CHRISTMAS BREAK!

Hello lovelies!

I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post.

Things around here have been SO busy.

Lots of final projects/papers/exams at school, not to mention our poor sweet pup got PNEUMONIA!

Yeah, weird right?!  Who knew animals could get pneumonia.

I'm happy to say, though, that pup is doing well and is almost back to 100% AND my final exams at school are completely finished, marking the end of fall semester!

I couldn't be happier about that.

Not only because I never have to go back to the awful sociology class I was taking, but also because now I am about to embark on my FINAL SEMESTER EVER!

Unbelievable, to say the least.

Since I've been gone awhile, I have a few pics to share with you just to keep you guys posted on what's been going on with me!

First, Thanksgiving happened.  Every year at Joe's parents' house, Ashley and I have a potato peeling contest before dinner.

Let me start off by saying this started off as a joke...and I'm not really that competitive (I get nervous under pressure!), but Ashley is super competitive...so over the past three years the contest has gotten more and more serious.

This year, however, things jumped to a whole new level.

That's right, a golden peeler plaque was awarded to the winner, which this year just so happened to NOT be me.

I have to admit though, the plaque is pretty hilarious, and at least my name is on there as the winner last year!

Next Thanksgiving it's game on, that's for sure.

Also at Thanksgiving, Ashley and I always build a gingerbread house.

After Thanksgiving was over, Joe and I decided to get a jump start on Christmas and pick out our very first Christmas tree together!

I haven't had a real Christmas tree in probably over 10 years, so I was pretty excited about this!

My family always had this beautiful, fake, pre-lit tree, so I sort of forgot how fun it is to have a real one (and how great the smell is!).

Since this picture, AJ has managed to pull all of the lower branches closest to the floor completely off in order to chew on them.  Silly pup.

Then, my good friend Stephanie got engaged!!!

Look at that ROCK!

I'm a little obsessed with her ring...I mean LOOK at it.

And, I'm so excited to be a part of their big day!!

I'm gonna be a professional bridesmaid soon enough!

Lastly, finals week at school came and went.

My old roommate, Andrea, and I both had our last final in a class we had together, so afterwards it was only appropriate to celebrate!

This weekend, Joe's mom is graduating from UGA with her teaching degree!  So, we will be down in Peachtree City celebrating her accomplishments for the weekend.

Also coming up, on Monday to be exact, is Joe and I's 3 YEAR anniversary!

I'll be back after that with an update on how we celebrated.

I see a lot more Andre in my future, that's for sure.

:)

Have a great weekend ladies!

fill in the blank friday!

Hello lovelies!

Hallelujah, it's finally Friday!

And for those of you that are not currently college students, this Friday also brings along the start of one glorious week off of school!

I couldn't be more happy for this break...not because I'm feeling overwhelmed {I'm surprisingly calm right now about how the semester is going}.  I'm really just excited for all the things happening during it!

For one, my dad is coming into town so we can finally go to a UGA home game together.

In all my years at Georgia we have yet to go to a game together, which is a total shame!

But he couldn't have chosen a better one.  It will be exciting to see Georgia clinch the SEC East together and celebrate!

This game will also be my LAST home game as a student.  Where did the time go?!

I also get to spend some time with Kayla and Becca next week.  We haven't all been able to get together since...I don't know...maybe summer?  I can't wait for the much needed girl time!

And let's not forget, Thanksgiving!!

Joe and I are heading down to his parents' house in Peachtree City for some family time, and will also be dropping by my aunt's house for some of her yummy stuffing!

Lots of happenings!

What are you guys planning for Thanksgiving?  Anything fun?

Hope you all enjoy this beautiful fall weekend!

Here are some blanks!

1.   A nervous habit I have is  definitely chewing on my nails...which is really ironic, because nail-biting also happens to be one of my biggest pet peeves.  When I'm really anxious I just can't help it though!

2.   Something that makes me sad is not living near my mom or dad.  We're all currently in different states, and I've been okay with it...but you know.  Sometimes you just want to go home.

3.  Today I am thankful for my friends.  The fact that after 10 years we're still taking time out of our busy lives to have dinner together when possible makes me really happy and grateful to have them.  Also, of course, Joe and the pup.  Having the pup around has really made it feel like we've built a home here in this little apartment!

4. My favorite room in my house is the bedroom.  Lately I haven't been spending a lot of time in there because Joe moved his xbox in there {haha} but it's still my favorite.  When I moved in, I sort of made the bed my own little project/contribution to the place, so of course I made it as cozy as possible.

5.  I can't stand the theme song to Big Bang Theory...or anything about that show in general.  I know that is super random, but this week I keep hearing the song on TV before I can race to the remote and change it and it's driving me nuts!  That is a show I will never be able to get into.

6.  If I had an extra $100 to spend on whatever I wanted today I would use it to start Christmas shopping.  My list of people to buy for is growing and that is not a good thing for a broke college kid like me!

7.  The last person I hung out with was my good friend Stephanie in Athens last weekend!  We set up a makeshift tailgate at a picnic table for the UGA/Auburn game, so I hung out with more people than just her, but I did find myself spending most of my time catching up with her!

my surprise day off

Today, instead of a day full of playing with the kids I nanny and refereeing all of their fights, I was given a surprise day off!

A day that I should have spent preparing for a test I have tomorrow...but alas.

I've been really tired all day...probably having something to do with the fact that the pup woke us up around 5am with a horrible cough that scared the living daylights out of me.

So, instead of studying, me and the pup slept in until around 10:30 {glorious} and then I took him to the vet, where I was informed he has a minor respiratory infection.

:(

Poor thing.

After the visit to the vet, I journeyed down a few exits to visit Joe at work and have a lunch date!

There's this great mexican place we used to go to every weekend when he lived down that way, and we haven't been there probably since he moved around March.

It was delicious, just like I remember!

For the rest of the afternoon, the pup and I have been napping, watching tv, and being lazy, lazy bums.

However, I have been doing a little research online!

I go through these phases where I feel like being really crafty, particularly around the holidays.

Do you guys have any suggestions of fun crafts to make that are Christmas related?

Right now I don't have too many ideas...of course I will be pinteresting for the next hour on this.

But, I just wanted to ask because everyone out there seems to be so creative!

Also, on a side note, I wanted to show you guys these shoes.

They are a little uncomfortable...

...hard to walk in...

...but they are so glittery...

...and pretty!

I haven't been able to bring myself to return them...part of me wants to keep them just because every girl should have a pair of shoes this flashy.

Before I make my decision on their fate, I have to show them off to someone though.

Lucky ya'll!

Look how shiny and pretty!

*sigh*

Hope you all are having a great week.

Happy hump day!

:)

fill in the blank friday...and a new pup!

Hello lovelies!

I don't know about you guys, but all I can say is TGIF!

I am so glad it's the weekend.

In about 20 minutes I have to get ready for work, but I just HAD to stop by and let you all meet my new obsession:

That's right, folks.

Joe and I decided to get a puppy!!

We named him AJ, after AJ Green of course.

For those of you who don't know who that is, he is one of the best football players UGA has ever seen and Joe and I are a little obsessed with him.

Anyway, we got this little guy on Halloween {best Halloween present EVER} and I've been lovin' on him allllll week long.

Seriously.

I even took him to Athens with me because I couldn't stand the thought of him being here alone.

And yes, he may or may not be going to work with me today.

I can't help it, look at that face!

I will share more photos with you soon when I have more time.

But, until then, let's fill in some blanks!

1.   My favorite thing about this week was/is getting the new pup and taking him everywhere I go!  That was a given.

2.   Colder weather makes me really want hot chocolate.  Thankfully, my mom bought me TWO new cookbooks this week, and one contains a Christmas hot chocolate recipe for the CROCK POT.  There is no way it's not gonna taste like heaven.

3.  Three things that make me terribly happy as of late are AJ, Joe, and UGA's football season turning around and getting awesome!

4. If I could only wear one kind of shoe for the rest of my life, I'd choose flip flops.  I have always been a flip flop kinda gal.  When I was little, I was more of a barefoot kinda gal, so I guess that's why I love flip flops so much.

5.  My personality type is more introverted than extroverted.  I do okay in crowds, but I'm still pretty shy.  I've definitely grown to be more extroverted through my college years.  I'm also a big homebody.  Whoever knows me knows this to be very true.

6.  I have a serious problem resisting candy.  I got this cute new festive pumpkin candy bowl for our coffee table and filled it with candy for Halloween, but Joe and I managed to eat it all before Halloween even got here!  So bad.

7.  My favorite color to wear is black, grey, and purple...like dark purple.  Dark colors look the best on me.  In my own opinion anyway.

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

:)

glory, glory to ol' Georgia!

This weekend, the unthinkable happened.

Well, not really the UNTHINKABLE.

But the unusual.

My football team finally came away from one of the biggest games of our season (GA vs. FL) victorious!

I can't tell you all how extremely exciting this moment was for all us Georgia fans.

But, in an attempt to try, I have decided to dedicate this post to the game.

I mean, it deserves somewhat of a dedication!

Originally, Joe was not thrilled I was forcing him to drive all the way to Jacksonville.

Let me preface that by saying that last year we had the absolute worst experience ever at this game.

Not only did we lose, but Florida fans were shaking chain link fences at us and dumping beer all over our heads.

This is not an exaggeration.

But I insisted that we go again this year since it's my senior year.

The least I could do is give it one more shot, as a student, and hope for the best.

So, after minimal planning and some last minute arrangements, Joe and I made the drive that would turn out to be completely worth it!

We also got to have our first little mini vacation alone, which was so nice!

The first night, we went to The Landing, which if you don't know, is where all the fans that aren't at a self-made tailgate accumulate to drink, dance, and enjoy the atmosphere.

We also got the best pizza ever.

Saturday, we woke up and had a good breakfast at this delicious breakfast/BBQ joint, and then headed back to The Landing to have some drinks and try to get rid of the nerves.

I swear, I don't know how the football players do it.

I had butterflies all day long and my only job was to sit in the stands and cheer.

This cute pup was walking around chewing on a gator all afternoon.

Definitely a fan favorite.

When we finally pulled ahead, I had to take a picture of the scoreboard...just in case something crazy happened.

But alas, it didn't, and the score stayed the same for the last 13 minutes!

Me with the winning scoreboard.

Notice how the Georgia fans are all going nuts and the Florida side is completely empty.

So, that's my story of Georgia/Florida 2011.

I hope I didn't bore you all to death...

but it's not every day I can enjoy being a winner against Florida.

So if you stuck with me through this post, I appreciate it.

And for your dedication, your reward will be...

pumpkin recipes!

Coming soon.  I stocked up on canned pumpkin and have been a Pinterest-ing machine, so I'll throw something delicious your way ASAP.

Promise.

:)

working out

Now is one of those times where I go through the phase that I like working out.

It was only a matter of time before it started again.

I took a spin class for school over the summer, and it was god awful.

Not because I hated spinning.  I actually enjoyed the spin part.

But we had to do all kinds of crazy aerobics AFTER an hour of spinning, and that just didn't fly with me.

So I took a break from working out for the last two months - ick, just saying it out loud makes me feel bad.

What do you guys do to keep yourselves healthy/in shape?

I have constantly been looking up hot yoga/Bikram yoga...I have heard so much about it and it's health benefits that I was instantly interested.

Plus, I've always loved yoga.

However, there isn't anywhere really close to my apartment that does it.

Therein lies the problem.

I want to do something that is convenient in time and place, good for me, and fun, most importantly.

If ya'll have any suggestions of fun exercises or classes to do/take, please share!

Today I got another surprise day off work, which means I am enjoying the 4th day of my weekend.

Sweet, sweet weekend.

I am going to go on a walk, do some homework, and mayyyybe get my nails done.

Maybe.

Have a great Monday, all!

:)

fill in the blank friday!

Hello ladies!

In an effort to get myself back on the blogging train, here are this Friday's blanks, courtesy of Lauren over at The Little Things We Do!

1.   The most selfless thing I've ever done was...hmm.  This is a tough one.  Probably volunteering at this food bank back in my hometown before I went to college.  I only did it a few times, but it was really eye-opening to see how much food is actually donated and the process it all goes through.  It was also really rewarding to see the families' faces when they were handed multiple bags of free groceries.  It made me thankful for everything I have!

2.   When it comes to working out I go through phases.  Sometimes I'm really into it and I'll do it every day, and then something will happen and I'll stop for like a month.  I hate how that happens because I am constantly trying to rebuild the habit!

3.  A woman should always do something for herself regularly.  Whether it's getting a pedicure, buying herself something new, or even just taking a bath and reading a book for an hour, every girl needs a little time for herself.  I know I do after work, school, making dinner, cleaning up, etc.  The list goes on!

4. I wish I could start working somewhere that could potentially hire me after graduation and then I'd start saving for my first real vacation {and by "real," I mean somewhere that's not in Florida...preferably all inclusive :)}.

5.  A best friend is someone you can tell all your secrets and problems to and get their understanding in return.

6.  I can't get enough of fall television! There are like 20 great shows on TV and I'm running out of time {and room on the DVR} to watch them all!

7.  This weekend I am relaxing at home for once!  Making chili, watching the Georgia game, and reading book three of The Hunger Games.  Definitely just what I need after the week I've had.

What are ya'll doing this weekend??

:)

wow

I didn't realize it's been about three weeks since I updated you all!

Where did the time go?!

Since I've been gone, a lot has happened and I've been super busy.

But currently, here I am, stuck at home with a bladder infection {ick}, so now I have plenty of time to give you the scoop.

First of all, mine {and Joe's} birthdays came and went.

Our birthdays are only 3 days apart, so we basically had a full week of celebrating to do!

We went to two football games {UGA and GSU}, had lots of trips to Twisted Taco, and spent a lot of time together.

ALSO, Ashley and I FINALLY got to see Taylor Swift!

This picture is when she literally walked through the crowd giving people hugs so that she could sing a few songs and "hang out" with everyone.

It was so much fun!

Not to mention, T.I. made a surprise appearance!

Who's the last person you expect to see at a Taylor Swift concert?

My guess is T.I.

It was so amazing though.  Totally worth the wait.

Another great thing that happened during my birthday is that my mother bought me a new iPhone 4!!

Good riddance, Blackberry.

Now I will be able to share more pictures with you guys!

Like these:

Joe and I got congratulated at Maggiano's for our birthdays.

On my actual day, before I went and got an awesome new hair do, my good friend Stephanie took me out for crepes!  Featured above is the buffalo chicken crepe and Terrapin hummus that we ordered.  Mmm.

Overall, our birthdays ended up being great.

Here's to making 24 {me} and 26 {him} a great year!

I also wanted to quickly tell you all about The Hunger Games.

If you aren't reading/haven't read it, do it.

The last time I blogged, I had just started reading book one, and three weeks later, here I am a chapter away from the end of book two.

Let me just say, I didn't think Suzanne Collins would be able to top book one, but she did it!

I won't spoil it for anyone, but long story short...

I'm addicted.

Around mine and Joe's apartment, there's a big sidewalk that leads you around a loop of other apartments.

It's a little over a mile long and people are always walking their animals or jogging along it.

On Monday, Joe and I decided to join the club and start walking around the loop together.

It was really nice!

At the end of the loop is a Subway, so tonight I think we're going to get out there and take a nice walk to Subway for dinner.

It feels so nice to do something as simple as walk together in this busy city.

Our lives have been so hectic lately, it's nice to take a little break, get some exercise, and talk without any interruptions.

And with this beautiful weather, how can it not be?!

I recommend everyone get out sometime this week, sans cell phone or any other electronics, and just take a 30 minute walk to enjoy a break from everything.

I don't know about you ladies, but I am stressed to the max lately.

The nightmares of missing an assignment at school and not being able to graduate in May have started {quite early I must add, seeing as though I have 7 months to go}, and they are turning me into a nut job!

Hope you all have a fantastic {and stress-free} week!

:)

fill in the blank!

Hey ya'll!

Hope you're all having a great week.

I don't know about you, but I've been counting down to the weekend!

1.   The best thing I did all week was watch all the awesome premieres on TV this week {Greys, The Office, Parks and Rec, Modern Family, etc...} AND start reading The Hunger Games!

2.    Fall weather make me super happy.

3.  Pets are a responsibility that I can't decide if I want to have or not!  I want a puppy so bad, but for me there is nothing worse than having to take it out for a walk when it's FREEZING outside.  Decisions decisions!

4.  My close friends are the best thing about my life.

5.  With the cooler weather I am looking forward to carving pumpkins and trying to make pumpkin spice bread in my new breadmaker! {I'm obsessed with all things pumpkin if you can't tell.}

6.  Something that's on my "wish list" right now is a pair of grey knit uggs.  Every year I say I'm going to buy them, and every year I chicken out.  I think this year is the year though!  And if not, my birthday is coming up...hint hint.

7.  This weekend I am going to Peachtree City to celebrate Joe's dad's birthday!  We haven't gone there to visit in a long time it feels like, so it will be nice to hang out and relax...even though I have to study for a test at some point. Of course.  I am baking banana bread for the occasion though, so cross your fingers it turns out well!

Hope everyone has a great first weekend of Fall!!

Bring on the pumpkins!

:)

I'm back!

Hello all!

I'm officially back from bachelorette weekend, and it was a success!

Lots of food, champagne, and fun!

I honestly don't think I had a chance to even feel hungry thanks to all the tasty treats and seafood nearby.

The weather was in the 70s, so needless to say, the beach was amazing.

Also, I am now addicted to fake eyelashes.

One of the bridesmaids bought everyone a pair to wear out on the night we went to the bars {which might have been just a little TOO fun for July and me}, and they seriously looked so good.

We looked like mini-Kardashians.

I will definitely be investing in more of those...probably for my birthday.

So, consider yourselves warned.

Everything else went smoothly though!  It makes me excited for the day I'll be able to have a weekend like that with my girlfriends.

SO FUN!

Oh, and by the way, I've always wanted to take a Kindle to the beach and see how easy it really is to read...well, I am happy to report that it is exactly like reading a book.  I mean, it's kind of amazing how easy it is to see.  Dearest Kindle, I love you.

After my glorious weekend away with the girls, I was ready to come home and spend some time with Joe.

In the back of my head all day I was trying to think of what we could do for dinner and how we were going to get to relax for the rest of the night.

Little did I know, Joe had it in his mind that we were going to go to Best Buy and purchase not only a Wii {which I've been wanting for MONTHS!}, but also a 3D TELEVISION!!

55" wide by the way.

It's GIGANTIC.

And awesome.

To say that I've been against Joe buying a new TV would be the understatement of the century, but after finally giving in, I have to say I'm impressed with it!

I'm currently watching Grey's Anatomy, and I may as well BE at Seattle Grace hanging out with McDreamy.

Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention that I'm watching Grey's right now because I got a surprise day off from work.

Jackpot!

Today is one of those days that I'm just feeling content.

Speaking of work, everything is going great with that.

I took my kids to the park for the first time last week, and as stressful as it was, it was such a learning experience!

And, the little girl told me at the end of the day she loves me.

Overall, my new job clearly rocks.

What did you guys do this weekend?!

Happy Monday!

:)

If you hear any noise...

...it ain't the boys, it's ladies night!!

Okay, actually, it's ladies weekend.

July's bachelorette weekend.

IN HILTON HEAD!

That's right, ladies.  In about two hours I'll be on my way to paradise for the weekend.

This could not be happening at a better time either.

I'm so excited to be getting away for some sun, drinks, and girl time!

I won't go into too many details now...but let's just say that one of the attendees has made homemade Twix bars for the occasion.

Bring on the sugar.

I will definitely be recapping to you guys as soon as I return!

Sorry I haven't had time to really chat lately!

Last weekend was my cousin's "surprise" wedding.

It was interesting.

Mostly because I felt like crap while we were there.

24 hour flu/cold I guess...if that sort of thing exists.

Everything went smoothly though, so that was good!

My dad also spent the weekend with us here in Atlanta.

It was nice spending some time with him, and him and Joe got to spend some time out on the golf course enjoying this beautiful weather we've been having.

I don't think there's anything better than knowing your two favorite guys are out there somewhere bonding!

Before I head out, I just want to touch on one last thing.

Did anyone happen to catch the AMAZING finale of True Blood?!

***spoiler alert***

TARA!!!!!

Every season Joe and I are always saying we wish she'd leave the show or somehow get killed off or something, but we always knew it would never happen.

She's too much of a main character.

But WAIT!!!!

I honestly wish you guys could have seen my face.

Sheer and utter shock!

Best finale of the show yet, hands down.

Hope you guys have a productive rest of the week and find your own little paradise this weekend!

:)

today is the day...

...that I become Mary Poppins!

In about 30 minutes, I'll be off to pick up one of my little kiddos from school and start nannying!

FINALLY!

I can't remember if I actually explained what happened with the other job I had lined up...

But long story short, something happened last minute and the other family couldn't afford to pay me as much as they wanted to.

So, after weeks of searching, I finally found another family that is seemingly the perfect fit!

Not only did both of the parents graduate from UGA {so they were more than willing to let me off for the GA/FL game :)}, but their kids are adorable and SO sweet!

I can't wait to get started!

I will be sure to let you all know how it goes!

The first day at a new job is so nerve wracking!

Before I go, I wanted to drop in and show you guys a few pictures from the tailgate, as promised.

The next few weekends I have to donate my tickets because of prior engagements, so I won't get to tailgate again until my birthday weekend :(

So, my plan is to share these with you and then we all can look at them and wish we were tailgating for the next few weeks.

Also, please excuse the disgusting hair.  Keep in mind, it was about 95 degrees outside for the 7+ hours we were out there.

Old roomies. :)

The Destefanis.

Headed to prom, apparently.

Our long lost friend, Lisa, decided to come for awhile!

Ashley and I.

Have a wonderful afternoon, ladies!

:)