Devastation in my hometown

Hello all. I am writing to let you know we are alive and have a home. In case you weren't sure where I actually live, it's cullman Alabama. I'm sure most of you have heard of my small town now. We have been devastated with a tornado. My brother in law, jay lives in Tuscaloosa and he is fine and so is his house. The tragedy is unreal. We don't have power and emotionally, this is starting to hit me. The tornado ripped through my husbands work, he was safe. My in laws house? Untouched. My sister? It ripped through her neighborhood, leveling houses and trapping families that were taking cover in ther basements. Her house is missing parts of the roof. Thats it. We are so fortunate. I have taken tons of pictures, but since we have no power, I can't load them yet. I did load what I took with my phone onto my flickr stream, but it's mostly trees down around my in laws, and damage to my husbands store. And that damage is minor compared to the east side of town.

I hope everyone is well and their families are safe. Thank you to everyone who has emailed, texted, tweeted or facebooked me to check on us. It means a lot to know so many of you care so much.

Easter 2011

We had an awesome Easter this year... perfect kite flying weather, especially since the the girls got kites...

Addison wasn't the best kite flyer.. and tried to sprinkle "pixie dust" on her kite since it wouldn't fly. 

 So, she enjoyed the bubbles instead. Although, Claire was the master kite flyer!

Easter isn't complete with an Easter egg hunt with a prize egg *Ahem* That my daughter found *Ahem*

James won the prize for the most eggs found and Claire? Well.. she won the prize for the most eggs found with a purse on her arm. 

Quite possibly my favorite picture ever. 

I love my girls. 

My Style Monday!

Hi all! It's Monday again. I am really scraping the barrel for these outfits which means, I need to shop. 

This first one is what I wore to work.. you know. A Photo session.

tank: Old Navy

shirt: Papaya

Shorts: Banana Republic outlet

sandals: Target

We had an Alabama function

I think Nick liked it. John informed me he hated this vest thing. 

Tank: Old Navy

Belt and Ruffle Vest: H&M

jeggings: Old Navy

shoes: Jessica Simpson

Jewelry: Claires

My new Birthday running outfit

Skirt: Running Skirt

Top: Alabama

Socks/leg warmers: Alabama

Watch: Garmin

Shoes: Karhu

Headband: Sweaty Band

I jiggle- Week 3

Thank you all so much for the birthday wishes! While I am not digging getting older, I still do love my birthday. 

I ended up with the cutest travel coffee mug from my friend Ashley- I love travel coffee mugs! The girls got me lots of dollars on iTunes to buy some books and music and I got two bottles of wine from the wine tasting the other night and a new running outfit- it's Alabama style people. Can I just say how much I love my new WHITE running skirt! After seeing Racing with Babes Boston inspired outfit, I knew I had to have a Bama one. Philly heard my cries and somehow got a Running Skirt here after pronouncing on Monday that he couldn't find it on the website. 

So, onto week 3! I am loving everyone coming together and giving motivation to each other for this challenge. 

While, I didn't get on the scales this morning after my birthday dinner, I can attest that I have been staying strong at 130.  I can't tell you how awesome it makes me feel to have everyone tell me how skinny I look. I promise that never gets old! 

I have decided that I will most likely try to stay around 130 and just tone up my body. My friend Jana has started her second week of Jillian's Ripped in 30 Days- she says it's tough but she is already seeing results. So much that her husband has commented on it. I will be ordering that and doing it in conjunction with running/elliptical. I really want to concentrate on getting my pace under 10 minutes, so I will be working on my speed for a 5K. I am around 10:20 a mile for my 5K pace and I want to get that down to 9:00. 

I can't wait to hear about how everyone is doing this week! 

You say it's your birthday...

First things first- Today is my birfday. 

I am no longer in my mid-twenties. 

I am officially in my late twenties.

I am not sure how I feel about it, but I do think someone should've gotten me some Botox.

So far, I have gotten some amazing cards, running gear( the most life changing sports bra, actually), flippy flops, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, new lotion and bath gel, a new skirt, and dollar dollar bills, y'all. 

Haven't gotten the presents from Philly and the girls though. :)

This weekend was A-Day... and we took Miss Addison and my Mama went too! 

We ate lunch at the Coliseum, and Coach Nick Saban talked and Addy ate some BBQ. 

Addy and MeMac

Addy and Nana

Why yes.. The Skybox view will do just fine. 

gotta love the reflection!

Me and Mama

Addy loved it

She did get a little cold, so I wrapped her up in my sweater

 This next picture, is just because I feel like everyone needs a good laugh. 

I am getting on to Addison for putting her hand up, and Jay's head is cut off. 

But, MeMe has her eyes open!!! 

Hopefully, it won't make the Christmas card cut. 

Happy Wednesday and my Birfday, peeps!

My Style Monday!!

This week, I actually left the house on more than one occasion. Surprising, I know! Philly almost never lets me out in public. (Kidding. For those of you that don't know him, he hates to sit at home!) 

This first outfit was from our PF Changs outing Sunday night. Yes, I wore white pants before Easter. I typically don't do this and abide by all fashion rules, but it was 80 degrees out, people! And Jasmine Star did it, and she is always so fashionable. Who cares if she lives in California?? You keep here with me and I will teach you how to wear clothes that are 6 years old and extremely wrinkled pants. 

Outfit deets:

Shirt- The Limited circa 2005

Pants- Gap- 2009

Shoes- Jessica Simpson- last summer

Earrings- My white ones from Claires or Icing or whatever it is. 

*Disclaimer- I have very few clothes that fit me, so you will be seeing a lot of the same stuff until I go shopping. Anyone want to fund that trip?

We went to a wine tasting this week- it was super fun! This dress is new and I got a ton of compliments on it. I felt like Molly the whole night! 

Outfit deets

Dress- Forever 21- bought it online- they didn't have it in store. It was only $17!!

Shoes- Target

White Earrings- Claires/Icing

This is what I wore to the A-Day game. Everything is from Old Navy except the ill fitting bra that kept trying to make an appearance the whole day. Seriously, I fought the shirt the whole day. Which makes me mad because it's NEW!! I just bought it a few weeks ago. 

Shirt, jeggings, and shoes all from Old Navy. I can't remember where the earrings came from. 

Brooke's Favorite Things

Hello All! We have a guest poster today- my IRL friend, Brooke. She is one of my oldest friends.  She is quite the fashionista and beauty product consumer. She is actually in the process of setting up her very own blog where she will review beauty products and all those goodies. 

This is very first post and she is sort of intimidated by the world of blogging, so if you are mean to her, I will cut you. :) 

P.S. I have made my own comments in red. Your Welcome. 

Brooke's Spring Favorite Things

Hey Chicks and Fellow Rachel Followers!

Let me introduce myself briefly as one of Rachel's best friends from high school, Brooke. I live in Birmingham, AL and have been talking to Rach about my idea to start a blog focused on beauty trends and products as well as my favorite things that I am enjoying each month. Some months will focus mainly on beauty, but I also will incorporate some fashion trends I am liking for the fashionistas!

I am working on putting my blog together and hope you will check it out once I get things up and going! So, let's get started on things I am loving andwill continue to use and purchase! I'm going to start with some new beauty products I have tried this spring.

My Skincare loves:

Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge

I have loved this sponge!! The tip is great for blending concealer around eyes and the bottom is great for blending cream blush on your cheeks!(Is it better than a regular concealer brush?)

Sonia's products are exclusively sold at Target

Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover

This has become one of my new favorites for removing my eye makeup. I am one of "those" people who sleep in my contacts avidly and this is very gently on the eyes and oil free!

Found HERE

OLE HENRIKSEN

I just recently had a makeover at Sephora and the skincare professional recommended this line for me and I am LOVING it! They are all award winning products! My skin is prone to being oily in the T-zone and these products are oil free, lightweight, infused with Vitamin C, which lightens, tightens, and brightens your skin. This is a 3 piece set includes the Sheer Transformation, Invigorating Night Gel, and Truth Serum for a value of $70.00 and normally retails for $101.00(Truth Serum? Verituserum? Like from Harry Potter?)

Click HERE to check it out!

My Beauty Loves:

NARS Fashion Icon Set

Nars recently came out with this "Fashion Icon Set" that features their orgasm line. I have been wanting to try out some of their products and this was a great and affordable way to test several things at once. My FAVORITE thing in the set is the MULTIPLE in the color orgasm. This is all purpose piece that you can use on cheeks, lips, and eyes. I am loving to use this on my cheeks b/c it has a great shimmery dewey look. After placing this on the apples of my cheeks I like to place some of the powder blush included in the set to bump up the color.(Y'all all made fun of me about wearing NARS products. Becca says it sounds like a disease you get. You know that stuff rocks! NARS, not diseases.) 

Link HERE

Merle Norman Shy Violets Palette

Purple, Purple, Purple is my love right now in everything from clothes, to polish, to eyes! If I had to sum up one thing that I am currently drawn to it would be PURPLE! Love this eyeshadow set by Merle Norman. The colors blend really well and have just the right contrast to really play around and get the color you want!

You cannot currently purchase MN products online... so find a store near you for this one!(You have always loved Merle Norman.)

OPI Nail Color

I am obsessed with OPI nail colors. This color "Ate Berries in the Canaries" is my current fave! I have it on my toes and nails right now and this is the second time I have had it this spring season. It has a Purple/Pink tint to it, which as you know I love! It's bright pretty and springy!

Link is HERE

PEANUT BUTTER EGGS!!!!!!!

I had to save the BEST for last!! My favorite thing about spring is Peanut Butter Eggs! This is the only time of the year you can get them and let me just say... They are SO much better than the cups... I don't know why or how, but they are! I am serious about my Eggs and get pretty livid when people at work go through them without asking! : -)

(Seriously. Girlfriend will cut you about her Reese's Eggs. The amount of texts I have gotten about it are kind of insane.)

You can purchase these at any grocery or drug store.

So, these are a few things I am using on an every day basis and I would consider my favorite things for the moment! I have MANY more that I would love to share with you, but will hold out until I get my own blog up in the next few months! I hope you will all check me out once I get it up. Rach will have to give me a shout out when things are completed!

Have a Happy Spring!

Brooke

Random and Weight Loss Challenge

Wednesday was my day people. It should go down in history. 

I was Super Woman.

Yes. 

I woke up at 4:45 to work out, showered, drank coffee, did 7 loads of laundry(towels,sheets,etc), edited, processed orders, did business taxes, blogged on the photography blog, cleaned bathrooms, ran errands, and OH YEAH. Took care of both girls. I was going to get my SuperWoman badge, but Philly's fam wanted Carlton's. So, I didn't get to add "home cooked meal" to my day. Boo. 

Anyway, I felt awesome until about 4:00 and I got super duper tired. 

Moving on.. Random Hollywood drama I found out today...

These two might be dating?? YES, PLEASE. Angels would sing from the heavens if these two got married and had babies. I would become the ultimate stalker if it happened. 

 Catherine Zeta Jones is major Cray-Cray... Who would've thunk?

Tori Spelling is preggers with her 3rd child. Please don't let this one have a mullet.

And these two are a couple? Scarlett Johansson and Sean Penn? He could be your dad. And.. does Scarlett have a food baby? What is that thing?

Moving on to the Weight Loss Challenge!!

SERIOUSLY?? 48 people linked up?? We were hoping for 5-7, we thought 10 at the max. 48 people?!?! Just incredible everyone!! I can't wait to see everyone's progress!

Let's look at my picture from this mornings scales....

Do you SEE that?!!?! I hit my original weight goal of 130. I have officially lost 20 lbs. People. That is huge. I wasn't sure I could actually do it and I did!! 

Weekend and E-Mealz Winner!

Saturday night we did PF Changs to celebrate mine and Philly's birthday with the his side of the family.

It was delicious!!  

Claire likes to show her her tricks! 

Claire.. the snotty nosed kid.... 

It's the Birthday Boy!!

His present from his parents! I'll ruin the surprise since I didn't take anymore pictures.. it's an apple tv! 

 Yesterday was his actual birthday- I got him a Jan cake- it was delicious! I cooked and my parents braved the storm to come eat some cake with us. 

I would have loved more pictures of yesterday, or ya know, ANY pictures from yesterday, but I am not going to lie. My days are starting to not have enough hours in them. And I don't like that one bit. So, I think I am going to attempt to go work out at 5 in the morning... I am not a morning person, but I think this will solve the drowning feeling that I feel from all the stuff I have going on and what I want to accomplish during the day. 

Anyway.. Random. Only in the South can you pull over on the side of the road and buy a gallon of fresh strawberries for $12. Yum. They are so delicious.  

Now onto the Giveaway winner...

It's BlessedMama!!!!

Congrats girl!! E-mail me and I will get you hooked up! 

My Style Monday!!

It's the first week of My Style Monday! 

You need to head over to Lindsey's and link up! 

I'm going to start this off with a picture of Addison. She completely picked out her outfit and dressed herself. She needed help with socks and she put her shirt on backwards, but did the rest herself. Can I say how much I dislike these cowboy boots. She would wear them with everything if she could and I think they are hideous. Her outfit consists of a halloween Hello Kitty shirt, jeggings, and her pink cowboy boots. 

My outfit is my race outfit for the Bloomin' Festival 5K. It's all Nike. 

My last outfit is what I wore to lunch and shopping Saturday with Robbie and Rebecca. Blue shirt is from Gap. Pants are from Banana Republic-circa 2005- THAT'S RIGHT. I got these bad boys before we got married and can wear them again! Woot! Shoes are my Jessica Simpson wedges and earrings are from Icing. 

Bloomin' Festival 5K and our Saturday

Saturday morning started with my very first trail run- The Bloomin' Festival 5K. I only did it because of total peer pressure from Robbie and Kelsie. It was definitely fun with them. My goal was to finish. I haven't run outside since Disney and most definitely haven't been training for hills. The race was described as a trail run in the woods with some gravel with a steep hill at mile 2. Umm. The hill at .25 mile was pretty intense and I'm going to say that at that point I wondered what I had gotten myself into. It had sprinkled that morning, had 98% humidity and was 67 degrees. And I was running in mud, gravel, and pine needles literally in the woods and never had any clue where I was. The race was at St Bernard- the catholic and prep school in our town. I got lost in there trying to turn in my application. No water on the course and we were dying.
We also got to jump over creeks. Fun times.
The finish line was literally running through the goal posts.

The Home Stretch! 

I like the way this girl is eyeing Robbie

Hi. I'm awkward and mess with my shirt while trying to cross finish lines.

Dork. Total Dork. 

Water please. So I don't vomit. 

Um. Not sure. 

I'm just awkward. 

Kelsie is either a cheerleader or Wonder Woman. You decide. 

Me and MeMac

Sadly, I don't have a picture with me and Philly and the girls or with Dad and Karen who also came out to support the race. I'm not going to lie. This race was so small, I actually expected a medal- there couldn't have been that many people in my age group and my time of 33:45 couldn't have been that bad. And then? They didn't give out 3rd place medals. I knew I was screwed then. Which, I didn't get one. 

We then enjoyed a day of shopping and eating with Robbie and Rebecca. Seriously. Love these two. They are going on a cruise next week and won't be around for my birthday. How dare they?? Anyway, Becca wanted to give me my birthday present- which was just perfect. I will reveal all my loot at a later date.

Since Philly's birthday is tomorrow, we are doing dinner with his fam tonight for both our birthdays, since his parents will be out of town during my birthday. I mean, geez. You'd think people would consider my birthday when they plan awesome vacations, but nope.