sleep, but he never complains and he's always giving 100% while on duty.
I am als0 thankful for my mother who has also sacrificed a lot during my dad and brother's deployments.  I am learning myself how hard it is to say "see you soon" and I can't believe the strength that she has.

Mom and James after he returned home in July

Happy 11/11, Happy Veteran's Day, Happy Friday!

xoxo,

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Mini Christmas List and TTOD

Okay, first of all I apologize about my lack of blogging yesterday! I was able to get in a couple of comments, but had no time to post! I was so sad because WILW is my favorite :(

Right now I have found some time, of course while I watch the game!! GO HOKIES!

I've noticed some people doing some Christmas lists, so for fun I am going to post a mini version of mine! I know, Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet, but it's time to start thinking, planning, scoping, shopping, couponing, etc!  I'll admit...I've already purchased a gift for SB...better now than waiting until the last minute!  The other problem (for me) is that my birthday falls between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I have to differentiate between birthday gifts and Christmas gifts.  Last year for my birthday we went to Charlotte for a shopping trip and the ACC Championship game.  This year we're thinking of doing another shopping trip.  Perhaps to Leesburg Outlets, Pigeon Forge or Short Pump. Any other suggestions?? I would love to go somewhere new!

Mini Christmas List

Bean Boots
I have been dying to get these babies.  They would be soooo useful in the snow that we unfortunately get a lot of!

Monogrammed Marley Lilly Scarf
Who doesn't have this on their list somewhere? I would either get brown with white writing, dark green with white writing or (duh) maroon with orange writing! I love the first font in the picture.

Vera Bradley scarf in Rhythm and Blues
I love scarves, I love Vera Bradley...that's all I gotta say about that!

Cable Sherpa Throw
Warm, cozy, fuzzy...exactly how I want to be all winter long! LOVE this throw in every color.


L.L. Bean Goose Down Vest
I have a "poofy vest" that I lovvvvve. I would really like to get another one, maybe in white or red!


What's on your list?? :)

*TTOD: Today, I'm thankful for my mom's warm house.  After we left dinner, it was F-R-E-E-Z-I-N-G outside and I cannot imagine how it would feel to not have a warm house to go to.  It's important to not only be thankful for material items, but also for what we think of as "necessities" or "the basics" like shelter! I am now nestled on the couch and feel extremely blessed.

Like I said, today is going to be mini :) The game is too intense...I'm having trouble focusing! Fingers crossed y'all!!

xoxo,

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Indecisive Sarah & Sock Swap! (and TTOD)

Warning! This is a long post! But it's so exciting, I promise!

This is what I get for doing two link ups on one day! I can't decide which to do - Ten on Tuesday or Top 5 Tuesday! I love them both...so I'm doing both!  This is why I am not the person you should go to if you want "no" as your answer!


Link up with Roots and Rings for Ten on Tuesday if you'd like to play along! :)

1. What’s your favorite television show  for each day of the week?
Sunday – Desperate Housewives - been forgetting to watch Pan Am!
Monday – Dancing With The Stars
Tuesday – DWTS, Tosh.O (although it's been getting a little too vulgar for my taste recently!)
Wednesday – Modern Family
Thursday – Grey's Anatomy
Friday – Nothing is on, so I watch Friday Night Lights on Netflix.
Saturday – Football!

2. How many times do you wear your jeans before you watch them?
A million...but really, at least 4 or 5 times! I don't really get them dirty, especially since they usually are stuck in my boots so they don't touch the ground.


3. What is your favorite pasta shape?
Bow-tie.

4. Do you read newspapers?
I don't get the newspaper to my townhouse, but when I go home I sometimes browse. I prefer to watch the news.

5. Do you sleep in socks?
Yes. Sometimes they get kicked off in the night, but I like to have my feet covered.

6. Favorite genre of movies?
Chick flicks! Or girly, romantic, comedy, adventure all mixed together.


7. How do you feel about wrestling?
I'm not sure? I don't like all the weight issues surrounding it, but if that's the sport you choose than go for it. I also think it's weird though when girls wrestle in high school. I would never wrestle a guy like that! Scary!

8. Should men pluck their eyebrows?
If they want to to look clean and fresh, then yes. I think if they look thin and feminine though, that's a little strange.

9. Do you have dimples?
I have back dimples. That's it! Is that weird? I love dimples, though. Especially on babies.


10. Do you like to camp?
I used to like it a lot more than I do today. I went backpacking for two weeks in high school in NM and I think all of that camping sort of made me "camped out". I prefer log cabins if we're going to be woodsy!


Now, for Top 5 Tuesday with Rachel at Just Peachy!


Today's Top 5 is: Clothing Stores (yay!)
Let me start off by saying - Southwest VA has NO shopping!! We have the "basics" but nothing too fancy shmancy. It's sad, but it gives me a reason to go other places and shop :) ex. Charlotte, Short Pump, Tysons to name a few...

1. Target


Target is my go-to when I need something basic or am just looking for a simple, classic top.  Plus, I love just about every other section in the store too...I love that their prices are reasonable and no matter where you go, you're bound to find a Target!  Except Vermont where my good friend Brittany is from...the poor thing!

2. LOFT 


I love, love, love LOFT. I am slowly, but surely, building up my LOFT blouses for when I become a teacher and I need to be more dressed up.  I also love their dresses and skirts.  They just have the prettiest clothes! AND we actually have this store IN Blacksburg...not Christiansburg! Y'all this is a big deal...

3. Old Navy


On any given day, I am bound to have something from Old Navy on. I can hardly walk past one without going in.  Sometimes, I'll admit, I walk in and I don't like any of their featured items. However, some days I walk in and I go crazy. At least 45% of my wardrobe is from here! Prices are so, so reasonable and a couple of the pieces you would never guess are from there! They also have lots of cozy socks this time of season...just fyi...

4. J.Crew


J.Crew is so far down on my list because we don't have one! I know that doesn't stop me from shopping online, but I like "in person" shopping so much better. I always get excited to go shopping in Short Pump, PA and Norfolk because they all (obviously) have a store! I'm sure there are closer ones, but I don't have too much time for traveling just to shop. Anyway, like everyone else, I love the J.Crew style. It's classic, clean, put-together and adorable. They also have a nice men's selection, too! Unlike the first three choices (Old Navy is so-so) I definitely wish I had a J.Crew closer to home, or at least a Factory Store!!

5. Forever 21


Forever 21 usually stresses me out, to be honest! There seems to be clothing EVERYWHERE and everything is so (usually) cheap that I just want to pick up more than I should. However, this is another store that we don't have, so when I find one, I usually pick up one or two pieces.  They have lots of basics, lots of super cute dresses (although sometimes they can run short) and tons of jewelry.  I love XXI for their prices and for having a huge selection! *Sidenote: In Norfolk, they have a two-story one and it was fantastic. Everything was actually organized! It was a lot less hectic. I may or may not have purchased a Beauty and the Beast sweatshirt...


Woohoo! What a jam-packed post this is...and it ain't over yet...

My sock swap package came in the mail this weekend!

I was so excited! Ashley paired me up with Anna and I could not have asked for a better sock swap partner! I got to know her a little better and I love reading her blog! Y'all should go check it out :)

My package! Yes...I had already opened it before this picture!
Her adorable note
Look! It matches my clipboard! :) Meant to be.
My two pairs of TALLLLL socks :) Perfect for boots!

Anna was spot on! I absolutely love my socks & my 'S' stationary!!
 In our emails, I never even told her I'm obsessed with stationary...I think these two will go perfect with my collection!

Most of my stationary
Like I said...I love stationary. I love to write snail mail! My favorites are the Vera stationary mailbox and the yellow box at the bottom - it's a tri-fold card and I found it at a store in Asheville!

THANK YOU ANNA! And thank you Ashley for setting up the swap! It was so fun! Can't wait for Anna to get the socks I sent her :) Let's just say, we have similar taste!

Lastly,
TTOD: Today, I am thankful for my job. I feel so lucky to have a steady, part-time job while also going to school.  For those that don't know, I work as an Aide in a before/after school & summer program at a local elementary school - with Pre-K - 5th grade students. It's the best job I could ever ask for! I've been there since July of 2010.  Today, I spent almost 7 hours in class...and 5 hours at work. I would rather go to work than go home and sleep! It's such a blessing to look forward to going to work...I know far too many people who dread that idea.  All of the children are wonderful in their own unique ways and it makes me excited to become a teacher.

Okay, I think this post is finally over...
...yep, it is!

xoxo,

Monday, November 7, 2011

Norfolk Weekend and Giveaway Alerts

What a fun weekend I had! I'm going to share it with you in pictures [and captions] because I know pictures are more fun to look at, rather than reading words.  Or is that just me?

Brought out the "redneck wine glasses" for the party weekend
Hokie jersey as one of his presents! Gotta represent.
This is the apartment building they live in. It's so neat/fancy/old school on the inside.
James and Momma at Max & Erma's
Jason and I at Max & Erma's
Jason and I before horseback riding! He certainly doesn't look like my "little" brother, does he?!
James, me, Jason
My backwards shot on the horse trail.
Jason and I conquered a 1000 piece puzzle!


All in all it was a fun-filled, yet relaxing weekend with my family. What I didn't get pictures of (but what we also did) was go to the movies, ate at California Pizza Kitchen, did some shopping and went to Trader Joe's!
Sometimes a weekend away from home, but still with your family, is what you need!


Here are some giveaways that I am so excited about!

Summer Wind is hosting a Tervis tumbler giveaway! I have an 'S' tervis but would love to add to my collection! I love these tumblers!


Also, Royar at My Life as A Young Southern Prep is having a Just Madras giveaway! Are you ready for this...
the Sea Island Madras stocking! How. Freakin. Adorable. I love anything pink!


Make sure you go enter those giveaways, and check out the blogs, before they end!

**TTOD: Today, I am thankful for warm clothing.  This morning, there was a cold wind blowing as I walked to class. What would I have done without my warm socks, boots, sweater, and Colombia fleece jacket? I was am very lucky.

xoxo,

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Sunday Verse & TTOD

via Pinterest


I found a new blog today - Queen Bee Swain. She has been doing a Thanksgiving Thought of the Day and I am going to join in. She started the first of November, so I'm a little behind, but that's okay.  Y'all feel free to "play along" as well :) Each day just post something you are thankful for. It can be anything - person, place, thing, etc.

Today, I am thankful for sleep.  Daylight Savings granted me an extra hour of sleep, and with it I feel refreshed and energized :) I always feel much better about myself when I get an adequate amount of sleep.  Probably why I like going to bed so early on weekdays!  That, or I'm channeling my inner eighty-year-old.

What are you thankful for today?

xoxo,
 
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