In vs. Out

Ok. I promise this is THE LAST post that will have anything about me moving in it. Because it's official!  I turned in my keys this morning and I'm done. I wasn't really all that excited at first, but now I'm ecstatic. I think I'm really craving a new routine and new scenery!

IN:

Fridays

Moving in with the parents

Saving Money

Blog collaborations and paid campaigns

New Planners

OUT:

Heat and Humidity

Vacuuming

Crazy people

Broken A/Cs

Have a fabulous weekend!

P.S. Who's watching the premiere of Disney's The Descendants tonight?? (I've literally been so excited to see it and I even read the book that is the prequel to the movie) #nerdalert #imachild

Life, Updated

This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on one of these links I will receive a small payment in exchange for sending you to a website where the product can be purchased.

 

Life around here has been pretty hectic lately. But hectic in the best way possible.

Today marks Josh and I's 80th monthiversary (remember when you used to count the months you were dating in Jr. High? Well, we still do)  That's 6.67 years!!

Lilly Pulitzer Skort || Jack Rogers (similar)

I moved back in with the parents. Officially, tomorrow. All that's left to do is turn in my keys and patch a few holes. What a whirlwind. I'd like the say the moving process has been smooth (and for the most part it has been), but dealing with difficult management at my apartment is making me want to pull my hair out. And don't even get me started on UNpacking. 

 

Also, it's so incredibly hot in Louisiana. I didn't expect anything differently, but when you have to unload your car and the humidity is simultaneously making your hair curl and making you sweat all before 7 AM, it gets to be a little much. SOS send Fall. 

Even Laney is feeling the heat, but staying cool with her puppy pops and frequent dips in the pool! 

 

 

So far, I'm not minding so much living at home. Carol made me pancakes on Monday morning and I get three other closets to shop in when I can't find something to wear. Also, I still can't find which bag I packed my make up in so I've been using my sisters. #winning

This weekend, I'm most looking forward to watching the Disney Channel premier of The Descendants (OMG I'm 12), not having to pay rent by the 3rd (hello savings!), and getting back into a routine at my new residence.  

 

TGIAF! (thank goodness it's ALMOST Friday)

 

Homemade Puppy Pops

This post was sponsored by Chewy.com. As always, all opinions are my own.

It's hotter than hot these days. I've been looking for ways to help Laney beat the heat (staying inside, getting in the pool, etc.) Making Puppy Pops is by far her favorite! (similar to Frosty Paws, but way less expensive)

INGREDIENTS

1/2 TBS Honey

1/2 Tbs. Peanut Butter

1 cup of Plain Yogurt

3-4 apple slices

Handful of Sojos Good Dog Apple Dumpling Treats

DIRECTIONS: All you have to do is put the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. I put the mixture in an ice cube tray, but if you have bigger dogs, you can use a muffin tin. Freeze until almost frozen. At this point, I put the actual Sojos treats into the mixture to serve as little popsicle sticks--Laney loved it!

My favorite thing about these Sojos Good Dog Apple Dumpling Treats is that they are made with all natural ingredients--ones that you can find in the kitchen. (I can't believe I'm admitting this, but my sister and I actually tried them--they tasted like less sweet Apple Jacks)

Also, these treats are pretty small so there are a ton of them in one box! I would recommend using them as training treats or using them to make a bigger batch of treats.

Tips for a Better Move + a Giveaway

I did it! 

I moved back in with my parents. From 6 AM Saturday morning to 6 PM that night, I was moving boxes upon boxes. I still have a few small items to go back and pick up, but for the most part, I'm trying to settle down in my new downsized space. 

In retrospect, I would've done a few things differently in preparation to the "big move."

1. Start early! I didn't actually start packing up things until Thursday evening after work. For sure should've started at least Monday! It's easier to load up a car full of boxes than to scramble around last minute and shove random things in random boxes. You will thank yourself later. 

2. Collect/Buy lots and lots of boxes/baskets/bags! I was able to snag a few from work, but I definitely should've started collecting them earlier. You really don't realize how much stuff you have until you try to fit an entire apartment into one room. I ended up putting things in boxes, shopping bags, tote bags (like the one from Autumn and Indigo you can win below) Pro Tip: go for the clear storage bins if you can. That way you can tell what's in it.

3. Color code boxes with colorful tape/sharpies! Seriously, this Pinterest idea was actually a life saver. I color coordinated my boxes with colorful duck tape (Pink=room, Blue=living room, Yellow=bathroom, Green=kitchen). That way when it came to figuring out what boxes went to the storage unit and which ones went to the house, it was a faster decision process.

4. Recruit Friends! I am fortunate enough to have some pretty great friends who will spend their entire Saturday helping me pack, organize, and move. Find people like this so you don't have to hire burly moving men who will break your valuables. And, don't forget to feed them--it's the least you can do!

All in all, the move wasn't as terrible as I had built it up to be. I am however, going to go crazy if I don't clean, organize, and set up my new room. I'm currently tripping over boxes and have SO many boxes to go through! 
P.S. I've teamed up with some great girls for the most awesome giveaway ever (maybe it's because I'm a sucker for a good "gift basket")! 

WHAT'S IN THE SUMMERTIME ESSENTIALS BAG:

• Tri-colored Triple Chevron Tote by Autumn and Indigo on Etsy
• Floppy Sunhat 
• Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray
• EOS Cucumber hand lotion
• Burt's Bees Coconut & Pear lip balm
• 2 Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polishes - shades: Babe Blue & Bare It All
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen - SPF 55
• Ban.Do "Let's Have Fun O.K.?" drink sleeve
• Printed Hair Tie Set of 6
• Round Aviator Sunglasses
• Starfish Charm Necklace
• Sun & Moon Stud Earring Set
• $5 giftcard to Starbucks
• 1-month subscription to MyCoffeeism's coffee box
• Small notebook & pen

The giveaway will run from now,July 27th to Monday, August 3rd at 12:00 am EST. All entries will be verified so tell your friends! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In vs. Out

Let's just pretend this isn't the second one of these posts this week. Sometimes making a list is all I've got.

IN:

- The Atelier. Did you catch my post? I'm currently wanting everything in their summer collection.

- I don't know what this is so funny to me, but I watched it like 10x in a row--cracking up every time. P.S. follow me on Twitter @allison_ellzey

High school students touring a college pic.twitter.com/LsQrznuumn

— College Humor (@_CollegeHumor_) July 23, 2015

- Date Night tonight! (definitely wearing my new skort)

- Dry Shampoo

- A good night's sleep (P.S. I had a dream last night that I bought a house, but didn't tell Josh #wut)

 - Finally about to move. Y'all the power went out JUST IN MY APARTMENT last night while I was taking a bath. This is not the first time this has happened either. Apparently, the wiring is all screwed up so when I have the AC, washer/dryer, and bath/shower going the power cuts off. Can't wait to get out.

- For most people this is normal, but I got my nails done Friday of last week and they still look good! Having my nails painted (and not chipped) makes me feel that much more put together #winning

- Affiliate links (or whatever they are called)

- Having two concerts to look forward to in the next couple of months

OUT:

- Running out of money on your Starbucks gift cards

- Having to make the choice between eating Chinese take out or being skinny

- Trying to figure out which planner to use next. I currently have a Lilly one and I've had an Erin Condren one in the past. Help?


Have a great weekend!

Little Luxuries

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  I will be compensated for my time and effort.  Although this is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own!

In case I haven't written about it enough, I'm making a huge life change within the next two weeks-- Moving back in with the parents. I feel like the more I talk about, the less I'm dreading it.

Josh and I have some pretty lofty savings goals set for the near future. So while I'm not loving the fact that I have to a) move back into my little sister's old nursery (literally the smallest room in the house) and b) pack everything I own (in less than a week), it'll be worth it!

On another note, it's so hard to NOT shop right now. I'm obviously trying to downsize and save money, but I want everything I don't have room for (new couches, rugs, throw pillows, a claw foot tub--yep it's a must)! I have a storage unit for the big stuff, but y'all, give me all of the pretty things!

I've told myself that IF WHEN I buy anything, it has to be small (think: no more furniture, lamps, etc.) 

Jewelry and flowers don't take up (too) much room, right?

In fact, the only pieces of furniture I'm keeping when I move back in are the essentials: my bed, my bar cart (priorities here people--and I'm already eyeing this print), possibly my desk, and a TV stand/bookshelf.

The Atelier has been on my radar off and on for a few months now and more so now that they just launched their summer collection. They stock one of kind jewelry, stylish stationery (that you can personalize), totes, and décor. These are little luxuries for a stylish life WITHOUT breaking the bank!

Also, all of these things don't take up a lot of space, so I'm ready to buy all of the prints and stock up on my stationery (who wants to be pen pals?)!

Back to their summer collection. Y'all it is to die for! Think laid back with a stylish flair. I've listed a few of my favorites below: (do not disturb, Rosé, #summeruniform, and palm leaf are all very accurate descriptions of my summer so far)

 

Do Not Disturb Stationery ||  Rosé is Always a Good Idea Print || #SummerUniform Tote || Palm Leaf Stationery

If their summer collection alone doesn't have you sold, their Instagram will convince you! Hello #Instagoals

I can already think of a million things I could use this tote bag for: packing up books to move, going to the farmer's market, going to the library, using it as a workout bag. It's so versatile and bonus points that it's so freaking cute! But really, I've got this bag in my cart and I'm telling myself that I need it to be able to move books and things this weekend-- and so far, this tactic is working.

So while I finish start packing, y'all can use the code BecauseISaidSo10 to get 10% off anything in the shop from now until July 29th!

Find The Atelier on Instagram || Twitter || Facebook || Pinterest

In vs Out

I was a little lot busy this week with wedding activities that I didn't get to write one of my favorite posts: In vs. Out. So if you're curious about the state of my life after this weekend, read on.

IN:

Trying out affiliate links. Which means if you click on some of the links in my posts I'll make money (like a few cents) off of that click--I'm not so sure how it works yet, but here goes nothing! I'm testing it out in this post and will label all future posts with affiliate links so you know.

Long, fulfilling weekends--the kind where you collapse into bed on Sunday night and go straight to sleep and wake up feeling still exhausted but full of happiness--yea that kind.

Sunday fundays on the boat

Shop my necklace here

Having an excuse to buy a new Lilly dress (<-- affiliate link)

Rocking a speech that I was so worried about (btw, people laughed at my jokes!) Two glasses of wine and I could make a thousand speeches!

Watching one of my best friend's get married!

Having the corn hole set Josh built and my family helped me paint at the wedding

Selfie Sticks. We used our first one at the rehearsal dinner and no matter what anyone says, they are actually pretty handy!

OUT:

Having to go back to work after such a fun weekend

Realizing this is the last week I have to pack up my ENTIRE apartment to move back home with my parents

Not sleeping good unless I'm in my own bed at home

Heels that rub in all the wrong places

 ----

All in all, this weekend was one for the books! I had a blast at the wedding and wish the happy couple nothing but the best. P.S. I forgot my camera at home so these iPhone pictures will have to do!

Just Get Me To The Church On Time

My Fair Lady reference anyone?

 

We made it through the bachelorette weekend and now it's time for one of my best friend's wedding! Finally!  It seems like this day would never come and now that it's (almost) here, I'm wishing for just a little more time.

 

How cute is this picture!? Their dog-child made an appearance during their engagement picture session!

 

 

As the maid of honor (and over-anxious person in general), I have a million, trillion things to do before the rehearsal dinner on Friday:

 

-write toast speech

 

-practice walking in my heels + dress

 

-make sure said dress still fits

 

-make a slideshow presentation of baby Rebecca and baby Chad

 

-get my tragic excuse for nails done

 

-pack (on top of packing up my apartment for the BIG MOVE)

 

-what to wear to the rehearsal dinner (nothing WHITE)

 

 

I know this is nothing compared to what the bride-to-be has going on (believe me, I've been on call everyday this week), but y'all. I'm dreaming about what my speech will be. And having nightmares of what could go wrong. Does anyone have tips on writing a speech? They would be greatly appreciated.

 

Do I make it funny or serious? Long or short? I don't want everyone sobbing, but what if no one laughs if I try to make it funny? The obvious answer is a happy medium, but how? This wedding professional has never had to make a speech before and may or may not be freaking out, just a tad.

 

Other than that small detail, I'm so, so excited! It's time to say #peaceoutpatterson and time to #lovethelessards! 

 

Hashtag Blessed

You know the feeling when you fall into bed on Sunday night exhausted but full of joy, satisfaction, and a full heart?  That's how I felt this after this weekend. It's the best way to start a Monday and I highly recommend it. 

I turned twenty-four on Sunday and this weekend was one of my most favorite. I got to spend it with the people that truly care about me and that in itself made me feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Friday:

I went to see the Minion movie with one of my dearest friends. Y'all, it was so adorable. All of the children giggling in the audience made it even funnier. And it was great to catch up. It meant a lot that she took time to celebrate my birthday with me.

Saturday:

Arguably the best day because first and foremost...I WON THE BET! #winning Josh has to take me bowling and to a movie now so really it was like I got two extra presents!
Also, it was a boat day. Being on the water is so peaceful and a worry-free zone. After soaking up the sun for a few hours, Josh and I went out to dinner with my family. As I get older and reflect on life in general, I realize that the moments that we are all together are truly priceless. Better than any birthday present.

Sunday:

Happy 24th Birthday to me! Laney, wanted me to have the fullest day possible, so she woke me up at 7AM. Lucky me. After catching up on a few "Tiny House" episodes with dad, Josh and I went to brunch at Ox Lot 9, the newest restaurant in the Southern Hotel. I highly recommend it if you ever find yourself in the New Orleans area--it's worth the trip to the Northshore! The atmosphere was just as good as the food!
We spent the rest of the day out by the pool, playing lawn games (my dad is a gluten free beer drinkin' croquet winning machine), getting tan, and just hanging out.  Note: The girls of the family dominated the boys in Battle of the Sexes for the second night in a row!

A huge thank you to everyone that wished me a Happy Birthday and to those that made the weekend so special! 

In vs. Out

For a week that didn't have much going on (and wasn't a four day week) it went by relatively fast. I feel like I say that all the time, but after getting over Mondays the rest of the week seems to go by in a flash. I'm not complaining though. Here's what's in and out this week!

IN:

My birthday weekend (my birthday is Sunday) P.S. I'm going to see the Minion movie tonight and I may be more excited to order a glass of wine and watch a cartoon than anything else #imachild

Shark Week

When people tell me they are trying my no-bake cheesecake recipe (all of the heart eye emojis)

Country Music

Losing Weight (I'm ONE pound away from winning the bet I have going with Joshua)

OUT:

Packing. That is all. I've come to the point where I don't even know where to start and there's just stuff EVERYWHERE!

Cheers to the weekend!

Top Three Beach Reads

 

 

My favorite thing to do at the beach and the number one thing that relaxes me is reading a book. I'll curl up in a beach chair with a million SPF and read until I almost burn--then move under an umbrella and read some more. I've always been the bookworm in the family and my taste centers around girly-ish books.

Here are my most recent picks:

The Heiresses by Sara Shepard. (recommended by my mother) The same author that wrote Pretty Little Liars doesn't disappoint in this book. IT'S SO GOOD YOU CAN'T PUT IT DOWN! Mysterious deaths, plot twists, and high society. I hope she's writing a second book! I literally walked around the beach condo last weekend with my nose stuck in the book. I had to see what happened next!

The Cake Therapist by Judith Fertig. (this book stood out on the bookstore shelf because hello cake and it's just so colorful!) I just picked this book up on Monday and it's the book I'm currently reading (half way done with)  It simultaneously makes me relax and eat a dozen cupcakes! The main character can sense what flavors you need to feel better. Sounds like my kind of pastry chef.

 

Beach Town by Mary Kay Andrews. Mary Kay Andrews is one of my favorite authors and this book is right on par with the rest of her books. It's an easy read with lots of action, romance, and duh the beach! I wish she could write books faster because I finish them in like a day (they are THAT good)!
 

 

 

 

 

What are you reading now?

Life Lately: Instagram Round Up

 

 

These past few weeks have been jam packed and looking ahead, I won't be getting a break anytime soon. But, I'd rather be busy than bored!

 

A few weeks ago I hosted the cutest Bachelorette Party for one of my good friends (and now the wedding is NEXT WEEK!) and last weekend was spent soaking up the sun on the beach and reading as many books as I could.

 

Still craving these cupcakes (P.S. Find these cupcake toppers here ALSO check out these monogram toppers #dying)

 

I think this is the first week I WON'T be at the beach, which is sad, but it's also my birthday week so I'll get over it and still find a way to get out on the water.

 

In the meantime, I'll be practicing my best maid of honor speech for the toast I know I'll have to give, shopping for a rehearsal dinner dress, watching Shark Week, and  working on packing everything that I've accumulated in the short span of two years (which is a lot), to move back home with the parents at the end of the month.

 

 

Moving back in won't be all that bad I've decided. I'll be closer to friends and family and saving money (plus my parents have a pool, so...see not all bad). Still, the whole "moving process" might just kill me. So much stuff, so little time.

Follow me on Instagram @allison_ellzey if you don't already add me on Snapchat "aellzey" to catch behind the scenes of my crazy life.

 



In vs. Out

Happy Fourth of July weekend! Nothing says "happy birthday America" like an extra day off of work. Currently blogging with the ocean breeze coming in through the doors and a view of the pool. Oh the life. 

IN:

Four day work weeks (I don't know what I'm going to do next week when I have to work a whole week!)

Family vacations (my family is the best/weirdest--my dad is currently cha-chaing around the condo and will be so proud he's making the blog again)

My birthday is next weekend!




OUT:

The time it takes to physically travel to the beach (traffic is the worst)

Summer is almost over. June flew by and now I'll be 24 before you know it and then it'll be Christmas. BAM.

Have a great and safe Fourth of July!

Here Comes the Bride...Movies

I mentioned in this post how I have way too many (ten) wedding movies in my personal collection. Probably half of my movies have to do with weddings #oops  I just love weddings and more importantly, wedding movies.
 

 

1. Father of the Bride Part 1

I'm a lover of Part 1 and 2, but Part 1 is definitely more wedding oriented. I love Steve Martin is most everything he's played in, but this movie takes the cake. P.S. How funny is Franck and the way he says "George Banks" and "Navy Blue"

 

2. Something Borrowed
Kate Hudson is like my idol.

 

3. 27 Dresses

A classic.

Favorite Quote: "Don't you have needs?" "No. I'm Jesus."

 

4. Mamma Mia

My mom saw this on Broadway with real singers, but I don't think Meryl Streep does a bad job. The guys on the other hand, some of them just can't sing!

 

5. Leap Year

All about a proposal and even though it's PG, it's not as childish as the rating lets on. Plus, this movie really makes me want to go to Ireland!

 

6. Bridesmaids

The most quotable movie of.all.time.

 

7. The Proposal

Rivals Bridesmaids in quotability. This is a movie that I can actually get Josh to watch with me!

 

8. Bride Wars

I love a good scandal, but I was still sad when Emma had to break up with her husband-to-be.
 

9. The Princess Bride

An oldie, but goodie.

 

10. The Wedding Date

 The first movie I think I ever watched where I saw a naked man's butt (scandalous I know). And how does she even find her date? Like he turned out GORGEOUS, but he could've been a serial killer. Hello!

If I had to choose a favorite, I couldn't. But...Top contenders: Father of the Bride and The Wedding Date.

 

 

What are your favorite wedding movies?

Beach Bachelorette

Last weekend I hosted my first ever bachelorette party! A group of us headed to Destin, FL to soak up the sunshine and celebrate Rebecca's last few weeks of being a Miss!

Being a self proclaimed Type A/Perfectionist, I knew this had to be the most perfect weekend ever--from the food, to the decorations, to the weather (ok so I can't control that, but a girl can dream). I   ordered way too much food and handled the decorations. Also, I've decided that I should be a "professional stager" if they have such jobs.

Going with the color scheme of pinks and golds with pops of blue (for the beach), the decorations turned out so girly and whimsical, I'm in love!

The bride-to-be and I arrived Thursday evening--she cracked open a bottle of wine, popped in a wedding movie (I have TEN in my personal collection alone...WHY?!) and let me do what I do best.

We got really lucky that the condo had this adorable white baker's rack that I used to stage as a sort of buffet. Only I, or my mother, would get excited over furniture! The girls thought I brought it with me specifically for the party, and I probably would have, had there been room in the car.



Only, don't ask me to make paper lanterns. I can pull together a cohesive look out of basically nothing, but cannot for the life of me put them together. Thank goodness for Rebecca!



We spent a majority of the time on the beach--Spray, Tan, Turn, Repeat--and I barely got burnt! Compare this to last time I was at the beach and I say it was a success in the tanning department. P.S. How pretty does the water look in this picture I took with my iPhone?

Friday night, we went to a few bars at Baytowne Wharf. I highly recommend Rum Runners home of the Dueling Pianos--it was very entertaining (drunk people watching). Side Note: they take requests as long as it's accompanied by a tip. Someone outbid and paid $60 for the LSU fight song to be played over Florida, Auburn, Ole Miss's fight songs.

Saturday, we hit the beach, went out to dinner, and hosted her lingerie shower--while watching another wedding movie (y'all I have TEN).

It was a whirlwind of a weekend, but the perfect mini vacation!

I can't wait until the wedding!