mind mush.

i don't have a lot of words for you today.

it's friday.

and my mind is in a mess.

i feel like there's a whirlwind going on in my brain and i just don't know how to stop it. 

or what to do with it.

i have way too much to think about and i don't like the idea of waiting on other people's decisions.

i don't like it, one bit.

not even my sundrop is helping right now.

so i'm leaving you with this, because i love it.

and also this,

because i have amazing friends who are always there for me.

and say exactly the right thing, at exactly the right time.

recognize that name? that would be this girl, and she's incredible. 

so you should go say hi :)

i hope you all have a wonderful, blessed weekend.

xoxo.

cold hard cash.

so guess what...

i didn't win the powerball last night. 

i know, i know, i'm shocked.

my chances might have been a tad bit better had i actually bought a ticket.

but i've never bought a lottery ticket before and i'm not sure i'd even know how.

seriously though... i always feel sketchy when i walk up to the counter to buy one and instantly change my mind and just pay for my pack of gum and 12 6 pack of beer.

but my guess is that none of you won either.

and if you did... i would hope you weren't sitting here reading my measly little blog. i would hope you were out buying your own private island and getting the heck outta dodge. because i'm sure everyone and their mother's uncle's brother will be contacting you for some moolah. i know i would. sorry, not sorry.

anyways, all this $550million ish has got me thinking...

what in the world would i have done with that money had i won??

i'm sure you've all thought the same thing.

if i won, i would...

-pay off my student loans.

because being in debt up to your eye balls for the next 30 years is something we all want to do.

-buy my parent's a house in maine. 

because my lovely little mother has always wanted to live there. she has a thing for cold weather and lobsters. my dad, however, would have to have his own built in sauna because he would freeze to death. poor little thing. i think he'd be happy fishing and coming home to a sauna- i know i would.

-buy my baby brother whatever car he wants.

i would say i would pay for his college tuition.

however, he's going to end up being a pro golfer- i just know he is.

so i'm not really worried about his college tuition. boy's gonna have a free ride one of these days.

or else.

-open an orphanage in kenya.

this is my dream. ab-so-lute dreeeeeeam. 

and i will do it one day whether i win the lottery or not!! 

i want these babies in my life, all day, errr day.

-bring my pinterest closet to life.

duh.

-travel to every winery. in. the. world.

this sounds like a fabulous way to spend my time.

-hire a sexy personal trainer to keep my butt in shape.

(sexy) key word right there.

-build my dream home.

don't ask me where i want this dream home to be. i may end up with 3 or 4 of them. 

because that's pretty standard for a millionaire. just tryin' to keep up.

-save the rest. 

you never know what could happen in the future.

and why not let those dolla dolla bills grow in interest??

i would love to hear what you would do with $550 million!!

PSA and some OHP.

so i want to give a shout out right now. a very important one mind you...

to rice cakes.

these things are heaven in muhhh mouthhhh!!
seriously. white chedder popcorn flavor? where have you been all of my life?

gluten free, low cal, and ultimate goodness.

however, these babies are messier than powdered doughnuts and a 5 year old mixed together. i'm talking do NOT eat these at your desk when you're dressed in all black like i am at this very moment. 

you WILL be brushing yourself off and lint rolling crumbs for ten years.

now that i've shared this very important public service announcement with you all... 

let's move on to more important things.

like online hoarding parties, or oh how pinteresting wednesday with michelle.
whichever you prefer.

because i don't know about ya'll but i've been pinnin' like a mofo here lately.

something about christmas and the holidays that makes me want to become such a great baker, craft maker, gym-goer, fashionista, interior designer... you know how it goes. i know you do.

via.

via.

via.

via.

via.

via.

via.

happy hump day, friends!!

xoxo.

firsts.

i'm such a sucker for these whole "get to know me" posts.

i don't know why but i love em.

so here ya go...

oh and i found this one courtesy of jenna and ashley.

(they're pretty cool too if you wanna check 'em out)

1. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning.

oh, you mean after i hit the snooze button for a straight hour? 

i guess at that point i groan, stretch, curse a little, and then go pee. 

pretty routine.

2. First thing you reach for when you open the fridge.

water, water, water. 

or olives. or pickles. yummm!

3. First thing you do when you go to the gym.

 scope out the hottie totties (haha, just kidding... not really).

hook up to the gym's wi-fi and get to runnin' (or whatever it is you do on an elliptical).

4. First thing you do when you get home from work.

change for the gym.

only because if my butt hits the couch i will NEVER move.

5. First car.

my precious little mitsubishi lancer... that i still miss to this day!

i thought i was such a badass in this car. mainly because the movie the fast and the furious had just come out and i always pictured myself street racing like they did on the movie (okay so not really).

6. First car accident/ traffic violation. 

i got a ticket for an expired tag.

that's it... to this day... knock on sooo much wood!!

  7. First thing you wanted to be when you grew up.

a princess, duh. i still think this may end up coming true one day.

8. First beverage of choice.

water. a girl's gotta stay hydrated ... ya diggg?? 

and then of course there comes wine. sadly i cannot turn water into wine, but the store bought stuff does alright.

9. First choice breakfast.

pancakes, veggie omelet, hashbrown casserole.

just kidding. i would weigh 300lbs if that was the case.

i usually stick with grits or a granola bar and water with lemon & honey.

10. First choice dessert.

chocolate. anything chocolate.

11. First song that comes to mind.

i don't know when flo rida got so good, but i'm liking it.

  

  12. First major purchase.

well i sold my lancer and bought a yellow pt cruiser. so technically that was my first major purchase. however, i like to block out the days that i drove a post it note for a vehicle... so i will go with the second car i bought on my own- my jeep grand cherokee.

that later ended up needing open heart surgery (or a new transmission- whatever).

so she is no longer mine. it was a sad day.

 13. First job.

perfectin' the ice cream swirl at my local Dairy Queen. that job was legit. free ice cream? endless possibilities? and a 15 year old metabolism? helloooo dream world.

 14. First time you flew on a plane.

because of the fact that my family is pro-road trips i did not step foot on a plane until my senior year in college believe it or not... and it has actually been the ONLY time i have done so. i flew from atlanta to dallas for a sorority conference (by myself keep in mind) and although i was scared shitless i loved it!

play along, why dontcha? it's fun.

anddd i was feeling some bloggers block today.

so this is what it came down to.

my baby, ava grace.

most of you have never heard me talk about miss ava grace, have you?

probably because you're somwhat new around here and i don't have ava anymore.

she was/is a great dane/bull mastiff mix. so basically a miniature horse in other words. she will always be my first baby.

all of you fur mommas out there know how much love you can have for an animal. they become your children, especially when you don't have children, and are an instant part of your family- forever.

to read about my struggles with ava, start here.

to read about what ended up happening with ava, end here.

where am i going with all of this?

well i finally went to visit ava this weekend.

her new family has sent me picture updates and emails on the reg. they have been so amazing when it comes to keeping me posted and making me feel welcome to come visit any time. well i have been extremely hesitant about going to visit.

will i cry? will i want her back? will i be too upset with myself to handle it? how in the hell will i react to seeing her again after 6 months?

yes, it took me 6 months to get over all of those fears and go see her.

and i will just say that i could not have been more happy with what i saw.

i saw my overwhelmingly complicated and crazy puppy running freely through an 11 acre farm with her 3 puppy siblings. no fence, no leash, nothing. complete and utter freedom.

the best part about it all?

she is the most well behaved dog i have ever met in my life... ya'll, this is a HUGE deal. she was pretty out of control when i had her. and out of control may or may not be an understatement.

this may have been the toughest decision that i have ever made in my life thus far, but i still believe that it was the right one. i have given ava the best life that she could have ever wanted. i know that she will forever be taken care of
and will forever be happy with the Welch family.

i still miss her tremendously and still wish i had her huge body to curl up with at night (yes, she slept in my bed with me like a person)... but we are both much happier.

and this just further confirms that God is ALWAYS listening. to EVERY struggle we have... and he DOES answer prayers.

my heart is full. so very full.

and i will be visiting my baby every chance i can.

 happy monday, friends!

now that we're all fat...

let's do some thanksgiving recappin'.

if you follow me on instagram you were probably overwhelmed with all of my pictures posted yesterday (and you've probably already seen all of these) but you should probably get used to that though... i'm a picture addict.

and i should probably stop saying probably so much. oh wellsies.

this thanksgiving i was reminded just how truly blessed i am and how much i take for granted every day. my heart goes out to those that were unable to be with their families yesterday and i pray for those that were not as lucky as most of us to have a warm home and a good meal to eat.

i often times don't know what i did to deserve everything that i have. but i do know i am going to continue to cherish the times i am able to spend with my family and friends.

now what did my turkey day consist of?

lots of family time.

morning mimosas.

watching catching my brother taste testing everything in the kitchen.

and eating the best food i've ever had in.my.liiiiiife.

playing with my adorable, amazing, inspiring nieces.

enjoying the last bit of leaves in my parent's yard.

and taking more family pictures.

all while wondering how my sister ended up so dang skinny after 4 kids.

i seriously better have those genes.

the night ended by FINALLY seeing Breaking Dawn, Part 2.
and holy moly... it was the absolute best one yet.
i laughed, i cried, i almost walked out i was so pissed at one point, but overall i became even more obsessed than i already was.
well played, Twilight, well played.
and the whole family went to see it, which made it THAT much better!

i hope everyone had just as wonderful of a thanksgiving as i did!!
and enjoy the rest of your weekend/thanksgiving break!!

xoxo.

turkey day etiquette according to me.

we all know that tomorrow is Thanksgiving. 

if you didn't... well than you might not be American... or something along those lines.

there is a certain form of Thanksgiving etiquette/ to do list i think we all need to discuss. 

and today just seemed like the appropriate to do so...

you are off work tomorrow. so get your butt off of the couch and celebrate this fact!! you also have more food waiting for you tomorrow than your hungover self is going to know what to do with. embrace this.

and if you're not off work tomorrow- my condolences. your life might be borderline sucky at this point in time.

wear leggings. i promise you will not regret this. no unbuttonin' happenin' here homeslices!! 

on that same note... wear a baggy shirt of some sort. don't try to be all skinny tomorrow. just don't. it will only result in failure and flab hanging out. and we don't want that.

make sure you try every dessert possible. duh.

bring hostess treats for your thanksgiving dessert contribution. people will love you. 

and lets be honest- you won't get away with it next year.

keep copious amounts of wine and/or spiced rum apple cider on hand (or both). if your family is as crazy as mine i promise you will need it. it will also help contribute to your napping that will take place after you stuff your face.

take that nap i just mentioned. it's also known as a food coma to some me.

get lots and lots of pictures. because we all know that if you didn't take pictures, it obviously didn't happen. haha... just kidding. we can thank facebook and instagram for this. but i really do love looking at all your pictures- so take some!!

dress your animals up like pilgrims and indians. and take pictures.

go to the gym friday, saturday, anddd sunday. you will need to.

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

i'm thankful for each and every one of you. 

and lil wayne. 

i'm thankful for him too.

roads vs. walking trails.

so saturday when i met the family up at cataloochee ski resort to watch my brother snow board... i realized one thing...

i can be real dumb sometimes.

i've been up to cataloochee countless times over the last few years, but i have always had to park in the farthest lot out and walk up because of how many people are there. andddd there are usually hot snowboarding guys directing the parking 

(we all know that helps tremendously).

well apparently saturday wasn't as crowded as normal because the parking lot just above the ski shop still had some spaces open...

so i drive towards the parking lot and see two roads... 

one of which looks like it leads to nowhere, the other looks like it's meant for a 4wheeler because of how narrow it is.

being terrified to get somewhere in these dang mountains and not be able to turn around and being kidnapped by some backwoods inbread... i decided i would just kick the jeep into 4wd and try the smaller road.

this "smaller" road however, isn't just a normal road. 

no, it's uphill (duh), has one tiny little railing on one side attempting to keep you from falling off of the mountain, and the other side is nothing but a ditch... with rocks. big rocks.

but for some reason i thought this was the better choice. cue dumb alert.

halfway up i start panicking wondering what in the hell i have just gotten myself into... because i'm bouncing up and down like a roller coaster and praying to God i don't fall off the side. for some reason i decide that i should probably just keep going though because trying to back down that thing would have been disastrous.

like it wasn't already a disaster... 

anywho... i made it. somehow.

and when i got to the top i saw all of these little 2wd cars sitting there 

and i just stared in utter disbelief thinking how in the hell they made it up here.

whatever.

so i walked down to the ski shop, hung out for a few hours, and watched my little brother snowboard. by the time i was ready to leave i told my mom that she needed to walk up to my car with me and then ride back down the parking lot mountain, 

because i was too scared to do it by myself.

she looked at me like i was crazy.

because she said she had no problems getting to the parking lot.

so we walk outside and dumbfounded she points at the road... the one i did not take... the one i thought lead to nowhere and kidnappers... and asks me how in the world i had problems getting up the road when it simply circles around the mountain and up to the lot.

well ya see, there was my problem... that's not the road i took.

i took the one that we were currently WALKING up.

because apparently that's a WALKING trail. not a road. not a road in the least bit.

i drove up a walking trail people. a damn walking trail.

when there was a regular road to my left that lead to the same place.

moral of the story?

if you're on a mountain and a road looks questionable... it's probably NOT a road.

ya live and ya learn, people. 

and i still do not know if anyone saw me or not.

we're just gonna go ahead and say that they didn't.

sweet 16 and weekend recappin- picture overload.

i was thinking this weekend about how much i would LOVE to go back to being 16 again. i feel like i had so much going on and so much to look forward to that my mind was never concerned with any type of worry or stress. 

ice cream girl at dairy queen, just getting my license, cheerleading was my life, new car, new boyfriend, and just as skinny as can be. 

life was good.

why in the world am i talking about being 16 again?

because my baaaaaby brother is turning 16 today!! 

and i feel like an old worn out hag.

i want so badly to go back to the days of him putting sand in my shoes and fake spiders in my bed. i wouldn't even mind getting in trouble every single time for him again.

however, i love how close him and i have gotten. each year it seems we get closer and closer 

and i cherish each day i get to spend with him.

i could go on and on about how proud i am of him and how much love i have for someone that unexpectedly showed up when i was 9 years old... but he already knows all of this.

this boy... is going places!!

love you always, baby brother.

ps- i expect some sort of monetary contribution when you're a famous pro golfer. jus' sayin'.

moving on to my weekend.

and linking up with some fabulous girls!!

it was good, reaaaal good.

friday:

1. dinner and drinks with roomie and friends.

2. accidentally matching in every way possible with izzi. sorority sisters, pledge sisters, etc. we're obviously on the same wave length.

3. ending the night with netflix and a cozy winter fire.

saturday:

1. the day was spent at cataloochee ski resort watching little brother snowboard.

2. our entertainment ended up being this awesome lady who chooses to ski in a dress... apparently she does this every year. 

she looked like a witch coming down the mountain!

1. this is boy toy. we had a "friends-giving" dinner saturday night over at our friend tiff's house.

2. he likes to make fun of my hand on hip pose. we all know he loves it though. i mean, check out his attitude.

3. tiff has 2 great danes, aka mini horses, that only want to play as if they're 3 lbs and not 200.

4. matt thinks they need to be ridden. 

5. too much food. but so dang good. thank GOD i wore leggings that night. no unbuttoning here!!

sunday:

1. sunday morning study and worship at mi casa. you can worship God in anything and everything you do... 

by yourself, with a group, or wherever. 

2, 3, and 4: the rest of my day was spent with family and having a photo shoot with my amaaaaazing (and adorable) nieces!!

now it's on to a 3 day work week and food, food, food!!!

fridaaayy lettaaahs.

dear God:

i'm still so amazed at how much you love me. it's such a wonderful feeling knowing that i don't have to worry about anything, ever. i truly needed last weekend alone with you and i thank you every day for giving me the opportunity to disconnect from the outside world. i'm ready and willing to be your hands and feet! put me to work!

dear spider bite on my leg:

that's right- spider bite... on my leg. i even felt the dang thing bite me last week. it's starting to freak me out a little bit because it's all red and bumpy. the doc says it's fine but my hypochondriac self is just waiting to lose a leg out of all of this. such is life.

dear iphone 5:

i want to sing to you because i love you THAT much. but you're making me do weird things now... like take self pictures and shit. that's not okay. i will NOT be one of those girls... okay or maybe i will... not sure yet. i guess we will see.

dear twi hard fans:

i'm glad all of you decided to wait outside in ridic lines for 2 hours before seeing a movie that's going to be in theaters for another 2 weeks. i know you're smarter than i am because of this, obviously, but i just love my warm, cozy bed a little too much to join in. i'll see it eventually. tell edward and jacob i said hi.

dear nashville:

i just watched every episode out right now of yours back to back. i think i may have a new favorite show... and you're it. 

i hope you feel special.

dear thanksgiving:

i'm sorry Christmas is trying to steal your thunder. even though i want to, i promise i won't put up any Christmas decorations until after you pass... because i know you can get jealous sometimes. but hurry up already... i'm ready to eat, sleep, eat, sleep, and repeat.

go link up with ashley.

everyone's doing it.

xoxo.

gracefully thankful.

it's november. 

one of the months where because of thanksgiving we express more than ever what we are thankful for. i have yet to outwardly, or publicly, give thanks on the endless means of social media... mainly because what i am grateful for really cannot be put into words. i'm grateful for everything and everyone in my life. i am so blessed in every possible way... even though sometimes i neglect to realize this. 

i think we all have a problem with that at times.

but today i'm going to try and compile some sort of list... mainly because i feel compelled to and the other reason being that miss sarah at gracefully made is hosting a thankful thursday linkup and i cannot resist joining in!! she's a gem, she truly is!

i'm thankful...

for absolutely amazing family and friends that support me in everything i do.

for an AWESOME GOD that never fails us. He is always there!

for a great job that i love dearly.

for paid vacay and holidays via said job.

everything listed below... these could probably just about sum it up, but there's always more!

for leggings, oversized sweaters, chunky scarves, and boots.

for four seasons and multiple wardrobes in these beautiful mountains.

for my Delta Zeta sisters.

for social media allowing me to tell you everything and nothing you want to hear about my life. you love it though... right??

for the fact that spiders and rats cannot fly.

for People magazine finally realizing who the sexiest man alive is. 

took them long enough, sheesh!!

for Biltmore Christmas wine coming out early andddd it being on sale.

mmm mmm good.

what are you thankful for?

i need goodies and some online partyin.

so i have to tell you all that last thursday, the day i left for the walk to emmaus, i got a phone call from verizon 

saying that my new baby girl had arrived. 

that's right- my much anticipated iphone 5.

i knew that i wouldn't be able to play with her right away since i was leaving that afternoon for 72 hours of no phone, no internet, nothing. 

i also knew that i would be more tempted than ever to check said phone if i knew this bad boy was in my purse.

so what did i do? 

i waited until monday. 

that's right... i let it sit in the store with my name on it for 4 days.

will power right there party people. will. power. 

but i will say, it was definitely worth the wait!! 

you know the feeling when you go christmas shopping with the rents and you get to pick everything out but then you have to wait until christmas morning to open all your great finds?

and you're pissed because you want it all right then.

but then come christmas morning you are soooo glad you waited or else you wouldn't have had anything to open or look forward to.
and you would have pouted like the 4 year old you are.

yeah, this was kinda like that... but kinda not.

anyways, i have a slight problem with finding all of the fun apps out there. 

naturally facebook, twitter, blogger, pinterest, and instagram were installed within minutes of turning this baby on.
but now i need more to play with! 

so tell me, what are YOUR favies to use?? 

gimme all your goodies, please and thaaanks!! 

moving on.

 remember those online hoarding parties we love so much? well we're gonna have another one today.
because who doesn't love a good party?

especially when michelle from the vintage apple is hosting it!

via.

via.

via.

yes that is wine ice cream. via.

via.

via.

happy hump day!!
xoxo.