Strange Times

D is in New York, so last night I had a girlfriend over for dinner. We made salad and pasta and watched Gossip Girl and talked about what strange times these are. It is easy for me to watch the news and talk to people and start to get scared about the economy and the future, but (and I know this sounds very Pollyanna-ish) I do think things will eventually be okay. I don't understand all the ins and outs of what is happening, but I do know that our government and economy are made up of people; individuals who are strong, resilient, and capable of generous, beautiful things. I know we will recover from this.

In the meantime, there is a lot to be done! We have recipes to make, gifts to give, money to save, weddings to plan, travel to arrange, outfits to orchestrate, homes to organize, and work to be done! AND the amazing women of this country will make sure that, even during these lean times, we look good while doing this!

A few things going on:

1) Life of a Southern Belle is hosting a give-away! I have my fingers crossed that I win the subscription to Southern Living!

2) One Fabulous Mom is posting some wonderful and fairly simple recipes this week and I am so excited to try them!

3) Yesterday, I made dinner for me and a friend without breaking the budget AND I did a fairly decent DIY pedi! This frugal living isn't SO bad!

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Thought

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

- e.e. cummings

Have a wonderful day!

Back and On Track

Excuse the cheesy title, but I wanted to make up for singing the blues a few posts ago. I had the most wonderful Labor Day break in Florida with the Fam, and I feel more energized and positive from all the relaxation and fun!

I also received some great news over the weekend. My best friend, Darling, got engaged! I am so happy and thrilled for her, and she promises that she will try blogging again so maybe we can share more information that way! Flowers, dresses, invites! Wedding planning bliss…

I had a meeting with my boss this morning, and proving that she is nothing like Meryl Streep in one of my all-time favorite movies, my boss told me not to worry about the mistake I made last week. Thanks for all your encouraging comments!
Have a great day back!

Good is the New Perfect

I am not sure who first coined this phrase, but “good is the new perfect” is my new mantra. A few weeks ago, I went a little crazy trying to be perfect when it came to my health. I worked out everyday, ate super healthy (sugar-free, gluten-free, yikes!), went crazy trying to keep the home ultra-clean using non-chemical and organic products, and you get the picture...

But the interesting thing was, I felt lousy. No matter how much I did, there was more I could be doing, and trying to be “perfect” was having the opposite effect on my health. I was stressed and fatigued beyond belief.

So now, I have adopted a different mindset. I know I want to have a healthy lifestyle, and I think I can get there by making smaller, more practical changes. Everyday, I do something good for myself by doing the simple things I know get results. I’m going for walks, trying to eat a bit more healthy (but, hey, if I want chocolate, I’m going to have it), flossing my teeth, and finding time to relax. And if I can’t make it to the gym one day, I will at least stretch; and if I can’t stretch, I will at least meditate for ten minutes; and if I can’t meditate for ten minutes, I will not worry about it! So far its working, I feel happier and healthier than I have in a long time.

Have a wonderful day!

Happy Thought

"Life itself is the proper binge"

-Julia Child

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my father's birthday, and I am so sad not to be with him to give him a huge hug and kiss.

I know I am biased, but I truly have the best dad in the world. My father grew up in a house full of brothers and went to an all-boys school growing up. He was a great athlete, and I seemed to be born without an athletic bone in my body. A lesser man might not have known what to do with a "girly-girl" daugher like me, but not my father. Whatever I was interested in growing up, my dad was there. He was the Girl Scout cookie captain of my brownie troup, the "room father" in grade school, and the only father to sit through every dance recital rehearsal. My dad was even the one to pick my wedding veil!

Ok, I have to end this post before I get emotional. I love you, dad! Thank you for showing me how to live my life with 10 times the enthusiasm, buying me my first Hersey bar, and always being there for me. Have a great day!

Also, if you guys haven't seen this commercial from Visa, get out the hankie. I started crying the first time I saw it. I feel so much gratitude for all the people who have supported me through the good times and bad.