Sunday... Funday?

First things first - if you guys are reading this and you haven't "followed" my blog, would you take a second to do that? All you need to do is click "Join This Site" to the right, make a user name and a password, and click submit - super easy, it helps me to know who's reading and also, what you might want to read about. And if you're enjoying this blog, please share with your friends!

This is my last lazy Sunday for about a month, and I am taking full advantage of it. The only plans I have today are to catch up on Grey's Anatomy & Private Practice, and do a lot of reading - since for some reason, my reading has gone from all.the.freaking.time to maybe 20 minutes at night. Sadness. Although Alexis, Jen and I are heading to Myrtle Beach for my birthday, so I do have a stack of magazines and books that I am planning on devouring while we're there.

Normally I'd be posting a Sunday Manicure for all y'all, but since I'm in a packing and moving frenzy for the next week I'm not even going to bother. Once I get one chip, it's all over.

This is what my day looked like yesterday:

I packed up all my dishes except my Tupperware - I'm using paper plates and plastic cups all week. Because let's face it. I'm single, and I don't cook actual meals just for myself anyway, so I don't really need real plates and bowls right now. I started packing and I couldn't stop, which was my fear. I just wanted to clean out my storage closet and be done for the day, but once I got on a roll of organizing, it was all over.

I only have my bathroom cabinets, some clothes, pots and pans, and food to pack. Bailey definitely knows something is up - you'd think she'd be used to it by now, every 6 months packing up and moving. I can't wait to actually be in this next apartment for a year (or *gasp* LONGER THAN A YEAR). That means I can buy actual decorative stuff, and move in to a place without thinking "Why bother? Just gonna leave soon anyway." That is so foreign to me. Thank you, Pinterest, for giving me all kinds of decorating and storage ideas.

This move also means that I get to do Group Power at the gym 4 days a week, so I really have no excuse to not be bikini season ready when it's here. Being a bridesmaid in Katie's wedding is also a huge driving factor in this "get fit" plan - and getting a spray tan. Because holy mother am I pale, and unless the weather gets super hot in the next few months I won't be laying out by the pool in time to get any color.

I was just discussing with Katrina that I was contemplating taking a spin class at the gym, and I'm going to say that she was adamantly against it:

"There's only one thing I want jamming into my crotch and it's not a bike seat."

Point taken.

Lastly, I'm going to share this video I found on HelloGiggles - I want to say that this tutorial is for girls who have thicker hair, because I fear that my thin, disgusting-straight hair wouldn't work for this style. So I'm going to stick with a teasing brush for this job, but if you are looking for an easy way to throw your hair up in a very cute bun - for work or just out running errands, this could be for you.

Check out her blog site too at Mr. Kate, from what I can tell she's got a lot of great DIY and fashion ideas. If you guys try that sock bun thing let me know - I may give it a go too!

All That Glitters

Sorry for the radio silence over here guys - this past week has been crazy busy! But I did manage to get to the gym 4 days this week, so I think that makes up for my lack of blogging. And I didn't feel like I was going to die the day after Group Power, so things are definitely improving there.

First things first, I am SO excited about this - Alexis and I have decided to host monthly Pinterest Parties. You know you just go along, pinning, pinning, pinning, and then never think about it again. Well, we're going to hold ourselves accountable for all these wonderful pins and actually make some of them. Brilliant, I know - credit goes to Alexis for that. (Side note: If you haven't been to Mugg's DIY Blog you must go. Go do it now, and then come back to mine, because there is more to this post.)

I decided to do glitter light-switch plates, because I'm moving into a new apartment and this seemed like an easy way to personalize the place. And also a great gift idea if you have girls in your life who are obsessed with glitter - which I do. Quite a few of them, actually.

Switch plates, glitter, Mod Podge, sandpaper. And an adult beverage, obviously.

I got all of the supplies at Walmart for around $20. The switch plates were 57 cents a piece, and when it comes to things like that, I can't buy just one or two. I cleaned them out and bought 10. (This is why I also have 10 tank tops that are all really similar. "They're only $2.80? GET THEM ALL.") I haven't ever used Mod Podge, so I consulted with my aunt and Mugg, and went with the aerosol. I figured it would work better, because the brush in the regular MP would get glitter all stuck to it. You should also get some heavy grit sandpaper to rough up the switch plates to make sure everything will stick.

I HIGHLY recommend doing this craft OUTSIDE. Trust me. Otherwise you will get a contact high from the Mod Podge. I thought Alexis just made my drink really strong, but no. I even had the garage door open and I still had a headache when I was done. And since glitter is the herpes of craft supplies, you want to do this in an area that you don't care if it gets sparkly. I did mine in a shallow box to keep everything (somewhat) contained, but the glitter will still get everywhere.

1) Sandpaper the switch plates until they aren't shiny anymore.

2) One plate at a time, so the MP doesn't dry too fast - layer Mod Podge, glitter, Mod Podge, glitter until you are satisfied with how concentrated the glitter is. I would recommend waiting 10-15 minutes between layers to let them dry somewhat, and so you can see where you've missed. I wanted to see zero white - go big or go home.

3) Let dry overnight. Hit them all with another few layers of MP throughout the next day so they are properly sealed and won't be dropping glitter herp all over the place. The last thing you want is for the glitter to start flaking off, because that will just look like crap.

This picture just makes me happy. LOOK AT THE SPARKLES.

I loved this, once my headache went away. I can't wait to decorate my new apartment with these! I will be doing more posts as we continue these PinParties - I'm already on the lookout for my next project.

Alexis made some wine glasses with chalkboard paint on the bottom of them so you can keep track of which glass is yours at a party - the wine glasses were 4 for $5 at Walmart, and other than that all you need is a small bottle of chalkboard paint and some chalk! (Or blackboard crayons, since apparently Walmart doesn't carry regular classroom chalk.) Easy peasy, and cheap. Great for parties, or for a housewarming gift!

How was everyone's Single's Awareness Day last week? Or, Valentine's Day, if you're in a relationship. This year's was quite different for me - the past 4 years I've gotten flowers delivered at work and always had a gift waiting for me at home, but this year I knew nothing was coming. There was that little pricking in the back of my mind, thinking someone might send me flowers. But who? Only four guys know my address here, 2 of them would never. And the other two? I said to my mom, "If ______ sends me flowers, I'll kill him. If _______ sends me flowers, I'll marry him." "Quite a swing there!"

thank you, Gabby!

I scored some sick Pumas yesterday on the cheap. Can you say BALLER?! I can't wait to go to the gym now!

Since it's been so long since I did my last post, I have two Quotes for y'all (watch out now, southern accent coming through):

"I wish David Beckham was selling his junk instead of undies. I want more from these commercials." - Katrina. Ain't that the truth. David Beckham is one fine specimen!

On Pinterest:

"You get sucked in, and every time you refresh the page, it's like MAGIC!" - Jess. I do this. A lot. This is why some nights I get online and then all of a sudden its 11:30pm and I should've gone to bed an hour and a half ago. Damn you, Pinterest.

 This is what we're doing for the day. It's raining, and I have shows to catch up on. Have a great Sunday, bloggies!

Epic Weekend!

You  know those friends in your life who you go a while without seeing, and then when you do see each other, it's like no time has passed at all? I am lucky enough to have a handful of those girls in my life, and two of them came to spend the weekend with me! Katrina and Janira flew in on Thursday night, and we basically spent the next 3 days eating and shopping until we dropped.

Friday morning we started out with a stop at Dunks (obviously) and manicures for each of us - a month or so ago I found a Groupon for $12 manicures. I didn't look at the fine print and we actually got deluxe manicures - paraffin and sugar scrub included, so that was a pleasant surprise.  After, we headed over to Southpark mall, where we stumbled upon a Francesca's Collections. If you have one near you, you MUST go to this store. They have got the greatest little gifts and decorative items, and a bunch of cute clothes and jewelry, all at very reasonable prices. They've got this huge clock on the wall behind the register that I'm coveting - there's actually a Francesca's in the shopping village next to my new apartment, so I'll be spending a fair amount of time there I'm sure. I should probably look into getting a part time job there to fund the decorating of my new place.

Katrina and I both picked these up for our new places:

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Magic Wand salt & pepper shakers!!!! OBVIOUSLY. I have a plan of glitter spray-painting a clear vase from Michael's or somewhere to keep these in.

Friday night Alexis joined us and we all got ready to head out for some dancing and some (read: a lot) of drinks. (I just stumbled upon this article Crashing A Girl's Night Out - pretty funny, and all true.) We had the coolest cab driver, even though she didn't ask us any Cash Cab questions. But we got in the car and she says, "I'm sure you don't want to listen to Biggie." "YES WE DO!" so we ended up calling her to bring us home too. We ended up at Suite, a pretty swanky club that had a surprisingly cheap cover, and stayed there for the entirety of our time out - this weekend has had the absolute coldest weather I've yet to experience here, so we were not up for bar hopping (freezing).

In the cab - yup, I rocked that glitter eyeshadow

Inside the ATM vestibule - told you it was cold out!

 "Oooooh hair up, how scandalous of you"
"I was going for pinup. Scandalous?"

"It's the 'it's Friday and I don't give a f**k, lets drink' look"

That pretty much sums up the night. Boys, sometimes they know what they're talking about. Not often, but sometimes.

A few tips for your next girls night out:

* Make sure your pants fit. I stupidly wore a pair of skinny jeans, and while they were comfortable and looked good, they stretched out REALLY fast and I spent the majority of the night pulling my pants up. Or make sure you have a cute belt in case this happens to you - I am not one for belts, but would've worn one because these jeans were driving me absolutely insane.

* Wear cute but comfortable shoes, or make sure someone in your party is willing to switch with you when your feet start to hurt. Alexis wore some smokin' hot glitter heels but they were killing her by the end of the night, and I had changed to flats right before we left. So while we were out on the dance floor we switched - I don't normally share foot sweat with anyone, but she was in pain and the shoes looked good on me. Even if they were a size and a half too small. I didn't have to actually walk in them, so I was fine. (That's how you know you have a good friend - you don't mind sharing foot sweat. This is an absolutely disgusting topic but its true.)

* Practice The Face - I know you have seen this video a million times, but it works if you commit to it. Or make sure someone in your party is wearing a huge engagement/wedding ring (fake or not) - that sometimes works. (Also, some guy said something to me out on the dance floor - "I want to ___________ your tattoos!!!" It was either "count" or "lick" - he got The Face, because I have absolutely no desire for anyone to LICK my tattoos, plus what a weird thing to say in general.)

* Leave a Nalgene full of water, a bottle of ibuprofen, and a packet of face wipes next to your bed before you leave. You will be thankful that you did that, because you will avoid the inevitable headache and face full o' zits the next  morning.


Yesterday morning I whipped up a feast of pancakes & coffee and we headed out for a little bit more shopping and to see The Vow. Now, the reviews only gave it 1.5 stars, but I love me some Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams. I cried, because I'm a baby when it comes to mushy gushy love crap (who'da thunk, right?), but the movie wasn't amazing. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but it definitely wasn't The Notebook.


The girls are back in MA and Bailey and I are spending the rest of the day in bed, catching up on some ZZZ's and some shows. All in all, a very successful weekend with my BFFs - so glad they came down to visit me! Only 110 days until I'm reunited with all of my girls!

Truth.
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Sunday Manicure

Zoya: Kristen, OPI: Rainbow Connection

We'll see how long this manicure lasts. There's a lot of glitter on the tips. But as long as I can get through the first few days of this week, I'll be fine - because Janira & Katrina are coming, and we are going to get manicures on Friday! I am so excited to see the MA contingent of my BFFs, I haven't seen them since September. I have a feeling the entire weekend is going to be like this article, because the 3 of us do not shut up the entire time we're together. I just wish I was already moved into my new apartment because the one I'm in now is slightly embarrassing, but I wrote my LAST RENT CHECK to this hellhole leasing company yesterday. All I have to say about that is: WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Please behold the awesomeness that is in this video:

I haven't eaten at Sonic before, but I want to now.

So today is The Big Game, and Alexis is having a few girls over. From the sounds of it, the amount of food we are going to have could probably feed both teams that are playing in the game (and there's only four of us). I am making these:

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I am just hoping mine come out that well. I did buy mini-chocolate chips (with Mary Bohn in mind - "look at me, I'm mini!!!") and since I have FOUR POUNDS of peanut butter from my BJs trip last week, I didn't need to buy any more.

One last thing you should remember (thanks to the lovely Gabby for sharing this with me):

:)

Buyin' in bulk.

I will push the limits on not going grocery shopping as long as humanly possible, because I hate it. I would rather wash, dry, fold (even socks) and put away laundry than go to the grocery store. It probably has something to do with the 3 flights of stairs I have to haul it up, plus I feel like I spend so much money on nothing. (I never thought I'd say this, but I miss PriceRite, my absolutely ghetto grocery store in Springfield. It was so cheap. Waaaaaaaa!) Example? This was my fridge when I got home from work today.

That Tupperware doesn't even have anything edible for me in it - its blended carrots for Bailey's food. (Yeah. My dog likes vegetables in her food.) So a gallon of OJ, 1 (expired) yogurt, 2 hard boiled eggs, a tub of butter, and cream cheese. DELICIOUS.

So off I went to BJs to stock up on necessities. Let me just say, right now - there is no reason in this world that any single person needs a BJs membership. Work pays for mine, so I might as well use it, but seriously. It's probably going to take me 3 months to get through the food I bought today. Not to mention the 12 rolls of paper towels I HAD to have (I had a coupon!). And who needs EIGHTY OUNCES of peanut butter? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love peanut butter as much as the next girl - and Bailey does too - but that's FOUR POUNDS of peanut butter. That is disgusting. So basically my move in 29 days is going to include a lot of bulk food. But I couldn't starve for the next month! I do well to pack my lunch for work every day instead of going to Panera, so I am saving in the long run.

In blog news, if any of you need a fabulous DIY blog to follow, my good friend Mugg has started one, and she does some cool stuff. She just moved into her mom's house and is slowly refinishing everything, so check her out. She also loves ELF as much as, if not more, than I do (she placed two orders in one day, people.) Speaking of ELF, I got this in an email today:

10 Free Mineral eyeshadows

use code DELIGHT on orders over $25

use by 2/6/12

You are welcome. I won't be using it, because my makeup collection is OUT OF CONTROL right now, but their mineral eyeshadows are amazing. You can also follow them on Pinterest.

On my drive home from work today I kept thinking of topics to write about on here, I should've done a voice memo. But one I do remember, mostly because I think the same thing every time I drive anywhere here.

What are you DOING?!?!

This is my general thought the entire time I'm in the car. I grew up in Maine, and you're basically trained to think "MASSHOLE!" when you see a Massachusetts plate on a car - nobody in Maine likes Mass drivers. I would have to say the only thing that I like about Massachusetts is the drivers. (Other than the fact that 3/6 of the BFFs either live there or will soon.) But here? Oh god. Driving in North Carolina has been an experience in itself. I think part of the problem is that nobody is actually from here, so they have no idea where they're going. But the other part is that they make up their own damn driving rules! Nobody uses their blinkers, ever. Everyone comes to a complete stop at a railroad track, no train in sight. I want to kill people when they stop at a railroad track. Fucking GO! My horn gets a workout - they wouldn't put them in cars if they weren't supposed to be used. And I use mine.


To wrap up today's post, I had been messaging a guy on OKC and asked him what brought him to Charlotte:

Well the short answer is my job. The long answer is better over a phone. Feel free to text/call me at ##########. My name is Jejo.

Jejo? Je no.