Lil Cuties

I got to meet this little 4 pound 14 ounce cutie last weekend. His name is Ari, and he belongs to my sister, Mary Hannah. But just between you and me, he was almost kidnapped by his aunt Jessica who was going to move to Mexico to never been seen or heard from again.

Just kidding! I hear babies are a lot of work. By now you know I wasn't bred to work. Just kidding again! Kind of.

Anyway, isn't he such a doll? You can't tell how small he is from these pictures, but he is the tiniest thing I have ever seen. He looks like a little wrinkled old man. Kind of like the grandpa from that show, Rugrats. You know what I'm talking about?

This guy, Zairyn, also belongs to MH. We hung out, too. We have a "Jess gets down on the floor and pulls out every toy Z owns while Z watches her like she's an idiot" kind of relationship. By the way, you remember Let's Rock Singin' Cookie Monster? Well, he was nowhere in sight. Coincidence? I think not!

OK, I've wasted enough of your time, so carry on, loves. See you tomorrow!



Style Statement Tuesday

Hey, loves! It's time for Style Statement Tuesday. This week, surprisingly, I'm not wearing jeans! It's a real life miracle!

Now, don't get too excited. The only reason I'm not wearing jeans is because I forgot to pack them. The lord works in mysterious ways.

Shirt: The Limited; Sweater & Pants: J.Crew Factory; Shoes: Target

I feel like this outfit is pretty true to my "Classic Pretty" style statement. A button up under a sweater is pretty much my MO, and these pants are a pretty classic silhouette. The shoes are a little trendier, and the polka dots on the shirt add a little something. (Side note: I wear this shirt a lot. Probably too much!)  But, overall, nothing crazy going on here. That's just how I like it.

I might also suggest to myself adding a necklace. Maybe a turquoise or emerald colored necklace?

I work in a pretty casual environment, so I'd totally wear this to work. The only thing I might change for work is the shoes. I'd wear my black pumps. I also think a leopard clutch would look super cute. I don't have a leopard clutch, but still. You get the point.

 

 

So tell me, what are you wearing? Link up and share your style! I'm also linking up here.

 

 



Today

This is my today. A computer and a hotel room.

I'm on a business trip with Kris. Last minute, I decided to go with him. SO glad I did. Hotels are the best! While he does whatever it is that he does on business trips, I'm relaxing with a little wi-fi and Good Morning America.

My stupid grown-up body decided it needed to wake up at the exact same time I would wake up to go to work. So, I've been up since 6am. But somehow, I'm OK with that. I guess having no responsibilities is what it takes to put me in a good mood. Go figure!

What are you doing today?

High Five For Friday

Well, it's official, I had the best week ever.

What, you might be asking, could have possibly happened to me to make my week so amazing? Well, it's because...

I met Richard Simmons and

Exercised with Richard Simmons and

Ate lunch with Richard Simmons and

Hugged Richard Simmons.

So, yeah, I had the best week ever. Here are my top 5 Ricahrd moments.

Richard speaking to our company about health and wellness

Richard inviting us all to exercise with him

Richard and me after our date, I mean lunch

Richard and me hugging it out because we're BFFs

 Richard exercising with some employees

 

 As a bonus today, here's what I've got for you.

 

This little boy turned 1 yesterday. For his birthday he got...

A baby brother! These bips were born exactly 1 year apart. Sweet brothers!

Happy weekend! Linking up here.

 



Can I be honest?

Do you remember when I told you all that I was running in the Knoxville Half-Marathon? You can read that story here.

Well, I need to be honest.

I hate running.

OK, that's not entirely true. What I really hate is training.

I started training for this half-marathon back in September. For the first couple of months, I loved it! It felt so good to be back outside and running again. Then sometime in mid-November, I started feeling like I was a slave to the treadmill.

I would find every excuse under the sun not to go to the gym. I would "forget" my workout clothes pretty much every day. Running just wasn't fun the way it had been in September and October. Plus, running so much meant I didn't have time to go to barre. Which I love, so I felt even worse and more resentful.

This happened to me with the last half-marathon I ran. I pushed through it, but I've never felt the same about running since. I thought by forcing myself back into running that I would discover how much I loved it. Now, I think I hate it more than ever. Which makes me so sad.

In December I talked to a friend about how I felt. She asked me why I felt like I needed to keep training for this half-marathon that was making me so miserable. I told her I needed to keep going because I had announced on the blog that I was doing it, and I just couldn't let anyone down. Plus, I told Kris I would do it, and I didn't want him to think I was a quitter. She told me I sounded crazy, and that I had to be true to myself and what makes me happy. To hell with what everyone else thinks.

I thought more about it and how right she was about the whole thing. This is my life, and I'll exercise how I want to. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is,

I'm a quitter.

Sorry folks, I will not be running the Knoxville Half-Marathon. I will, however, be rekindling my romance with my beloved barre. I'll also be doing tons of walking and jogging that in no way relate to training for anything.

Life is just too short to do things that make you miserable. Don't you agree?

Charleston Naturally

Everyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for beauty products. I love to use them, talk about them, buy them, etc. I just can't help myself. When Charleston Naturally contacted me and asked to send me some items to try, of course I said yes!

Charleston Naturally carries only organic products. A major plus, in my opinion. I try to use products that are good for my skin and easy on mother nature. Their brands use sustainable, thoughtful business models, natural resources and modern practices to create products safe for you and the environment.

Charleston Naturally wants to be your source for organic beauty and skin care lines. They do the product research for you. Another plus; who has time to do that themselves? They are a family-owned business, and they promise to only carry products they would recommend to friends.

They sent me a box full of goodies, and I was so excited to start trying them all!

So far, I've tried the Lavender Bath, Hand Cream, and Regenerating Eye Cream. I really do enjoy them all. Here's what I love most about these products.

Dr. Hauschka Lavender Bath - I used this in a relaxing bath the other night. It was a great way to unwind. I recommend a glass of wine to go with your bath, but that's just me. I could not believe how great this bath smelled. I could still smell the lavender on my skin the next morning.  It can also be used it as part of your facial cleansing routine, but I haven't tried that yet. I will, though!

Dr. Hauschka Hand Cream - This is by far my favorite product of the bunch. I've talked about how dry my hands get, and this cream really keeps me moisturized. Plus, it has a great earthy smell that I really love. Needless to say, it's gone everywhere with me since I got it.

Dr. Hauschka Regenerating Eye Cream - This stuff is so luxurious! I rub it all around my eyes after cleansing and moisturizing at night. It just takes a tiny bit, and it feels so good on my skin! I haven't been using it long enough to say whether or not my fine lines are diminishing, but I can say that I have noticed my concealer isn't settling like it normally does. This really does moisturize my eye area well.

Are you interested in trying any products from Charleston Naturally? Well, they're graciously offering all Love & Loyally readers 20% off! All you have to do is use promo code LOVE to take advantage of this great deal!

Let me know what you think!

 

 

Style Statement Tuesday

Are you so happy it's Tuesday? No? Me neither. Tuesday is kind of like Monday's evil twin. Not identical twin, though. Fraternal, just so we're clear.

OK, enough of that.

This week's outfit is a simple, plain Jane outfit. And I love it. Perfect for playing in the trivia semi-finals. Which is pretty convenient, because that's where I wore it.

Cardigan & Wedges: Target; T-shirt: Old Navy; Jeans: J.Crew

There is something I love about jeans and a t-shirt. It's so classic and casual. I added a cardigan because while it was about 60 degrees that day, it's still February. A colorful scarf or necklace would've looked cute, but I was kind of going for a darker look. Plus, I didn't think of it 'til now. So there's that.

 

Link up and share your style! I'm also linking up here.

Random, Part 2

I've declared today another "Random" day. Partly because I like to talk about random stuff, but mostly because I know you like to hear (er, read) me talk about random stuff. I'm a giver folks. That's what I do; I give.

Remember how we added soap to the list of things to which Five isn't allergic? Well, we can add toilet paper and house shoes to that list, as well.

I went to Target last Monday after work. I bought a birthday card, popcorn, and a box of cereal. I contemplated buying a bottle of nail polish, but I felt like that combo of items would be too weird.

Up until this weekend I hadn't washed clothes in 3 weeks.4 weeks is my all time personal best.

My nephew's first birthday party was on Saturday. I'm still nervous about whether he liked Singin' Cookie Monster. I'm thinking about following up with a wad of cash. I can't make up my mind. Like I said before, one year olds can be brutal.

My oldest brother and I sneaked mimosas into the above mentioned birthday party. We told everyone we were drinking orange juice because we felt like we were getting colds and wanted extra Vitamin C. Can we say lamest excuse ever?

I'm trying to decide if Mega Stuf Oreos are an appropriate Easter gift for my husband. He's given up sweets for Lent, so I'm thinking he'll love it.

I'm kicking myself for going to bed early and missing the Shahs of Sunset reunion. We don't have DVR, and I'm scared I won't catch the rerun. Dang it!

My little brother bought me a red rose for Valentine's Day. It was so super sweet.

I made a mistake at work last week and felt like a moron. I hate when that happens.

I think March is going to be my spending freeze month, but I haven't 100% decided. It's time to get started on that list!

High Five For Friday!

Yay for Friday! I've got a fun weekend ahead of me, so I'm hoping my day of work flies right on by.

I'm going to a CAbi party in the morning. Then, I'm going back to my hometown for my nephew's birthday party.My husband has to work and has graciously offered for the dogs to stay home with him. Hallelujah! I'm also hoping my parents offer to take me to the mall. We don't have an H&M in Knoxville, and I can hear it calling my name.

As always, I'm linking up with Lauren today. What are you doing this weekend?

 1. Richard Simmons tweeted me this week. It's pretty much the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me.

2. I always feel like a moron when I wear my hair in a ponytail. Do I look like a moron? Be honest.

3. Which part do you like best? I can't decide.

4. Valentine's flowers from my sweet husband. I love that he doesn't send roses!

5. Me and coffee were BFFs this week. But then again, we're BFFs every week.

Have a fab weekend, loves!

Happy Valentine's Day

Today, I'm linking up with The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife. I'm super excited about this link-up because my husband, Kris, gets to be a part of it. 

We were given a list of questions me to answer and for him to answer about me. Now, we're comparing answers! Are you ready? Let's go!

How long have you been married?

His: 1yr 4mths

Mine: Almost a year and a half

Where was your first date?
His: Blackstone Brewery
Mine: Nashville, TN - Dinner at Blackstone and movie, The Grudge 2

Where was your first kiss?
His: Parking lot outside of Neyland Stadium
Mine: UT Football Game Tailgate Party. Romantic, right?

Who first said, "I love you"?
His: Me
Mine: Him, but I said it right after.

What were your wedding colors?
His: Navy and white
Mine: Marshmallow & Navy

What is her most commonly used phrase?
His: Shut the front door
Mine: Totally. (I hardly ever say shut the front door. I don't know where he got that.)

Who is her celebrity crush?
His: Tom Selleck
Mine: Tom Selleck (the 'Friends' era). Judge me if you must.

If she was ordering drinks for both of you what would you each get?
His: Mimosas
Mine: Wine for both of us. But, now I wish I would've said mimosa because they are my favorite.

What is the best meal she has ever cooked you?
His: All of them
Mine: Meatloaf. Which I've only cooked once. 6 years ago.

What is the worst meal she has ever cooked you?
His: Never had a bad one
Mine: Margarita Chicken for our 2nd dating anniversary. It was terrible.

What is the most-played song on her iPod?
His:You and me (by DMB)
Mine: It changes. Right now, Lucky Now by Ryan Adams

What would she say is your most annoying habit?
His: Snoring
Mine: He makes weird mouth and nose noises that drive me crazy

What is the last thing she does before she goes to bed?
His: Kisses me
Mine: Wash my face (I kiss him before I go to sleep.)

If you could throw out one item of her clothing what would it be?
His: Trick question, no comment
Mine: My baggy grey sweatpants. They are a mens size large, so you can imagine how they look.

What would you say is your favorite thing about her?
His: How much she cares for her family
Mine: My brains??? This one was really hard for me. I'm really not that great. It's a wonder he likes me. 

What's her go-to drink at Starbucks?
His: Low fat latte
Mine: Skinny latte

What's her blog's name?!
His: Love and loyally, JMG
Mine:Love & Loyally, JMG

He did a pretty good job, didn't he? Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Lent

Today begins the season of Lent. Last year, I gave up chocolate. If you know me, you know I love chocolate more than words can describe. It was tough, but definitely doable. After a week or so, it was no big deal.

When I was thinking about what to give up, I knew I wanted it or be something that really made a difference in my life. Something I was spending a lot of time doing so I could take that time and become to closer to God.

This year, I've decided to give up Facebook.

The number of times a day I look at Facebook is ridiculous. At least 10 times a day. In the morning before work, on breaks, at lunch, and several more time when I get home. It's truly pathetic. Facebook is definitely that something that will make a difference in my life. 

What is it in me that causes me to be so concerned with what my "friends" are doing? Why do I care if someone's kid got potty trained this week? Better yet, why do I feel the need to broadcast what I'm doing? Am I looking for validation or approval from others? Am I trying to boast about my accomplishments? Do I see myself as someone who can validate others? Or judge people's behavior?

I don't know the answers to those questions. Honestly, I'm scared to know. But if the answers to any of them are yes, then giving up Facebook is the least of my worries.

I didn't join Facebook until 2005. I'm pretty sure I had a full and exciting life before Facebook. That I knew what was going on in my friends' lives and that they knew what was going on in mine. I'm also pretty sure that didn't consume my life. That I didn't share everything with everyone, and that I didn't know everything about everyone. I didn't need to.

I need to take these 40 days and refocus. I need to spend some time meditating at the feet of Jesus. I am confident that choosing to give up Facebook is the right choice for me this Lent. So, my Facebook page will be silent (absent automatic posts from Bloglovin') until Easter.

Thanks for understanding and supporting me!

Style Statement Tuesday

This week's SST has me giving the big middle finger to outdated rules of fashion. Figuratively, of course.

That's right; I'm wearing white jeans in February. Pause for reaction.

Now, for you folks who live in other parts of the country this may not seem like such a big deal. But trust me when I say that southerners are very big on tradition and very resistant to change. Wearing white after Labor Day and before Easter hasn't really caught on here. There are a few brave souls who dare to be different. But don't think they're not getting stared at and whispered about behind their backs. I imagine the conversation to go something like this, "Bless her heart. She just doesn't know any better, does she? Lord help her."

Sweater: J.Crew Factory; T-shirt: Old Navy; Jeans & Clutch: Gap; Wedges: Target; Necklace: Charming Charlie

This is a pretty classic look. Trouser jeans, a sweater, and wedges. I tried to trend it up a bit by adding the pink clutch and bubble necklace.

 

 

 

In hindsight, the bubble necklace really doesn't look that great. It's navy blue, but against the purple sweater it reads more plum. Also, a chambray shirt would've looked better under the sweater than the t-shirt I chose. I actually think the pink clutch is the only thing truly interesting about the outfit. I'm not sure I'll be wearing this again, but it was fun to try something different and make the old southern dames chatter.

For the record, I tried to change it up a bit and take some pics in my backyard. That was an epic fail. The sun was so bright all the pictures ended up looking like this...

Link up and share your style!