Weekend Recapness...a little late.

So I'm finally getting on the ball to ramble on about my weekend. :) Not gonna lie, it was a BUSY August. I am so happy and thankful to have many fun things to celebrate and lots to do, but I'm also glad last weekend was the end of some of the scheduled-busy-stuff for awhile. Plenty of time to rest before weekend FOOTBALL tailgates kick in gear!

***Friday***

For the past year, I've served on the auction committee for an annual event benefiting the Cancer Society. Called Cattle Baron's Ball, the event has been in Tulsa for a few years, but is starting to really take hold now. It's already huge in Dallas and a couple of other cities. Maria, my friend who launched the fashion line, actually chaired the event this year. (I totally can't say I'm busy at all compared to that girl!)

Like I said, there has been lots of auction item planning in the past year, including a tanning package. The spray tan person came to Beth's house to drop off her auction item while we were working on some final event stuff, sooooo the two of us decided to get a spray tan from her, too. Go ahead and laugh. I certainly did. 

Before/After showering. 

The event was at Vive Le Ranch in South Tulsa, featuring gorgeous land, a barn complete with twinkling Christmas lights, a live band, games, BBQ, and more.

Many thanks to my friend and the event's fabulous photog, Sherman Merchant, for capturing this photo as we arrived!  Ignore my dress wrinkles. I'd been sitting. It was so humid, they shook out quickly. 

Sara and me. Many thanks to Jenny for letting me borrow her awesome dress!

By the way, if you're looking for comfy, affordable cowboy boots, I found these and love them. I didn't have any and want some every year, but just never want to fork over tons of cash or patience to break in the real ones. They're not a nice leather (or even REAL leather for that matter), but they look cute and I dig them. Wanted to share.

Mason jars + candles + labels painted with chalkboard paint. Guests were able to purchase and write the name of a loved one affected by cancer to light the night's event. 

Guarding his auction item with one minute remaining in bidding... haha...

Nice "glow" from the humidity/summer heat. 

The event was a lot of fun and a great success! My role was very small, but really proud of my friends Maria, Beth, and more who worked very hard to make it so outstanding.

***Saturday***

Saturday, I ran errands and took it pretty easy. Eric and I saw the Bourne Legacy Saturday night. I dug it. Then again, I think I've blogged about my crush on Jeremy Renner, so there's that. 

***Sunday***

So, I have been withholding some information. I have wanted another dog for AWHILE now, but it didn't make sense when I lived with a roommate b/c she also had a dog. Three dogs=too much for a little rental house. So, I perpetually stalk petfinder. A doggie came up for rescue a few weeks ago and I finally called. Sunday, the rescue brought the pup for a home visit and I was SO SAD b/c we ended up not taking the dog. I mean, the dog was great- adorable, well-mannered, etc, but Gracie wasn't interested at all. And the dog was quite a bit larger than we originally thought which freaked Gracie out...which is fine because she'd get used to it, but it was just not what we're ready for. I almost cried when I called the woman to tell her we wouldn't be taking the pup. It just breaks my heart to know so many dogs need good homes and we have a great one to share, but I still had to say no b/c it wasn't a fit right now. I'd rescue all the dogs on the streets if I could, so having to turn one away after meeting it was really tough. 

That said, we definitely have lots of love to give this little furry kid and vice versa. We're lucky to have such an awesome little pooch who brings us so much joy. :) Someday the right pup will find us and make a great sister or brother to G dog. 

Sunday night, Eric and I capped off the weekend with burgers and beer. I was bummed out about the dog not working out, so he distracted me by getting me out of the casa and bribing me with a cheeseburger. :)

I feel like I've posted a lot of dressed up photos lately. This is my much more normal weekend attire. :) 

I seem to always think "this post won't be that long" and then I throw like 850 things at you guys. Sheez. Thanks for sticking with me. I'll try to blog in shorter bursts more frequently instead of one long rant

What I'm Loving Wed

Wanted to do a quick What I'm Loving Wednesday post, soooo here goes with a few fashion-focused things I'm loving lately:

1. Loving this skirt I got at Target for just $16 yesterday! Many thanks to my friend and co-worker, Lori, for telling me where she snagged it on major sale so I was able to go grab one myself! It's even lined! It still looks to be $22 online (still a major bargain), but in stores here, it's already hit the sale racks. Lori and I agree that it'll be a great way to add color in the fall!




Via Target



2. Collar necklaces. I really dig this trend and want one! Leslie blogged about em yesterday and linked some super cute ones. Just like everything else trendy, I don't feel the need to break the bank on something likely going out of style after the season, so I've been searching for affordable ones. Found these two on Asos for around $20 each!



3. Tory flats. While I still think they're way overpriced for what they are, I want some. Like really want some. There's a Tory outlet near Austin, so if Eric and I have any free time on our weekend getaway in Sept, I fully plan to hit it up.

Tory Burch


4. Sequin minis. I actually snagged this one at Express.com for only 11 bucks! I ordered a size smaller than normal b/c the reviews said it ran big  (and they didn't have my normal size anyway). And the size smaller fits just fine! I would probably prefer my normal size because it's just a leeeeetle tight on the waist, but for $11, it's AWESOME! I'm in love with the sequin mini + casual shirt/sweater look.

Via Express


5. MAC Cream Colour in Shell (for eyes). I got this in Barbados on a whim when Eric was in another store buying stuff to replace his lost luggage. But, I use it everyday on my eyes and even sometimes on my cheekbones! Love this stuff! It's a pearlized pinkish color and just works for everyday use so well!

Mac



Oh and I'm also currently loving my Neti Pot and Kleenex. I have a cold. WTH?! Who gets a cold in August? Sheez.

Happy Wednesday! What are you loving?!

Weekend Recap!

Eric and I didn't get to go out for our 4 year anni because I got sick... and ever since, we've had things going on, he's been out of town for work, etc. So we finally got to go out on Friday! And it's kinda fun that we had to wait because we were able to hit up a brand new restaurant, Oui3! (I was totally saying O-u-i-3 until someone said it the way it's supposed to be said...or the French word for 'yes." Oops. So cultured... that's me). Anyway, if you're in Tulsa and looking for some fantastic food, amazing service, and a great location, try it out. We were very impressed. And get the homemade chips. Dear gawd they were amazing.

I'll hush and start posting photos now, but Friday was probably one of my favorite date nights we've had in a long time here in T-town. :) We always have fun, but for some reason, Friday was just extra fantastic.

Oh annnnnnnd Beth taught me how to to a teased bun so I gave it a shot! So easy! High ponytail, tease it (a lot) and then take 1 or 2 inch sections and roll them each inward toward the pony tail to form the bun. Pin each section as you go around the ponytail. So instead of wrapping the hair directly around the ponytail in one bulk, you're kinda rolling/folding each little section inward and pinning it so it looks like a bun! And the teasing makes it look bigger (and easier to roll/fold). (Does that even make sense?) 

Our favorite local jazz singer, Olivia Duhon, was performing at Ciao so we had a few cocktails and enjoyed listening after dinner. Fun fact: We also went to hear her on our ONE year anniversary. :) 

Saturday, I headed to celebrate Marla's bridal shower at Edward Delk's. :) Good times with these ladies!

Saturday night, Eric and I headed to my boss' surprise 40th birthday party her husband planned for her. She was genuinely really surprised and it was really cute. :)

Sunday, I met up with friends to celebrate Marla's bachelorette! I know it seems weird to have it on a Sunday, but it worked out perfectly because it was wine tasting from 12-5 in a limo. :) Sunday Funday? I think so. Oklahoma has quite a few vineyards and some are better than others. None compete with CA vineyards regarding size, grapes, etc, but the experience is what's fun. Drinking in the limo in between vineyards was also quite fun. 

As you can imagine, the photos got quite hilarious as the day progressed... I'll spare you from the MANY I took and just share a couple of the good ones. 

I also have a super short video. We jammed to rap, pop, and country. And the jamming started to include dancing and random head bobbing if you're Beth and me after vineyard numbers 1 and 2... I'm sorry for my horrible singing voice in advance. It might scare you. 

It was definitely a busy weekend, but it was a good one! Lots of celebrating to be had and I enjoyed partaking. :)

Sunday Social: Old School

Linking up with Neely and Ashley for Sunday Social: Old School!

Since I've had this blog forevah, I used to blog something called "WBW" or "Way Back Wednesday" and post old photos on Wednesdays (obviously). I didn't host a link up (because that was before link ups got super popular), but I just went back through memory lane through some of those posts and laughed. :) This blog holds so many memories. It makes me happy. Okay, okay... moving on now...

1. What were you like in middle school/high school?

In high school, I went from being kinda quiet my freshman year- only really coming out of my shell around my close friends- to being much more outgoing, talkative, and involved. :) People said "You never used to talk, but when you started, it's like you were making up for years of lost time." haha. I was on the swim team, the pom squad, NHS, Red Cross, Spanish Club, I wrote for the school paper, and I was student council treasurer.. I think. I really can't remember what office I was, but I think it was treasurer. Oh and I was voted worst driver my senior year, so there's that. (If I had my yearbooks here, I'd totally show you the yearbook pic for that hilarious honor..sheez). High school is where my nickname- Jax- actually started! :)

I had lots of friends, but I couldn't STAND cliques. My best friend, Blaze, was the same way. So, we'd go to the parties and have a good time, but we never really were "inseparable" from any one group...except for each other. And I got along better with guys for the most part. College sorority life changed that. :)

As for middle school... blech. Let's not go there. It was awkward. I was awkward. I had some great friends and good times, but middle school is just awkward for everyone, right?

2. What were your favorite past times?

Hanging out at Mazzio's pizza after swim meets and football games, movies, lifeguarding, school dances, toilet papering, pretty tame stuff... :) Even though I often had an attitude problem (don't all teenage girls?!), I think I was a pretty good kid.

3. What songs were you obsessed with?

I seem to remember No Doubt "Spiderwebs" because I put it on my answering machine. Yes, I had my own phone line and an answering machine. I also used to record my favorite songs off the radio. It is what it is. Other than that, not sure... I remember lots of songs from school dances.. like that "C'mon ride the train..." song... (Sorry if that's now in your head). I also remember standing up on the lifeguard stand and belting out a "I want it that way" duet with the guard on the shallow end stand. So, there's that.

4. Fashion statement that makes me cringe?

Oh so many... but I think Doc Martens were pretty bad. I even worked for a clothing store and sold "Docs" (as the cool kids called em..haha..) for awhile. Eek. They made everyone's feet look HUGE. Oh...and tanning. I WORKED at a tanning salon. I am not proud and actually quite embarrassed to share this photo. Ugh. This is the reason I go to the derm once a year now.

NOT.OKAY.

5. Who was your celeb crush?

Oh gosh, I don't know...I seriously don't remember. I was somewhat obsessed with Heath Ledger, but I think that was college...

6. Favorite tv shows/movies?

90210, Melrose, Models Inc (who remembers this show?!), Boy Meets World, Step by Step, Access Hollywood (seriously, I was obsessed and I have no idea why). Movies: American Pie, The Bodyguard, Can't Hardly Wait, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream..


And now a few pics.. These aren't that great and they're all senior year, but they're just what I could find pretty quickly...

Our school's seniors did this every year! Everyone wanted to wear one of the shirts for the photo. Or maybe that's what I told myself b/c I really wanted to wear one. Either way I was the exclamation point and was super excited about it. :) 

Senior trip to Cancun. This guy, Chris, and I are still friends! I even joined Chi O thanks in part to his fabulous big sister! :) 

Senior trip to Cancun. Lisa, me, Blaze, and Shawna. I don't know why I let some random person braid my hair. The thought of that makes me cringe today. Shared comb with strangers? *shudder*

Sephora gift card winner!

Excited to announce that Em from A Day in the Life is the winner of the $25 gift card from Sephora! Thank you all for entering and for following my friend, Maria!

"Make it work."

Happy Friday!

Last night was my friend's fashion show that I mentioned in a previous post. And good news, people... I didn't pull a Carrie Bradshaw and fall on my face! :) But, more importantly, it was an outstanding success! The event was maxed out (150+ attendees) and people were scheduling fittings after the show left and right! I am so, so proud of Maria. She really made her vision a reality. Anyone-whether the clothes are their style or not-has to give her a very big high five for achieving something most of us aren't brave enough to ever attempt.

She drew a winner of the custom clothes giveaway I blogged about AT the show last night and I'm excited to annouce that the winner is...Meggie! I don't want to put her last name on here because I'm weird with last names on the public interwebs unless you have permission, but she's already been notified and is way jazzed! Thank you to everyone who followed Maria and supported her! 

For some reason I can't get the site I use to work in order to randomly draw the $25 Sephora card winner, but I have your names and will draw it this weekend and post ASAP! Thank you for entering, supporting Maria, and basically just being awesome. Thank you.

And now for some pics!  

(1) Getting hair and makeup done, (2) the stage before people arrived, (3) me not falling on my face (wahoo!), and (4) Beth/me after the show! Beth was so great and took pics/video during the show.





The line is called Vestida and has its own Facebook page if you're interested in seeing what it's all about! :)

In addition to an outstanding event planner, local restaurants, photographers, etc, Maria enlisted the help of Shannon Schroeder, a personal stylist here in T-town. Friends, I have to mention her b/c she is adorable, fashionable and oh-so-knowledgable! She shares fun fashion tips, blogs, etc, all the time on her facebook page and even has a regularly occuring spot on a local station to talk all things fashionable. She posts her tv spots on her Facebook page, too. :) Check her out if you're interested! I kinda want her to style me every day of my life. Just if I'm being honest.



Hope you're gearing up for a fantastic weekend. We had a water main break in the building so we closed early today! (Legally we had to close). Not so bad for a Friday afternoon!

The iPad saga

(also known as the I am thankful for Eric, but irritated at chauvinism rant).

1. I took my iPad to be repaired at a highly recommended company. (I realize you're asking why I didn't leave it with Apple. I'm asking myself that right now, too. It was so much cheaper and so much faster...allegedly...to go with this highly reviewed place).

2. I was told three days to repair said screen.

3. I called in 3 days and was told to wait another day.

4. Totally understanding, I called on the 4th day. And was told to wait til the weekend. Still totally understanding and pleasant.

5. On Saturday, I called and was told they were working on it right then. (Which implied they had not even picked it up until that morning. Enter the beginning of my irritation).

6. Saturday afternoon, they said the screen wasn't working and was likely defective. They needed to order another screen. It would be in Wednesday and the screen would be good to go by Wed evening, ready for pick up. Mood: Slightly annoyed, but still patient. Expressed disappointment but thanked him for letting me know and working on my iPad.

7. I called Wednesday (it had now been a week and a half). Guess what.. It wasn't ready.

8. Friday morning, I called and said things like "I've been told a number of things and I'm beginning to lose patience. I appreciate your work on this and service, but I need a straight answer."

9. Saturday, I was told that my iPad was "not taking any screens" and "likely had something else wrong."

*Cool*

They needed to "get into it" and just fix whatever got jarred when it was dropped. That might "take some time" but not more than a few days.

10. Today (TUESDAY...more than two weeks later), I was told they still don't know what's wrong but are working on it. I said "I've been told a number of things, given the run around and am beginning to wonder if you can fix it at all." To which I got a "I don't know what to tell you." I responded with "I'm coming to pick up my iPad this afternoon to take it somewhere that I'm confident can repair it. This is disappointing and unacceptable." Response: "Okay, let me know if you're going to come get it this afternoon so I can let the tech know." Me: "I just said it. I'm coming to get it."

11. I told Eric about this saga. He drove over there before I went defcon five...b/c Eric totally saw it coming...and the guy told him he was ordering a part and would likely have it fixed, more information, or be prepared to somehow remedy the situation by week's end.

Are.you.serious?!

I appreciate the information and that Eric was my superman here, but could they have just not told ME any of that?! I would have been a TON more patient if I'd known a status update other than "We have no idea what's wrong." I had visions of them laughing at me and tapdancing on my iPad (I really did). I guess my boobs and lady parts make me incapable of processing information. I wish someone had told me that. I mean.. here I've been walking through life with my law degree thinking I can comprehend common things.

*eye roll*

(I know. I should have just taken it to Apple).

Also, let me note.. I have full faith this place will fix it. I've just been SO disappointed in their lack of communication and the run around I've been given.

Catching Up!

So, last weekend, I was lazy and didn't upload my pics, so I'll just recap a lot all at once. Don't worry... I'll keep it to mostly pics and less rambles... ;)

It's been a busy August so far and lots more fun to be had before month's end!

Last weekend, Alove (Ashley) was in town from Manhattan Beach so we headed our for sushi and cocktails. :) I faced my food poisoning fear with the sushi at the same place I'm pretty sure got me sick. Thankfully, the weekend was poison-free.... ;)

Last weekend, some of my girl friends and I got together to celebrate Ashley's 30th birthday! She wrote a great recap on her blog, but we went to Melting Pot for dinner, had a little slumber party (and lots of wine), and woke up and hit the pool! Love these girls and so glad to be able to get together and celebrate! Plus, the guys never like Melting Pot b/c it takes entirely too long for their impatient stomachs, so us ladies were happy to enjoy a nice, leisurely dinner together- filling the night with laughs, inappropriate stories, photos, cocktails, and of course...fondue! Today (Sunday) is Ashley's actual 30th, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ASHLEY!!!!

As for the middle pool photo... Jenny said "Let's throw up a gangsta sign. " I said "At your suburban neighborhood pool...as 30 year old women? We're so thug..haha..." 

College is starting back soon, so I took advantage of a cooler evening (It was 93 degrees) to take G doggie for a walk on the nearby TU campus before student's all moved back. :) So pretty...

Glimpse of downtown from TU

Speaking of TU, the 2012-2013 board had the changing of the guard last week. I've served on the board for 2 years and absolutely love being involved. Hands down my favorite volunteer experience. Feels good to be involved at my alma mater I still hold so dear to my heart. :) We welcomed some great new members, including my friend, Jayme (seated beside me)! :)

Hung out with these lovely ladies on our friend's balcony downtown. Baseball game going on behind us in the distance. :)

Celebrated Kristy's 30th birthday at Delk's downtown!

Kristy, Lauren, Sara, me

The birthday girl had a blast! And in case you're thinking she looks familiar, she was the hot mamma who had baby Roman in the spring when I painted the letters! Here's the post from her shower. She absolutely OWNED that dress, right?!

(We were the only group at the bar for the party). :) 

Annnnnd I have to mention the sweet package I got last week! I went to the mail mid-week and saw that I had a package with Jersey Girl the movie enclosed, along with the sweetest card from Jennifer over at Crazy Shenanigans! SO thoughtful and totally made my day! You see, there's a running joke between Eric and my friends about how very few "classic" movies I've seen. I have no idea if I was just under a rock or what.. but they've actually started a list. It includes things like Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, Cocktail (I haven't seen any of them. I know. Embarassing). Anyway, Jennifer regularly posts about classic, fun movies and I always comment about my lack of knowledge..haha.. :) 

Jennifer, you ROCK for sending this thoughtful gift and I can't wait to watch it sometime this week! 

Hope you're doing well out there in blogland, friends!

Because I like bulleted lists

(Let it be known that the original title was "Because I like bullets" and then I realized I did NOT want someone to google that and find me necessarily. Even though I just typed it here. *furrows brow in thought* Oh well. Moving on).

• I am feeling so utterly lazy tonight that I don't want to even do a weekend recap because that requires me to send my mobile photos to myself, upload them, and discuss them. I'll blog all that later. (My personal hashtag right now is #lazylazylazysloth)

• My smashed up iPad is still being fixed. Admittedly getting nervous that they need "just a little more time because they had to order a part." (I didn't take it to Apple b/c the price was double the Mac repair place I found that came highly rated. I really do trust them. I just want my iPad.) Also, let the record show that Eric walked in to Apple this week with HIS messed up iPad (not a broken screen, but tech issues) and they just handed him a new one. This reminds me of the time the cable company totally messed up my bill and Eric told me "Call the cable company and complain about them messing up. That's not cool! They'll be scared you'll quit and give you free HBO. That's what happened when they messed up my bill." I did that. Wanna know what they said? "You'd like to cancel your account? Okay...let me put you through to our cancelation department and they can take care of that." Seriously. 

• Eric and I saw Total Recall this weekend and had a debate over whether Jessica Biel or Kate Beckinsale was hotter in the movie. Thoughts? 

Kate

Jess

• While we're on movies, did you know that Dark Knight's villain, Bane, was played by Tom Hardy?! Don't know Tom Hardy? He was Eames in Inception and was in that cute little rom-com called This Means War with Reese Witherspoon. I totally just think I heard your mind blowing as much as mine did. Or you already knew and I am just an idiot. Either way. 

• I haven't worked out hard since I got food poisoning. Not proud of myself. I keep googling Jillian's 30 day shred and thinking about it. I think that counts. 

• I find myself in tears pretty much every other day when I read/watch/hear of some Olympic athlete's triumph over adversity. I dig it. Not the crying, but the triumph. You got what I meant.

• Jenny and I were at her neighborhood pool at one point over the weekend. The male teenage lifeguards came on duty while we were there. I found myself staring past one of them, remembering the days I lifeguarded- the way I twirled my whistle, the way I yelled "Slow down!" to kids as they ran past me on the concrete, the way I kept the big kids from going down the slide backwards... Ah, those were the days. Anyway, somewhere in the daydream, I snapped of it, realizing he probably thought I was checking him out. Gross. Now I'm the old creepy girl at the suburbia pool. Awesome. 

• Lately, I've wanted to start a new hobby...like playing the piano or karate or repelling or something. But, I kinda want to be really good at it immediately, so not sure how that would work. 

• Last week, I pretty much determined that Gracie's bad breath meant she had an abscess in her mouth, an infection was spreading rampantly and she needed serious medical help. Rushed her to the vet. Guess what.. She just needs her teeth cleaned. (Don't get me wrong.. I'm thrilled that's all it is, but, I really do sometimes pity my someday-children).

Thanks for joining me on my Monday journey of random bulleted listingness. Hope you had a great weekend, friends... :)

Barbados- Day 2!

Happy August! (Good grief, summer is flying). 

Our second full day was a Sunday, so lots of stuff was closed. That said, we didn't even really notice because we were busy sunning ourselves on the beach most of the day :) 

The weather was awesome the whole trip, but there were a couple days where it rained for about 10 minutes every hour and a half or so. Honestly, it was kinda cool b/c it cleared out the beach. Our beach was never crowded, but when it rained and people scattered, it often felt like we had it all to ourselves. :)

Anyway, when it rained, a few folks (including us) would clamber under umbrellas to just wait it out and shield our towels, bags, books, etc.

How we killed time til the rain stopped... Sand tic tac toe... ha!

We can also thank the rain for making some friends! Another couple from Britain was taking cover under the same umbrella and they became our beach buds for the week. :)

I took a post-rain stroll down the beach and the saw that the beauty continued down the entire coast...

Our very busy agenda of beaching it up had to be interrupted with lunch. Guess what we found! A Mexican restaurant, Cafe Sol! 

View from lunch.... 

Took a post-lunch walk at "the split," a little area of restaurants, bars and shops. Everything was closed since it was Sunday, but it's a cute little place! :)

Eric finds property for sale on every vacation. I kinda love it. Please note: I'd be totally in favor of moving to Barbados.

So, I mentioned we met friends under the umbrella during the rain, right? On Sunday night, we went to dinner together! Eric, me, a couple from the east coast and our friends from Britain all had dinner at a fabulous restaurant, Brown Sugar. Sadly, I neglected to get a group pic. Blerg. I have one from later in the week, don't you worry. (I realize you weren't worried).

Eric looks burned. He wasn't. Strange lighting. Whatev. 

And that was day 2! :)

**** Don't forget about the giveaway below!****