Do you think ________, makes my ______, look _______?

I love when people say things like this!  I find myself doing it all the time!  

Do you think this bow makes my head look too small?  

Personally, I have to tell you that I think it is super fabulous.

It's not for the stylishly timid,

but I would rock it just for the nay sayers.

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This look will undoubtedly stir up the conversation in any stagnant room!

I am obsessed with all of
it.

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 My Rule:  If it is a bit too much, I throw one more thing on!

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I this skirt too bright?

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Do these lashes look too long?  

I think that is kind of like asking "is this diamond too big"?

Dumb question.

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Too much or never enough?  My pick is never enough. Life is to short.

I wear my stuff and my style like it's my life.  

I have fun with it, follow no rules, (except the white before easter, I'm a southerner).  

Besides that, it's open game.  Have fun and for god sakes, live a  little.

Best costumes EVER!

Halloween is definitely my favorite time of the year!  

My first love was character make up for movies,  

so this is a fun time of year with my kids!  

I keep it simple with the little ones though.  

Piper, Zander, and Sutton's costume will have to be a surprise!

If I had my vote they would be rocking one of these lil' ensembles!  

I love a nugget fashionista!

My Baby Birkin

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So cute, lil snowbaby!

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Mini Audrey!

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Oh so cute Scarecrow.

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Lil' Old Ladies

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Kiss

Michael Jackson

I will keep you posted on our pics after Halloween!

What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!

Every two years, my husband's company is invited to a summit in Vegas.  This is a motivational time for all of the business owners and staff to get together from across the country and get motivated and educated on the new products.  Van Products, Inc. brings freedom and mobility to physically challenged residents of North Carolina. Their two locations in Raleigh and Wilmington, North Carolina offer personal and commercial wheelchair-accessible vehicles, lifts, ramps, hand controls and many other products that make the world more accessible. Not only is this an amazing business to be in, it is also very touching.  Every person in a chair has a story.  I have been very blessed to know a few of them that are leaders for their cause which is not to let their struggles get them down.  They keep their heads up and keep on moving.  There are limitations for each individual but they continue to strive for new technology and accessibility to keep them mobil.  It was a great week with Braun Ability, and I am very excited to have been a part of it!

To die for!

The Wynn, Las Vegas

Love these pics, they remind me of Kristen Martinez work!  She is my fav artist of the hour!  The dress, is amazing!  I love that Valentino did a baby pink for fall.  I mean who does that?  

Valentino does, and I'm good with that! 

  

Valentino, Caesar's Palace

This was so neat, it was in the hotel!  

The Wynn, Las Vegas

I can be a little touristy.  No fanny pack, just cheesy pics!

Fashion Show Mall, Vegas

Just wishing' this was my courtyard!

The Wynn, Las Vegas

Francisca looking at the parasols!  We were both excited when we figure out they moved!

Parasols, The Wynn

I love getting my ID. checked!  

Sushi Samba, Las Vegas

This a pretty bad quality picture, but I couldn't not put it on here!  

We had such a great time, with great friends.  

My Daily Prayer

 

inspiration, The Chaplin's Digest Author UNKNOWN

Posh Tot Party Pics

O.K. I know, it's been a while.  

I'm sorry.  Really, I am.  Sometimes life just gets the best of us and days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months.  But I'm back, (to let you know, I can really break it down....). Alright, alright.  I'm focusing, promise.  These are the long awaited photos of the b-day parties! 

Zander was born exactly 6 years ago on August 25, 2006.  That day when my little boy was handed to me, I knew I was in love.  We celebrated that special day with a bang.  Pirates were his theme, and he generously shared his special day with his lil sis, Piper.  (I doubt I'll be able to get away with that for too much longer).  Piper turned three on August 28. 

I always knew my favorite color was pink, but on this day it was justified.  She was so beautiful.  

We celebrated her birthday with a mermaid theme.

The food was so much fun to put together.  We celebrated their parties at Landfall Country Club.  I came up with the ideas and Mrs. Judy ( a god-send) made it happen.  I perused several blogs and stayed up late night Pinterest stalking party planners.  The kids loved it!  

The ocean water was just the reg with blue food coloring.  The candy bags consisted of rock candy, gummy worms(fish bait), and salt water taffy.  We did a watermelon fruit basket (bucket and shovel), pirates booty (nom, nom), gold fish (catch of the day), and jello with oranges (pirate ships in the ocean).  All of this was a hit!

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Zander wanted a pirate theme, so we pulled out all of the stops.  He had so much fun!  

The gift bags were fun to make!  My blush girls helped a ton!

 mermaid skirt, banner

Piper felt like a princess in her mermaid tail. It was wearable and oh-so-cute!  I loved the jelly fish umbrella, nice touch, Mrs. Judy.  She also made the necklaces with pearls in them!  

The little girls fell in love!

Better late than never!  The balloons made a grand enhance just as the party was getting started!  

Our friend Josh Lee came dressed as a pirate!  The girls were swooning.

The party was a blast.  The kids had fun, and the adults got to watch without lifting a finger.  

That is a success in itself.  This was the first year that I was able to enjoy myself.  

Hire it done, people.  

Trust me!  

Sutton Grier is next!  She will be two in November! 

Everyone loves a party, what are some of the themes you've used?

Do you have any original ideas?

Finishing Touches

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This weekend is my little boy, Zander, and my little girl, Piper's, birthday.  We are having a big ol' ridiculous over the top party(yes, I'm that girl), and I am beside myself.  I live for this stuff. Tomorrow will be the finishing touches, I'll keep you posted with pics, but until then, know that the "everything"is complete.  Sleep tight, lovelies. 

  

Twinkle Toes and Fancy Fingers

One of my favorite things to do on Sundays is to go to the nail salon by our house with my little girl.  During these trips I usually just get a polish change so we can get finished at the  same time. 

 My middle girl, Piper, is so funny when she picks out her color.  

She is very confident with everything that she does. 

 I love this about her and I hope it takes her through the rest of her life,

 nail polish choice and all.

I think we all have dreams for our little ones, this is one of mine........

Here are some of my favorite nail trends this season.

I love the tangerine color!
One of my favorite things about O.P.I. nail polish is the names they come up with!
I love the yellow with the mint green.
I think it shows a little bit of rebellion and I just think that's hot.
It reminds my of the scene in Sex in the City when the
muslim women have on their garb and under it are sequined dresses and lacy lingerie!
 You go girl.  The french manicure now is kind of faux pas,
not because I don't like the look of it, because the masses ruined the original look of it.  I go with the american manicure these days.  It's a softer version of the french and goes with everything.

Why is it so hard to choose a color!?!  It is such a big deal because now, with shellac, it is a serious commitment.  I love the shellac and usually opt for a natural pink or an american on my fingers.  On my toes I have a little more of a choice to play with pops of color.  Every once in a while I'll get a wild steak and do something daring.  What is your favorite nail trend?

Bangs in your Future?

In  this particular segment there were a few innocent inside jokes. It was so profound that it happened because in all honesty it was completely innocent. Teasers are all the new rage in our area and recently it has been brought to my attention that there are a lot of people taking our lead.  Teasers were not my idea, originally. They were inspired by another salon, Gretta Cole, in Boston, MA! I think she is a brilliant entrepreneur and I admire her business savvy.  I wanted to bring a little dose of northern style to our small town.  So in good fun, Foz touched base on this subject, which I thought was a riot because I truly had no idea he was going to.  I took it in stride and handled it well but I could have really botched this.  Wilmington, aka, Wilmywood is much smaller than you may think, so we walk on eggshells around here. Welcome to the south.  It's all in good fun and there is nothing like a heathy competition!  I think it makes it a challenge and keeps you on your toes.  

Well done, Foz and Jocelyn!  

The second thing I talked about was bangs.  We also have a love hate relationship with this subject.  We've all had bad ones and we all think we want them again.  It is one of those things that you have to really think about before you make the commitment.  

Boobs, who needs em'

I know the rain was bad today, but to most, that is nothing that a little hot pink hunter rain boots can't fix. No today,  I had thunderclouds on my heart.  Yesterday, was when it all started.

I left to do my normal radio show with Foz and Jocelyn, all was good in the hood, easy show, no blips.  Next was my routine check-up and breast exam, although with a new surgeon, she came highly recommended, my ease was good.  I got there, I had a balance from 05'for $48.67.  Boy, do they hold a grudge, I honestly don't remember ever visiting that office, but oh well, I paid it.  Next came the long awaited wait in the room, half naked.  Thirty minutes later Betsy came in.  That's the doctor.  I like to call them by the first name, it's makes me think of them like they know me.  It's a comfort thing.  She does my breast exam.  It felt like it took an hour.  At the very end of it, she said I feel something here.  She asked me to feel it, which always freaks me out, I feel like it's gonna bite me or something, plus I'm a hypercondrac, to boot.  She said she wanted to an ultrasound, pitter-patter-pitter-patter.  I got on the table, the tech looked nervous.  She did the test and went to find the doc.  The doc came in and said she wanted to do a biopsy, he, he, hoo, he, he, hoo.  Game time.  I put my arm over my head, they numbed my breast with a big fat needle, then took three "plugs" out.  It didn't hurt but there is something about someone digging inside your boob, when you can't feel it.  Violated, scared, different, that' how it feels.   I kissed my babies longer that night, and held them just a little tighter.    I went through the night with a 1/2 bottle of wine and some company from my neighbor.  I woke up the next morning and thought to myself, my life could change today.  I don't think it will, but it could.  For a second my bed was more cozy, bacon smelled better, the rain was prettier, my little girls were sweeter, my little boy was cuter.  One foot went in front of another.  I made it to work, mascara was no option.  I cried all morning, not scared tears, just understanding and compassion for women that go through this everyday.   

I got my results, the lump was benign.  Betsy called me on her day off to let me know, thank god for great physicians.  I had another year, mammogram free.  I am 31, that is only 12 years younger than when my mother was diagnosed.  It's scary, I don't let it define me, I don't let it control me, but I do let it remind me, that life is short.  

Cancer is one way to go, but none of us truly knows what tomorrow may bring.  

So today, my hunter rain boots indeed made my rainy day better, 

it's the simple things we should enjoy while life is simple.

My mom

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO!

This week has been a whirlwind.  Sometimes I feel like I'm on a roller coaster, like I need to hang on tight, because before I know it, the ride will be over.  It goes by in an instant.  I mean really, August.  That is insane.  

The Barbecue for Boobies went great!  We raised $7000.  That's a whole lotta pig if you ask me.  We had a great turnout with a lot of local support.  

Zander, my little boy, also started kindergarden that day.  I can't believe it.  He walked into that school like he owned it.  I'm so proud of the little boy he has turned out to be.

Next up is Birthdays.  Lee's is August 5, Zander's August 25, and Piper is August 28.  

I'll keep you posted on what we are going to do. 

 Until then, I need sleep, lovelies.  

NHRMCF Pink Ribbon Project

This year I am chairing a local event for the Pink Ribbon Project.
This is a clip they did on my mother and how the project helped her during her treatment.  

This weekend I am presenting the game ball for the hammerheads soccer team!
I am so excited to have support from such a such a great organization!

Hammerheads Soccer

Next week we have a BBQ that we are doing in honor of my mother!  

Cameo 1900

The menu looks divine!

Chef, Kirsten Mitchell

I want to give special thanks to the Herring Family of Hogslats for donating the pigs!

This is the lunch flyer!

I just received a picture of the painting that we are using for the signature art piece.
 There will be prints made of this and post cards!

Artist, Pam Toll

Our theme this year is legacy.  I'm so excited that my mom left one for me, with all of the things I do, with all of the things I say, the way I raise my babies, the way I make spaghetti, the way I put lotion on every night, the things I believe in, and the things I don't.  

Mommy, Are you Vintage?

Almost five years ago, I promised my unborn baby boy that I wouldn't work forever.  That it would just be for a little while.  Today was the first of many Monday's off since that promise.  He starts year round  kindergarden next week.  I am proud to have set an example for him, through perseverance hard work truly pays off, but that doesn't change the fact that he is growing up.  I must say he is precious.  Our very first Monday we spent looking for treasure.  

We found a bunch of great things.  

We also met a few special people. 

 The lady above gave Zander a homemade cookie.  It was love at first sight.  He asked her why she had so many old things, and she explained to him that one person's junk may be another's treasure.  He asked her if she was old.  She answered him yes, he said, "well, you sure are pretty, even if your old".  I'm not sure which on of us loved him more at that moment.

Zander loved this store because it had a lot of cowboy stuff.  The staging person from Jennifer Aniston's new movie was there shopping for horse stuff too.  Pissed him off, he didn't know Jennifer and the lady was taking all his western stuff.  This is when he asked me what was vintage.  I said it's when things are very old but still special.  

He said, "Mommy, are you vintage", 

everyone at the register got a laugh at that one.

vintage jewelry

I'm the type that likes to buy two for me, one for someone else, two for me, you get the idea.  I couldn't leave without this little baubles.  I spent a total of $32.00.  The green ones are my fave.  

Jonsin for some inspiration

Okay, it's time to tighten up.  My office space is clogging up my brain.  I think my manager may even lose her mind in there!!  Or may lose her mind from losing her keys, and her phone, in the trenches, but regardless, we are losing it!  A man designed it, and yes it is very functional, I will give him that.  But inspiring, no.  It's kind of like an office/storage building.  It's so funny though.  Clients are always interested in what is in there.  It's like the unknown.  Well guess what, it's a hole, with one little window.  Kind of like solitary confinement {like prison}, no I've never been to prison, but I'm sure it's less than mediocre just like my office.

The salon is ah...mazing, if I do say so myself.  I built that for everyone else though.  For their viewing pleasure.  With all the pressures now, of coming up with something profound at every waking second for all the world to see, I need to add some fab for my viewing pleasure! So here is what I had in mind.

luv a white room because of the endless things you can do to a blank canvas!

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Lil' sugar, lots of spice!  I luv the black credenza and velvet pink sofa.  Scrumptious.

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I usually favor things more wop-sided but I like the symmetry of this room.  

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I will post some pictures of my office soon! Let me know what you think I should do!

Timing is Everything

This is a little tribute to my mom and all of my girlfriends out there!  Thank the lord for mamma showing us how it was done!  She always treated us on a case by case basis.  She showed me that dignity has no age limit or time frame.  Confidence was everything to her, and that she gave us!  She also taught me that even as an adult, we can be unsure.  The trick is knowing the right people to ask.

Smitten Saturday

Good-googa-mooga blushing beauties,  a week of mommy hood{no nanny} and the Fourth of July being in the middle of the week, I'm completely discombobulated!  We had a crazy few days at work, and I am elated it is Saturday already!  I can't wait to use my new found treasure!  These cute little wine stake holders make having a cocktail in a lounge chair in your front yard a little more fancy-shmancy!

wine stake holder

It's so hot, it's a bit of a challenge holding it together.  

My brain is a little cloudy too, friends.  

I'm off to some R&R{rest & recharge}.  Enjoy your weekend!

Yup. We are those people.

God Bless America, my family, and good wine!

It kind of looks like we are at a N.C. State game, but we aren't,  we are celebrating the Fourth of July!  I totally planned on wearing navy blue and white, but on the way out the door I noticed my button was missing.  Well hot damn, we look good still.  I love a theme, people.  I just can not help myself!  We had a wonderful dinner, a little too much spirits, and a lot of fireworks.  

It's not Independence day without apple pie!

Happy Fourth, All!