Confessions

* I'm kind of in love with my phone

This is not my phone because my phone is my camera and how am I supposed to take a picture of my camera with my camera? Other than digging out the DSLR, which I was too lazy for last night. But mine is pretty and has an adorable clear case with white polka dots, so use your imagination. 

It's pretty and takes amazing pictures and has a HUGE screen and I love it all. #obsessed

* I gave myself the cutest manicure with the colors in this post last week and then I proceeded to ruin it by cleaning the house getting ready for the party. This is why we can't have nice things. #I'mhopeless

I don't know why this pug had a princess hat, but you have to admit it's pretty awesome.

* I identify with this article on a deeply personal level. The only thing I would add is "you have collected several articles of clothing that pass as work clothes but are basically pajamas" #maxiskirt #palazzopants

* I decided to decorate for Fall before the party after all and I think I have a slight obsession with mismatched but coordinating placemats. I can't stop. #targetFTW

* We have a vacation coming up soon and I am SO excited I can barely stand it. I feel like I've basically already checked out. It is SO very needed. #mountainshereicome

* When I'm watching a show based in the UK and they are discussing someone's weight I have to google "How many pounds is a stone." Every. time.

* I have GOT to stop spending money on clothes I don't need, but dang it Target has the most perfect flannel shirts and booties right now and I WANT. #ihaveaproblem

* I bought Pumpkin Spice M&M's yesterday. That's all, that's the whole confession. #junkfood

What's up with y'all today? Anything to confess?

Hot Mess Express

* My nails look HORRIBLE right now. Horrible, I tell you. There are several chips in them and I keep seeing them when I'm at work and nowhere near nail clippers and then I get home and completely forget to trim them. This has been going on for a couple of days. I should really put some clippers in my purse.

*Also my pedicure from over a month ago should probably be done now.

* The breakfast and lunch I packed for today is basically all carbs. Because I cannot seem to get myself together enough to go grocery shopping on the weekends and then I don't want to go after work so I'm left with peanut butter and jelly for lunch.

* I spilled eyeshadow all over my jeans in the car on the way to work this morning. That stuff does NOT come out with a wet paper towel. Just trust me on that one. 

* We're having kind of an End of Summer BBQ party this weekend and I'm seriously agonizing over whether to decorate for fall this week (Adam decrees that I shall not decorate for Fall until the official first day of Fall, which is tomorrow) or if I should keep my current, more summery decor up until after the party. Like, I really cannot decide about this. I am fully aware of how ridiculous it is that I cannot make a decision this simple. 

* I'm both excited for the party and also kind of dreading it a little because it means having to super clean the house and be all "on" for the party, know what I mean? I'm such a strange mixture of introvert/extrovert. I love hanging out with friends and I LOVE entertaining so I enjoy planning these things but then my introvert side peeks out and all I want to do is find a hole to crawl into with my books and my puppies and my Adam and hide from the world. 

* I know I haven't been as present on the blog and on your blogs and I'm sorry. My schedule has been kind of weird lately, also I've been dealing with some anxiety issues and that always kind of puts me in survival, "do the bare minimum to get by" mode. 

*Basically I'm a hot mess right now.

Confessions

+ Scrolling through Pinterest and I pin all these cute things I want AND articles titled "How to Declutter Your Space" and "Ten lies you tell yourself about credit cards". The irony is not lost on me. #isn'titironic

+ Speaking of shopping for things I don't need, this shirt, I WANT:

I mean we're going to the mountains in October, so really it is a need, right? 

+ I have to say, I am loving the trend of really comfy, pajama-like pants. It makes wearing basically pajamas to work acceptable.

+ We're taking a trip to Tulsa in a few weeks to visit family and I already have a list of places I want to eat. There will be Tex-Mex. #allthefood

+ I recently said no to some sandals at Target because I was trying to be good and budget-y and now they're gone and I have non-shopper's remorse. #comebackprettyshoes

+ So I killed my succulent a while ago (who kills the most low maintenance plant EVER? Me, that's who), and I'm trying to decide if I want to try again. I'm pretty sure I know what I did wrong, so maybe I learned from my mistakes? #blackthumb

+ I have watched this video at least 10 times and I can't stop, plus it makes me laugh every time.

+ I have had the same color on my toes for over two weeks, and part of me says "I should really change that" and the other part of me is really proud that a pedicure I gave myself is lasting so well. Not one chip! 

Confessions of a no-good, very bad blogger

I am a horrible blogger, you guys. I didn't really mean to just totally check out this past week, but it happened. I didn't post (obviously) and I didn't read any blogs or comment. I am ashamed.

I think I just needed a break though, I was feeling really worn out and uninspired. I still kind of feel that way, but I'm trying to get back to it and I feel like a confession post is a good way to do that.

- Another thing that was a big fail for me is working out. As in, I didn't do it for two weeks. I started back again on Monday and yikes. My muscles are screaming at me. #outofshapealready

- At work I'm filling in for someone on maternity leave until August, and I'm really starting to hit my stride with everything I'm doing. Just in time to give it up when she gets back. I've learned a lot though and it's always good to cross-train, in case a position in that department opens up in the future.

- I'm trying to switch to hot tea instead of coffee, and while I'm enjoying the tea I still end up having coffee at some point during the day. Kind of defeats the purpose. #addict

- I'm back on my meal plan but I keep thinking of all these new restaurants and dessert places I want to try on the weekends. I just want to eat ice cream and cheeseburgers, is that so wrong? #weekendsarefortreatingyoself

- Hurley reeeaaally needs a haircut and we keep putting it off. He's starting to look like a small sasquatch. #stillcute

- We booked our vacation in the mountains! I am SO excited! The mountains are one of my favorite places in the world, and I can't wait to soak up views like this:

Source

- I took pictures of my 4th of July outfit to do a fashion post and I can't decide if I love them or hate them. #SOnotafashionblogger #awkward

I think that's all I got today. What has everyone been up to??

Confessions

Last week and this week have been a whole new world for me at work and as a result I am struggling to keep up with everything outside of work. Including this blog. So bear with me as I try to navigate the new responsibilities and schedule, I don't know how consistent I will be with posting, and I haven't been able to read and comment on all of your blogs as much as I would like. Which makes me has a sad, but I hope to be able to get into a more consistent routine soon and manage my time for everything better. #changeisgood

In related news I moved to a different desk so I'm at a different computer which apparently only has one browser- IE. I knew I preferred Chrome or Safari but I hadn't used IE in so long that I forgot just how bad it was. Yikes. #spoiled

I think I might be more excited for my birthday than most 5 year olds. Apparently the fact that I'm getting old has yet to make birthdays an unpleasant occasion for me. Because cake. And presents. #i'manadult

I'm not good at waiting on things. I knew this but it's become even more abundantly clear over the last few weeks as we are waiting on some direction and answers for next steps. #patienceisavirtue

I'm still wearing jeans that are about 2 sizes too big for me, and have been for over a year now,  because they're comfortable. Clearly I prize comfort above fashion. Also they make me feel skinny because they're so loose. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this. #baggyjeansdon'tcare

Really tough workout + not being able to breathe through my nose = I am going to pass out now, bye. 

Confessions + Last Day to Enter the Giveaway!

*Don't forget to enter the giveaway below!*

+ I've heard a lot of people say they threw their scale away and no longer use it because it can be a pretty poor measure of your progress, and it can make you too focused on a number that may or may not be an accurate indicator. Which I totally agree and I totally get.

BUT. (Here's my big butt, I mean the big but)

For me there is nothing that gives me a better kick in the pants when I've gotten off track than my scale. I can make all kinds of excuses for why my pants feel tighter, but when I see a certain number on that scale, I KNOW I need to cut the crap and get back to work. Maybe someday I'll get to the place where I don't need the scale for accountability, but right now I feel like I do. #ICan'tQuitYou

+ Sometimes my naturally wavy/curly hair gets on my nerves but lately I'm pretty much loving it because I wash it, throw in some gel or some sea salt spray and I'm good to go. I'm averaging straightening my hair about once a week these days. #lazy

#flawless

+ This could be because I keep hitting snooze in the mornings and giving myself about 10 minutes to get ready. #sleepwins

+ Does anyone else just start randomly cackling while scrolling through Pinterest and finding stuff like the meme above and your husband just looks at you like: 

+ This week has been a little more cake business heavy and I'm finding it much harder to keep up with multiple cake jobs now that I have a separate full time job. It's pretty much wearing me out. #ICan'tHang

+ Y'all. I think the plants and stuff are seriously trying to kill me this year. My allergies are SO bad. Why does nature hate me???

You should confess with us because it's really therapeutic. 

Don't forget about the Chloe and Isabel Giveaway! Today is the last day to enter! 

1. Can you tell us a little about Chloe + Isabel?
The Chloe + Isabel Brand was inspired by a concept we call "The Friendship Philosophy" - the idea of two best friends with different personalities and styles, united by their passion for style and self-expression. Chloe and Isabel are names that represent the two personalities we see in our customers, our Merchandisers, and ourselves.
“Chloe” is a fearless fashionista, always in search of the season’s hottest trends, while “Isabel” appreciates, above all, timeless, beautifully-crafted pieces. Whether you're a Chloe, an Isabel, or a Chloe-bel (that's a bit of both!), we are a destination for all women!

2. What made you decide to start working with Chloe + Isabel? 
I decided to start working with Chloe + Isabel because I'm not completely fulfilled in my current position and I was looking for another way to generate income and see where building a business would take me. I hosted an online party with my friend who is a merchandizer for Chloe + Isabel. My party did very well and I got free jewelry. I love fashion & jewelry so it just made sense.

3. What are your favorite pieces?
The c+i jewelry is awesome. Some of the really nice features are that all pieces are hypoallergenic, nickel-free, and lead safe. We offer a lifetime replacement and 30-day money back guarantee on every piece. From timeless to fashion-driven, our pieces start at just $18. They have a really unique concept called convertibles, where the pieces are multifunctional.

Some of my favorite pieces are Bouquet Rouge Double Pendant Necklace, Gilded Reeds Aventurine Long Pendant, Heirloom Tortoise Link Necklace, Color Code Crystal Bracelet, Starburst + Seed Pearl Long Pendant

4. What advice do you have to give to someone who is considering getting started in a venture like C + I? 
Feel free to reach out to me! I would love to answer any questions you may have. I would definitely recommend this company and opportunity to anyone who is looking for a little more financial freedom and would also love a few new piece of lifetime guaranteed jewelry.

If you just want to purchase some beautiful jewelry, visit my boutique!

____

Today along with some of my favorite bloggy friends are giving away a pair of the gorgeous teeny tortoise stud earrings! These are the CUTEST studs (I might have to order a pair for myself)!

Hosted by Beautiful Things | Katie Elizabeth | Grace Makes New | The New Mrs.

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*Must be a US Resident & All Entries will be verified!

Confessions: Pet Peeves

I'm really not a super peevy person, I'm pretty laid back and chill most of the time. BUT. There are just some things that get under my skin. Here are a few:

* When you invite someone to a party or some other event and they say something like, "Oh that sounds great, I'll let you know!" and then they will not commit one way or the other and it really kind of seems like they're just waiting for something better to come along, until the day before (or day of) the event they are like, "Oh I can't come, bummer!" Is it so hard to commit to something? I mean, I get that sometimes you have to check your calendar and it might be a few days before you know for sure, and I also get that things come up last minute, but as a general rule it shouldn't take months for you to decide if you want to attend an event. Yes or no. #commitmentphobe

* When someone says "You look SO tired!" Oh well thank you so much. I feel really awesome about my appearance now. #rude

*I've mentioned this one before, but when I'm reading and someone's asks "What are you reading?" I always feel so awkward because it's like what do they expect me to say?? "A book"? Do they want to know the title which will most likely tell them nothing unless it's really well known or they've read it themselves? Do they want a full synopsis of the book? Like what is expected of me in this situation? It's very uncomfortable. #introvertstatus

*"I could care less". Well, ok. Then care less if you want to. Or is that a threat? Like, "I could care less if I wanted to, so watch yourself." Ohhh, you mean you couldn't care less. I see. #sarcasm

*When people feel the need to argue with a complete stranger about something on Facebook. I don't just mean a friendly difference of opinion. I mean the times where someone is having a full blown, name calling, ragey fight with someone they don't even know. I mean what is that? Do they actually feel like they are accomplishing something by doing this? Do they think they're going to change the person's mind via an FB fight? Is it entertaining for them? I'm genuinely curious. #facebookprobs

*"I seen..." It is truly disturbing how many people say it this way.

*When people are on their phone the WHOLE time you're hanging out or having dinner or whatever. I mean looking at your phone a few times is fine, heck, I have to pull out my phone to take pictures of my food a few times #fortheblog, so I get it. But it's one thing to check your phone a few times or take some pics and it's a completely different matter to be scrolling through FB or Twitter or whatever the entire time. Remember back in the olden times when we used to only look at our phone when it was ringing or we got a text message? I'm talking waaaay back, like 2006 or something.

Ok, I'm done complaining. Are any of these your pet peeves? Am I just neurotic? (Entirely possible)