One Crazy Week

Last week was busy and pretty stressful and now that it’s over I kind of can’t believe I didn’t completely lose it and go bat shit crazy. But maybe I’m already there and just don’t even realize it! After Sunday’s missing ring ordeal I really thought the rest of the week would go by fairly uneventful. Wrong. Chris switched to first shift this week but where he works, first shift doesn’t exactly cover the hours you and I might think. His latest start time was 3:45 AM and by Friday he had to arrive by 2 AM. Um, that’s the middle of the night. The bars aren’t even closed yet! Well that put a damper on us spending any amount of time together in the evenings that I’ve been waiting to do for the past 10 months we’ve been on opposite shifts. When you have to get up in the middle of the night you have to go to bed when people are still eating dinner.

Wednesday afternoon around 3:15 Chris called and said he had just gotten off work (a 12 hour shift) and stopped at the gas station to grab a drink for the ride home. When he came back out to the car it wouldn’t start. I work just an exit away from him (so annoying we can’t ride together) so I met him up there and he tried the jumper cables, even though he was pretty sure that wasn’t going to help. No luck. He thought it was something with the A/C belt but that’s where you lose me so I couldn’t begin to explain. I have roadside assistance through my insurance company so I called to see if I was still covered even for a car that was not on the plan. It was half an hour of repeating myself to several people before it was finally confirmed that I could use the service. Another ten minutes later the tow order was in and I was told it would be an hour or less. Well I didn’t realize that Chris was sure he could get someone (his dad) to help him fix the car instead of having it towed to the nearest repair shop. The roadside assistance would only cover a tow within 15 miles of our location and we live 35 miles away. So I had to cancel that and then find a towing facility near by and put in a new order. We waited an hour and called dispatch to check on the driver’s status and the woman was beyond rude. She told me the driver would be calling shortly but 15 minutes later he hadn’t so I called back. When I got rude with the dispatch woman right back she finally played nice. Ten minutes later the driver called Chris but he was still another 45 minutes out. He said if Chris fell asleep waiting he would wake up him and he could ride with him home. So I left to go let the dogs out and feed them. Of course there was a wreck on the highway so it took me an hour to get home.

Now if that wasn’t stressful enough, we decided to put the condo up for sale and a professional photographer from our realtor’s office was coming to take pictures for the listing the next morning. I thought we would have plenty of time to get things put away and/or hidden and tidy up but the towing mess took so long my time was limited. I ended up making a quick protein shake for dinner so I could carry it with me as I scrambled to move things around. If you are like us you don’t even realize a lot of the items that are kept out because they are used on a daily basis are actually considered clutter to interested home buyers. We don’t have a garage or a basement so storage base is limited. I put some things in cabinets but bigger things (like extra dog beds) ultimately were shoved into my car. Chris finally made it home around 8:30 but found out from the tow truck driver that insurance should have still covered the tow fee and hook up and the first 15 miles of the trip and then have us pay the rest. It took half an hour to get that straightened out with the insurance company on the phone but we ended up with only a $25 charge.

Luckily Chris was could catch a ride to work Thursday with a guy on the same shift who lives just a few miles from us. But Friday was another story. We ended up having to go borrow my mom’s car for the day since it’s hard to get a ride to work at 1:30 in the morning. We were definitely grateful to be able to use her car but it ate up a good portion of the evening working that out. I almost fell asleep watching Grey’s Anatomy and crashed into bed after that. I hate working out in the morning but I felt so discombobulated from having our schedule go out the winter all week I felt like I just needed to get up and do it Friday morning. 4:45 came early but it ended up being worth it to feel good and accomplished before 6 AM.

I was so happy by the time Friday afternoon rolled around I hugged my furballs a little bit tighter. They were really so good at adapting in spite of the craziness of the week and didn’t even complain that we didn’t spend as much time with them. They just rolled right along with everything and gave me extra kisses as I ran around like the metaphorical chicken with its head cut off. I should probably take a cue from them on handling stressful situations.

Friday night Chris and I hung at my parents’ house and played with their neighbor’s 5 month old baby. Chris was helping her do baby squats and it was so funny we were all laughing. It was a relief to just hang out for a little while but the rest of the weekend was crazy busy. We did flower girl fittings and lunch Saturday and then I cleaned and caught up on things I didn’t get to do during the week. Chris and his dad, okay mostly his dad, fixed the car and then he went off to help his groomsmen get their wedding gear. In the evening I headed out for my friend’s birthday dinner and to watch the Kentucky v. Notre Dame game. We ended up with about 10 girls in a corner booth clapping and yelling the whole nail biting game until Kentucky finally came out with the W at the very end. Sunday morning it was grocery time and then I went went off on a secret birthday present mission for Chris with my dad. 

In the afternoon we took the dogs to the park to soak up some sunshine and enjoy the fact that it felt a little more like Spring than Winter. 

We ended the weekend with dinner to celebrate my uncle’s retirement at Carlo & Johnny’s and let me tell you they have fabulous mac ‘n cheese and cheesecake.

I’m hoping this week is a little slower as we prepare for Chris’s 30^th birthday on Friday and Easter weekend!

Hello Spring: March 2015

It doesn’t exactly feel like it today (we’re chilly at 45 degrees) but Spring is here. My love of themes makes me a teensy bit OCD on keeping things seasonal. So from my adult beverages to my sneakers it makes me happy if they correspond to Spring, even if it doesn’t actually feel like Spring. Of course because I’m the mama, the pups just have to go along with my craziness.

My friend Lisa has worn Converse Chuck Taylors since I met her nearly ten years ago. I swore up and down I never would. Well wouldn’t you know it but last year they came out with a lovely floral pair and they got me hook, line and sinker. Unfortunately they were a limited edition pair, but you might be able to find them somewhere out there on the web still. The Marley LillyDry Sport Pullover in this Springy color would match so nicely! I don’t own it but it’s exactly the kind of thing I would wear to walk the dogs while it’s still in between the winter thaw and higher temperatures. And let’s be honest, it’s monogrammed so what’s not to love?

A few months ago I stumbled onto the Hello Merch website and saw the gray floral print tee. This week I got a notification it had gone on sale (a super deal!) and luckily they still had my size so I ordered it right up.  I can just see myself rocking it with a nice cold Blue Moon First Peach Ale in my hand. If you like the fruity beers and haven’t tried this yet, do yourself a favor and go grab a six pack. Right now. The only other thing you’ll need to really put you in the Spring frame of mind is a Country Fresh smelling home. Pop one of the wax melts into your warmer and just wait for the smell of a country meadow to assault your nose (in the best possible way).

Spring means blooming flowers, green grass and leafy trees. It also means the bugs come back. Lots of ‘em. We keep Ares and Chaos protected from fleas, ticks and worms with Revolution. There is both a topical solution that’s super easy to apply and a small pill to accompany it. If you have trouble giving your dog a pill give Cheez-whiz a try. Just squirt a little on the pill and let him lick it off your finger. We’ve given the tip to many dog owners and so far it’s worked every time. But in our house the cheese is only for taking medicine. We like to keep their treats limited to the doggie variety and these Healthy Dogma Duck Barkers are on our list to try.

As the weather warms up we will be spending more time walking at our local parks and it definitely wouldn’t hurt to have new fun leashes. I love the gray and yellow combo from B.W. Barkery. When we walk in the winter I am always wearing a coat with pockets to hold essentials like treats, keys, my phone and poop bags. But when it’s warm enough to switch to tanks and tees I lose my pockets and my storage space. Last year I ordered PetSafe Treat Pouches for Chris and I and we have not been disappointed. The waist strap is adjustable and removable in case you just want to clip it to a belt. There are two compartments to the pouch, the main on that you can push open and it will stay open or keep it closed and the outside one that has Velcro. I keep treats in the main compartment and my phone, keys and bags in the outer compartment and it works out very nicely.

My boys love a good rope toy but the problem is that mighty jaws Chaos can destroy one in seconds. Something with a ball on the end like this Zanies one makes it better to withstand his bite and pull hard play style. Ares is much more into playing fetch than Chaos but if we get him excited enough about the toy he will join in. We just have to make sure he doesn’t run off with it and quickly tear it to shreds.

Are you a seasonal person like me? What’s on your list to break out again or try new for Spring?

The Wedding Diaries: Bridal Shower Part 1 & The Case of the Missing Ring

This weekend was nothing short of crazy busy and exciting but with a side of big time stress. Saturday morning it was workout time and then off to run errands. We picked up our wedding bands (woo hoo!), then dropped some things off at my parents' house before heading off to the park for our first Spring day walk. 

 

 We watched the Wildcats beat the Bearcats to advance to the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA tournament and then scrambled to clean up our place before we met with our realtor about selling it. 

Sunday morning I went to the grocery and came home to unload and then get ready for my first wedding shower! But this is where it gets interesting. I took my rings off to wash my hands and heard my phone buzzing in the kitchen. I scooped up my rings and walked over to the kitchen counter to grab my phone. My soon to be sister-in-law had arrived to go set up for the shower down at the clubhouse and needed the keys to get in. I ran them up to her and talked for a minute or so and then came back inside. Immediately I went to the counter to put my rings back on but out of the 3 I always wear, only one was still where I left it. After a quick scan of the kitchen I spotted another one on the floor but my engagement ring was nowhere in sight. Before I panicked I did a pretty thorough search of the floor, the sink and underneath furniture and appliances on my hands and knees. I already knew it had to be Little O my mischievous one that was the culprit behind the missing ring. But I couldn't figure out how he got it somewhere out of sight so fast. 

After searching a few more places I then did the sensible thing and called Chris (who had run up to Home Depot) in full panic mode. Of course it had to be the day of my wedding shower that I would lose my engagement ring. He told me to calm down and he walked in the door minutes later, got a flashlight and checked everything again. We finally came to the realization that it could very well have been gobbled up by a certain little Pittie if he heard something drop on the floor and assumed it was food. If there was a chance he had eaten my ring we figured we should try to get it out of him. I wrote here about making your dog throw up so we tried that but it failed. Twice. I finally had no choice but to get ready and head up to my shower, ringless. 

 About 20 minutes later I saw Chris come up to the door of the clubhouse and when he walked in he had my ring, unscathed, in his hand. He said Chaos ended up puking his brains out alright but he found the ring stuck up underneath the dryer. I felt so bad that we had blamed it on our poor puppy and made him vomit but he forgave us and was thrilled to eat all kinds of yummy things he doesn't normally get. 

My shower with my new family and friends went great and I was so relieved to have a dog without a ring in his tummy and instead back on my finger. I am so grateful for everyone who came to celebrate with me and generously brought awesome gifts!

I guess I can at least say it's never boring around here. Have a fantastic week!

Spring Fever 2015: My Favorite Products

Happy first day of Spring! It's official, Spring really is in the air and I am so ready for it this year. I thought it might be fun to share some products I love as some warmth and sunshine slowly move in on us. Just so you know, I'm not being paid to advertize for any of these goodies, I just happen to love them enough to do it for free. I personally use each and every one and maybe you would like to try them out too!

 Essie makes fantastic nail polish, plain and simple. I actually have been doing my own (fake) nails for a few years now and love to try out different colors every week or 2. But Peach Daiquiri stole my heart from the first time I tried it and I've kept a bottle of it ever since. It's the perfect Spring time color that you can also rock into Summer. Just watch out if you have furbabies because sometimes they literally stick their noses where they don't belong. 

Maybelline makes 2 products I have a sort of obsession with and can't stop using through the warmer months. I've been a huge fan of Baby Lips since the product came out and have tried several different colors, but my favorite would have to be Rose Rush. I'm not a lipstick girl but I gotta have my chap stick at all times. This stuff keeps my lips smooth and hydrated plus adds a nice pop of color without being too much for me. The Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin is basically the only blush I wear all Spring and Summer long. I have gotten so many compliments on it and I have to say it really does give the best natural looking flush and stays put all day. 

I was introduced to Benefit Hoola Bronzer when I was in college and never looked back. It gives a matte look so you don't get the shiny thing going on and gives just the right sunkissed glow. I am forever a loyal user of this old favorite.

I've always been a Jessica Simpson fan, maybe because she seems like just a real girl with a good heart. Plus, her name is on one of my favorite perfumes. My soon to be hubby got me some Juicy perfume for Christmas (I know, I was impressed too) that I adore and can wear all year round. But Fancy, at least to me, is one just for Spring. It's a little bit floral, a little bit sweet and just the right amount of fun and flirty. 

Okay, I know that Johnson & Johnson is known for their kick ass baby products. But their baby bedtime lotion cannot be beat even for big kids, ahem, adults. Lavender and camomile smell springy fresh and relaxing plus this stuff keeps my skin soft for a good 24 hours. I slather it all over myself right after a shower and I'm good to go. The best part is, it smells great on it's own but also doesn't compete with any perfume I might wear. Winning all around. 

What are your favorites for Spring? I would to love hear from you! 
 

The Wedding Diaries: Shoe Search

One / Two / Three / Four / Five

My first wedding dress fitting is quickly approaching and I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect shoes. I’m a shoe lover and have been known many a time to sacrifice comfort for style. I don’t shy away from bright colors or patterns and my shoes are often my best accessory. I started my search last year but quickly became overwhelmed. The To-Do list was still very long and I had so many other things on my mind I had to put shoes on the back burner. When this year started I went back out on the quest for wedding shoes but on the contrary from the first time, I was completely underwhelmed. I looked and looked until my eyes went crossed and just couldn’t seem to find any that grabbed me. So again, I shelved that endeavor while I focused on other things on my list. And then last week I realized my first fitting would be in mere weeks and I really needed to find some shoes!

Our wedding colors are navy and yellow. My bridesmaids will wear navy dresses with yellow shoes (which are SO cute) so I wanted to go opposite them and wear navy shoes. Blue shoes covers my “something blue” for the tradition of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue on your wedding day so it definitely seemed like a fun way to go. Like I said, I’ve been known to withstand pain for cute shoes and have always opted for a higher heel as I’m 5’4. But I am erring a little on the practical side for the wedding day because I don’t want to be wincing every step down the aisle. I have to wear these shoes for a good portion of the day while we take pictures, through the ceremony, and at least the first dances at the reception before I change. Chris is much taller than me so I do want to keep a heel on the shoes, just a shorter one than I would normally go for. This time around I finally came across some options that caught my attention. I went ahead and ordered the pair I think will be best so now I am anxiously awaiting their arrival. I’m really hoping they fit and look good with my dress but if not, at least I have several back up options.

Ares and Chaos couldn’t care less about my shoes. I asked for their opinions but all I got were these looks as I was rudely interrupting their sunbathing/lounging. 

Which pair do you think are my first pick?

Sleepy Sunday 3-15-15: Bakery, Baby & Basketball

We had a lot of rain on Friday and the gloom and doom continued into Saturday morning. I was up at 7 to Little O’s paws underneath the bedroom door meowing for breakfast. I fed the cats and forced myself to work out then ran up to the store to grab coffee. I happened to spot some festive sprinkled doughnuts and could not pass them up. It had been months since I ate a doughnut and they just looked so good. So my post workout breakfast was a chocolate doughnut and coffee and it was totally worth it. 

I’m pretty sure I walked it off anyway because the rain let up late morning and we took Ares and Chaos out for our loop. There ended up being a bit of a drizzle for about a mile but it wasn’t bad. We saw giant tires for the monster truck show and the boys were so amazed by them we just had to take a picture.

The dogs don’t have any special rain gear because we don’t walk if it’s truly raining. They don’t to be bothered by a very light drizzle, especially if we are already out and it starts. I, on the other hand, wear my rain boots and jacket if even looks like it might think about raining. Hunter brand boots might seem on the expensive side for rain gear, but they are totally worth it. I can guarantee your feet will stay completely dry. My Columbia rain jacket is also truly waterproof and the hood actually stays up while I walk. There are few things more irritating to me than walking home with wet hair. 

Columbia Jacket / Hunter Rain Boots
 

Sunday I celebrated the coming birth of my friend’s little girl at her baby shower. By now you probably know I went with a themed gift. My mom and I actually decided to go into together so part of the present was the adorable mobile from her registry and some children’s books. The other part was completely off registry and this is where the theme comes in. Baby girl is due this April (best month to be born in my opinion) so I thought it would be really fun to make her very first Easter basket filled with Spring goodies. I found the perfect personalized Easter basket on Etsy that also came with a sweet little bunny and ordered a monogrammed sippy cup along with it. Then the cutest baby bunny beanie stole my heart and I scooped that up too. Target, my go to store, had Spring themed pacifiers, an adorable romper and some little bows for the head of hair that has already been seen on the ultrasound. A few barnyard animals toys, pastel Easter eggs and grass from Kroger completed the basket.

Easter Basket

Chris took Ares and Chaos to hang with Grandpa for a little bit while I was gone. It felt like a nice, sunny Spring day so they hit up the park too.

Piper took a front row seat for the SEC tournament and was very pleased that her blue Wildcat brothers pulled out the win. 

Ares and Chaos got manicures they were none too pleased about, but didn’t put up much of a fuss over.

 

 We look forward to getting back outside more often as the weather gets warmer!

Happy St. Patty’s!