Whirlwind of a Weekend

As I've gotten older, I've realized that weekends are not for sleeping in all. the. time. I mean, I can't sleep past 8 AM anymore (dang work schedule) The weekends are for getting out there and having fun. I don't want time to pass me by and realize that I've just been sleeping it away. 

So now for the weekend wrap up with The Rachael Way and Ameliorer la Vie! I've been pretty busy lately and it has left me exhausted. But work hard, play hard right?

...starting with the goings on of last week...

I've mentioned how the crazy people plague me at work and demand the most outrageous things for their events (i.e strippers--THAT'S A BIG FAT NO) So it's always nice to receive mail in general and thank you letters and little pick me ups from clients. (For the record, that Starbucks gift card has already been spent. #icedcoffeeproblems)

I've been loving that recently J has been all like hey want to go out for dinner tonight? I mean I'm never going to turn down dinner, especially when it's his idea. So Wednesday date nights are kind of a thing now. To explain the casino picture below, you get free parking if you play for 30 mins, so naturally that's what we did. I put in a twenty because I'm a high roller (on the penny slots) and it's the smallest bill I had (ha) and ACCIDENTALLY hit "Max Bet." I ended up walking away with an extra $20 that night. WOO!

Fast forward to Friday. My best friend is getting married next year and asked me (as her unofficial maid of honor) to drive the 4 hours to go dress shopping with her. I mean duh of course I'll come. And by the way, I'm officially MAID OF HONOR now--she popped the question and I said yes! My first time ever! Excuse me while I research what all I'm supposed to be doing....Anyways, Friday was a long day. I didn't make it to her house until 11 PM which was after I worked an 8 hour day and before we stayed up until 3 AM talking all things wedding. But that's to be expected of course.

Saturday was dress shopping day! Hip Hip Hooray! Me, her mom, and another bridesmaid made the trip. After 14 dresses (which I took detailed notes on--hello maid of honor duties) and 4 hours at the bridal boutique, she said yes to the dress! She is stunning in it and I can't wait for next year to see her walk down the aisle in it! And how cute is it that the bridal boutique wrote this on their chalkboard outside?? (notice my Jacks...I really haven't taken them off since last weekend--they are completely broken in now and comfy)

Running on about 4 hours of sleep and too many sugar free red bulls, I made the trip back home. Sunday, as is the case with every Sunday lately, was BOAT DAY! This time, I got my mom to come out with Joshua, his sister, and Carol (my sister). We had a blast and thankfully no tornadoes or rain showers to deal with!

I don't know about you, but I'm living every minute to it's fullest!

Five Ways to Relax After Work

This should read Five Ways to "completely shirk all responsibilities" After Work. I go through phases where I either like to be completely sloth like or completely productive after work. There usually is no in between. 
Today is no different. Today, I don't want to do anything. Surprise surprise. 

1. Completely ignore the fact that you have a mountain of laundry and/or dishes to do. Who knows? They might even wash themselves. Ok, probably not and you probably won't have anything to wear to work tomorrow, but that problem is for tomorrow morning--tomorrow's worries will worry about themselves.
2. Change immediately into "soft" clothes. I used to laugh at the fact that my Juju (sorry Juju) called your standard yoga pants and T-shirt "soft clothes"--but when you think about it, that's what they are. She's a genius! Pants, in this case, are optional of course.
3. Eat like a child/or just completley unhealthy. I'm literally going to eat chicken noodle soup and icing for dinner. #sorrynotsorry I'll work out tomorrow. Maybe.
4. Watch TV. I turn on my over priced cable the minute I walk in the door. If I'm paying that much for it, it will be on as much as possible! It makes me feel less lonely and its relaxing. Plus, it's Tuesday and I'm really into the new show Chasing Life on ABC Family.
5. Take a bubble bath/shower. I'm more of bubble bath person--usually accompanied with a glass of wine, candles, and a good book. But, to each his/her own.
I'm linking up for Listed Tuesday with Erica Jacqueline!

Have any other ways to relax? Send them my way--because I said so of course!

While the Parents are Away, the Children will Play

This past weekend, my parents were away celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary (which is actually today! Happy Anniversary you love birds). So I, being the oldest sister, had to babysit the baby sisters. Which, for the record, they are hardly "babies" at almost 20 and almost 13. So yea. Basically we just threw parties the whole weekend. (just kidding mom and dad--maybe)

It was another weekend for the books! I had work all day on Friday, but it wasn't SO bad because it was photo shoot day #lovemyjob (follow me on Instagram--I post lots of pictures from work) 

After work, I headed over to the boyfriend's to watch the sunset on the boat and spend some quality time with my wittle family--Laney included. #louisianasummer

No filter needed. 

Also my picture from Friday night (see above) is Instagram famous (see below)! Like what I didn't even know there was such a thing. But apparently there is and Josh and Laney can be found in the bottom right corner! 

Laney is a natural born boater. The face of pure bliss! She spent the whole time pouncing on and eating dragonflies. Weird, but at least she was happy!

Laney loves boat rides and being Insta famous!

Saturday was babysit the brats day sister day! It also happened to be National Wear Your Lilly Day or #NWYLD. So naturally, we all wore our Lilly. In my opinion, every day should be #NWYLD, but that's just me. You can see glimpses of our Lilly outfits throughout this post!

Iced coffee (my new obsession) was a must to get the day started. And can I just brag on this picture for like five seconds? It's so blogger-esque. (channeling my inner College Prepster)

We made our way to the Riverwalk Outlets in NOLA and Steph and I bought our very first pair of Jack Rogers Sandals. I'm officially "preppy." Lilly and Jack in one picture? I can't.

Just being your typical tourists and window shopping!

Don't worry, she didn't actually buy it. We wouldn't let her.

Forever 21 ladies!

Sunday was back to the boat for me and for first timers Carol and Steph! We went tubing literally all day until a, I kid you not, waterspout drove us back to land. We were the real storm chasers y'all.

We saw the funnel cloud forming and the funnel getting closer and closer to the ground, but luckily it never connected to the ground and we were moving at about 45 mph across the water AWAY from it. It was still pretty scary.

Me and the "babies"

The gang is all here. Me and Joshua and our sisters!

See, I told you. Such a fun weekend. It's going to take me the whole weekend to recover--literally because tubing makes your arms very sore. Hanging on for dear life takes some upper body strength--in which I have none.

What did you do this past weekend?

Wishing, Hoping, and Dreaming

Happy Hump Day! The weekend is almost here AGAIN and like always, I can't wait!  This Wednesday I'm wishing for time to slow down.  This coming from the girl who just said she can't wait for the weekend and who has a million countdowns in mind (birthday, braces off, Pittsburgh trip...you get the picture). Yes, I can't for this trip or until the weekend, etc. etc. I can't wait to get engaged, get married, and start a life with Joshua.  But, I have to say, I feel like I'm in a really good spot right now. Being 22 (almost 23) I still have the rest of my life to do what I want. I feel content with how my life is going (sure there are things I'd like to change) But overall, I like where I am. I can't really explain it, but life is just good. Every time I start to doubt or freak out that I'm the only one not married/engaged, I remind myself that I like where I am. I don't need a different title to be happy. And keeping up with "whoever" is exhausting. Oh and for those wondering: Braces Off: 659 days
23rd Birthday: 23 days
Pittsburgh (which also happens to be the same as our 6 year dating anniversary): 164 days
I also wish that I could stay up late and get up early.  I seriously can't hang like I used to. For example, last night (and the night before) Joshua and I watched movies until about 1 AM. Last night, we were AT the movies until 1 AM. I know right? Who am I? It was really fun (doing something as scandalous as staying out until 1 AM on a week night) But, like I seriously can't stay up that late and be expected to function at work for 8 hours. What. is. wrong. with. me? I guess I'm not in college anymore! Yay for linking up with Anne from Love the Here and Now! What are you wishing for this week?

What's Not to Love

After yesterday being Monday and me being bummed that it's Monday, I realized I have a lot of great things happening/things to be thankful for. They may be little, but can be counted as little pick me up throughout the day/week. And it's been a while since I posted a "what I'm loving currently right this second" post. So here we go.

1. Getting things for free. Like redbox movies.(hint: if you have the app they send you messages and sometimes free promo codes woo!) Oh and also free clothes (stay tuned for my very first ever sponsored post) I know people sometimes HATE reading them, but hopefully you won't hate mine AND it feels like I've really made it as a blogger because someone wants to give me free stuff in exchange for my honest opinion!

Moving on.

2. Temple Run. Ok so I know this is old, but I'm re-addicted. I used to be pretty good (like high score of 20 million good). Now I can't make it past like 2 million. Life is hard y'all.

3. Spotify. Like why haven't I jumped on this train before? You can listen to certain songs if you want (unlike Pandora) and search other people's super cool playlists. What's not to love? Nothing.

4. The envelope system. One of my future goals was to operate for a month on the envelope system. Basically you budget for the month, take that much out in cash, and when it's gone it's gone. I know it can be unsafe to carry lots of cash around (yes dad I know),  but so far it's help me shop less and save more. Only like 13 days left. I can do this.

5. Fashion blogs. I'm not usually one to peruse the pages of fashion magazines or fashion blogs for that matter (mainly because I can't afford most of the clothes they are trying to sell me). But, lately sites like Brighton the Day and Poor Little It Girl have become my must reads. I stalk the crap out of their liketk.it posts (and most of the time, their clothes ARE affordable). And let's face it, when it comes to fashion, I need the inspiration of seeing how things are paired.

I'm linking up for Listed Tuesday because obviously I like love lists! What's on your list?

Monday Blues

Does anyone ever want to do Monday? I mean besides, me, last week.   This Monday is just different. Let me paint you a picture. It's cloudy outside, I have a nice warm spot in my bed calling my name, and I get to work and realize I forgot to eat breakfast and pack a lunch. So, that's how my Monday is going so far. Pretty dreary if you ask me.
Maybe it's because of all of the crazies I dealt with last week (that makes me NEVER want to answer the phone again) or maybe it's the fact that I wanted to sleep in more this morning (I can seriously NEVER get enough sleep). I. don't. know. What I do know, is while I don't want to be participating in this Monday, I have to. And I'm going to make the best of it, somehow.
Any advice on dealing with the Monday blues?  

All of the Crazies

Disclaimer: The sassiness is to the max throughout this post. I don't mean to offend anyone, I just need to get it all out. I love my job, but people can be annoying--I'm sure in every job. Also I know the roles can be reversed--company to customer.

My job consists of dealing with people on a daily basis; I guess you could say it's based on customer service. As a sales assistant/event coordinator/whatever my job title tends to be on any given day, customers are a huge part of my job and making them happy (within reason) is my main priority. Most days it's fine. 

But other days, it's absolute torture. 

Lately, the crazies have been calling non-stop and when they come calling, they come all AT. THE. SAME. TIME. (someone at work told me it's because of a full moon, but I didn't know that was "a thing"--apparently it is.) 

Ever get that feeling where you just want to scream and cry at the same time? I think that's what they call "the breaking point" and I've reached mine.
Do NOT be one of the crazies. I'm begging you. 
It really makes me smile when people are nice, polite, and genuinely seem grateful for my help. It's those customers that remind me why I love what I do. And because I'm a nice person, I'm including a few pointers for you (read: real life examples of crazies) So pour yourself a drink for me and enjoy! Cheers!

-When you email, be courteous. Do not start off the email, "since I haven't heard from you..." or "since it's taken so long for you to respond.." Um, #rude. We are busy and you are NOT our only client. Contrary to popular belief. Instead, "just touching base" would be a more appropriate way to start the email off.

-If you call at 7 AM no one will answer the phone. We don't open until 9 AM. It's not personal, but if you're going to be annoying, it might very well be.

- Get your list of questions together before we chat. This eliminates the 1000 phone calls after our meeting that I'll have to dodge. It's exhausting.

- Oh you want to meet on a Saturday. No sorry. Or after hours? Nope. I have a life other than work.

- You need a contract done right. this. second. That's great. I need a beer. We don't always get what we want, when we want it. You'll have to wait like everyone else--and there's about four people ahead of you. Please take a number. Thanks.

-If you call and leave a message saying it's urgent, then pick up the phone when I call back. It's only polite. Phone tag is not fun.

- Oh you want to complain about how much it's going to cost you? I don't want to hear it. Do NOT try to sell me on "your idea of the right price." I'm the sales person, NOT YOU. You are not getting a discount, no matter how much you whine. 

-You want to bring in your own alcohol for the bride ONLY. That's fine. But I didn't authorize you to bring in jello shots for all 200 guests OR the Jaeger that guy is sneaking off to the corner to drink every five minutes. Yes, I see you and your green ice chest. UGH.
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Crazies, please go back into hiding--because I said so (and I'm begging you, I'm about to go insane)

Sweet Summertime

Yay it's Monday! Wait what? That's right, I'm not actually sad that it's Monday. I think it has to do with having such a fulfilling weekend.  For once in my life, I feel that the weekend equals the week in terms of time. The weekend just felt so long--in a good way--and I even had to work on Friday! 

So lets jump right into shall we? Here's a wrap up of MY weekend.

I literally worked approximately 15 hours! Whattttttt. On top of my 9-5 job of answering the phone with inquiring brides/clients, filing contracts, and preparing for the next week, I ALSO was the event manager/coordinator for the wedding that night! What. A. Whirlwind. I wish I had pictures of that day/night, but sadly I was far far far too busy. I now know how to coordinate the cutting of the cake, cake pulls, the bouquet toss, and the garter toss with the couple, photographer AND the DJ. So basically I'm a wedding extraordinaire. Call me if you need a coordinator :)

After the long work day Friday (I didn't make it home until 1 am),  I woke up early on Saturday morning--I still haven't caught up on sleep, unfortunately. But, it was all worth it, because I got my hair done. A little wash, trim, and style was just what I needed to feel relaxed. 

Car Selfie

It wasn't just me who got pampered on Saturday. Laney, the puppy child, got groomed! Yay! She hated it and probably still hates me from dragging her there and dropping her off, but she's so soft and she won't be too hot and won't turn into a werewolf--AT&T commercial anyone?

That night, the family went to watch/listen to my dad sing. He's in a community choir and the theme of the concert was movies/Disney. I mean how perfect? He told us not to sing because we can be a little obnoxious at these concerts, but I mean it's Disney--so we sang. Dinner after was a blast--by this time is like 11PM and everyone was delirious, but it's fine. I got told I looked like I was 16 and was almost denied a glass of wine--yes I know I'll appreciate this when I get older blah blah blah. But still. Give me my wine. K? K.

Hello Sunday Funday. Joshua recently bought a boat. Yep. It's ALL his. So that makes it mine by association. What's yours is mine, right? Of course. I have a boat y'all--don't kill me Joshua! So, naturally, we took it out! It was so much fun. Soaking up the sun, listening to country music, and having a few beers with some friends. What could be better? 

I haven't been tubing since high school and that's basically all we did. I'm so sore from clutching the raft so hard, holding on for dear life. Seriously. There were points where I literally thought to myself, "don't let go now or you will die." We all know I'm dramatic, but still. It was scary exhilarating. 

I had such a blast this weekend and I'm so sad it's over. But, I can't wait until next weekend! What did you do this weekend?

Also can we talk about how you can't really tell I have braces in any of my pictures--winning! 

This week, I'm co-hosting the weekly wrap-up! I hope you'll link up! Here are the rules--

1) Follow your hosts Rachael @ The Rachael Way and Lisa @ Ameliorer la Vie.

2) Share what you have been up to this past week and link your post up with us every Monday.

3) Hop around and comment on at least two other people's posts.

4) Link your post back to us in some way. We have a cute button for you to grab. :)

5) Have fun reading about how other bloggers spent their week!

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Bridal Show Musts

One of the best parts of my job, is getting to go to events. (I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that before) Anything that gets me out from behind the desk is A-OK with me. And lucky for me, yesterday was bridal show day! 
I always love bridal shows because: 1. You get to interact with brides while drinking wine and eating fabulous food  and  2.You get to interact with the other vendors from around the city while drinking wine and eating fabulous food.

Starting the day off right--with a selfie duh!

Oh and side note--my favorite red lipstick (shown above) broke. So I'm in need of some suggestions!
There are a few key things to make a bridal show fabulous as a vendor.
1. The spread.  I'd like to think we (Kristin and I) are seasoned pros at this whole bridal show thing. Are there improvements we can make? Yes, of course. But, we only had to make one trip from the car and the set up turned out to be one our best yet. I'd say it was a win-win. Your display has to be eye catching--pictures, food, flowers. And flowers (real or fake) are always a MUST.

2. Literature.

Even if it's just a brochure or a postcard. The brides love to fill their complimentary bag with STUFF. To make it easier on the ones who visit us, we give them a folder--keeps all of OUR stuff in one place. 

3. Food. 

Especially if you are a caterer, venue, bakery, or hotel. And you have to make the food look good and taste good. Some people are so into the food, they take like three at a time. (NOTE: this is not ok) A sample is a sample NOT a meal. But that's a whole other issue for a different time.

Here we have seared Ahi-Tuna on a Fried Won Ton Crisp with Mango Salsa. It was delicious. Promise. I don't even like onions and peppers or mangoes for that matter, but all together, it just works.

4. Wine.

The people in charge of the bridal show hit the nail right on the head with this one. They scheduled a vendor cocktail party an hour before the doors were set to open and HELLO FREE WINE. Also the bars were open during the show and we made lots a few trips.

Any job that lets me drink wine and get paid for it, is quite simply the best.

So there you have it. If you are hosting a bridal show or participating in one as a vendor or bride, be on the lookout for these key things--because I said so!

30 Day Challenge

I'm all about challenges to better myself. Whether it's the challenge to drink more water, or be kinder, or wake up 30 mins earlier every day for a month (that's what the challenge is this month), I'm there. I usually have more than one that I'm working on simultaneously! I follow theeverygirl.com religiously and LOVE all of the posts/ideas. This month they have a thirty day challenge to wake up 30 minutes earlier than you usually do, to do well...whatever it is you want to do. Some people use the thirty minutes to play with their pups, make amazing breakfasts, or workout. It's fun to search the hashtag #teg30daychallenge on Instagram to see what everyone is up to!

I didn't actually work out if there's not a picture to prove it right?

After missing the first two days of the challenge (oops) I decided to tackle it today. I almost didn't make it. It is so hard to get up even earlier than usual when I know I still have to put in eight hours at work. And it's not like I was just relaxing. No. I was sweating my butt off trying to run a mile. But, I made it. 
Currently, I'm very proud of myself for dragging my lazy butt out of bed and accomplishing a mile before work AND before it rained. Talk about perfect timing. However, that pride is mixed with the feeling of ohmygoshimsotired. 
Keeping my eyes open at work is going to be the next 30 day challenge!