H54F: Birthday Edition

High Five!!!  It is Birthday FRIDAY!

Things I have learned in the last week of being 33...



1.  It is OK if you aren't sure what the hell you are doing on earth.

Because eventually you figure it out.  I have been so upset that my chosen field of work was and is a dud.  Now that I'm older than 22 I see that it is a lot to decide your path when you're that young.  For those of you who did it and love it ten, twenty years later kudos.  To those of us like me who have wrestled with what we're supposed to be doing --- it will come.  Trust me.



2.  People are strange.

Including the ones saying people are strange.  I learned so much this week about people I thought I "knew" and it makes me a wiser person.  Half the people we think we should be able to trust we cannot and 90% of the people we think we may know we do no really know nor do we really want to know.



3.  Life is sad without coffee.

I haven't been able to drink coffee since last Thursday and it is killing me.  Coffee is my crack.  I cannot wait to hold a magical cup of Starbucks very soon.



4.  My children could cure the fighting in the world.

I posted on Facebook that I knew why alligators ate their young.  This week has been a huge trial with my kids.  My son has been in this whiny three year old he is always right and I am always wrong phase.  Seriously - I cannot.  My daughter has been a debutante diva on a high horse this week.  Once again - I cannot.  I'm learning that being a mom to two kids who are very young is similar to opting for a space in the nut house.  I also feel that if the military knew of my children's capability to bring adults to their knees in mercy my children would be visiting the middle east, Africa, and parts of Asia very soon.  I do love them no matter how batty they make me and I know they love me too.



5.  Love makes it all better.

I feel like I ripped that from a Hallmark card.  If it wasn't for the love my husband gives me, my family gives me, and my best friend shows me in all our hilarious correspondence....I would be a lost and lonely soul.  I'm so thankful for all the love.  Everyone should be so lucky to have even an ounce of what I've been blessed with.

Fall Fashion #3: Florals

Alright, there is no sugar coating this.  I hate floral.  As one of my mom's friends used to say:  It looks like you've been rolling in your grandma's flower bed.  Yes, I agree and most of the time it is like grandma was rolling with you.

With fall's end quickly coming I'm wondering if this fad will continue or will also wilt away - get it?

Here are some floral finds I found while scouring the Internet for some floral I may not mind too much.

Add floral into an outfit by way of a scarf

A bold fun mini transforms this floral pattern from granny to grand!

A little floral under the cardigan never hurt anyone did it?

Are you a fan of floral?  How are you wearing them this fall?

This Weekend in North Carolina

Hello November in North Carolina!  What a fun time to visit this state or to take advantage of all the fun and festivities that are kicking off this month in honor of the holiday season!



Let's get started today with a trip to Dobson and Shelton Vineyards!  This weekend (Saturday) they will host a Murder Mystery Dinner at the vineyard.  The meal will be created by their in-house Chef Paul and can I tell you it looks to die for?  {Reserve your spot today!}



Next up we'll go east to Selma and get in the holiday spirit at the {American Music Jubilee Christmas Show}   This retro Christmas music celebration features seasonal tunes from days gone by, hymns, and more.  This event is set for three weekends this month.



Scoot over to Cary to check out the {ACC Women's Soccer Championship}.  It starts on Friday with the championship match being held on Sunday.



If you need furniture then go to Hickory this weekend for the {After Market Sale}.  This is a prime time to get great discounts on fabulous furniture.



In case Hickory is too far away you can always head to Greenville to the Down East Holiday Show  There will be lots of vendors to help you start marking names off your Christmas shopping list, ideas on how to decorate your home this season, and of course all the smells and sounds of the season.



Maybe we'll run into each other this weekend in Asheville at {The Biltmore House's 41st Annual Christmas at the Biltmore}.  Come see America's largest residence all dolled up for the holidays.



Head to Raleigh for the {NC Wine Festival at City Market}. This is expected to be the largest wine festival in the state and also offer you beach music and a lot more NC fun.  Proceeds from this event are going to help the Raleigh Jaycees and the Foundation of Hope.



Oh and if you want to just have a party in my honor on Friday - that's my birthday!  Woo hoo!

Gratitude 1, 2, 3, 4.

As with every year...I'm intentionally being thankful on the blog this month.  A good practice for all of us - to really take time to think and share what we are thankful for.

1.  Marriage - I have a good marriage and I am thankful for that.  My husband is my perfect fit and the piece that completes every single day of my life.  We respect one another and thrive off the love we give each other daily.  I am thankful for him and our covenant.

2.  Zofran - Nausea may be my arch nemesis.  My mom had some zofran for me to use while I've been sick.  I'm thankful for medication that can help ward away those yucky feelings we get from time to time.

3.  Medical professionals who are good with children - Specifically, Ellen.  The world is a better place when you have doctors, PA's, NP's, and nurses who have an awesome bedside manner with children.  I'm so thankful when my son can see Mrs. Ellen, she is simply amazing.

4.  My mama - Today is her birthday.  She's always a huge help to myself and my husband and we would be lost without her.  I think you have all caught on to that.  I don't have much of a relationship with my dad and that is by my own choice so I'm extra thankful to have a good mom.

I challenge you to share four things you are thankful for today :)

(Friends)Giving 2015 Tips and Tricks

Welcome to November!  I cannot express how much I just love this eleventh month of the year.  It really is a wonderful time in our home and I hope that it is full of fun and festivities in yours as well.

Last Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving 2013

Every year on Thanksgiving my family travels to Boone, North Carolina for Thanksgiving Lunch and to get our Christmas tree at {Greene Tree Farm}.  To be honest with you:  this is a tradition I live for. 

All fall I have really longed to have our friends over to eat and hang out by a bonfire.  Unfortunately, with the husband’s work schedule it has been quite impossible to host our friends for a laid back fall evening.  With the season winding down later in the month, I felt like my opportunity was slipping away.

Then it hit me:  Friendsgiving!

So…Guess what we’re hosting this year? Ha!

I am super excited to host an evening for our treasured friends and their children!  I have been doing a lot of planning and researching as to how I can make this a relaxed and memorable time with the family we have had the pleasure to hand pick.  

Today I have compiled my ideas to make Friendsgiving (hopefully) a success.  I hope you can gain a bit from this post too!

1.         Choosing the Date

Thanksgiving is such a busy time of the year for so many people.  I decided the date for our gathering a month prior to the actual day we would all get together.  I did this for several reasons including:

*Traditional plans – This is a holiday truly based around tradition!  I wanted to make our event far enough out that we could get a good early head count on how many would be attending.  This also helps us to know if the date may need to be changed to an earlier or later time. 

*Public Service Jobs – Some of our friends are in public service and that means holidays are just another work day.  Many times schedules are made in three month intervals so I wanted to give them a chance to let us know if they wanted to attend and if they needed to try to get coverage for their shift. 

*Deals – I opted to have our Friendsgiving after Thanksgiving. Face it, when a holiday has passed prices drop significantly!  This isn’t just a perk for the host but also for those coming out.  You’ll see why as you keep reading.

2.         Invitations

Though I’m a sucker for handwritten anything slash cardstock with beautiful designs – I opted to use Facebook Events to create a private event and send out the invites through that portal.  But why?  It seems we all have Facebook on our phones and it is instant knowledge if someone can or cannot come out.  Plus, it saves you postage (which you won’t scrimp on for Christmas cards ha!).

3.         The Food

Per the invitation if you can come then you need to bring a dish.  This is what I love most about this style of event, it can be potluck! The host can be responsible for the main dish and bread but your friends pitch in and bring a side dish.  For those who aren’t very good in the kitchen then let them bring something store made!  It is ok you anti-betty-crockers! Remember what I said about saving money?  We will apply that principle here.  Festive foods will be on sale after Thanksgiving. We’ll all save some loot on the dishes we bring because of good grocery store sales.

4.        Decoration

Once again a huge savings here!  If your Friendsgiving is post-Thanksgiving then you can save major money on your decorations for the table.  Many places are offering Thanksgiving décor at 80-90% off one week before the holiday and then an additional savings the weekend following Turkey Day.  Take advantage of these sales and get good décor that will last for many Thanksgivings to come.

Don’t forget to step into your own backyard as well!  Acorns can be painted, leaves can be dried and placed in hurricane vases, sticks and twigs can be made festive with some spray paint. 

Remember that this holiday is played down when it comes to décor.  You may not want to have much if any out at all.  I think a pretty centerpiece is the key to a gorgeous time anyway!

5.        Dinner ware

I am going to share a crazy little factoid about myself:  I love the random dishes at thrift shops.  I know it is odd.  For our Friendsgiving I’m scouring the Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other thrift shops for fall themed plates and servers.  I am not a matchy-matchy person and if I can find a few vintage-esque plates I will be over the moon.  Also, this is way cheaper than buying a full set of new dishes.  You can even send home left overs on these cheap finds – for 25cents a plate that is an awesome takeaway gift from the dinner!

If you do not want to have dishes to wash after the dinner then you can probably score some cute disposable sets at Party City and Dollar Tree.

6.         Kids are welcome J

I have kids and many times I would rather have them go see Nana or get a sitter so I can enjoy some kid free time with friends.  Here’s the deal though, children are a huge blessing and Thanksgiving isn’t a time to ship them off!  With that being said: I’m not planning anything special to keep them occupied.  I am hoping that the weather is nice so they can be outdoors and I’m also going to make sure I have a movie on standby and plenty of popcorn! Remember it is dark by 6pm this time of year.

7.         Utilize the outdoors

Many of you may be going cross-eyed at number seven.  I understand that if you live in the northeast or upper Midwest you think I am crazy.  Remember guys, I’m in the South, and I consider that a huge blessing!  If you are able to – set up your dinner table outdoors!  It will do the interior of your home a huge favor.  My goal is that we can dine outside and then enjoy a little bourbon and cider by a fire while the kids watch a movie.  Of course I know I am dreaming as it will probably rain cats and dogs and the kids will be begging for something to tear up!  Let me dream!  And let me concoct a back-up plan!  (Maybe that’s a teaser for another post!)

8.         Enjoy your friendship

Keep this event low key and fun.  This is about relishing the friends you have and this season of your life.  Tomorrow will bring its own challenges. Just take this evening to be thankful for the wonderful people God has placed in your life and the way you all support each other through the years.  This event excites me so much because of all the wonderful things that have happened this year:  one couple welcomed their third (surprise) baby in May; another celebrated their first wedding anniversary, while another just met this year and are the cutest couple on the face of the earth!  Celebrations of friendships should never be put on the backburner!

Weekend Recap (Fully Loaded)

I don't even feel like blogging but here I am.  The reason?  Well, I'm not sure other than I cannot nap right now and I don't feel like tackling that mountain of laundry in the other room. #honesty

The weekend was bittersweet.  Thursday was my husband's first day off (out of a four day weekend, yay!).  I had my hair trimmed and colored (still no pic, it will come).  Then I picked up the kids from daycare and school (early release) and all was well.

OK except for the fact my son had picked up a virus that another child had the opportunity to share. #childhoodisgross

We spent the afternoon running some errands and visiting the in-laws.

I made a huge dinner that night of baked Italian chicken, mashed potatoes, succotash, and croissants.  If that wasn't enough I also made some pumpkin pie bars. Yummy!

Little did I know it would be "the last meal" - eeek!

Friday was fun...



Well for about five hours.

We started off our day by dropping the dog off to be groomed.  I do not bathe my own dog, admitting!  No, I cannot do as good of a job as the techs at the vet so I just pay to have her groomed.  #truthofadogmom

While Chippy was rejuvenated the humans enjoyed the free spooky face pancakes at Ihop.  I love free.  Next we spent an hour in Goodwill putting together Halloween outfits for the adult part of the family.  My husband scored a 70s/80s western shirt and wig that fit together perfectly.  I found a bumblebee outfit for a large dog (kid you not) that I could turn into something for me. #resourcefulscorpioappears

After a stop at Harris Teeter for groceries we headed home.

The kids napped.

Later in the day I went to pick up the dog.  On my way home I started feeling really, really hungry.

When I got home I told my husband I was starving.

As soon as I said those words I became so freaking nauseous.  Let's just say I began a 10 hour vomit session from hell.



You know..the kind where you beg for mercy or death?  Just whichever one can come faster?

I was in bed at 5:30 and not out of bed until the next day around 11:30.  Then I was back in bed.

We had had these fun plans for Halloween.  My daughter was super excited.  Unfortunately, with my viral visitor we were out of the match.  The hubby talked to our friends to let them know I was pretty much in agony.  #totalletdownallaround

Being a mom means you put yourself on the back burner a minimum of a million times.  I decided I didn't want to totally ruin my kids' Halloween.  So I put on my big girl panties and.... I took a shower and caught one more nap.  My husband and I took our kids to trick or treat at a few family members homes.  As long as I was moving around I felt fine.  So we ventured to our little downtown area.

Picture over load is now in effect:

My little Marshall.  He was so excited.

In case you didn't know - our downtown is all about Halloween.  It doesn't disappoint.  Main Street is filled with historical (of no real significance) homes.  Many of them go all out for Halloween with loads of decoration and fun for the kids.

My babies had a blast for the hour we were there.



The only complaint I have about the evening were psycho "Christians" who were passing out "tracts" to kids about how celebrating Halloween leads to damnation.  I have some massive issues with uneducated, backwoods "believers" who are ignorant.  They need to keep their Duggar selves indoors and away from us "English".  The woman following us around looked like a reject from The Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt's bunker. I wanted to tell her good costume and chill the hell out.  I mean seriously - take a hint from the United Methodists who were passing out candy or the Church of Christer's who had a whole tent of fun for kids.  For the love of the Lord, take a xanax, learn to read, and the mullet with denim look has been out for like ever.

Then the husband was barfing his brains out.



As of the writing of this post three family members have been attacked by the dear virus my son brought home and one is standing strong - my 8 year old.  I'm really praying that her school built immunity keeps it from affecting her but I have a feeling if it comes on it will be this afternoon or tomorrow.

Sunday brought November and that lovely Guns n Roses ballad, The Cold November Rain - a lot of rain.  I was feeling worlds better so I loaded up the babes for church.

K&W it is a Southern thig...

After communion I loaded up my babies and we took it to K&W (their pick, my appetite is dead).  While there an elderly lady was sitting a few seats away.  She was homeless.  She broke my heart.  At least 80 years old, shoes too big, a bag with all her life in it, eating a children's plate.  I tried to buy her meal but someone had beat me to it.  That led my daughter and I into a discussion of homelessness.



To an 8 year old it means you just have no money.  To a 33 year old it is a lot more than that.  We talked about being sick and having no one to take care of you (mental illness), we talked about being addicted to things that took your judgement away (drugs), and we talked about how spending what we don't have can lead to losing everything we do have (debt).

I have to admit...I was in tears teaching this life lesson to my child.

God stirs us - we just have to be smart enough to act.

Sunday afternoon was low key.  My son, who just overcame the tummy troubles, now sounded croupy.  My daughter picked up a bad attitude at children's church.  The husband was feeling a little better as we packed away the kid's TV and Barbies (sucks to be grounded).

Then KABOOM - the adults are down again with nausea and the wee one is so croupy he cannot sleep.

Well...hello Monday.

Lists 10 & 11

Here’s how the 10^th month bucket list ended up…

1.  Attend one or two "new to me" fall festivals.  - Did not happen, but that is ok.

 2.  Have fall pictures made of the babies.  Totally happened.

3.  Go to a football game.  Rocked that bad boy out!  My Wolfies beat Wake 35-10 and we were there!

4.  Attend the State Fair.  Annnnnnnt.

5.  Have a bonfire.  Annnnnt

6.  Invite friends over for a potluck.  Moved to November.

7.  Date night.  The football game dubbed as this.

8.  Craft night with my bestie should be completed!  Woo hoo we did!  We shall again!

9.  See a movie.  Paddington, on the couch, with the kids.

10.  Plan and carry out a fun Halloween evening for my kids.  It was planned but not carried out due to a nasty stomach virus that ripped me apart and then took over my husband.  He's still battling it today.

11.  Make a pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and sweet potato pie.  I hope pumpkin pie bars count!!!

12.  Decorate pumpkins.  Times three darling.

13.  Make cookies every Friday with the kids.  Two Fridays of that out of what...five?

I expressed that I really like October.  Well, November is better than October because it is my birthday month it is the last month before the craziness of the holidays hit!  It is also the home to my favorite holiday and favorite traditions.  Christmas is nice but seriously - Thanksgiving is where it is at.

I have a very tiny bucket list for this month to share...

• A fun birthday away
• Another craft date night with my bestie and maybe a new face or two
• To keep my house in tip top shape
• Flu shot
• A fabulous Thanksgiving break
• A wonderful first time Friendsgiving (post coming soon)
• Successful cleaning out of the clutter I'm finding more and more of (thanks offspring!)

How about you?  What are your goals for November?  Please share with me.