Just a little round up of some things I am enjoying and would like to enjoy in the future. LOVE That J Crew Factory sale was da bomb dot com. That polka dot popover is legit and I am planning on wearing it to the first day of my new job. That coral lightweight sweater is also the business. Can you tell I’m slightly excited about wearing real clothes to the office again? That maxi dress is from Forever 21, somewhere I haven’t been in forever, but I was out in the burbs last weekend and hopped in. My shock over this not being hooker tight and also being long enough (and under $16!) meant it came to live with me. Those Lulu Work It Out shorts have been amaze for training (I like them because they don’t have a liner) as has Body Glide in the billion degree heat and humidity.  This candle smells like yum and vacation and I want to live in it.  If you ever wear any kind of face makeup (liquid, powder, whatever) then you need this brush. $8.99 at Ulta, and they are BOGO 50% off right now, so with their $3.50 off $10 coupon you can get two brushes for $10. That nude Rimmel eyeliner has been fantastic for using on my bottom waterline to make myself look awake.  Last but not least, I got this case I’d been wanting for forever from J Crew in store this weekend. It was marked down to $3.99 plus 30% off, so duh I got one and a backup one. It’s nice and rubbery rather than hard so it won’t shatter upon impact. The lock button is kind of hard to press but for $3 I will live.  LUST I don’t love my legs in shorts but I also don’t love dying of heat exhaustion during the summer in GA so I’d really love these printed ones for every day wear. How fun would those star printed ones be for 4th of July?  Now that I know the joy that is the J Crew Popover, I must have it in chambray to wear 24/7. I would also like to have that bright skirt as another office option (come on, how cute would that be with the polka dot popever?) so I’m gonna need a J Crew Factory sale to come around again ASAP. I love those Lulu shorts so much that I want them in this insane bright green. I would also love a bag for toting my Pure Barre clothes to the office. I don’t need something super big, and I like the though that those front pockets could stash my water bottle OR some wine bottles. Priorities.  I need more nail polish like I need a hole in my head, but this one has been beckoning me for a while. (Essie’s Come Here!)  Deets on all this jazz can be found here. 

Just a little round up of some things I am enjoying and would like to enjoy in the future.

LOVE

  • That J Crew Factory sale was da bomb dot com. That polka dot popover is legit and I am planning on wearing it to the first day of my new job. That coral lightweight sweater is also the business. Can you tell I’m slightly excited about wearing real clothes to the office again?
  • That maxi dress is from Forever 21, somewhere I haven’t been in forever, but I was out in the burbs last weekend and hopped in. My shock over this not being hooker tight and also being long enough (and under $16!) meant it came to live with me.
  • Those Lulu Work It Out shorts have been amaze for training (I like them because they don’t have a liner) as has Body Glide in the billion degree heat and humidity. 
  • This candle smells like yum and vacation and I want to live in it. 
  • If you ever wear any kind of face makeup (liquid, powder, whatever) then you need this brush. $8.99 at Ulta, and they are BOGO 50% off right now, so with their $3.50 off $10 coupon you can get two brushes for $10. That nude Rimmel eyeliner has been fantastic for using on my bottom waterline to make myself look awake. 
  • Last but not least, I got this case I’d been wanting for forever from J Crew in store this weekend. It was marked down to $3.99 plus 30% off, so duh I got one and a backup one. It’s nice and rubbery rather than hard so it won’t shatter upon impact. The lock button is kind of hard to press but for $3 I will live. 

LUST

  • I don’t love my legs in shorts but I also don’t love dying of heat exhaustion during the summer in GA so I’d really love these printed ones for every day wear. How fun would those star printed ones be for 4th of July? 
  • Now that I know the joy that is the J Crew Popover, I must have it in chambray to wear 24/7. I would also like to have that bright skirt as another office option (come on, how cute would that be with the polka dot popever?) so I’m gonna need a J Crew Factory sale to come around again ASAP.
  • I love those Lulu shorts so much that I want them in this insane bright green. I would also love a bag for toting my Pure Barre clothes to the office. I don’t need something super big, and I like the though that those front pockets could stash my water bottle OR some wine bottles. Priorities. 
  • I need more nail polish like I need a hole in my head, but this one has been beckoning me for a while. (Essie’s Come Here!) 

Deets on all this jazz can be found here. 

Money is something that has eluded me in some way or another for most of the time I’ve had any. I have made super detailed budgets before that I just didn’t stick to because I had a hard time being honest with myself about where I spend my money and where I should spend my money. I’ve gotten about 1,000% better about having a realistic idea about how much of my income HAS to be used for what, and how much play money I may have for clothes and french fries, but I have stunk it up on saving money this year. At first I was saving for wedding stuff, which we clearly spent when the wedding came around, and just getting gas and groceries and paying rent was a little tricky for a while when I was job hunting, so the idea of savings was laughable. But enough is enough. I’m closer to 30 than 20 and I shouldn’t have to live in terror that a car repair would mean not having my part of the rent one month. So I’ve been reading this little ditty. And the amount they are telling me to put into savings seemed insane, but I know that’s just because it’s not a habit I have now. So looks like it’s time to take a look at what I need to cut from my spending (hello, way too much fast food) and see what I can put towards that area. I also realized I’m about $300 from paying off one of my student loans (of which I have about 10) and I’d love to get rid of that ASAP. So basically trying to adult sounds like less donuts but hopefully not too much less fun.

Money is something that has eluded me in some way or another for most of the time I’ve had any. I have made super detailed budgets before that I just didn’t stick to because I had a hard time being honest with myself about where I spend my money and where I should spend my money. I’ve gotten about 1,000% better about having a realistic idea about how much of my income HAS to be used for what, and how much play money I may have for clothes and french fries, but I have stunk it up on saving money this year. At first I was saving for wedding stuff, which we clearly spent when the wedding came around, and just getting gas and groceries and paying rent was a little tricky for a while when I was job hunting, so the idea of savings was laughable. But enough is enough. I’m closer to 30 than 20 and I shouldn’t have to live in terror that a car repair would mean not having my part of the rent one month. So I’ve been reading this little ditty.

And the amount they are telling me to put into savings seemed insane, but I know that’s just because it’s not a habit I have now. So looks like it’s time to take a look at what I need to cut from my spending (hello, way too much fast food) and see what I can put towards that area. I also realized I’m about $300 from paying off one of my student loans (of which I have about 10) and I’d love to get rid of that ASAP. So basically trying to adult sounds like less donuts but hopefully not too much less fun.

The brightest of white tennies on this wet but sunny Tuesday AM.

The brightest of white tennies on this wet but sunny Tuesday AM.

How often I have had to remind myself of this. I am known in my family as the lucky one. Whether it’s winning concert tickets from the radio or giveaways online or finding that right apartment at the right time, things usually work out well for me pretty easily. The problem with that is that I am extremely discouraged when things DON’T work out right how I think they should easily.  When Blake and I moved to Atlanta last year, I thought things were really working out perfectly for us. He landed a job that was supposed to be great, we got a town home we loved (and still do,) and I was interviewing for a dream job at the Georgia Aquarium. When that job didn’t pan out for me, I interviewed at a couple more places, including Home Depot, which I thought would be a great next step for me. That didn’t work out, either. I wasn’t getting anywhere with jobs at some of the places I’d optimistically placed on a “dream employers in ATL” list. Luckily, though, I  did get an offer for the job I took when I moved here last year right in the nick of time. I moved over at the end of April and we thought we were set.  Things were good during the summer. We got our feet back under us financially now that we both had decently paying jobs (something that was lacking in Birmingham.) We started making friends. We bought a lot of IKEA furniture. We were planning the wedding. We were learning to love the Braves. It was good.  Then the end of the summer hit. My company got bought out and things were weird but I had a job still. Then Blake’s job was eliminated. The fall was tough while we struggled to maintain some semblance of normal while we traveled to football games and paid for wedding things and Blake hunted and hunted (and hunted) for a new job. Then the new year came around, and the world’s most perfect job for Blake fell right in his lap - it was amazing how it worked out. And we just told ourselves that these things take time and how glad we were that none of the other things he pursued worked out.  And once again, we thought we were set.  As I posted here, less than 3 weeks after Blake started his new job, I found out mine was being eliminated. I applied to SO. MANY. JOBS. Some at those dream employers that I’d focused on last year. Some at not so dream employers. I went on unemployment. I planned (and paid for) the rest of some wedding stuff to keep myself busy. (It was actually great timing to not have to be at work all day.) We got married, and then a little over a week later, on April 1, I found my new home at my current job. It’s a great gig, with lots of perks, and a cool startup vibe. I, once again, got back on my feet. I have loved it here for the past few months, but back in May I saw a job posted at one of those dream employers that seemed like a GREAT fit for me. I have spent the last two weeks interviewing, and on Friday they offered me the job. (!!!) This is something I have literally been working towards for the last 15+ months.  I can’t tell you how excited I was. I was simultaneously really nervous, though, about letting my current employer know. We’re a small shop, and with one other person leaving at the end of the month as well, I knew it would put them in a bit of a bind. I gathered my courage, though, and let them know this morning that in 3 weeks I’d be moving on. SO! I know quite a few of you guys live in ATL or know people who do. If you (or someone you know) is looking to work with some pretty cool brands in a funky start-up like environment, let me know as I’m trying to do all I can to make my transition a smooth one.  SO! All that to say, once again I’m reminded that some things take time. I hope, though, that Blake and I can enjoy this good place we are in (at least career wise) for a long while now. AND OMG I AM STARTING A NEW JOB IN THREE WEEKS AND EEEK!  (image via Minted.com)

How often I have had to remind myself of this.

I am known in my family as the lucky one. Whether it’s winning concert tickets from the radio or giveaways online or finding that right apartment at the right time, things usually work out well for me pretty easily. The problem with that is that I am extremely discouraged when things DON’T work out right how I think they should easily. 

When Blake and I moved to Atlanta last year, I thought things were really working out perfectly for us. He landed a job that was supposed to be great, we got a town home we loved (and still do,) and I was interviewing for a dream job at the Georgia Aquarium. When that job didn’t pan out for me, I interviewed at a couple more places, including Home Depot, which I thought would be a great next step for me. That didn’t work out, either. I wasn’t getting anywhere with jobs at some of the places I’d optimistically placed on a “dream employers in ATL” list. Luckily, though, I  did get an offer for the job I took when I moved here last year right in the nick of time. I moved over at the end of April and we thought we were set. 

Things were good during the summer. We got our feet back under us financially now that we both had decently paying jobs (something that was lacking in Birmingham.) We started making friends. We bought a lot of IKEA furniture. We were planning the wedding. We were learning to love the Braves. It was good. 

Then the end of the summer hit. My company got bought out and things were weird but I had a job still. Then Blake’s job was eliminated. The fall was tough while we struggled to maintain some semblance of normal while we traveled to football games and paid for wedding things and Blake hunted and hunted (and hunted) for a new job. Then the new year came around, and the world’s most perfect job for Blake fell right in his lap - it was amazing how it worked out. And we just told ourselves that these things take time and how glad we were that none of the other things he pursued worked out. 

And once again, we thought we were set. 

As I posted here, less than 3 weeks after Blake started his new job, I found out mine was being eliminated. I applied to SO. MANY. JOBS. Some at those dream employers that I’d focused on last year. Some at not so dream employers. I went on unemployment. I planned (and paid for) the rest of some wedding stuff to keep myself busy. (It was actually great timing to not have to be at work all day.) We got married, and then a little over a week later, on April 1, I found my new home at my current job. It’s a great gig, with lots of perks, and a cool startup vibe. I, once again, got back on my feet. I have loved it here for the past few months, but back in May I saw a job posted at one of those dream employers that seemed like a GREAT fit for me. I have spent the last two weeks interviewing, and on Friday they offered me the job. (!!!) This is something I have literally been working towards for the last 15+ months. 

I can’t tell you how excited I was. I was simultaneously really nervous, though, about letting my current employer know. We’re a small shop, and with one other person leaving at the end of the month as well, I knew it would put them in a bit of a bind. I gathered my courage, though, and let them know this morning that in 3 weeks I’d be moving on. SO! I know quite a few of you guys live in ATL or know people who do. If you (or someone you know) is looking to work with some pretty cool brands in a funky start-up like environment, let me know as I’m trying to do all I can to make my transition a smooth one. 

SO! All that to say, once again I’m reminded that some things take time. I hope, though, that Blake and I can enjoy this good place we are in (at least career wise) for a long while now. AND OMG I AM STARTING A NEW JOB IN THREE WEEKS AND EEEK! 

(image via Minted.com)

Social Media Guys and Gals in Atlanta….

Looking for a job? Shoot me a message or email because I have a baller opportunity for you. Sweet! 

Today is a different day every year. Some years were days for sadness. Some were for welcoming kids to opening day of camp and trying to stay busy so you could ignore the constant influx of fathers and father’s day comments all around. Some more recently have been for reteaching myself not to ignore this day, which is great. But even today, as I saw posts come across my dash and Facebook feed and Instagram and whatnot, a little part of me wanted to comment and remind people that hey, this day’s not for everyone. Then I saw a girl I went to high school with post a status on Facebook thanking her child’s father for throwing her across the apartment while their child watched crying. So things are certainly harder for many out there, whether it is because their father (or grandfather or children’s father) is estranged, or cold, or dead, or a dead beat, or abusive, or worse. So I decided to snap out of self pitying thinking real quick. 

I decided that this year today was for two things.

Remembering. I’ll always embrace today as a time to reflect on so many great memories that we have of my father. He shaped so much of who I am today, and I’m so grateful for that. I am always blown away by how many people’s lives he touched through coaching, friendship and the ACS. I will always be working to be half of the friend, parent, employee, and person he was. 

and

Appreciating. My family has been so lucky to gain Gary as a part of it. He is one of the kindest people you will ever find. He spends time with us, three giggly girls, and doesn’t blink an eye when we put on face masks and gossip and laugh too much at things that aren’t that funny. He texts me every week to wish me a good week and includes emojis of him and their puppy. He has taken care of all of us in so many ways, and I am forever grateful that my mother and him found each other. 

So a happy Father’s Day to Kermit and Gary today!

Friday in Gif Form

This morning work was like go, go, go, but between pizza and ice cream celebrations for my boss’s birthday, pay day, and some fantastic news, my afternoon has been like: 

Now I am getting ready to head out for a weekend that involves minimal strenuous plans but will involve wine, friends, the pool, and a bridal shower, so I’m all:

Tonight will be for:

(Which means 3 glasses of wine and pizza before I get sleepy. Whoo!) 

I’ve been singing this all morning. High five for payday! 

(Source: Spotify)

Fun Thursday projects - working to have a brick engraved for my dad outside the basketball facilities at Bama. Great idea from @jblakemundy ! http://fundly.com/m/crimson-terrace-brick-campaign-for-kermit-koenig

Fun Thursday projects - working to have a brick engraved for my dad outside the basketball facilities at Bama. Great idea from @jblakemundy ! http://fundly.com/m/crimson-terrace-brick-campaign-for-kermit-koenig

Help! These are too delicious and I can’t stop eating them. I think I am gonna have to order 24 small bags from Amazon to help with some portion control. 

Help! These are too delicious and I can’t stop eating them. I think I am gonna have to order 24 small bags from Amazon to help with some portion control. 

My sister sent me this Louis CK bit this morning as I arrived at work. It’s about road rage, and would have cracked me up any time, but I had just literally been this person on the road. Someone with a Virginia Tech sticker on their car cut me off and I got irrationally angry and screamed in my vehicle about how we were going to BEAT THEIR F’ING ASS IN FOOTBALL SO THEY WERE A LOSER. Who does that? 

Happy Monday, everyone!

Sunday afternoon is for shaking.

Sunday afternoon is for shaking.

An hour of pure barre + 5 miles means this is well deserved.

An hour of pure barre + 5 miles means this is well deserved.

Help! 2 girlfriends just got engaged and I would like to gift them something each, probably won't attend their engagement parties because I live far away. Any suggestions on what to get them? Thanks! — Anonymous

What a fun question! I know when I got engaged we didn’t have an engagement party, but lots of my girlfriends got us little somethings to celebrate. A bottle of champagne was most common, but I’m guessing that won’t ship very well :)

I wasn’t sure what kind of budget you were thinking of, so I tried to think of things around $20-$30, with a few closer to $50 just for fun. Mostly I thought of some things that would have either reminded me of that fun time when you are first engaged every time I (or we) used them or were just little happy surprises.

  • I know some ladies will create a meticulously huge notebook with tons of files and print outs and ideas and what not. I myself kept almost everything digitally, whether it was vendor contracts on my Google Drive or ideas for decor on my Pinterest. So I really loved having a Maybooks wedding planner to carry around to meetings with vendors for jotting quick notes. It has a budget section, calendar, and notepages with titles like “reception notes,” “ceremony notes,” and more. You can have their new monogram (if they plan to change their last name) put on the front for a fun touch! 
  • You write a lot of notes to people while planning a wedding, whether it is mailing deposit checks or thanking people for their help or gifts, so some stationary would be good as well. I had a girlfriend give me a beautiful set of cream notecards with my maiden name initials on them so I could use them for thank you’s and notes before the wedding. These from Rifle Paper Co are super cute, and Etsy has about 1 bajillion options for other monogrammed or fun stationary. 
  • One of the first things I realized when we got engaged is that I was particularly cautious about what I did with my ring. I know I don’t have to, but I still take mine off whenever I shower or wash my face, in addition to cleaning or whenever my hands are swollen. (But for some reason I don’t mind sleeping in them.) A little catch all dish or a cuteringholder are some inexpensive but thoughtful options that she can keep on her dresser or by the sink. I also like Anthro’s mini latte bowls for this, but am dying for a little lacquer jewelry box from West Elm for my dresser.
  • A little extra new bling never hurt (on top of the new ring I’m guessing they just got) - I love this infinity ring, this love knot ring, this wishbone necklace or this necklace in her new initial (if she plans to change her name!) and think they’d all lend themselves to cute well wishes in an accompanying card. 
  • Tried and true gifts like bridal mags, a fun bridal themed polish (I loved Essie’s Marshmallow, Borrowed and Blue and Who is the Boss,) jewelry cleaner and a personalized cup, mug or wine glass are pretty fun to open up. (PS- that Etsy seller was local to me in Birmingham and she was really great to order from! Super sweet!)
  • For a gift for both the bride and the groom to enjoy, these unbreakable champagne flutes would ship well, and these Kate Spade glasses are pricey but so fun. (Just for fun - these Kate Spade champagne saucers that say Mr. and Mrs. are pretty expensive for an engagement gift, but I wanted them pretty bad for our toast at our wedding and wasn’t able to find them.) This monogrammed carafe is a little closer to $40 but looks so chic. I want it for our home ASAP. 
  • A print for the two of them to hang in their home would be cute, too. A lot of them want to put the wedding date on them, but I bet you could just leave that part off and it would still have the right feel if you don’t know the date yet. I like this guy, this guy, and this guy.
  • A monogrammed hankie for each of them to keep on hand during the big day would be cute too - my mother-in-law gave me one at my bridesmaids luncheon and I kept it with me in my pocket as part of my something blue the whole day. 

Hope that helps! 

Trial run for my peachtree outfit. If I put half as much effort into my training as I did my patriotic outfit game, then we’d be cooking with gas.

Trial run for my peachtree outfit. If I put half as much effort into my training as I did my patriotic outfit game, then we’d be cooking with gas.