tuesday tunes: top 3 for feb 24

I'm taking it back to high school this week.  Enjoy!
1) Question Everything {8 Stops 7}: Used to listen to this on repeat for hours at my friend G's house.
2) Crash {DMB}: Ahh, love DMB.
3) Bubble Toes {JJ}:  There's just something about this song that makes me feel like I'm cruising around Cali.

Happy jamming, kids!

monday musings: i heart pioneer woman

Wow, this week has been straight up crazy-town... so sorry I have neglected my precious 8 followers!  I'm gonna cut to the chase and update you on my Monday Musings, Tuesday Tunes, and Friday Fun all in one day!  So here goes!

I had the opportunity to attend the Pioneer Woman's book-signing event last Monday w/ my performance manager.  Seriously, I think I have the coolest manager - she is like Martha Stewart part 2.  Her cookies and cupcakes are always to die for.  I love that I have found someone else in my accounting world who loves cooking, baking, and crafting as much as I do.  Check out the yarn wreath she made...incredible!  Way to step out of the box GT and make some killer flowers!  Can't wait to make another wreath soon!

Please tell me you have heard of the fabulous Ree Drummond

{the gorgeous soul behind the Pioneer Woman} 

I have loved her blog for such a long time.  She is so genuine in her writing approach and inspires me to keep blogging and let my voice be heard.  Her food is amazing and her story is even more impressive.  I'm reading her newest book 'Black Heels to Tractor Wheels' and it's such a good read.  Check her out and I guarantee you will fall in love with her photography, recipes, and overall spirit!   

friday fun: feb 18

source

Happy Freaking Friday, kids!  So glad the weekend is just around the corner... this week has been exhausting.  So, it's time for my five Friday Fun things!

1) This weather is Ahhh-mazing.  I just want to sit outside all afternoon and drink margaritas.  I have got to get out of this lovely conference room with no windows.

2) No plans tonight {as of now} and I am super excited.  The mister is working hard for the money these days thanks to beloved busy season... so I'm a single lady tonight!

3) I'm helping one of my bffs with some volunteering tomorrow.  We are working with Feed My Starving Children where we will be hand-packing meals for those who hunger across this world.  Such a simple but necessary concept. 

4) My other bff just bought a house!  So, I will be cruising over to the new casa to help w/ moving and unpacking.  I love unpacking and finding a home for everything.

5) I still have my b-day coupon for anthro...but am saving my cash.  I think I'll just enjoy my new candle from Lee and soak up the divine smell of anthro.  {Seriously, if anyone ever can't think of what to get me as a present... voluspa candles all the way.  I love them all.  They are truly divine.}

Happy weekend friends!  Hope you have a fabulous one!

tuesdady tunes: top 3 for feb 15

It's a country music kind of day, so here's my top tunes holding me over this week:

1) Stronger {Sara Evans}: I've always loved her voice.  Saw her in high school w/ my bffs and she is by far one of our 'go to' artists for some sweet summer jams while cruising the streets.

2) Little Miss {Sugarland}: LOVE this song.  The mister is not a big fan of Miss Nettles, but I think she is so awesome.  Will be listening to this on repeat ALL day long!

3) Don't You Wanna Stay {Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson}: Ahh, Kelly is back!  How can you not love her pipes?!  OMG she is simply amazing. 

All these country jams really make me ready for warm weather so I can pop open my sunroof and just cruise around town.  Soon enough!

monday musings: happy v-day

source

It's Monday again.  Feels like the weekends are just way too short these days.  Had a fabulous weekend full of some super special people.  Friday night dinner at Jasper's w/ the mister was great - the pork loin and corn was pretty amazing.  On Saturday, I cruised to Main Street Bakery for lunch w/ mom and dad.  I just love that they live so close and I get to see them all the time.  Saturday night I painted w/ the bffs.  Let's just say this painting might be hanging in the garage where no one sees it!  Ha!  I'll post a pic later.  On Sunday, we had brunch w/ the Stringer side of the family at Cafe Brazil - delish.  I scored some pretty great b-day pressies, but nothing was as good as spending so much time with good people.  Love it. 

I did have to treat myself to a few fun finds on Sunday.  I hit up Nordy's Rack again and found these awesome DVF jellies for super cheap. 

It's V-Day.  The mister and I never really celebrate it since it's super close to my b-day {and neither of us are mushy}.  What are you doing for the big V-day?  Anything special???

friday fun: feb 11

Holy moly it is finally Friday.  What a day.  More like, what a week.  I am so wiped out... but have a pretty decent wekend ahead of me, so let's get started with my five Friday fun things!

1) I celebrated another year on this earth... in Langhorne, PA.  Not the most exciting adventure, but oh well.  My co-workers and I did venture to a pretty fabulous restaurant Wednesday night in Philly {executive chef is Iron Chef - Jose Garces}.  We indulged in the smoked pecans {soaked in maple and bacon}, fondue {w/ vidalia onions}, suckling pig, wild boar rack {w/ maple grits}, sugar pumpkin croquettes, and beignets {w/ makers mark chocolate sauce}.  Amazing.

source

2) This week was absolutely crazy town at work.  A lot to do and always feeling like there are not enough hours in the day!  {I can't even count how many Red Bulls I downed this week}.  Yesterday we had a 6 am flight home... meaning I was up at 3:30am central and put in a full day of work upon arrival.  Needless to say, I just want to sleep in this weekend!

3) I have a jam-packed weekend of birthday bashes.  The mister and I are celebrating my bday tonight at Jasper's.  I've never been, so I'm pretty excited.  On Saturday, I have lunch plans w/ my rents - always a good time.  {The mister has to work thanks to blasted busy season.}  Saturday night is girls night out w/ the bffs!  We are going to Gnosh, like I mentioned recently.  Super excited for another fun painting night and just hanging out.  We have family lunch w/ the mister's side of the fam on Sunday.  Not sure where we are dining yet...but I'm always up for something good! 

4) Between the mix of all the birthday activities, hoping I can finally catch up on laundry and housework.  Ugh!  {doesn't really fit into my 'fun' things Friday... but oh well!}

5) I got the best birthday voicemail in the world from my favorite friend in New Zealand.  It's been almost 6 years since I was there and I still feel like part of my heart has never returned {the mister and I are still scoping out possibilities to move to NZ someday}.  Because of the 17 hour time-difference, we have scheduled our chat for this weekend.  I can't wait to catch up! 

I'll leave you kids with some clear pictures of why I love NZ so much... Happy weekend!

{Auckland skyline... my future home someday!}

{NZ countryside}

{so many sheep!}

{cruising around Devonport}

{Lion Rock at Piha Beach}

{Muriwai...simply awesome}

{don't remember exactly where this was...but I'll never forget standing here!}

{my sweet friend April... I miss her heaps!} 

{Uncle Leon... words cannot describe him.  Love him and his family so much!  Can't wait to catch up soon!}

And of course, If I am going to mention NZ, I have to shout out to my girl Brooke.  I seriously listen to her almost every day.  And never grow tired of hearing her crooning.  This is her first song I ever discovered... and my heart has been full ever since.  Enjoy! 

tuesday tunes: top 3 for feb 8

I'm feeling in a 'super-chill' mood today... so this week's Tuesday Tunes includes:

1) Don't Know Why {Norah Jones}: This is probably my fave song of hers {along w/ Come Away With Me - the Mister and I had our first dance to good ole Norah}.  I just adore her.  Saw her live last year with the bffs - incredible voice and I never get tired of her tunes.
2) Heavenly Day {Patty Griffin}: Perfect springtime rainy day song.  I could listen to this on repeat all day long.
3) Marry Me {Train}: Such a sweet song.  Of course it makes me think of Mr. Stringer... and reminds me just how blessed I am.  Enjoy the cute video!

monday musings: i heart yarn wreaths

I am obsessed with yarn wreaths.  I have made so many since this one {here is the tutorial}.  Over Christmas break, I made one of these beauties for pretty much anyone I had to get a gift for... and made a few extras for myself including these below.

{happy v-day!}

{office french doors - love the color scheme - thanks LP for the idea!}

On Saturday, I attended the Star Wars watching party I mentioned with my WM friends... and brought some crafts to keep me busy {just in case}.  My friend Amber and I made wreaths... of course hers is purple and gold {geaux tigers!}

{it turned out great!}

{sorry, dull lighting - but it's super cute!}

The rest of the weekend was good {but super quick}.  I made some brownies and cupcakes for my parent's Super Bowl party - still waiting on the official results from Mama Landry if they were a hit.  The Star Wars bash was pretty fun and I actually enjoyed the movies {didn't think I would}.  I wish I had taken pics of the party because the St. Clairs went all out with decorations and a royal red carpet outside.  Loved it!  Then I headed to the airport Sunday morning {and missed all of the crazy Super Bowl madness in the Big D} for my trip to Langhorne, PA.  We ventured to a local tavern in small town america {Yardley} to enjoy the big game and rather lame commercials.  I was pretty disappointed - the only really good commercial was the Darth Vader kid... so I will leave you with that!  Happy Monday, kids! 

friday fun: feb 4

source

Can't believe it is already Friday... guess the week goes by quickly when you only work from the office / client for one day!  What a crazy week this has been...time for my five Friday fun things!

1) I will be attending a Star Wars marathon tomorrow.  If you know me.. this is huge.  I don't do sci-fi and I'm really not a big movie person.  Should be fun, though! 

2) I will be bringing some 'quiet' crafts to the Star Wars party... just in case it doesn't totally peak my interest.  I need to make some more wreaths!

3) I will be missing all of the big super bowl parties around town and heading to wonderful Langhore, Pennsylvania for one of my clients.  We will be kicking it in Philly Sunday night during the big game.  Know of any good places that are a must visit in the city of Brotherly Love {aside from Pat's and Geno's}?  

4) Did you know Langhorne is home to Sesame Place?  I am kind of bummed that it is closed during the winter... sure would have been fun to celebrate my birthday on Sesame Street!  Kidding!

5)  Speaking of birthdays, I've got some fun things lined up next week after I return from Sesame Place Langhorne thanks to my awesome friends and family.  It's always great to get together with people I love and just have a good time.  Thank goodness birthdays are always a good excuse for a fun gathering. 

Enjoy some fun pictures of our winter-weather week!

{3 days of ice on the streets...turned into...}

{four inches of snow!  I had to get technical and bust out my work ruler!}

{the neighborhood - you can't tell where the street begins!}

 {our home - winter wonderland!}

{across the street and beyond}

Stay warm, friends!  Have a great weekend!  See you kids on Monday!  

wednesday whatever: ice ice baby

So, it's really Thursday... but I just wasn't up for completing my blog from yesterday.  I kind of got a nasty little virus and had to stay offline... causing a little stress and damper on my work productivity. 

Our office has been closed since Tuesday and I have not put on real clothes - it has been awesome.  Been hanging around the house reading emails, hopping on conference calls, and completing flowcharts.  Woo wee!  Today, I had to come downtown to get my computer cleaned up, so we had a nice little adventure navigating the icy streets.  Not a fan of that at all!  I am so ready for spring and some warm weather to head this way {last weekend was such a tease}.  BUT, rumor has it there will be some more snow heading our way tomorrow! 

All of this talk about ice reminds me of my good old ACU days as a penguin via Sing Song 2006.  Most normal people will never understand the glory of Sing Song, but it was so much fun.  Enjoy some classic entertainment... and see if you can spot me in the video!

tuesday tunes: top 3 for feb 1

I'm feeling in a singer/songwriter mood today... so this week's Tuesday Tunes includes:

1) Feels So Right {Matt Wertz}: Such a catchy and fun song.  I saw him in concert 2 years ago for my bday with the bffs and had a blast - he puts on a fun show and has a great personality.   

2) So This Is Goodbye {William Fitzsimmons}: He opened for BF a few years ago and was really entertaining.  He also does some pretty cool covers here and here.  Love it!

3) Who Are We Fooling {Brooke Fraser}: LOVE this duet with Aqualung.  Amazing.  I will always make a plug for my girl Brooke.  She is so incredible.  Check out her duets with WF here and here.

It's a snow day in Dallas today.  I'll be snuggling up in bed {and making flowcharts} most of the day.  Stay warm friends!