Stuff & Things

Today I'm linking up here and here for Stuff & Things. This is my first time participating in the link-up, but Ryan, whom I mildly stalk, makes it look like tons of fun!

I can't believe it's Thursday. This week has gone by quickly, which is good and bad. Closer to the weekend = good. Consultant agreement that must be finished by tomorrow not done = bad.

I've posted a few times about my health journey, and it's something that is almost always on my mind. I want to go into 30 looking and feeling great, so I joined Weight Watchers again and I'll be participating in this challenge in January.

I participated in the Beads of Courage Carry a Bead program and carried my bead to the UT vs. Missouri football game in November. UT lost, but I loved being able to take part in such a great program!

My mom, step dad, sister, niece, 2 brothers, and 3 nephews are coming to celebrate Christmas in our tiny 1200 square feet apartment this weekend. Wish me luck and lots of booze!

marsala

Pantone named its Color of the Year last week, and poor Marsala was met with less than rave reviews. I, for one, don't think it's so bad, but maybe you don't want to rush out and buy everything in this "earthy red wine color."

In that case, I've compiled some of my favorite accessories for you. You can give Marsala a nod, but not a full on embrace.



 

What do you think about the Color of the Year? Are you loving it or are you already hoping 2016 will be better?

30 Before 30

Two months.

I'll be 30 in exactly 2 months.

It doesn't seem possible. I still feel like I'm 16 and any minute now people are going to realize I'm a fraud. A teenager living in an adult body with a law license.

Life at (almost) 30 isn't what I thought it would be. Not in a bad way, it's just different. I really thought I'd have a couple of kids and be wildly successful in my career. Well, I have zero kids and no immediate plans for them. I'm also finding that career success is something that comes with time and enormous effort. I'm on my way, but I'm not there yet, and I'm OK with that. I'm happy with the decisions I've made, but furthermore, I'm so proud that I allowed myself to change my vision for my life and to adjust when something didn't feel right. Twenty year old Jessica didn't have a clue. Thirty year old Jessica may not have a clue either, but that's for forty year old Jessica to decide.

via

Embracing the fluidity of life is a major part of happiness, in my opinion. When I started on this 30 Before 30 journey, my listed looked markedly different than it does now. And I'm about to change it again. (old lists are here, here, here, and here) Items in bold are new. This is life High Five for Friday on steroids!

1. Plan a trip to Europe with travel completed by February 2016
2. Take a cooking or baking class
3. Go back to Napa 4/26/13-4/30/13
4. Fill my house with items I love Done 2013/2014
5. Do a spending freeze for a month Done January 2014
6. Organize my closets Done May 2014
7. Go without television for a week Done 6/19/14-6/25/14
8. Call people instead of text or email for 2 weeks Done 6/4/13-6/18/13
9. Invest in a LV bag Done 8/9/14
10. See a show on Broadway
11. Complete the Jesus Calling 365 Day Journaling Devotional Update: Started January 2014
12. Buy coffee for the person behind me in the Starbucks drive thru Done February 2014
13. Lose these dang 10 lbs I've put on Done June 2014, but some back on so...
14. Attend a beyond fabulous event Dry Creek Valley Passport Festival 4/27/13-4/28/13
15. Go on a 'blate' Done 7/1/13

16. Grow an olive tree

17. DIY an ottoman DIYed a coffee table 5/12/13
18. Take a risk Done May 2014
19. Do another Whole 30 (I'm thinking this challenge)
20. Get back into yoga
21. Organize our wine collection Done May 2014
22. Send a card to a friend just because Done in September 2013
23. Do something I don't feel like doing just because it's good for me Gave up sodas on 5/30/13
24. Do a blog redesign Done 8/3/13
25. Go on a spur of the moment trip
26. Make my own laundry detergent Done 6/1/13
27. Send flowers to someone anonymously Done 10/24/14
28.Write a letter to myself to open when I'm 40.
29. Ride in a limousine (I know, I'm lame)
30. Skinny dip (can you believe that I have never done this?)

29 scared me. 30 doesn't scare me at all. I'll figure it out, or at least have tons of fun trying!

 

Linking with with Lauren Elizabeth & September Farm. 

Life Updates

Oh hey. It's been a hot minute since I've made an appearance around these parts. Sorry about that. I blame my crazy life. You can catch up on that here.

Because, let's face it I don't have an actual post planned. Bring on the randomness. Plus, maybe you want an update on why I've been MIA. No? OK, cool, then that's not what this post is about... Also, all photos were taken with my iPhone so the quality is not so good.

The spell check on my computer seems to have turned itself off so there's a good chance there are some major misspellings. Sorry, I'm not a good speller. I was in a spelling bee once in 3rd or 4th grade and my word was "pansy." I spelled it p-a-n-z-i-e. True story.

I started a new job about 3 weeks ago and my sweet, sweet friends from my old job sent me flowers to wish me well. The new job is great, but gosh I miss them!

I had to get glasses again. I wore them from ages 10 to 24 until the miracle of lasik came into my life. At my last check-up I found out my astigmatism has reared its ugly head. My doctor doesn't want to do an enhancement until I'm through my "child bearing years." So, to comply with the law, I am again wearing glasses while driving. The only thing is when I take them off, I can't really see. Sometimes I wear them all day, and sometimes I don't wear them at all. Shh, don't tell.

I want something really cool for Christmas. I want to open my gift and be blown away. The thing is, I don't know what I want, I just know I want it to be cool.

Kris & I were supposed to go out of town for Thanksgiving, but shocker, we're not. He's having staffing issues and has to work that weekend. I swear, sometimes his job bums me out. I hate never knowing for sure if our plans are going to work out. But, we did go to Blackberry Farm last weekend for dinner, and it was amazing! The $9 million wine inventory peaked our interest, so the sommelier gave us a tour of one of the cellars.

I babysat 2 of my nephews last weekend and nephew #2 insisted on taking Elmo, Baby Elmo, and Grover with us everywhere. I piled them on top of him in his car seat and he was in bliss.

So that's really it for now. Hopefully things have finally settled down and I can get back to posting on the regular! Until then, Happy Thanksgivng!

Real Housewives, Empty Closets, & Ninja Turtles - Thursday Musings

I haven't made blogging a priority lately, mostly because of all the craziness in my life. But, today I have a few things on my mind so why wouldn't I share them with you?

Teresa Guidice was sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to bank and wire fraud. Part of me feels sorry for her, but part of me thinks she'll do just fine. 

I love the Zara blanket scarf. Love it, die for it, but I can't make myself buy it. I know I don't need it, but it's only $30. But didn't you spend $30 yesterday on pedicure you didn't really need? And $30 last week on makeup? And don't you need to buy a birthday gift? Do you ever have these internal struggles?

As it gets a little cooler, I'm finding getting dressed to be difficult. I wonder what in the heck I wore last fall. Surely I wore something, but what? My closet seems full of nothingness.

I had my hair colored back dark in August and again in September. Let me tell you, my hair is not holding the color! Every time I shampoo I see more of it wash down the drain. Maybe it's because it was very light on the ends or maybe the colorist is using a semi permanent color? I don't know, but it's starting to get expensive!

I joined a Diet Bet this week by recommendation from Ryan. If you haven't checked out her blog, do it! She's kicking ass and taking names!

And then there's this guy, who never ceases to amaze me. #TMNTforlife

And on that note, let's call it a day, shall we?

More Changes

I mentioned in late spring/early summer that Kris accepted a job in the Nashville area, and that I would be staying in Knoxville for the time being. Well, in the 5 months since we made that decision, a lot has changed.

We set out to do only what seemed right and gave us peace. We prayed that God would show us how we needed to approach this phase of our life one step at time.We prayed that God would let us know what was best for our marriage, and how long I should stay in Knoxville. We initially thought I would stay indefinitely, but we were open to whatever God had in store for us. So, we put our house on the market and bam, it sold. We looked for an apartment for me that wouldn't lock me into a long term lease, and we found one no sweat. Some things happened at work that made me feel like maybe it was time for me to move on. All signs seemed to be pointing to Knoxville no longer being the right place for me.

Then, a good friend approached me about an open corporate attorney position with a major company in the Nashville area. At first, I was a little unsure, but decided I owed it to myself and my marriage to at least look into it. So I did. The more I learned about the position the more I realized this would not only get me back under the same roof as my husband, but would also be a fabulous career move. My career is a top priority, but it does not take importance over my husband. I was elated at the thought of a win-win.

After a lot of prayer, I felt like God was in my situation with me. I knew that if I was offered that new position, I would take it. Now, I wish I could say I turned it over to God and never thought about it again, but patience is not my strong suit. While I knew it would all work out, I had a hard time letting go. One day, so fed up with myself, I wrote in my planner Psalm 37:4. That day's planner space was full, so I just wrote it in the day's space. Well, the next day I was offered the job, and I accepted it! Isn't it funny and so amazing how God works?

I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining my husband in Nashville starting October 25! I am just beside myself with joy. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers along the way! I truly appreciate it!

To say that I've been slacking off lately would be an understatement. A major understatement. I've got a lot going on, and I can't seem to get it together. Lord knows I'm trying. Bear with me.

When I saw this the other day, I knew I had to share. Enjoy!

Source

Pre-Fall Looks

It's almost September, and I am loving the thought of autumnizing my wardrobe. Autumnizing, I'm pretty sure I just made that word up.

Although it's almost fall, we still experience 80 degree days well into September and sometimes October. It's important to me to dress for the season not the weather, but I also don't want to burn up and get sweaty smelly. So there's that.

I've assembled a few pre-fall looks that are sure to keep me looking and smelling nice!

I'm a jeans and tee kind of gal. Does that make me boring? Maybe, but it definitely makes me comfortable. I like to pair jeans with cute closed toe flats, a great bag, and a scarf with detail to make the outfit look richer and more autumny but without making me feel like I'm sweating to death.

I'm also all about dresses that "breathe" with you. Meaning, dresses that let you breathe comfortably throughout the day no matter how much lunch you eat. Pairing these flowy dresses with a chunkier heel definitely makes them season appropriate. 

What do you love to wear for fall?

Linking up for Tuesday Pretties with Glossy Blonde.

A unintended break

So I really didn't mean to take an almost 2 week break, but I guess I did. I was on vacation last week, and who knows what I was doing the week before!

I will be back tomorrow with riveting content, I promise. Well, maybe not riveting, but content nonetheless!

Tuesday Pretties: Beauty Love

I'm all about experimenting with beauty products lately. For some reason, I'm enjoying mixing up my beauty routine more than my clothes. Here are some of my favorites right now.

Clockwise from top left...

1. NYX Dark Circle Concealer - I don't know about you, but my circles are so dark it looks like someone punched me in the eyes. This concealer really pulls its weight and makes me look normal and not like death warmed over.

2. Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight - OK, so I haven't actually tried this yet, but if it's like the other Smooth Infusion products then I'm all in. It's definitely top on my "to try" list.

3. GVP Volumizing Spray - I buy this hairspray at Sally's for $7.99. It's a generic for Kenra, which retails for $24. I like the GVP version just as well and it costs 70% less. This one is a no-brainer.

4. Trader Joe's Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - I use coconut oil for nearly everything. I use it as a makeup remover, as a cleanser for my skin, as a moisturizer, as a hair mask, and as an antibacterial cream. It smells fantastic, and it really is the wonder salve.

5. NYX Butter Gloss - This new fave makes my lips feel so soft! It comes in great colors (I love Peaches N' Cream), and at under $5 you really can't go wrong!

6. Younique 3D Fiber Lashes - Seriously, the best mascara I've ever used. It lengthens and volumizes my lashes like nothing I've ever seen. If you haven't tried it you're in luck, because I'm giving it away today!

7. OPI Did You Ear About Van Gogh - I'm loving this color for late summer and early fall. It's neutral, but it's very pigmented so you get tons of color. I picked mine up for about $2 at Marshalls.

Ashley from A Fashion Fixation (also a Younique Independent Presenter) has so graciously supplied the 3D Fiber Lashes set for one lucky winner. Make sure you enter by following the steps below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linking up with Glossy Blonde today

30 Before 30 Update

Last week I hit the 6 month mark. As in 6 months before I turn the big 3-0 and in theory, complete my 30 Before 30 list. 

I started this list when I turned 28 and every 6 months or so, I've taken stock in what really matters to me and updated it. You can see the original post here and the updates here and here.

My new items are bolded. I think it's very important to be introspective and define what's most important to oneself. That's why I don't care if my list changes every 6 months. I'm human, I live and breathe and change daily. So here's my new list. What things are important to you?

1. Travel to Europe
2. Take a cooking or baking class
3. Go back to Napa 4/26/13-4/30/13
4. Fill my house with items I love Done 2013/2014
5. Do a spending freeze for a month Done January 2014
6. Organize my closets Done May 2014
7. Go without television for a week Done 6/19/14-6/25/14
8. Call people instead of text or email for 2 weeks Done 6/4/13-6/18/13
9. Invest in a LV bag Done 8/9/14
10. See a show on Broadway
11. Complete the Jesus Calling 365 Day Journaling Devotional Update: Started January 2014
12. Buy coffee for the person behind me in the Starbucks drive thru Done February 2014
13. Lose these dang 10 lbs I've put on Done June 2014, but some back on so...
14. Attend a beyond fabulous event Dry Creek Valley Passport Festival 4/27/13-4/28/13
15. Go on a 'blate' Done 7/1/13

16. Grow an olive tree

17. DIY an ottoman DIYed a coffee table 5/12/13
18. Take a risk Done May 2014
19. Make sure Five gets the proper amount of exercise weekly
20. Get back into yoga
21. Organize our wine collection Done May 2014
22. Send a card to a friend just because Done in September 2013
23. Do something I don't feel like doing just because it's good for me Gave up sodas on 5/30/13
24. Do a blog redesign Done 8/3/13
25. Go on a spur of the moment trip
26. Make my own laundry detergent Done 6/1/13
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?)

Random Monday Thoughts

1. I want to go to Target and buy all the pretty things.

2. Gotta get myself back on track with eating healthy (she thought while guzzling diet coke to keep herself awake).

3. I wonder if anyone will notice that I wore this exact outfit last Monday. The dogs sure as hell noticed this morning casting their judgmental stares.

4. Only 36 more years until I can retire!

5. I'd kill for a minor case of mono right now. A couple of weeks in bed with no appetite sounds glorious!

6. I should probably get a professional headshot taken. Gah, stupid career!

7. Must find perfect orange dress to wear to UT/Ole Miss game in 75 days.

8. Lord, I hope I remember (have the energy) to wash my hair tonight. This ponytail is not cute!

9. Spell check is my home girl today. I am misspelling all sorts of words!

10. I wonder how many followers I've lost since the beginning of this post?

High Five For Friday

This week has been a real doozy. We're moving into our Knoxville apartment today so it has been nothing but boxes and bubble wrap. To say I'm over it would be an extreme understatement.

BUT let's focus on the high points, shall we?

1. I got a date night on Sunday after we spent the day cleaning out the attic. I couldn't resist taking a photo of my reason to dress up a bit. 

2. I ventured out in public in my pajamas to get drive thru food for dinner. That was a real win all around. 

3. I also wore the equivalent of pajamas to work this week. So, yeah, still winning.

4. We went to a Ray Lamontagne concert on Tuesday and had tons of fun. It was a great night with my number one guy, which is a work week rarity these days. 

5. I got my hands on some pretty fantastic mascara. More on that to come on Tuesday. 

Linking up for H54F!

[un]professional

I work in a pretty casual corporate environment. There's business causal and then there's our kind of casual. Most of time, I wear things that are appropriate for lawyers to wear, but some days I skirt the lines of professionalism.

Blazer & Shoes: Target (Similar, Similar); Tank: H&M; Pants: Old Navy (Similar); Jewelry: c/o JTV

I mean who wears a french bulldog tank top to work and thinks it's OK? Apparently me.

 

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy

Tuesday Pretties: Southern Charms

It's no secret that we southerners have a different way of life. Here are a few of my favorite southern inspired items! Which do you love? I want them all!

Seersucker Cocktail Napkins - Seersucker is a staple in the southern wardrobe. I love that these cocktail napkins reflect that. Plus, you can monogram them, a double southern win!

Hey Y'all Wall Art - I love this southern saying wall art! It's true, I say "y'all" a lot, and I'm not sorry.

Nashville Toffee Company Almond Toffee - This is seriously the best toffee I've ever tasted, and it is made in Tennessee. It's handmade using a family recipe; you can't get much southern than that!

Hexagonal Mint Julep Cup - This southern girl can't get enough of Derby Day or mint juleps! I'm obsessed with this modern twist on the mint julep cup. It takes southern hospitality to a new level.

Mason Jar Measuring Cups - You're likely to find mason jars in every southern kitchen. These measuring cups are such a cute way to give a southern nod.They'll also double as decor!

Monogram Ball Cap - There are few things southern women love more than monograms. It's true, we monogram everything. I'm crazy about this monogram ball cap and can't wait to buy it for myself. (And probably my BFF Jamie because we have the same monogram!)

Sweet Tea Candle - You know the saying "as southern as sweet tea"? Well, this candle is! It's the perfect gift for a house warming or just because!

Linking up with Glossy Blonde today!

Today is hard

Today is hard. I'm missing Kris terribly. I'm not sure why it's all hitting me today or bothering me more than other days; today just feels different.

There have been some major changes in Casa de Garner the past couple of weeks. So that makes major changes for the 3rd month in a row. To be honest. I feel like I'm almost at my breaking point. Seriosuly.

When we decided to embark on this new adventure, we also decided to put our house on the market. I felt like it would be too hard to take care of our house by myself, and Kris is always supportive so we listed it. Well, 45 days later we got the offer. There was one catch, be out in 3 weeks. So I've been packing up our first home (that we owned) box by box. It's a little depressing, and it really feels like I haven't made a dent, although I make myself pack 3 boxes every night. I'm hoping that's enough to get the job done.

Truthfully, I have mixed emotions about leaving this house. On one hand, we have never felt 100% confident that we chose the right neighborhood when we built it, but on the other hand, this is our first home. There may be many homes after this one, but there will never be another first home. When we built this house, I thought we'd be there for awhile, not forever, but for a lot longer than 2 years, 1 month, 2 weeks, and 2 days. In a way, it feels like our journey with our home is being cut short, but it also feels like we're doing exactly what we need to do.

Needless to say, my emotions are all over the place today. And I really miss Kris. So keep our family in your thoughts the next couple of weeks, we close on the house 2 weeks from today.

Blogmopolitan Quiz

Linking up with Two Thirds Hazel today.

Recipe: Southern Sangria

We southerners, like our sangria like we like any drink, strong and with a hint of Jack Daniels.

Southern Sangria

2 limes, wedged
2 peaches, sliced
1/2 cup raspberries
1 cup Jack Daniels whiskey
1/2 cup Honey Wine (or skip this and use 1 1/4 cup Jack Daniels honey whiskey)
1/2 bottle Pinot Grigio
1 liter ginger ale

Soak fruit in whiskey and wines for a few hours. Add ginger ale just before serving. Makes 1 medium sized pitcher. Double for 2 pitchers and more fun!

Summer Layers

It's been an unusually cool summer for us here in Tennessee. I'm talking highs in the low 80s and lows in the high 50s. I run pretty cold to begin with, so I've been wearing lots of layers this summer.

 I normally wear this top in the fall, like I did here. I wore the same top in a different color here.

Top: H&M, Denim: J.Crew Factory, Shoes: Just Fab, Scarf: Old Navy, Sunnies: Anthropologie

I have to say, I'm loving being able to pair my flowy tops with light scarves, and I feel a little more put together than I normally do in the summer in tank tops and shorts. Clearly, I'm going to enjoy this while it lasts, because let's be honest, it'll be 100 degrees with 90% humidity before you know!

Linking up with Fizz & Frosting, Lipgloss & Crayons, and Style Elixir.