High Five For Friday!

This week (and last week) was a whirlwind. My boss has been out of town for 2 weeks, and I was left to handle things on my own. (OK, not really on my own, but you get the point.)

Documenting my week with pictures just wasn't high on my priority list, but that doesn't mean some pretty cool things didn't happen. I'm linking up for H54F and here's what I'm loving...

1. I'm going to do a whole lot of nothing this weekend. The only things I plan to do are lay by the pool, take naps, and watch tons of television. That's it.

2. It was a good week for equality.

3. Found this little gem from my senior year of college. Don't judge me.

4. My little Bourke gets to decrease his diabetes medicine. We're so happy!

5. Our wine party was a smashing success. Our chalkboard wall was so cute!

In the Middle

Everybody I know is chopping off their hair this summer. I really love how it looks, but I can't quite commit to getting rid of my long locks. I've been growing my hair out since mid 2009. I'm kind of attached.

So instead drastically changing my hair, I changed my part. I've been rocking the middle part for about a month now. OK, maybe not rocking it, but definitely trying to rock it!

Here's a pic of my old side part:

You can't 100% tell, but it's definitely to the side. Since 1985.

Here's my new middle part:

Less curls, more middle.

I love my new middle part, and I it was definitely the update I was looking for, but the side part will always hold a special place in my heart. What do you think?

What new things are you trying with your hair?

Days like today

It's been exactly 2 months since Kris & I left for our Napa trip. That doesn't sound like very long ago, does it? To me, it seems like an eternity. You see, as much as I love Napa (and I do love Napa)it's not ever really a vacation when we visit. Kris is in "work mode" whether he realizes (or admits) it or not. It's not a time for us to slow down and enjoy one another. We're hopping from one appointment to the next, and it's exhausting. Sure, the food and the wine are plentiful, but it's not what I consider good quality time.

We're scheduled to visit Washington and Oregon wine country in September. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited for this trip because I've been to neither Washington nor Oregon. But make no mistake, this will not be a vacation. Kris will be "work mode" and I'll be in "best behavior" mode. We won't be alone. Another couple, who work with Kris, is making the trip, as well. It will be fun, but I'm not counting on it being restful or Kris and I getting any time to ourselves. And I'm desperate for some time alone with him. Some good quality time.

I need a break from "Jessica the lawyer" and "Kris the country club manager." I need some time to be "Jessica and Kris the couple." Both Kris and I work way too much. We spend way too much time apart, and it's hard. Very hard. One of my biggest fears is that we'll get too comfortable with this lifestyle and our relationship will suffer. To combat that, we try to do things together when we can. Even if it's just watching television or sharing a meal. It doesn't happen often, but when it does it just fills my cup. More than Kris knows, I'm sure.

So I cling to moments when it's just us. I don't think he understands it or how much I need that time. I'm not saying he doesn't care, I'm just saying, as a guy, I don't think it bothers him like it bothers me. He doesn't get it when I say "Well, I'd rather it just be the two of us." It doesn't come from a place of not wanting to do anything with anyone else, it comes from a place where I'm a wife needing my husband. There are days when the only word we say face-to-face are "goodnight" and "goodbye." Sometimes, I need more.

I'm all about having personal or alone time. I think a healthy relationship with yourself is vital to having healthy relationships with others. We all need to dance around naked without the fear of being interrupted. But on days like today, I'd rather be with my husband.

Style Statement Tuesday

It's Style Statement Tuesday! 

As you may know, Style Statement Tuesday is way for me to chronicle my outfits and discuss how/if they fit my style statement, which I've defined as 'Classic Pretty.' It's also a place for you to link-up  your outfit posts and inspirations. To read more about Style Statement Tuesday, click here. 

This week's outfit is one I wore to a wine tasting party Kris and I hosted at our home Saturday evening.

Dress: Banana Republic

 

I'm obsessed with this dress. It's linen and so simple, but the beading gives a hint of something special. I feel so feminine when I wear it.

 



I added the turquoise colored necklace to give the outfit a pop of color. I think this outfit is perfect to summer!

By the way, I'm becoming increasingly dissatisfied with my photographer's skills. His heart doesn't seem to be in it, as we only got 2 halfway decent shots this time! ;)

Link up and share your style!

In Recovery

We hosted a wine tasting party Saturday night, and I think I'm still recovering. I'll be back tomorrow, loves!

Call me, maybe?

As part of my 30 Before 30 undertaking, I wanted to go 2 weeks without texting or emailing. The thought behind this was getting back to more personal ways of communicating. It was an interesting 2 weeks, to say the least.

First off, let me say that I did still email for work. If I wanted to keep my job I was going to have to be available by email at all times. Second, I did text message my husband one time in an emergency situation, i.e., my diabetic dog needed insulin and food immediately.

OK, here's what I experienced:

Texting...

1. Not texting is terribly inconvenient. I found myself wanting to know something, but not wanting to know it badly enough to stop what I was doing and make a phone call.

2. I felt very disconnected from Kris. We both work long hours, usually opposite from one another, so we text on and off throughout the day. I missed knowing what he was up to.

3. People get pissed off when you call them after they text you. I got several "you've made your point" messages. It kind of hurt my feelings that no one wanted to talk to me.

4. No one cared that I wasn't texting. People kept right on texting me and expecting me to text back.

5. No one understood why I wasn't texting for 2 weeks. It was as if face-to-face or voice-to-voice communication was something to be frowned upon. I found that disturbingly odd.

6. Texting is really more of a habit. I had to consciously think about not picking up my phone & sending a text.

7. I felt more centered and in control of my expression of thought.

Emailing...

1. This was really no big deal, I did not find it difficult at all.

2. Email is really only relevant in the business world.

3. Text is the new email.

Although I had a terrible time making people understand why I wanted to do this little experiment, I'm glad I did it. I do not believe technology is a bad thing, but I do believe it's taken over parts of our lives that are better left alone. Not every thought needs to be expressed, and thoughts worth expressing are probably better expressed in a more meaningful way.

What do you think? Could you do it?

Style Statement Tuesday

It's Style Statement Tuesday! 

In case you don't know, Style Statement Tuesday is way for me to chronicle my outfits and discuss how/if they fit my style statement, which I've defined as 'Classic Pretty.' It's also a place for you to link-up  your outfit posts and inspirations. To read more about Style Statement Tuesday, click here. 

Lately, I've been feeling very uninspired when it comes to my style/clothes. In part, it has to do with the fact that I've been trying to lose about 10 pounds. I'll succeed in losing 4-5 pounds, then I'll gain it back. Basically, it has me feeling unhappy with anything I put on my body. But anyway, this is Style Statement Tuesday, not Shrink Sessions Tuesday. I'll move on.

 

This week's outfit is the kind of outfit I wear all summer. It's an easy look that keeps me cool in the Tennessee heat because it's June and already 90 degrees y'all. 

 

I think this look is extremely safe and very "classic." I like that the shoes add a little texture and pattern. I'd say it fits my style statement, but it doesn't blow me away.

 I'd probably wear this out to lunch, to a concert, or while shopping. I've recently taken to wearing my chambray top open over tanks, and I really like how it looks. It gives me a reason to wear it more often, which I love!

So what are you wearing?

Link up & share your style!

How to: Import Your RSS from Google Reader to Bloglovin'

Google reader is dead to me. Or it will be on July 1, 2013.

My readers are numero uno. I WANT YOU TO STICK AROUND. So, here's how you can keep getting your Love & Loyally fix. Let's face it, there's nothing better than an co-dependent relationship.

How to Import Your RSS subscriptions  from Google Reader to Bloglovin’:

First, click here:

http://www.bloglovin.com/import/reader

 

 You'll see this:

Click "Import from Google Reader"

You'll see this:

Click "Accept"

You'll see this:

After the import is finished, all the blogs you follow via Google Reader will be in your Bloglovin' feed. Yay!

Weekend Update!

I spent my Saturday with my family playing at a water park. It was so much fun being all together. My family really are my favorite people. Kris was the only one missing, but he was there in spirit. I could tell because I thought about him constantly!

Let me start by saying I was the only person going to the park that doesn't have children. I was also the only person going who can manage to be on time. Therefore, I was tasked with being the first one to arrive to save two tables around the kiddie pool. Can we say nightmare? But, I did it because that's what I do. I was there for an hour by myself fending off families who were not at all amused by one person occupying two tables. To entertain myself (when I wasn't getting the stink eye), I took pictures of myself. What else was I going to do?



I wore my sorority flip-flops for old time's sake

I also wore my giant Dollar Tree sunglasses

Then, I got to hang these 2 adorable babies. So, it was worth it!



Ari & Zairyn

Hope you had a fantastic weekend! Linking up here!

High Five For Friday!

Since I missed last Friday, today's post is a combination of my weeks. As always, I'm linking up for High Five For Friday!

 

1. My sweet little girl turned 1!

 

2. Are these the rockin'est yoga pants you've ever seen or what?

 

 

3. Love honeysuckle

 

4. Sweet babies

 

5. I'm crazy about this fedora!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Accept the things I cannot change

Why is it that we're more willing to accept flaws in others than we are in ourselves? As humans, aren't we constantly preaching that to truly love someone you must love yourself first? Yet, time after time, we belittle and degrade nearly everything about our own self.

Carrie Bradshaw's curly hair is beautifully wild, but our own ringlets are unmanageable and a nightmare. Scarlett Johansson's body is wonderfully curvy, but our bodies make us cringe.

As I'm marching onward towards 30, I'm really trying to so some soul searching. I'm trying to be my most authentic self, i.e., someone I can really be proud of. With that, I've learned there are some things about myself that I'm just going to have to get used to if I want to be at peace.

Here are 5 things I've learned to accept about myself:

1. My thighs will always be a little thunderish no matter how thin the rest of me is

2. I will always cry at sad/happy movies, TV shows, commercials, etc.

3. My handwriting will never be as perfect as my mother's

4. I'll always be directionally challenged, even directionally ignorant at times

5. I'll never be able to turn down a cupcake

 

What are you willing to accept about yourself?

Jack Daniels & My 20s

Welcome to Style Statement Tuesday! Are you so excited that I actually have a legit post today? Or are you just here because you think I'm giving away Jack Daniels? Either way, I count your visit as a success.

In case you don't know, Style Statement Tuesday is way for me to chronicle my outfits and discuss how/if they fit my style statement, which I've defined as 'Classic Pretty.' It's also a place for you to link-up  your outfit posts and inspirations. To read more about Style Statement Tuesday, click here.

Here's my featured outfit for this week.

Jeans & Clutch: GAP; Blazer: Target; Tee: Gift; Shoes: Michael Kors; Belt: NY&Co; Bangle: J.Crew

I took a little risk this week, and I think I like the results. Is it 'Classic Pretty'? Um, maybe not. A t-shirt and jeans are classic. A black blazer is classic. Leopard and pink are pretty...Kind of a reach, I know.

But, I like it. I mean, I've only got like 19 months left in my 20s, let me wear the damn Jack Daniels t-shirt! Plus, wearing it under the blazer adds a dash of subtlety

Honestly, I feel a little bad ass in this outfit.

What are you wearing?

Link up and share your style!

Currently

Listening to the Keurig and the air conditioner.

Loving my plans for the weekend.

Drinking water. (I gave up cokes almost 2 weeks ago!)

Reading emails. Busy busy work week.

Wearing a dress, a cardigan, a scarf, and a blanket. Apparently, I work in Antarctica.

Thinking about what it would be like to still be in bed on this rainy Monday.

Feeling ready for lunch. (PS - It's 10:45am)

Eating nothing. See above.

Wondering if I will muster up the motivation to exercise tonight.

Realizing I have a ton to do so I better get to it.

Just for fun...

Five likes to sleep directly on top of Bourke. He doesn't seem to mind.

Happy Monday!

Hoping Monday treats you well!

Get Your Sh*t Together, Jessica

I haven't been able to get it together this week. I'll really try and rally for Friday.

Thanks for being patient, you're the best!

Style Statement Tuesday

Welcome to Style Statement Tuesday!

I've been a little MIA lately, and I'm sorry. Don't you just hate when real life interferes with blog life?

In case you don't know, Style Statement Tuesday is way for me to chronicle my outfits and discuss how/if they fit my style statement, which I've defined as 'Classic Pretty.' It's also a place for you to link-up  your outfit posts and inspirations. To read more about Style Statement Tuesday, click here.

This week, I'm showing you an outfit I wore to concert last Friday. The concert was at the country club Kris manages so  I needed to look decent, but it was really hot outside. Here's what I came up with.

Tank: J.Crew Factory; Skirt: Target (Similar); Necklace: Perspicasity (Similar)

I'm not sure what that black thing in the bottom right corner is. Maybe a ghost?

I really like this because it's cute and simple, but still looks put together. The skirt and tank have classic lines, I feel so feminine in a maxi skirt I could just die! I think it fits my 'Classic Pretty' style statement quite nicely.

I seriously felt so good in this that I'm considering wearing it every day. I've owned this skirt for a couple of months now, and I swear I wear it every week! Also, these tanks come in tons of colors. I suggest you follow my lead and buy as many as possible!

So what are you wearing?

Link up and share your style!