Weekend-ing

It's Monday, so that means a recap of the weekend and a link up with  Ameliorer la Vie.

Let's start with Friday night, shall we?

The company I work for recently acquired a whole new venue space for events. This is huge (and I'm not just talking about the size of the space because it really is huge)! One small step for the catering business, one HUGE step for me! I mean experience wise--so cool! So recently there have been some pretty fab events that I've gotten to attend to "observe" and "take pictures" all while basking in the fabulousness of a grand event.

This past Friday was Children's Hospital's Sugar Plum Ball. Yes, that's right. A ball! Like Cinderella. Kinda.  Anyways, despite the rain it was a great night with a great turn out. It turns out a ball for a hospital is not complete without new medical technology being showcased (that's a new one), as well as, alcohol and countless hors d'oeuvres.

Yes, those are planes suspended from the ceiling..HOW FUN?

Holy passed hors d'oeuvres!

Saturday

If you follow me on Instagram or read this post or this post, you'll know that I'm on a super health kick right now. Watching food documentaries like Food Inc., Supersize Me, and many others will do that to you. After about half of a week in of eating mostly clean and healthy and I'm doing pretty good. I still crave chocolate and cheeseburgers, but I want to be a skinnyminny this summer for boat season. So keeping that in mind, I headed out late Saturday morning in search of a juice. Not just any juice. The kind that looks green and scary and is a combination of all fruits and vegetables. No added sugars or chemicals.

I ended up at Fare: Food Apothecary on Magazine St.

Viola!

It had spinach, orange, pineapple, and apple in it and for a pure juice, it really wasn't that bad. I did not, however, finish it all. I have this thing with weird textures and it had a LOT of pulp. Still, I'm proud of myself for trying it--just don't count on me signing up for the next 30 day juice cleanse!


Sunday

Bridal Show day! At a country club no less.

This might be one of my favorite things about my job--even if it was on a weekend. I like talking with other professionals and potential clients, building the network, and getting free samples (Note: I did NOT have any of those delicious looking petit fours in the left of the picture. I SO wanted to though--read Saturday about health kick)

Pretty big, event packed weekend leading up to an even busier week I'm sure. Wish me luck, because I said so!

The Man

He's the man, no he's MY MAN.
What movie is that from..it's going to bug me all day.

Ok, so he's my dad.
The man I get my love of stationery, my obsession with collecting boxes, love of all Dave Matthews music, appreciation for the simpler things in life, and tons of other admirable traits from. The man behind "The Man Cards."

Since it's Thursday (it's technically throwback Thursday) and I've decided to share what my dad does for Valentine's for us each year. Maybe I got my love for crafting from him too, who knows? (Keep in mind the poor man has four women to keep up with so he has to keep things interesting--how do we not have our own show?) 

Anyways...drum-roll please....

Ta Da! 

Homemeade Cards!

AND it's a scratch off! 

Seriously, the most creative and thoughtful man I know.

Three options: Shopping Spree with Dad, Dinner with Dad, Movie Date with Dad. Please get the shopping spree, please get the shopping spree. I have no clothes and really need that shopping spree. There is a one in three chance that I will get a shopping spree and there is a good chance I will because I'm awesome like that and know how to pick 'em. Or I could be like Carol and save up my winnings from last year and combine them for this year--smart girl. AND there's a pretty high chance the rest of the girls will get a shopping spree too--or a dinner which could be equally as expensive (we aren't talking about an Applebee's date here y'all). He's seriously risking his wallet.

Recap: Carol got dinner with dad, my mom, Steph, and I all got shopping sprees. We are about to break the bank and/or give my dad a heart attack. I thought he was going to call the whole thing off when Steph said she wanted her shopping spree at Victoria's Secret--hello cute bathing suits. I'd like to see how that one goes.

Winner winner chicken dinner!

How I would make a scratch off card:
1. Figure out what I want the person to "win"
2. Repeatedly ask my dad what he used to make the said "scratch off"
3. Trial and Error it
4. Botch the first few
5. Mix Paint Glitter and a variety of other substances until it's just right
6.Viola! Scratch Off!

(by the way I'm horrible at how to directions. I get side tracked and by the end you probably still don't know how to _____.)

Side Note: Last year, I may or may not have cheated when picking which one to scratch off..ok ok so I did. Sorry dad! But this year I didn't I swear and I still got a shopping spree! Bam What?! Guess I'm just lucky like that.

All this to say, I can't wait to go shopping! Now just to pick a free weekend and a new Spring/Summer wardrobe and quality time with "The Man" (aka Dad) here I come!

For Real this Time

After being completely horrified by the videos I watched on Monday night, I ate horrible on Tuesday knowingly poisoning my body with aspertame (Sugar Free Red Bull) and a slew of other things (Zapp's CrawTater Chips, Sprees, and a Milky Way) I mean, it figures.
Say hello to my breakfast/lunch. Yea. It was as I was stuffing my face with this literal garbage, that I realized that I was hungry for a change. I want to be that skinny, confident, and most importantly healthy girl on the beach this year. I want to live for a long time. I want to have the stamina to keep up with the boyfriend and puppy-child. I can't achieve that by eating Milky Ways for breakfast every morning. No duh.

So after work, it was off to Whole Foods. The healthy food Heaven. I could hear the angels singing as I pulled into the parking lot. Ok rewind. I stopped by my apartment to throw (pretty much) everything I had in my fridge/pantry shelf away. I was amazed that so many products had SO MANY ingredients that I couldn't pronounce. Hyrdo-asjnbmeuqoety76 (almost literally that's what it said) If I can't read it, pronounce it, or spell it--why should I want to put it in my body? (besides the fact that it tastes good--we are ignoring that here people) And besides is the fact that it tastes good worth poisoning myself? Uh no.

Ok back to the angels singing. Ah Whole Foods. It's like calming for me to be there. One of my happy places--plus they always have the best fresh flowers selection. It can be overwhelming so I came prepared with a list complete with notes and my friend Kathryn on speed dial. Uh Geaux Tigers?

I did pretty well. I stuck to mostly the outside perimeter of the store filling my cart with fruits (ok just strawberries and bananas) and the vegetables I do like. I stopped by the butcher to get fresh organic chicken (which they wrap in cool paper so that's always a plus) and the fish (butcher?) to get tilapia. 

Here's a complete list of what I got: (in case you were wondering--also shown in the picture at the top):

-Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

-All Natural Honey

-Organic Pizza Sauce

-Van's All Natural Waffles

-"Healthy" Butter (it's like butter for vegans--the jury is still out on this one)

-Plain Oatmeal 

-Organic Milk

-Organic Eggs

-Hormone Free Chicken Breast 

-Tilapia Filets

-Oven Roasted Turkey (for sandwiches without the bread?)

-Fig and Goat Cheese (it was 2 for $5 so why not?)

-Organic String Cheese

-A Rotisserie Chicken (for dinner last night and lunch today)

-Rosemary Sourdough Loaf (for a treat)

-Precut Squash and Zucchini (if I bought them whole they'd rot in the fridge)

-Haricoverts

-Strawberries

-Bananas

-Lemons

-Organic All Natural Maple Syrup

Overall, I'd say it was a pretty good haul. Not everything is uber healthy, but when I'm craving something sweet instead of going for a chocolate milkshake, I'll reach for the fig and goat cheese spread. The bread will be for special occasions like when drinking wine or once a week, etc. etc.

A big shoutout to my "virtual" personal trainer/motivator Kathryn. She's been texting me and encouraging me to not give up, stay active, and send her pictures of what I'm eating. I probably wouldn't be this serious about it THIS TIME had it not been for her. Plus everyone needs SOMEONE to keep them on the right track. 

Hopefully by implementing these whole, healthy foods, I'll be able to crowd out the bad foods that think I love and need oh so much (breaking the addiction). Add in exercising and I'll be on my way to my goal in no time. That's what I'm going for anyway. Again, if you haven't watched Healthy for Change. Do it. Go now. 

This will be the last March that I am this unhealthy, because I said so. 

But I don't like Vegetables

Is a challenge.

Last night, when I got home from work, all I did was watch food documentaries. You know the ones that make you never want to eat again. 

So I know eating processed foods is bad. That's obvi. But according to Hungry for Change, the reason it's so hard to stop eating those foods is because sugar is strategically places in every single thing (except organic meats and vegetables) so you'll buy more and GET ADDICTED. The only way to get away from that is to eat whole organic foods. (Basically shop the perimeter of the grocery story--not the aisles) I'm all for that. In theory.

Food Inc, provides a look into the corporations that run the food industry--which is so confusing and I just feel bad for all the farmers and cows. Again it makes me want to just eat organic food from local farmer's markets. 

In Knives over Forks, the message is basically don't eat meat. A plant based diet is where it's at. Turns out, cancer and all other diseases are linked to meat and dairy. Cool. 

So that's my night in a summary. So depressing and confusing. Like, what am I supposed to eat now??

Here's where it gets tricky. I don't like vegetables. Ok I take it back, I only like about three vegetables. I don't like many. I'd die if I didn't eat animal protein as well--at least I'd be very hungry. So what's a girl to do? Apparently, your taste buds change around every seven years (here's to hoping this is the seventh year) and you have to try something at least three times in order to figure out if you like it or not. But how am I supposed to eat super clean and healthy when I don't like most things that are healthy? (the million dollar question)

I was basically raised on hormone induced chicken nuggets and carb and chemical laced macaroni and cheese. Of course, I didn't know all of this until last night--my childhood was based on a lie. Sure everyone knows to eat healthy, but it's killing you not to. It's pretty serious stuff.

Today after work, I'm going to Whole Foods and shopping the entire perimeter. I'll also be tossing a lot of the stuff in my pantry.  My health is important to me and not just because swimsuit season is basically here--although that is one reason. I highly Highly HIGHLY recommend these three documentaries (you can find them on Netflix) and would love suggestions on more to watch. In a way, it's kind of addictive to watch these even if they are so horrific.

What are you doing today to benefit your long term health?

Shopaholics Anonymous

Ok so not so anon. Hi, my name is Allison and I'm a shopaholic. I've been on shopping sprees every weekend for the past couple of weeks and it is getting out of hand--the first step is admitting you have a problem.

One of my favorite movies is Confessions of a Shopaholic. I guess I should've seen this one coming. The good news is that unlike Becky (in the movie), I don't own any credit cards--much less 12, so I can only spend the money that I have.  I guess you can call that good news. The bad news, all of the bags in the picture are basically from this weekend. And this is what my table looks like almost every weekend. See? Problem.

Here are some tell tale signs that you are a shopaholic (adapted from Confessions of a Shopaholic, the movie and my personal experiences): Disclaimer: If you are someone you know is suffering from shopaholicism you should seek immediate help.

A store always smells good.

When your fingers grasp those shiny new bags...Best feeling ever. Am I right or am I right?

You constantly think that someone has stolen your card and went on an insane shopping spree. You couldn't have possibly spent that much money. Wait, did you?

You constantly think that "If I could just get ______ I'll be happy forever."

You make up crazy excuses as to why you buy stuff all the pretty things.

You have to split the payment in five different ways - i.e. $20 on this card, oh here's cash, $10 on here, am I there yet?

If there is a SALE, it's justified. Duh.

When you shop, the world is better.

Your happiness is highly dependent on the amount of bags you end up with after a shopping binge. And I'm not talking Walmart bags here.

You have to ask yourself "Do I need this?" constantly.

You have a secret stash of things you bought. If someone happened upon it, they'd think you were a human squirrel. (I'm not to this point...YET)

I can identify with basically all of these. This weekend I went to Lilly AGAIN just to get the free earrings. I mean they are really cute, so it's justifiable right? (oh add this one to the list above). AND the people at Lilly REMEMBERED me! Hello? I'll be there every weekend at this rate. Way to go sales people. 

See so cute right? Plus they were FREE with any purchase! 

Unfortunately, I don't have a cure for my self diagnosed shopaholicism. No spend weeks only make me want to spend more. Taking away my wallet only makes me angry. 

So for now, happy shopping everyone!

Everyday Life

I've been a little absent lately because I just can't seem to find anything exciting to write about.
You know, like "Ten reasons to do this" or "The time I..." or "Look at my awesome outfit."

Seriously, it's just been a normal, ordinary, somewhat boring week. Cue the music--workin' 9-5 what a way to make a livin'. Barely gettin' by....(seriously, especially if my Lilly obsession doesn't simmer down) Dolly Parton knows me so well.

I've been getting back on the healthy train--WOO WOO! Operation "skinny minny/Josh wants to buy a boat/it's almost summer" has commenced once again and THIS time I mean it. For real. It's honestly been taking up most of my time/thought capacity. Planning meals and actually cooking is hard work compared to ordering take out every night (not that I used to do that).

See I ate a salad this week, so you know I'm serious--

Progress.

I even crossed off "run a mile without stopping" from my future goals list. So I guess this week hasn't been a complete wash.

Between eating healthy, going to the gym (most everyday), training the puppy-child to sleep in her own bed, and trying to keep the house clean (housewives everywhere I applaud you) the week has flown by. And I'm exhausted. Can I eat fattening food yet?

Update on the puppy-child training: She is doing great. Other than the occasional whining to try to get on my bed, she's been sleeping in her own bed! Y'all this is a HUGE deal. At three years old, I thought it would be way harder to train her. But so far I have no more doggies sleeping in the bed!

Last night, I did get to do something out of the normal routine I've developed. I got to go observe/take pictures of an event at my company's newest venue. 

It was B-E-A utiful! 

Fancy fancy.

I think I'm obsessed with place settings. It just looks so elegant...and one day I will invited to one of these fancy events not working it!

Because I said so of course.

Ultimate Wishlist

Does anyone else have one of these?


Like a list of things you want to buy/people to give you in the next couple of months? It gives you a goal of what you are trying to save up for?

Hopefully, it's not just me. 

EVERY TIME I try not to spend money, I come up with a whole list of things that I just need. 

Like now. Or yesterday.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Unique art for the apartment--I just ordered this from the fabulous Rachel by clicking here. Fabulous right?

2. Camilyn Beth dresses-- I mean they are so cute and classic
(but pricey which is why it's on my "wish" list)

I will own one...one day.

 Photo credit is attributed to Camilyn Beth and Shannon Kirsten Photography.

3. A bar cart--I have a ton saved on my phone (screenshot) and it feels like I will forever be looking for the perfect one to stage.

Something like this one. LOVE IT!

Source

4. Pure Barre classes--I want to do it so bad! Only between this and Lilly AND braces,  I don't think I'll be able to make rent payments. But I want to be skinny. Is this a #firstworldproblem? I think yes. Oops.

5. Braces--I know I know. Why would this be on an ultimate wishlist? Well I've been wanting braces for forever because I've had people make fun of my teeth. In about a month I'll have them (anticipated blog post duh) and in two years my teeth will finally be perfect! Hip hip hooray! 

#imadork 

6. All things Lilly--getting emails like this (sorry it's a screenshot) make my day and make me so happy. If you haven't read my previous post feel free. 

Yep, my bank account doesn't stand a chance!

Plus you can get those earrings with ANY purchase. So I could buy the cheapest thing and still get the earrings for FREE. Ok seriously I have a problem. 

7. More "pretty" books for staging purposes--like hello how fab is this! I snagged it from the collegeprepster's insta awhile ago (whenever I see something that I need/want/must remember for later, I screenshot it. Anyone else?) I already have an Eloise book, but I'd love more books. #totalnerd

That's all I can think of right now, but it should be more than enough. 

What's on your wishlist?

In Love with Lilly

If you followed my insta or twitter this past weekend, you'd know that I went to my first Lilly Pulitzer store ever! It was the Grand Opening of the store in Mandeville and just as with any other "grand opening" there were prizes. This time for the first 50 people in the door. 

So naturally, I had to be one of them. (This has since escalated quickly--#LillyforTarget)



My two "little" sisters and I waiting for the doors to open!



Getting up at 7 am on a Saturday is not usually one of my strong points or a favorite thing to do.

But hello, a free Lilly Pulitzer mystery gift was on the line. 

Up until Saturday, the only thing "Lilly" I had was a phone case (courtesy of Carol). So you can see why I NEEDED to be there and I NEEDED a free gift.

No longer was I just going to have a Lilly phone case. Nope. Not anymore. 

(Ok so I'm being a little dramatic)

Spoiler Alert: I spent entirely too much money, but it's Lilly and it never goes out of style. Right? Right. At least that's what I'm telling myself and my bank account.

Moving on.

You'll be happy to know that me, my sisters, and friends all got free gifts. I think we were about 30th in line. I may or may not have counted multiple times just to make sure. I got a stack of cups and so did Carol. Stephanie got a bracelet and her friend Baleigh got the coveted Murfee scarf in the exclusive Mandeville print.
I mean it was her birthday so I guess it's fine. 

Once in the Pink Palace, a.k.a Lilly Heaven, a.k.a My Favorite Place, it was like being stars struck. I'd only ever heard of these beautiful, expensive dresses before. Never had I seen one up close. And now they were mine for the taking. 

(I strategically transferred money the night before to prepare myself for this very moment).

 I may have a slight shopping problem. I alternate between "OMG I'm poor!" to "OMG must buy all the cute stuff!"

So anyways. 

The energy in the place was amazing. Everyone wanting that perfect shift or pair of shorts and vying for the same piece of clothing--in a super polite way of course. It was just so glamorous. 

After trying about hundred things on, I decided on deciding between two dresses. A maxi and a idontknowhatkind of dress (but it was cute--see below).

Matching! I ended up buying the dress--I mean how could I resist.

I have to give it to the sales girl--who was wearing one of the dresses I was deciding between. 

This is her: "I mean do you really have to decide between them? You can't just get both?"

SOLD!

 I'll take both--I'm a marketers dream which is weird since I am a marketer. Oh well. 

I loved that moment. 

I handed over my well worn card, said heck yes to signing up for mail from them, and spent the rest of the day on a euphoric shopping Lilly high. 

The whole world was just better because I now owned something Lilly (ok five things Lilly)

Summary: I ended up with the FREE cups, two dresses, four plates, and a FREE set of stationery (because I spent enough money to get another free gift). It was a great haul and a great morning.



Carol in MY maxi dress. She thinks she will be borrowing it, but she can think again!

Maybe I'll make a trip to Lilly once a month. Lord knows that's about all my bank account can handle. But for now I'm off to enjoy the fabulous Lilly things I have in my closet and throughout my house!

"Being happy never goes out of style."

-Lilly Pulitzer

Check out my #LillyforTarget haul here!

No More Doggies Sleeping in the Bed

Laney is like my child. She is so spoiled and we even coined names for the grandparents for her. My mom constantly tries to get her to say "NANA" and "I LOVE YOU"--she's clearly like a little human to us.
But as much as I love my little human dog, her sleeping in the bed with me has got to stop.

...and without further ado....

Reasons you shouldn't let your dog (no matter how cute) sleep in the bed with you.

 Which I imagine is the same as why you shouldn't let your child sleep with you past age like idk two? 

All of this is from personal experience--don't judge.

1. Hair everywhere. You wake up and there's hair (not your own) in your mouth. It's on the sheets, it's on the pillows, it's freaking everywhere. It's gross and hard to clean. Every time you clean, it magically reappears. Laney has black hair and I have white sheets. Not a great mix. You can imagine my frustration. 

2. They sleep like they own the place. I imagine this is what sleeping like a child is like. Laney has four legs and knows how to use them. She spreads out so she takes up a majority of the bed. Scoot her over in the middle of the night and she gravitates slowly back. It really is a lost cause. Plus when she dreams, she kicks. 

3. Just in case they throw up or pee...in bed. Yea it's not pretty. Enough said.

4. You wake up when they wake up. Laney only really wakes up in the middle of the night when she's sick (see #3). But like a worried dog mom I have to get up in a half zombie like state and make sure she's OK. I now know how my mother felt all those years ago and I don't even have a human child yet. Joy. 

5. At the end of the day, they are the dog and you're the human. Boundaries have to be set even if they are your dog child. Laney has her own bed, but I think we may be 3 years too late in training her to sleep in it.

For now, I can only imagine what a good night's sleep is (ok I'm being dramatic). But if we can somehow get her trained to sleep in her own bed (without feeling like horrible parents), I imagine I will finally be able to have a REALLY GREAT night's sleep.

Take it from me and don't let your dog sleep in the bed with you!

Because I said so!

Purpose to be Positive

Disclaimer: this post is a complete 180 from yesterday. 

I had a not so great day yesterday -- largely due to the rain.

Actually the truth is, it wasn't all the rain. After I wrote about it, I became more and more frustrated with the fact that I wasn't in bed watching movies. 

Like it sucked.

Today I'm going to try to take on a whole new attitude. Being angry at everything is actually really draining and doesn't get you through the day or through traffic any faster. Believe me, I tried.

After thinking about it all night, I figured out that you have to PURPOSE TO BE POSITIVE. 

Sometimes you can just wake up and be genuinely excited/happy/ready for the day. Other times you have to work on it so that negativity doesn't take over your whole day. 

Been there done that not fun.

Steps to making sure you don't have a horrible day due to negativity: 

1. Wake up early. When you are rushed everything is 10x more stressful. Sometimes, you snooze too long and are running late, but by consciously making the choice to wake up early to have a good day, it alleviates some of the stress.

2. Eat breakfast. Take the time to sit down and eat. I know I'm way grouchier on an empty stomach.

3. Watch TV or read. I like to watch the Today show when I get up early. It's really the ONLY time I ever watch the news. 

4. Buy yourself something nice. This may go against your my budget, but sometimes you just need a pick me up. Fresh flowers, a cupcake, a new nail polish, etc.

5. Take a shower/bath in the morning. It really does wake you up! 

These have all helped me turn my frown upside down more than once (so cheesy sorry). 

Today will be a good day--because I said so!

When it Rains...

...the day should be cancelled. 

No work. Just lounging around in yoga pants and watching movies is allowed. 

WHO'S WITH ME!?

Like I know this is completely non-realistic, but a girl can dream.

All I want to do is cuddle with Laney and watch Disney movies and eat soup. I don't want to go to work or the gym or clean or do laundry or really just participate in general. But seriously, why is it so hard to be chipper and productive when the sky is basically crying?

I can't be the only one who checks the weather the night before to see if I'll be productive or in a rush in the morning
(oh, I am. Oops).
It's sad that the weather dictates my mood THAT much. But hey, it is what it is.

If it calls for rain (like today), I LITERALLY get up, dressed, and out of the door in twenty minutes. This is actually a huge accomplishment (shirt dresses are my friend--so are flats--and the skill of putting make up on in the car--jk mom and dad I so don't do that!)

The snooze button is my friend on days like today.

After a super productive, beautiful day--a yucky, idontwanttodoanything day usually follows.

I frequently wake up and think nope, I'm not participating in today. But, I always end up participating against my will. 

The struggle.

Sometimes I get lucky and it rains at night and not in the morning--I love falling asleep to the rain and sleeping when it rains and not being productive when it rains, etc.

If you can't tell, today it's raining. Red Bull at 9AM anyone?
I'll do my best to be productive today, but there are no promises--because I said so!

Taco Palenque

Y'all.

This weekend was FABULOUS! (Can you tell that I live for weekends?)

If you didn't read my nonsense, rambling post, I'll let you in on a not so secret:
I was super pumped to see Selena Gomez in concert!
In Texas!
11 hours away!
Road trip!
(Is that enough exclamation points to convince you how excited I was?) 

Margs on margs on margs

Josh and I left Friday morning to begin the monotonous drive through a trillion miles of farmland.
Fun fact: the speed limit is 75 on most Texas highways, interstates and farm roads. Which basically means it's totally ok to go 90. That was a change from the norm. At this point, I felt like we were in a different country. 

We saw cacti, longhorns, border portal looking for people, and got our picture taken by border patrol (we think). Clearly we were going to have a blast!

The language barrier was ridiculous. I mean Spanish is the first language down there (we were like 2 inches from the border of Mexico). I took Spanish in high school, but I can't speak it nearly as fast as 99.9% of the people down there. I can read it better than I can understand and speak it. 

Problem. 

(After this trip, I want to learn Spanish for like real--most people were bilingual and I'm just like oh hey I have a college degree, but I can't communicate with you)

Ok on to Selena. She was fabulous--of course. Me and all of the other seven year olds loved her

 (I know I know--how old am I?) 

They had a boy band open for her and I have to admit I loved them too! 

(confession: I bought one of their songs) 

I was screaming along with every other preteen there. I had the time of my life! 

After the concert, so excited to have seen it!

After a weekend of margs, Mexican food, and screaming preteens,

I can't wait for the next concert!