Oh how I have missed you.

Wow life has been so extremely busy. I'm not even sure where my summer went. I know it was here...and now it's almost gone. The dark night is coming earlier and earlier every evening. This makes me sad. There is nothing I love more than when the sun goes down at 9 PM and rises at 6:30 AM. I started my journey to Pharmacy school this summer. I actually started a class and finished it! WOW right?! It was a intense 6-week Algebra course. I passed and I have never been so proud.

I started my own jewelry business with Lia Sophia and I started out with a BANG! My enthusiasm was through the roof...and now it's slowly dwindling as my exhaustion is catching up to me from trying to do TOO much at once. My purpose for Lia Sophia was to help supplement income when I start pharmacy school...that is, if I get in and finish the list of classes that I have to take before I can even apply...so I got a little excited and probably started a little sooner than I had originally wanted. Working a full time job, a part time job, and taking classes is starting to overwhelm me. I think I am going to try to cut back to 2-3 shows max a month. It is a great company and will be great income when I need it to be. Right now, I've blown every penny I have made :P...

For the fall sememester I have a pretty busy schedule. I started taking an online elementary calculus class and it is a HUGE MESS! The teacher was horrible and basically wants us to teach ourselves out of a text book. No tools or assistance really and he barely speaks english. I have asked the school to allow me to switch into a Fall II class that meets Tuesday and Thursday from 6:15-9:00 PM because this class is impossible to pass online. So Oct. 14-Dec. 12 is pretty much going to SUCK! It has to be done to reach my goal. If I stick with nothing else, I am sticking to my pharmacy plan! I think I can, I think I can. (update: They let me out!! Hip Hip Horray!)

I am finally going to New York City this fall with my hubby! I am head up from Cinci on the 18th and we are spending the weekend viewing the wonderful sites of the city! I absolutely cannot wait. I'll be sure to post up pictures of our adventure.

What a week!

OMG! Those are the only words I can come up with to sum up my week! It almost seems surreal. Michael Jackson dies at age 50, Farrah Faucet dies of cancer, Ed McMann dies....seriously Hollywood, you can stop now. Last night was insane! I went to a Lia Sophia party with my recruiter and it was NOT good! I hope I never have a show like that. Bless her heart! One order! One...yes that's right, one lonely order. How do you not have friends that want to buy jewelry and why would you not cancel that show rather than waste the hostess time. Then I come home and my husband is stuck in the Detroit airport, so I'm running around trying to get him a hotel room and rebooked to come home today...shew! When it rains, it pours!

I however am very excited to start my Lia Sophia shows. I wish my show wasn't still three weeks away! I have four shows lined up and hopefully *fingers crossed, two more people interested in shows for August. Everytime I see a new piece from the catalog on, I love it. The catalog does not do this jewelry line justice. I hope that I have a great turn out at my show. My menu is currently being planned and I am thinking Margarita's and Mexican appetizers. Gauc, chips and salsa are a must and maybe the fruit salsa with cinnamon chips. I really want lots of friends and family to come out and support me as I start up this business. If I reach my goal then I get $150 in free jewelry to add to my collection. I need as many free pieces as I can get so I don't spend more than I make to get this thing started. I at least want to make enough money to help pay for my classes.

Oh yeah, classes! I started my Algebra 109 class yesterday and by start I mean I watched the review section. LOST basically sums that up...LOL! I hope to get through lesson one on Sunday so I can be four days ahead of schedule. This online summer class is going to move fast and I do not want to get behind. Especially since I have four shows lined up the last two weeks of July. The more I can get done the better.

Saturday should be fun! My good friend Sarah is having a "going away" get together on a double decker bus! Good friends, good drinks, driving around Lexington...could it get any better...oh yea, maybe if we were still in Miami.

Miami was amazing! We (Amanda, Jewel and I) just got back from SoBe last Sunday. It was a sad flight home and I already feel pasty pale. The glow (sweat) look was really growing on me. Make sure you look at our pictures on Facebook if you already haven't. My favorite thing was the Bahama mama in a pineapple.

So many exciting things going on in my life. I am asking God to help me stay afloat and to help me succeed!

It's been a while since I have had a moment to blog and it may continue to be put on the back burner (I hope not as I love doing it). Just this past week I have taken on two new, huge challeneges.
1. I have enrolled at BCTC to starting work on my pre-reqs to pharmacy school.
2. I am becoming an Advisor for Lia Sophia.

Yes, I may be crazy for trying to do too much at once but these are both things that have been on my heart for a while and I have decided to get off my lazy butt and get moving.

I absolutely love Lia Sophia jewelry. I meet a girl at a Lia Sophia convention out in Scottsdale, AZ last year and have been interested in the brand ever since. Last week my friend had a party and I was so excited to see the jewelry in person. It was all georgeous. I'm kind of nervous about getting people to have parties. The jewelry almost sells it's self, but I am not as good as I used to be at conveincing people to do things. I have four shows lined up right now and hopefully God will provide and I will get two bookings at each of those shows. I really need to make some extra money to help pay for school to keep from taking out more student loans and to help us get out of left over college debt. Our goal would be to be out of debt before the end of the year. We have done really well so far....anyhow if you want to have a party or know of someone who does, let me know! I can tell them how to get all kinds of great jewelry cheap. I already have my wish list for my first show. My first piece should show up this week while I am on vacation.

Now...BCTC. I am taking Algebra 109. What the heck did I do when I was in college? obviously didn't take any useful math classes. I was so good at math in high school. I should have been smarter about my choices and less worried about being social. I'm really nervous! I hope I do well as this is going to be the start to something new and exciting!

Off to finish packing for Florida! Nite Nite.

All about the Hair!

Ever since I was a little girl I have HATED my hair. It's course, wavy, frizzy, and unruly! I know many of you do not believe any of what I just said because my hair comes off stick straight, shiny, and smooth. Well guess what! Without product it would be a big poofy hot mess. These (along with a good hair cut and the infamous straightening iron) are things that I love for my hair:

Straight Sexy Hair Smooth and Seal:
This product can be used on wet or dry hair (I just tried the wet hair and it works even better than before). Spray it all over before you blow dry and it locks out humidty and keeps you hair shiney. You can spray again once you have straightened your hair for finishing.



BedHead: SuperStar Sulfate Free Shampoo/Conditioner
This stuff smells AMAZING! The shampoo is strawberries and the conditioner is mint. It leaves my hair feeling clean and free of build up.


Sedu Straightener:
Amazing as well, much better than a CHI. My CHI always lost heat over time. This flat iron stays the same temperature and has a dial to set it to the right temperature for your hair.


I just got a few new products from Ulta today: BedHead's "SuperStar Queen for a Day" root lifter and S factor's "Silky Smooth Moisture Serum." I need something to keep the humidity out on those super humid rainy days or when I am in Florida. I am hoping Silky Smooth is going to do the trick. The Straight Sexy Smooth and Seal works great for KY weather but not sure it's going to hold up for the Sunshine/Humidity State (plus I can't carry it on the plane since it's over 3.3 ounces). I'll keep you posted on how they work. What are some of you favorite products?

UPDATE: So I LOVE every single one of the products above. The "SuperStar Queen for a Day" has to be used lightly, less is definately more with this product, but it is a great root lifter. I also added Bed Head's Foxy Curls Contour cream to take to the beach...we will see how well it works on this messy mop!

UPDATE 6-30-09: I am not crazy about the Foxy Curls contour cream...I did invest in another smoothing serum, by Bedhead (my new favorite hair brand!). Dumb Blonde Smoothing Serum, which comes in a cute little container and smells AMAZING! The Foxy Curls smells good too, like smarties. YUM!

I ♥ Chicago

Last week I had two dinner programs in Chicago. The weather turned out to be absolutely georgeous. I had prepared for the cold because everytime I have been to chicago it has been brutely cold. I spent two days walking around the streets of chicago in the sunshine, shopping and just enjoying the city life. I am headed back again this week for another work event Thursday and Friday. My two best girl friends are coming up to join me Saturday and Sunday for some more shopping, Legally Blonde on Broadway, and some sight seeing. I can not wait! Here are some pics of last week and excitement for things to come this week.

Hippie Chic

Okay let me first start off by saying that clear straps for bra's should no longer be made! I am not sure why people think clear straps a. look good and b. are really clear. They look horrible! Please if you own clear straps, throw them in the trash and promoise you will never buy them again! Invest in a nice strapless bra that fits well and you will not need clear straps.

Now onto the good stuff! I am in LOVE with cute sundresses. The best ones are those that are slightly hippie or boho chic. They were all over the Dave concert last night. Every girl needs to purchase at least one to add to her wardrobe. I'll probably be buying one for everyday.

I am also crazy about strappy flat sandals. Very comfortable, practical, and cute! Grab a couple of pairs for your summer wardrobe.

Dave Matthews Band

We are finally back from Nashville. The DMB concert was last night (Saturday) and we thought we got super lucky when we located a Hampton Inn closer to Vandy....I'll come back to why we were not so lucky in a minute. Jesse and I had such a great relaxing weekend. We went down Thursday, stopped in at one of Jesse's clients and then headed to the hotel for dinner and vegging out. Friday we spent some time shopping at the outlets, running around downtown, and eating at Rotiers (a little hole in the wall hamburger joint). We were suppose to change hotels on Saturday and we really wanted to be down by Vandy since that's where the concert was. I looked at Hampton and luckily there was one Hampton Inn open! It was fate. I cancelled the Fairfield Inn that was out by Opryland and booked the Hampton. Saturday morning we headed to Opry Mills, checked out the mall (I found a really cute polka dot skirt at the Loft that I had wanted but couldn't find my size in Lexington...go ME!) and then we headed downtown Nashville for the Hampton. Now, I have stayed at my fair share of Hamptons, as has Jesse (Mr. Gold status). This poor Hampton looked like the Motel 6 for 34.95 a night. I used my HHonors points, so I wasn't too concerned and it was only for one night so we could deal with the "run-down" ghetto Hampton. We went to dinner at this amazing little Italian place across the street (the brewery we wanted to eat at was an hour wait) and then headed down to the concert. We knew where the concert was driving but didn't really know how to get to the Stadium on foot, so we just followed the crowd. We made it as Jason Mraz was opening (who we also passed on Vandy's campus earlier that day). Snore...sorry that was me being put to sleep by his music. After much patient waiting Dave finally came on! We had tickets pretty much as far back and up as you could go, but the seats were not bad. We didn't have anyone in front of us so we could stretch out our legs, it was great. I ran into a girl I used to work with at AE, she was about 4 seats down from me (we had ran into each other at Opry mills in the Banana Outlet dressing room earlier that day). The concert was great! This morning we got up, started getting ready and the caous hit! While Jesse was in the shower, a room around us flushed their toliet...and their flushed nastiness came up in the shower. Luckily he was done and getting ready to get out, so he hopped out and shared the gift from our neighbors with me! YUCK! I called the front desk and they quickly sent someone to our room to fix it "good as new". I was kind of shocked that the manager did not call us or check on us. It is pretty disguisting to have someone else's sewage come up while you are showering. We finished getting ready and headed to check out. If you know me, then you know that I spoke with the manager and he refunded my points so we stayed at the NASTY Hampton for free. We are finally home after a great long weekend. It's always good to be home. XOXO

DAVE!

We made it to Nashville...finally! I have decided that I hate car riding now or maybe just car riding through Western Kentucky! It has been a long week; I got home Tuesday from Jacksonville from a very successful work trip. I unpacked, washed clothes, cleaned house, washed bedding, packed and we headed back out this morning! Our friend Emily is keeping Nikki and Maddy (Beau went to my Mom's as he hates all people, except family) so this should be exciting. Our dogs are not aware that they are dogs...My cousin stayed with them last time we were gone and she found them pretty silly. We are gone so much I don't want to overwhelm one person, so I am trying to build up a little team of people we trust to keep our precious children. We may have to hire a live in Nanny if we keep overlapping travel. Jesse left this hilarious list for our doggie sitter for this weekend. The information sheet holds all important information regarding how to work our complicated remote, what not to be alarmed about (for instance if Nikki puts her head under the couch, butt in the air and makes a chu-baca type noise...this is normal, she is just trying to locate her red ball). If I get a chance, I'll post it because I was laughing so hard, I was crying! Our dogs are high maintence (which may not be surprising to some).

Jesse and I have wanted to see DAVE (yes I know it's in capital letters...he's that awesome!) in concert since we meet almost 8 years ago. Until now, we haven't really been able to afford tickets, hotel rooms, travel, food, etc. Luckily I got a free night stay on my points (one benefit to being on the road all the time) and Jesse has clients he needs to make visits to, so we came down early so he didn't have to come to Nashville twice in one week. This is totally cheesy but when Jesse and I met the "Everyday" CD had just come out and we would both chat on AIM and listen to the CD, making sure to start on the same song at the same time. DAVE was the first thing we had in commmon. If it hadn't been for my LIL Beth, then I probably would not have been a DAVE fan and then Jesse and I wouldn't have fallen in love. Thank you LIL for playing DAVE over and over and over and over =) I cannot wait to see DAVE saturday night. What does one where to see DAVE? Guess this means shopping! There are two great outlets here. I hope to snag up another Ralph Lauren Button down! I love the one I bought a month or so back. I can't believe how much cheaper the long sleeved button down is compared to the polo AND the polos fit horribly! Outlet shopping is always great and makes me smile, almost as much as the thought of finally seeing DMB in concert! XOXO

Green, Green Grass

I am obsessed with Grass today...yes grass, like the kind that grows in your yard. Like I mentioned an an earlier blog, I want to grow grass in glass containers for centerpieces for my new dining room table (like the table I saw in Pottery Barn). I did a little google researching today and found that the grass I want to grow is Wheat Grass. Very interesting, I didn't really know there are types of grass...Who knew? I found a perfect container at Michaels today and pebbles were on sale for $.99 from $2.29. What a great deal! I need to get two more containers, but will wait till I can use another Michael's coupon. I have never and will never pay full price for anything at Michaels. Now I just need to hunt down Wheat Grass seeds...where do you find that?

My other grass obsession is in the form of cupcakes, chocolate ones to represent the dirt, iced in grass for easter, and topped with some Jelly Beans for eggs! Guess this means I am headed back to Michaels for a new tip to pipe out grass. I love decorating cupcakes. I wish I had more time to decorate and learn how to use new tips. I'll let you know how the "Easter Egg Hunt" Cup Cakes go!



Update:
Well I got one and a half down of the grassy things I wanted to make. I have been searching for the wheat grass and luckily enough I found it today at Whole foods!! Can't wait to get the rest of my pots and get the grass-a-growing! The grass cupcakes turned out awesome considering it was my first time using that tip. Everyone thought they were adorable and delicious. I'm sure I will be making more.

Sitting Around the Table

We have been in our house for almost 2 years now and wondering what we were going to do with our formal dining room. Most of you are probably thinking...duh...put a dining table in it. We went back and forth between putting in a game room or a dining room. This past weekend we picked out a beautiful table and will begin decorating our dinning room. Does this mean more dinner's at home...hopefully!
New Table:

I need to get some place mats and a centerpeice for it. I found these grass centerpeices on potterybarn.com that I love and could totally make myself (or at least I think I can). I don't like anything too frilly or girly in my living room/main area. Any suggestions on how to make these or other ideas for centerpeices? I think I am going to go with a sage green curtain since the walls are such a pale, boring Khaki and we don't want to paint. We have been looking at wine painted canvasas to add more color and spruce up the walls. I have no clue where a good place to get placemats? Homegoods? Target didn't have much. Can't wait to get it all pulled together!

Grass Centerpeices: