In my opinion

Today, I'm linking up with Lala Lists for "In my opinion."

This is where I get to tell you exactly what I think. And you have to listen or get the hell off this blog. Just kidding, you can stay!

In my opinion...

Diet Coke is best damn soft drink ever invented

Twilight, Harry Potter &  Hunger Games are a waste of time (says the girl who watches RHO[insert city])

Drinking out of straws is more fun than not drinking out of straws

Cupcakes calories shouldn't count

People shouldn't have to work on their birthday

Sweatpants are only to be worn in the comfort of your own home

Someone should invent a nail polish that never ever chips

Champagne is an acceptable breakfast (and lunch or dinner for that matter)

Dog babies are cuter than human babie

Everything in the world should be available in pink

"Congratulations" sounds funny

It's time for a drink

Everyone should be driving a hybrid

It's creepy when strangers talk to me in grocery stores

McDonald's cheeseburgers are only acceptable to eat if they're dipped in sweet and sour sauce

30 Before 30

I have a birthday coming up in a few days. Six days to be exact. I'm turning 28, and I'm not too happy about it.

To ease the pain of getting older and approaching *gulp* 30, I've created a 30 before 30 list to make sure I get the most out these last 2 years in my 20s.

It's funny, because when you read these you'll think these were written by woman in her 50s. I guess I'm an old soul. Or a boring person? Yeah, I'm going with old soul.

1. Travel to Europe
2. Take a cooking or baking class
3. Go back to Napa
4. Fill my house with items I love
5. Do a spending freeze for a month
6. Organize my closets
7. Go without television for a week
8. Call people instead of text or email for 2 weeks
9. Invest in a LV bag
10. Clean off my desk and bookcase
11. Print and organize my photographs
12. Relearn calligraphy
13. Be legit about what kind of foods I put in my body
14. Attend a beyond fabulous event
15. Go on a 'blate'
16. Take a photography class
17. DIY an ottoman
18. Take a risk
19. Do therapy dog certification with Five
20. Commit to barre for one year
21. Organize our wine collection
22. Send a card to a friend just because
23. Do something I don't feel like doing just because it's good for me
24. Do a blog redesign
25. Go on a spur of the moment trip
26. Make my own laundry detergent
27. Send flowers to someone anonymously
28.Write a letter to myself to open when I'm 40.
29. Surprise my husband with something fabulous
30. Skinny dip (can you believe that I have never done this?)

Style Statement Tuesday

Hey y'all, it's Style Statement Tuesday time! I actually have a legit post for you this week. Sorry about last week.

This week's outfit made me realize that I kind of have a uniform. I didn't know it, but I do. My uniform consists of jeans, a button up, and a sweater of some kind. See here, here, & here.

To some, this uniform might seem a little boring, but not to me. I love it! I'm very cold-natured and this is one way I stay warm during the 2ish months of winter we experience in the south and in my office where people are seemingly trying to freeze me out. Plus, this look is very me. My 'Classic Pretty' style statement lends itself to more classic looks like button ups and sweaters. The jeggings and riding boots trend it up a little, but let's face it...they're kind of classic, too.

In hindsight, I think a military green bag would've looked better with this outfit. I have the perfect one, and I don't know why I didn't think of it. My shirt is a tad too long, as well. Other than that, I think it was pretty good Saturday shopping outfit!

Shirt: H&M; Sweater: Banana Republic; Jeggings & Boots: Target; Clutch: The Limited

Link up and share your style! I'm linking up here, too!

Girl Talk

I need to have a little girl talk. I mean, I need to ask a serious question only you ladies will be able to answer.

How long does it take you to get ready in the mornings?

It takes me between 50 and 60 minutes, but I feel like most women take less time than that. Those 50-60 minutes include putting on makeup, curling my hair, and getting dressed. I shower and blow dry my hair at night, but if I had to do that in the morning you could easily tack on another 30 minutes. If my clothes need to be ironed or I struggle to find an acceptable outfit it takes me another 10 minutes.

Am I normal? I have friends that can shower, do hair and makeup, and get dressed in under an hour. Are they superheroes or something? But, it takes my mom over 2 hours to get herself ready for anything, so maybe I'm just genetically designed to be slow?

My husband thinks the amount of time I spend getting ready is ridiculous, but he appreciates the result so he keeps pretty quiet about it. He's a smart man.

 

morning by t-jessicamanning featuring ankle length pants

 

High Five For Friday

This week was unexpectedly uneventful. I was all set to have a busy week at work. The kind of week where you get shit done. I also had plans to attend an event to support a friend. Well, neither one of those things happened.

I got sick.

I willed my body to be healthy until the weekend, but it didn't listen. I ended up with some kind of virus. Which means there was nothing that could be done for me. So what did I do? I laid around and felt sorry for myself, of course. I also ate more Cool Ranch Doritos than I care to admit. 

So since I've been in viral plague mode since Tuesday evening, my week wasn't really that awesome. So, here are some pictures from my less than average week. Linking up here.

 

1. I wore this to work last Friday. What? Lawyers can wear t-shirts to work if they want to.

 

2. Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa is the best!

3. I made a new welcome pic. You like?

4. I had champagne for lunch on Sunday.

5. This one kept me company whilst I was sick.

Spring into Color!

I know Spring is still a couple of months away, but I can't help but get excited about it. I'm loving all things bright and colorful!

Wearing color can be intimidating, so I find I'm most comfortable adding bright accessories - especially handbags. I've put together a collection of some of my favorite bags that will fit into your wardrobe and make you gaga for color!

Style Statement Tuesday

Welcome to the Style Statement Tuesday Instagram Edition.

 

Why Instagram Edition? Well, partly because I got home too late last night to do a real Style Statement Tuesday post and partly because Instagram is fun.

BTW, do you follow me on Instagram? You should; you'll get to see tons of pictures of my cute pupsicles and of my weekend mimosa drinking. @jessicamanninggarner, in case you were wondering!

OK, I'm done with my shameless plug. Back to the task at hand.

Shirt: Gap; Sweater: Bitten by SJP

Sweater: Gap; Skirt: J.Crew Factory; Belt: Target

Shirt: Francesca's; Necklace: Double Happiness by Stephanie Wells

Shirt: Madewell; Tank: Banana Republic; Jeans: Old Navy

Shirt: Old Navy; Sweater: J.Crew Factory

Jeans and Shoes: Target

Shirt: The Limited; Sweater: Old Navy

Shirt: J.Crew; Necklace: Perspicasity

Shirt: Bud & Alley's; Vest: J.Crew Factory; Scarf: Gift

Jeans & Shoes: Target; Shirt: J.Crew Factory; Sweater: Gap

A Southern Snow!

As a southern girl, I only see snow 2-3 times a year. If I'm lucky. Last year, it barely snowed one time. So, when the weather forecast says there will be 4", I take that shit seriously.

While everyone else is running out to buy bread and milk, I'm in line at the liquor store stocking up on the bubbly. That's just how I roll.

Last Thursday we had a little snow scare. Everyone left work early, and I spent the evening drinking and watching the tube, while praying it snowed enough for work to be cancelled the next day. It didn't. My ass was back at it at 9am on Friday. Them's the breaks, I  guess.

Aside from Roederer Estate and lots of TV, I enjoyed conversations with my husband that consisted of "what if there's a zombie apocalypse or a civil war," "I'm going to need some pizza rolls," and "I think the government is trying to cover it up." Yeah, it was that kind of night. Don't you wish you were me?

Anyway, who knows if it will ever snow again. Global warming is real, y'all. So, I'm sharing my pics. This is history in the making!

Parking lot at work. I made it until 4:30, most people were gone.

Perhaps pointy-toe heels weren't the best shoes to wear

My house got more ice than snow. That patio was a death trap.

I got covered in snow walking to my car.

High Five For Friday!

Hooray for Fridays! I don't about you guys, but this girl is in some serious need of Vitamin D. The sun hasn't shone (correct verb?) in so long I'm not sure I'd know it if I saw it. I'm hoping my husband decides to whisk me away for some sun and fun as a birthday surprise. Do you hear that Kris Garner?

BTW, have I mentioned my birthday is in 2 and 1/2 weeks? Well, it is. If you need my address to send me a b-day gift then let me know! Just kidding, kind of. 

Per the usual, I'm linking up with Lauren and sharing pics from my week. Happy Weekend!

1. Mimosa on Sunday while watching trash TV
2. Visited a new bar, "drink." last weekend, LOVED IT!
3. I wore jeans an inappropriate amount this week #sorryimnotsorry
4. Co-Balt blue nails just to shake things up. It was so difficult to remove. My nails are still stained!
5. If I could turn back time, I would so do this. Can we say vow renewal?

Liebster

I've been nominated for another Liebster Award! It was so sweet of Abby & Nicole to nominate me. Abby blogs at Not So Simply, Abby and Nicole blogs over at The Sheas, so hop over and check them out.

Rules:
Post 11 facts about yourself
Answers the questions from the person who nominates you
Create 11 questions for your nominees to answer
Nominate 11 bloggers to receive the award and be sure to let them know

11 facts about me:
1. I am 1 of 6 children.
2. I have 2 more birthdays left in my 20s and 1 of them is coming quickly.
3. I have 1 awesome husband and 2 awesome dogs.
4. I am the least germaphobic person you will ever meet.
5. Five is my favorite number (and the name of 1 of my dogs)
6. I paint my nails about 3x a week.
7. I am a recovering Diet Coke addict.
8. I have a flair for the dramatic and that drives my husband crazy!
9. I love to watch reality TV. The trashier the better.
10. I like drinking out of straws.
11. I'm a total wine snob.

Questions and my answers:
1. Where do you see yourself in 3 years? Still married, still lawyering, maybe with a kid?
2. What's your most embarrassing moment? I don' t think I can pick just one thing. I'm very clumsy and always running into things. I'm constantly covered in bruises.
3. What is one of your proudest moments? Running a half-marathon
4. Do you have any obsessions? I'm obsessed with champagne and cupcakes.
5. Favorite date night idea? Good food, good wine, good conversation.
6. If you won $1,000 and had to spend it in one day, how would you spend it? I'm assuming she meant $1,000,000 since $1,000 would be easy to spend. I would book fabulous vacations until I spent it all. Like on a private island with a private jet kind of vacations.
7. What are 3 positive qualities about yourself? I'm caring, I'm smart, I'm good in bed (or so I've been told!) <------joke font="font">
8. What is 1 thing that you love about your spouse? He lets most things roll of his shoulders in a way that I can't.
9. Favorite ice cream? Vanilla. Everything goes with vanilla.
10. What is your new year's resolution? To be happier and healthier.
11. What is your dream job? Trophy wife or lady who lunches. Either one, I'm not picky.

Questions for my nominees:
1. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
2. What is your favorite topic to blog about?
3. What magazines do you love to read?
4. How much TV do you watch a week?
5. What's your idea of a perfect Saturday?
6. Do you like dogs or cats better?
7. What's one modern convenience you couldn't live without?
8. Do you prefer getting a phone call or a text?
9. What is one modern convenience you wish didn't exist?
10. Are you a night owl or a morning person?
11. What's your favorite beauty product?

My nominees:
Beth @ Shug in Boots
Alexa @ Southern Living Our Way
Kristin @ Heart Shaped Sweat
Ashlyn @ Blonde.Naturally.
Hope @ Confessions of a Southern Belle
Tiffany @ Fabu-less In Heels
Angela @ Fashionable Cent$
Chelsea @ She Said He Said
Kate @ Sweet Southern Sunshine
Lindsay @ Pursuit of Pink
Amanda @ Interpreted by Me

It's a Giveaway, Y'all!

I'm sponsoring Penniless Socialite this month!

She's a lawyer (like me!) living in NJ, dressing cute as a button without breaking the bank! Check her out, because today she's got a fab giveaway (including a little something from your truly).

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5522a314/

 

Style Statement Tuesday

Welcome back, homies. Pump the breaks. Typing that didn't even feel right. Let's try again.

Welcome back to Style Statement Tuesday, dolls! OK, that was better. 

This week is all about mixing textures. I've been wanting to try this look for a hot minute, but I haven't had the courage until now. I think I finally found a way to play with texture while still being true to my 'Classic Pretty' style statement. 

Pants: J.Crew Factory; Jacket: The Limited; Top & Scarf: NY & Co; Hat: American Eagle; Shoes: Piperlime

The black pants are a classic style, and I can wear them multiple ways. I bought the silky blouse this summer, and I loved it. I'm glad I found a way to make it work in the winter. The leather jacket has a little ruffle in the back, and I am kicking myself for not getting a picture of it. It definitely adds a pretty touch to a bad ass jacket. My husband bought me the hat. I think it's a great item to trend up an outfit.

All in all, I think this outfit is a win. I was a little bit out of my comfort zone, but I think I found a way to be a risk taker, but still be true to myself.

Link up and share your style!