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Monday, August 31, 2015

Greedy Pup

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

I've talked about the pros and cons of moving back home and another huge plus for moving back home was that Laney, the dog-child, gets a yard to play in. That, and the fact that I don't have to walk her in the morning, I just let her outside to do her thing without having to hover over her. Which is heavenly, by the way.




Currently, Josh and I split custody (which sounds more awful than it is--but I'm not sure how else to say it!) until we can move in together. Some days she's with me and others, she's at the Ryan farm.

When she's with me and my family, Laney has a VERY hard time sharing food. Josh and I have kind of maybe spoiled her just a little. She will eat all of her food, all of our other dog's food, the cat food, and then beg for human food.




The ONLY thing I've found that keeps her from doing this at meal time is feeding her canned dog food.  Because she's that much of a diva that dry food just doesn't do it for her. 




This month we she got to try the Whole Earth Farms Canned Dog Food in the Beef Stew flavor from Chewy.com . Laney went nuts for it. It must be the gravy! Sidenote: I will never get over the fact that canned dog food smells like some people food! Like it really smelled like beef stew.

I like it because I know it's good for her (grain free, no preservatives, and no corn, wheat, or soy) AND it keeps her on her side of the room (or at least focused on her own bowl)! I know she enjoyed it because she licked the bowl clean and her beard was sticky afterwards #dogchild




Have any tips for feeding multiple animals? Let me know in the comments!

The Best of the Best

It's hard to believe it's ALREADY pretty much September. The beginning of fall, football season, and cooler weather--MY FAVORITE!

I've been doing my fair share of housekeeping around Because I Said So: getting ready for some new opportunities, continuing to grow, and welcoming new readers. It's kind of cool, my little corner of the internet, has come a VERY long way since I started it the summer AFTER I graduated college. So if you're new here or want a refresher, read on!





Pros + Cons of Moving Back In with Your Parents - I had someone come up to me and tell me how much they loved this post and how true it was, even for them! Best. compliment. ever. AND it's always nice to know that people are, in fact, reading my blog!


My Dad Thinks I'm a Princess - If you're in the market for a new craft, I've got you (paint) covered! Plus, who doesn't want to paint like be the Princess of Genovia for a few hours?


Blog Specific Hashtag - I speak in hashtags on the reg..anyone else?


Here Comes the Bride...Movies - I didn't know I owned this many wedding-related movies until I hosted my first Bachelorette Party! The epitome of everything girly--in one post.


No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake - I don't "cook" unless it requires the microwave. So, to say that this cheesecake was my pride and joy (until my family ate it all) is an understatement.


Date Night on a Budget - I'm living on a budget--who isn't? It's the new, cool thing to do, by the way.


Sippin' Pretty -  Margaritas aren't just for Cinco de Mayo #duh  Also, my first "styled" shoot and I still don't have a place to put the piñata in my room.


The Wedding File - Because I'm super organized like that. With each friend that gets married and each bridal show I attend (for work), the file grows.


It's Not Your Sticky Socks, It's YOU - Back when I used to take Pure Barre classes (something I'd like to get back into).


Football Widow-ry - Football season is starting (like this week) and while I can surprise you with my amount of football knowledge, I still lose my boyfriend to the season.



Friday, August 28, 2015

In vs. Out

We made it to another weekend! Pour yourself a glass of wine (or whatever your beverage of choice is--mine's Dayquil) and cheers to Friday! It has been a pretty good week, as good as a week can be when it's not Friday, Saturday, or Sunday! Here's what's in and out this week:







IN


-Giveaways! (win Devon Maryn yoga pants here or an Urban Decay Smoky Palette here) YAY FOR FREE THINGS!


- Bridal Shows (read my tips here) I went with my friend this past week and it was fun to be on the other side of things for once! (all of the free samples)


- Road Trip Planning


-Deliveries from the Post Office/UPS/FedEx. It's like Christmas!


-Iced White Mocha's from Starbucks ( I added Breve to mine because I like it REALLY sweet)
 
 
-Helene's Free Webinar!
 

-WEEKENDS! #duh



OUT


- Getting sick (although I'm glad it happened BEFORE our road trip next week)


- Sitting in traffic (for an entire hour--just sitting.)


- iPhone glitches. My phone keeps restarting itself randomly throughout the day! So annoying!


HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

 

Don't forget, In vs. Out will be a link up starting September 25th! Mark those calendars!


Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Navy is the New Black + Devon Maryn Giveaway

I have no less than 6 pairs of black yoga pants. I counted. Also, I realized that I still have my black cheer leggings from my junior year of high school #hoarder  

And while there is a time and place for black yoga pants, it's not everyday of every week! I'm a firm believer in changing up your workout routine, as well as, your workout wardrobe. Variety is key (at least for me) and probably directly correlated to how long you stick with working out. Bored-ness equals no motivation.

Just the other day, I wore a tank top to work out and determined that it just wasn't "working" anymore. It was too baggy here and bunched weird there. Sometimes you just have to shake up your wardrobe a little, which is why I'm so glad I came across Devon Maryn.

Her preppy, chic workout clothes are the answer to my all black, boring workout prayers! 






My favorite piece from her collection of yoga pants? The Stripe Down Yoga Capris. THEY AREN'T BLACK and are far from boring! Navy is the new black, right?

These pants aren't all she has to offer. There are so many different options for shorts and yoga pants, that aren't, you guessed it, boring! And a few of her pieces are on SALE-- like these capristhese shorts, and these shorts!

Forget orange--all preps know navy is the new black!







And because I love these yoga pants SO much, I've teamed up with Devon Maryn to give you a chance to get a pair for FREE!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Stay tuned for their fall line COMING SOON!


Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Pros + Cons of Moving Back In With Your Parents

If you're new around here, I moved back in with my parents at the end of last month. At this point in my/our life, Josh and I are trying to save money for a house and a future wedding. (Weddings and Houses aren't cheap people)
 
It hasn't been easy, but it hasn't been terrible either.
 
If you're planning on moving back in, here are a few things to consider:
 
Pros and Cons

 

PROS:

 
Your parents will likely pay for a majority of your "living" expenses. For example: Electricity,  DirectTV or cable, Internet, AC, water, and more! My parents also pay for my gas and groceries. Oh and they cook dinner!
 
You won't be lonely. There are people to come home to at night and if your family is anything like mine, there's never a dull quiet moment.
 
Think of all the money you're saving. I'm able to save a TON. I'm paying myself as if I were still paying rent, plus some. So while I don't technically have more money to spend on whatever I want, I am able to save more than I was when I lived in my apartment.
 
When something breaks, it's usually not your fault. If it is, your parents will still love you, won't fine you and will fix it. My parents (my dad) are the repair people. No more strange men, careless neighbors, structural problems that can't be fixed.
  • When I lived in my apartment, I couldn't have the shower, AC, TV, and lights on or the breaker would flip. My next door neighbors flooded my apartment thanks to an over-flowing washing machine, and my upstairs neighbors did the same except it was their AC.
It's temporary. You won't be living with your parents until you're 40. Sometimes it's best to swallow your pride and just do it.
 
Three more closets full of clothes. My sisters, my  mom, and I are all about the same size. It's been great being able to grab outfits from each closet instead of buying new clothes!
 
Living at your parent's level/income. It took them about 30-40 years to get where they are and let's face it, living on recent graduate's ramen noddle budget sucks. When your parents have a pool and you can barely round up enough change for a Coke ICEE, you know it's better to live at home.

 

CONS:

 
You may have a longer drive to work than you're used to. It's an hour long commute to work in the morning and back home at night. It's the worst on Friday afternoons when it's the weekend, but I still have an hour to drive!
 
You really, really want your own place. Gosh, I really want my own place. Or I should say, Josh and I, really want our own place. I've been "house hunting" since I moved in even though we won't be buying or building for at least another year! P.S. Watching HGTV doesn't help.
 
Your parents might try to treat you like you're a child again. Thankfully this hasn't happened to me yet.
 
There's nowhere to put all of the stuff you accumulated in your one bedroom apartment. I had to get a storage unit and just got everything in there this past weekend! Our dining room was filled with boxes and it was driving my mom nuts


When I moved back in, I seriously worried what everyone would think of me (at 24) moving in with my parents. After all, at this point in life, you're supposed to be moving out. But I realized that it doesn't matter what everyone else is thinking or doing. It's really not a big deal and you've got to do what you've got to do.



Friday, August 21, 2015

In vs. Out + An EXCITING Announcement

This week has been neither awesome nor horrible. Just blah. Which is almost the worst it could be. I remember waking up and going to work on WEDNESDAY thinking it was FRIDAY. Yikes.






IN:


All That's Glittered Fall Wallpaper! Just sign up for her newsletter and this beauty is yours!


Hitting your Fitbit step goal of 10,000 on a Tuesday. Y'all. This is kind of a big deal because I work a 9-5 job and sit at a desk ALL.DAY.LONG. Which really means, I was hustlin' hard on Tuesday. (Bad news: I haven't hit my step goal since)

I reached one of my MAJOR blogging goals--1k Instagram followers!

Getting mail from other bloggers

Stalking other people's "blogging" boards on Pinterest. I'm re-motivated when it comes to everything blog and I can't wait to share what I've been working on!


OUT:


Waking up every day this week and thinking it's a day later than it actually is

SOOO many birthday sweets in the house--it's so hard to not eat all of it!
 
When brands reach out and start the email off "Hello, Because I Said" Um. Hi my name is Allison and my blog's name is Because I Said So, sooo you got it all wrong. *delete*


-----------

And now for the exciting announcement....drumroll please....

 
 
I'll be hosting my first link up next month! Yep, that's right, In vs. Out will be a once monthly link up on the last Friday of every month--starting Friday, September 25th! Write your own post on what's in and out for the month or week and share it!

So, mark your calendars, I'd love for you to join me!




Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Top 5 Inspiring Wedding Instagram Accounts

It's such a dreary day today, that even the smallest bit of happy will brighten my day. Like all things wedding filled Instagram accounts!
 
I follow a lot of wedding related Instagram accounts for someone who isn't engaged. But, weddings are my job, so I look for inspiration on my feed more often then not.
 


If you are planning a wedding, just engaged, or just like pretty things, read on, follow on Instagram,  and be inspired.
 


1. Southern Weddings Magazine

One of the premier wedding magazines in the South and it's not hard to see why!



2. Weddings Chicks




3.  Style Me Pretty Weddings



 
 
A locally based event management company that just "gets it" Their Instagram is absolutely stunning and a direct reflection of the type of work they do!
 
 
 
 
 
I just stumbled onto this account the other day and I'm so glad I did! For all things wedding invitations, get your inspiration from Chloe!
 
 
 
Happy Planning!
 

Monday, August 17, 2015

It's Time for the After Party

The best few days of the year are here ladies (and gents)--the Lilly After Party sale! I know all of you are very busy with moving into your dorms, going to work, etc. so I made it easy for you and put together everything that you need (but didn't know it).
 





Pro Tip: Most stores are matching prices. So if your favorite piece sells out before you can get it, head to your nearest Lilly store or give them a call!


Shop the sale until the end of the day (August 18th)!

My Dad Thinks I'm a Princess

Ballon Art

This weekend was quite a busy one. House warming parties, birthdays, and family time. I can tell you one thing, I slept good last night!
 
My youngest sister's birthday is today (happy birthday Carol!), but since she has school today, she wanted to do something to celebrate yesterday. Enter The Princess Diaries.
 
It's always been one of my favorite movies, I can quote (almost) the whole movie. This scene is one of my favorites: 
 
Source
 
It's way more complicated in real life, but just as fun as it looks! There are tons of different ways to do this, but if you've ever wondered how to recreate this in real life, read on.

Things you'll need:
Acrylic Paint
Canvas
Darts
Water Balloons
Water Bottles (with the squirt tops)
Lots of towels/tarps
 




Step 1: Fill empty water bottles with about 50% paint, 50% water. It doesn't have to be perfect and you may need to adjust it depending on the color and consistency on the canvas.
 
Step 2: Fill water balloons with paint mixture. This takes practice and patience--and this is where you will likely get the messiest!
 
Step 3: Tie off balloons and fasten them to the canvas. We used pushpins at the top of the canvas (see image above)
 
Step 4: Throw darts at balloons and watch the art come alive!
 
 
Balloons Dart Art
 
 
 
Don't get discouraged if you are terrible at throwing darts--it takes practice! Also, the darts may make small holes in your canvas, but the paint covers it up!
 
The canvases came out so cute (it's on my Snapchat now--aellzey and Instagram--allison_ellzey) and it was the perfect way to spending a Sunday afternoon!





Friday, August 14, 2015

IN vs OUT

It's Friday again! (and everyone cheers)
 
Remember that balance I was trying to achieve last week where I basically have it all? Not working. Which is only going to make me try harder, honestly. I know I should make peace with the fact that everything won't go my way all the time, but dammit I'm going to try.
 

 
 

IN:


-My "blogging" board on Pinterest. So much inspiration!


-WOW Baking Company cookies. I don't have any food allergies, but my dad has enough for the whole family. He's allergic to wheat, corn, soy, gluten, dairy, and pork and I think that's it. Needless to say, our house has a lot of "interesting" foods. I tried some of WOW Baking Company's Key Lime Pie cookies last night, AND OMG. You would never know it didn't have wheat or gluten! They tasted JUST like key lime pie and were so soft. Now, I'm itching to get my hands on these chocolate chips ones (currently in our pantry)!


-My mom did the rest of my laundry last night #winning

-I finally got my toll tag which means I can bypass the peasants line and go straight through the toll booth without stopping. Also, it's a reduced toll, so yay for saving money!

-The countdown to Labor Day weekend!

-When people refer to my blog as a business. I guess that's what it is, but it still catches me off guard and gives me all the smiles!

OUT:


-Getting up earlier than I'm used to just to make the commute

-The afternoon slump (aka the hours of 2-4PM) Sometimes it hits as early as 1PM and the day drags on. Note: this only happens during the week.


T-minus 8 hours until the weekend!
 
 
P.S. Should I make this into a monthly link up? Thoughts?
 
 
 

Thursday, August 13, 2015

All That Glitters

All that glitters is GOLD, right? I think the saying is actually all that glitters in NOT gold, but for the purpose of this post, we are going with it's ALL gold--because who doesn't love the gold accent trend!? (Future Home Office anyone?)

I'm a huge fan, though I've also been known to mix metals, namely silvers and golds. My favorite part about gold accents is that it's just enough glitz and glam AND it gives the room a polished look.
 
I've rounded up a few of my favorites including a new bowl for Laney and a quatrefoil mirror (GO PHI MU!) Plus, I could go for gold office supplies all day, everyday.  How cute is the clipboard? I mean usually clipboards are all brown and ugly, but this one--I NEED in my life!
 
Are you loving the gold accents trend? Do you mix metals?

 
 

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Blog Specific Hashtags




Recently, I've been inspired by other bloggers when it comes to blog-specific hashtags.  Hashtags are the perfect tool to help with further branding your blog/brand and organizing posts on all social media.

For example, Hillary from Salsa the Blog uses #salsaarchives (on Twitter) to let you know whenever she's posting an old post. 
Whitney, from Whitney Blake uses #whitblaketravels (on Instagram) to tag all of her grand adventures and vacations. 
And Corbin, from Classy South Blog uses #classysouthdetails (on Instagram) for posts that you should pay extra attention to the details. 

I love following their posts and admire their organization. So much so, that I've decided to organize my hashtags.
I've been using #allisonsaysso for most of my blog related Instagram posts already (as a general blog one), but I'm excited to integrate the other ones on the future trips I have planned and future blog posts!



The hardest part was honestly coming up with a creative way to say "because" without using SEVEN whole characters. 


Do you use blog/brand related hashtags? 







Monday, August 10, 2015

Everybody's (Including Me) Workin' for the Weekend

Preface: This post is going to contain a whole bunch of random.

I think we can all come to the same agreement: the weekend went by way too fast!

For my little sister who started her freshman year today, the weekend went by too fast. For those of us not wanting to start another work week just yet, the weekend went by too fast.

On a side note: I really wish I was starting school. I know that sounds super nerdy and like why would you ever want to do that, but I really want school supplies a cute new backpack. Minus the classes and with my current ability to drink wine.

Here's a brief recap of this weekend:

  • I ate way too much pizza and ice cream (I'm now trying to detox--following Luisa's #eatpretty15 guide on Peaches to Pearls) I'm so excited to have something else to motivate me. You know the feeling where you know you're eating nothing but junk, but you just can't seem to stop? Me. For like the past two weeks.

  • The AC in our house broke. My room, already the hottest room in the house when the AC is working, turned into Hades over night. Here's hoping it gets fixed today because it's literally the reason I couldn't clean my room as much as I wanted to this weekend.
  • We went to see Marvel's The Fantastic Four and emerged to a truly beautiful (if it weren't so dangerous) lightning storm.

  • Lately, Josh and I have been fitting in date nights whenever we can. Working full time and sometimes longer doesn't leave a ton of room for hanging out, but we are making the best of it. After getting drinks on Thursday night last week, we've decided that we are old and can't hang and will from now on, save any drinking for Friday and Saturday (is this what growing up feels like?)-- Last night, we went truck shopping!

This is the week where I'm attempting to reach and achieve that balance I was talking about on Friday--Health/Work/Blog/Personal--getting it ALL together!

Here's to kicking Monday's butt!


Saturday, August 8, 2015

Insta-game

A lot of the pictures I take for Instagram don't end up on the blog and vice versa. And you know when your Instagram game is on point? Well, I feel like mine has been lately. (I'm finally determining my niche and brand!) 

Which is why I'm dropping by on a weekend(!) to beg you ask you to follow along on Instagram, as well as, all of my other channels! (P.S. there are links to all of them on my sidebar --->)


I've almost reached a huge milestone (in my opinion) on Instagram--1000 followers! I'm also getting close to breaking 100 likes on my pictures on a daily basis. These may not seem like a huge deal, but to me, it means my blog and brand are growing! #yayme

So, if you like the color pink, pictures of dogs, Lilly Pulitzer, drinks, and pretty things in general, you should definitely follow me!




Friday, August 7, 2015

IN vs. OUT

Well, I made it through my first week of commuting an hour both ways! It hasn't been all that bad--but school starts next week, so I may change my tune.
I'm slowly adjusting to living at home and I have to say, I love the free dinners and watching DirecTV that I don't have to pay for!!







IN:


- When you friends get engaged and you had to keep the secret (this Monday, one of my BFFs got engaged and I was there to witness it!)

- Dinner dates with the boyfriend and pretending we don't have work the next morning

- Marvel movies (I'm such a nerd)

- When people come to me for wedding planning advice 


OUT:


- People that cut you off in traffic and then yell at you
- When one week seems like an entire month (this has been the longest week EVER)
- Living paycheck to paycheck #boo I just want to make ALL of the money
- I don't think I'll ever be able to "sleep in" (past 8:30am) ever again



Ok, so random thought. Does it ever seem like you can't get all of your life working together? Like everything in my job is going good, I'm staying on top of the blog, my room is mostly clean, but I've dropped the ball when it comes to working out. Why can't I get it ALL together!?
Next week, a new session of boot camp starts so Monday will start my attempt to "get it all together"!
Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Dream Spaces

 This post contains affiliate links. 

I just moved back in with my parents and finally got everything situated--cross that off the list! Even though I hated the moving process (who doesn't?), I can't help but dream of when I have my own place.

All things Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware are calling my name!

Today, I'm partnering with Chairish.com, an exclusive, curator approved, online marketplace for vintage and used furniture, to bring you a glimpse of what my dream bathroom would look like--you know, if I wasn't living at home.

If you know anything about me, you'd know I have a soft spot for all things vintage/old and shabby chic (which is what Chairish specializes in!). I mix the old with the pink new to make it my own and I've been doing that for quite some time (read: my whole life. I have my mother to thank for this skill and my dad, who never throws anything away).

For my dream bathroom, I had to keep Josh in mind. After all, we are saving for a house together and it will be his bathroom too!


Bath




Lately, I've been so obsessed with gold accents and isn't that pineapple just the cutest?! (P.S. it's vintage!) The blues add a serenity to the room (almost spa-like), while the neutral accents appeal to both male and female (Josh and I) Oh, and I've already decided that we MUST have a stand-alone tub (claw-foot preferably) It's a non-negotiable. 
 
Chairish has SO many great pieces--I could go through the website for hours. I have a feeling some of our decorations for our future home will be coming from here (a VERY strong feeling)
 
Now to convince Josh that we need that pineapple!