Pages



10.21.2010

This Is The Life

I hate to stop by only to let you know that I have purposely not taken the time to blog these past couple of days. 

It has been a rough week to say the least - and to be honest, I am not sure that I have the words to truly explain what I am going through. We just found out that my cousin (who is also my Godmother) has breast cancer, and it has spread to her lungs, and her uterus. It is tragic, and I am speechless. The doctors will not perform surgery, because it is too late, and they do not want to put her into more pain than she is already going through. 

My heart is broken, and for the first time in my life, I feel absolutely powerless. I have spent the last couple of evenings at the hospital with her, with my aunt, with everyone. 

My family has always been very close, and live together on a daily basis. Even though I moved here from France, there are 32 of us here, and it feels like we all live in a big house altogether. What happens to one, happens to all of us. 

What scares me the most is that it is only the beginning, and the hardest part has yet to come. All I can think about is the fact that we are going to lose her within the next couple of months - and my heart is just breaking into a million pieces. 


I apologize, because I know this is not one of the happiest posts - but I had to say something. I did not want you to think that I had just abandoned my blog. I hope you are all having an amazing week - and please, take the time to tell your close ones you love them. We truly take life for granted sometimes. 

I promise to be back very soon. 

XoXo 
July

10.13.2010

La Mer

I have come to accept that I am turning 27 in less than a month (sigh), and I am starting to think about a few things that I would like. Honestly, I feel like the older I get, the less I actually care about gifts - but I know my parents - and no matter how old I am turning; there will always be a birthday dinner, birthday cake, and of course a gift or two. 

Lately, I have been obsessed with La Mer watches. They are so unique, and I wouldn't mind getting something a little different. 

Here are my favorite models - I am torn between the second and last one. I think I will end choosing the one that my mom likes the most, because let's face it - I still like to have my mom's opinion for little things like that :)






check them out here


What do you think? And what do you usually ask for as a birthday gift?!

10.12.2010

Music Tuesday

Last week was a bit (A LOT) hectic at work, so I didn't get around to it, but I promise that I did not forget about your Music Tuesday.

Have you seen 500 Days of Summer? I actually really enjoyed that movie, even though I felt so bad for Joseph Gordon Levitt; but Zooey Deschanel is so good in her role. I think I love her in any movie though - she is just too cute.

There is a scene when they are both in the car, and a French song comes on. I remember jumping off my seat when I first watched it, because it happened to be one of my favorite songs.

The singer is Carla Bruni, and believe it or not, she is the First Lady of France. She is an Italian model, gone actress, gone singer, gone political. Nevertheless, she has managed to stay classy, and she is so loved by all my fellow French peeps.

Here she is with out First Lady - via


The songs is called Quelqu'un m'a Dit (Someone Told Me) . It is a romantic, yet sappy song just as we love them! So check it out, and let me know what you think :)


I hope everyone is having a fabulous week!!!

10.11.2010

Mulberry For Target?

Here we are, Monday morning, back at work, and once again wondering where the weekend went. It was not the weekend I expected, and don't worry, I will spare you the details from our misadventures in the North Georgia mountains - but we managed to make the best of it.

Despite a few hiccups here and there, we got to relax, lay around in comfy clothes, watching football, eat too much food, drink one too many Blue Moons, and simply enjoy the feeling of not having anywhere to be for 2 days. I do wish it had been colder - high 70s up in the mountains is just not the same. 

Yesterday was the lunch of  the "Mulberry for Target" collection - and of course, I had to check it out. I'm not sure exactly what I expected, but it was definitely more than what I saw.

So, as a heads up - if you were expecting something like this: 



You might as well start saving up because this is what you will get:



HMMM - First of all, I do not like that it says "Mulberry for Target" on the traditional little buckle - I feel like it cheapens the actual bag. I am not a fan of the heart shaped tag - I feel like it makes the purses look too "teenagers" oriented. I think it's a neat idea, and I love the concept - I just wish they hadn't made them so casual looking.

A little disappointed - yes. However, this reinforces the fact that if you truly want something nice, you will have to pay the price. I am still on the search for the perfect black winter purse - and so far, I have nothing. 

I keep telling myself that I am going to France in a month, and it will also be my birthday - so I might just wait till then :) 

I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A GREAT WEEKEND - HAPPY MONDAY!!!

10.08.2010

Fill In The Blank Friday

Fill in the Blank Friday!

Today's picture makes me happy because it is Friday, and you know that means Starbucks for me. Yes, I have done well at only limited myself to one Starbucks a week (for the $ AND the calories) - BUT ladies, I have found a new drink that I love, and that I can actually drink more than once a month without feeling like I need to run 3 miles!

Ta Da! The Skinny Caramel Latte! No, this is not a new drink - but it sure beats my favorite White Mocha (um 54g of sugar in the Grande straight to my belly). So, I thought I would try something new: "I'd like a skinny, sugar free, no whip, caramel latte - 150 calories; PLEASE!" It does the tick, and I don't feel Starbucks deprived anymore :) 

It's Friday, it's Fall, and I have a weekend in the mountains ahead of me - Life is good ladies :)
 

1.   The first thing I do in the morning to start my day is I get up and make my bed. I can't start the day if the bed is messy! 

2.  Today I wish I was still in my pjs, watching bad daytime TV, and simply enjoying my apartment without having a thing to do, and not crunching numbers all day for this quarter-end close.

3.  If I had an extra $100 in my bank account today I'd  get a Kindle - I've wanted one for a while, but have just felt like I had other priorities before I can get one. 

4.  Tomorrow  I will be in the North Georgia mountains with Michael and 3 other couples. I am looking forward to some fresh air, no phone/internet, and good times with friends.

5.  Two things that don't go together are I actually have to copy Lauren on this one. I have curly hair too, and the GA humidity and my hair do not mix at all - another reason why I don't enjoy Summer!

6.  Something I can never pass up at the grocery store is  it is weird, but I feel like my grocery run isn't complete if I don't buy some kind of pasta; aka my biggest weakness!

7.  The last time I tried something new was  spin class back in June - and fell in love with it! I'm not a fan of cardio, but spin is actually a lot of fun!

ENJOY & HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!! 

10.07.2010

My Generation No More

You can't say I didn't warn you Sunday when I said I might be a little MIA this week. I underestimated how busy, and hectic this week would be. And it is not even because it's quarter-end close, and I have tons of work to do - but it is because I inherited more work, a new manager, and have had to make a few changes in my normal routine. I am still trying to adapt to everything, but I am SO ready for the weekend!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I did want to stop by to talk to you about a message I received from Michael this morning on Gchat:
Michael: uh oh Bug (yes, we might call each other "bug" every now and then!)
Me: what?!
Michael: My Generation got canceled after two episodes due to low ratings
Me: NO!!!!! :(
Yes, it's true. The ONE show I was actually looking forward to this Fall already got canceled. Does that mean I was one of the few who actually watched AND enjoyed it!?

‘My Generation’ Canceled - via

After Fox pulled the plug on Lone Star this week, ABC is following suit with My Generation. The network has canceled the documentary-style drama after its second episode failed to improve in the ratings. My Generation’s ratings fell 31 percent for episode two, only bringing in 3.9 million viewers. 


I know I watch quite a few shows that might not entertain everyone, but I really feel like this one had potential - now I'm questioning my own taste in TV series.
Bummer - I was curious to see where some of the stories were going. I guess I still have Gossip Girl, Modern Family, The Office, Bravo, and E! to keep me going. (ummm too much TV?!)
Since we are on the subject, who has been watching Gossip Girl? I am so excited about this season - it reminds me a lot of the earlier seasons - and the Blair/Chuck duo is as good as ever! I can honestly say that I look forward to it every week!
How GOOD was this scene?! I can only imagine what is ahead of us with these two, but I don't have a doubt it will be a roller coaster of emotions. I can't wait!!! 

I hope you are having a GREAT week :)

10.05.2010

Stress Ball

It is only Tuesday night, and I feel like I've already worked a full week. I have had so much to do, so much to think about, and so little time. 

Work, of course is stressful because it is quarter-end close. But, I found out today that as of tomorrow, I have a new manager. It took me by surprise, and honestly left me a little sad because I absolutely LOVE my current manager. He is basically everything you would wish for in a boss. I am definitely anxious to work with the new one - because I know that his managing style will be very different. 

I guess change is good - but initially, it is kind of a hill to climb. There a lot of changes going on in my department, and suddenly, I realize that this won't be the same anymore. The 10 fresh out of all college staff accountants who started together over a year and a half ago are being broken apart. We are kind of a small family - we went through the experience together, formed bonds, friendships, and I think that we are all very apprehensive of what is to come.

We find out the final changes tomorrow morning - and I have to admit that I am just ready to get it over with. No one enjoys being in the unknown, and when your future/career directly depends on it, it's even tougher. 

I always try to look at the positive side of things - so I am hoping that this will all be for the best, and I know that I will benefit from it. I am young; I am learning; I am evolving everyday. 

To cheer myself up, I went to the mall tonight because I heard Bath & Body Works was having a sale on their Oh So Amazing candles. The large ones that usually cost $19.50 each were 2 for $20. That was all I needed to hear. I went ahead and bought two Holiday scents: Creamy Pumpkin & Fresh Balsam.

In the Fall/Winter, I light candles every night; and these last forever, and smell amazing. I am thinking about going to get two more this weekend - that way I will be set for the next three months. I also got the 4 for $15 deal on their foamy hand soaps. I am obsessed with those, and put them all over my house!

I see B&B W as Target - meaning that I simply cannot go in the store without spending at least $40! I somehow ALWAYS need soap when I'm there, Haha!

What about you? What are your little guilty pleasures?

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT !!!

10.03.2010

I hope all of you lovelies had a wonderful and relaxing weekend :) What did you do!?

I had a nice weekend filled with college football, spending time with friends, and a perfect Sunday at home with Michael. 

Saturday we went to the GSU Homecoming football game, and yes - we got there at 9.30am to tailgate. It was a great game, and we won 37-10! What a great start so far for our football program. I can't wait to see it evolve over the next couple of years. At night, some of our friends came over to watch more college football (UGA and GA Tech games), and I actually called it an early night. 



 David & Betsy


 Brothers!

 "Sisters!"


Yay for Fall tailgates


We had tickets for the Falcons game today, and I just did not have it in my to go to the game. Luckily, these were free tickets given to Michael from work, so we did not feel too bad. I woke up early, and did a big Fall cleaning. I took out our Fall/Halloween decorations, candles, kitchen towels, and by lunch time, our apartment smelled like pumpkin spice - I love it!

We had quite the afternoon watching the Falcons and Braves games. Both filled with big plays, and a roller coaster of emotions! When you live with a man for whom sports mean everything, you are bound to get involved with their teams. The Braves won and made it to the playoffs, and the Falcons won a game at the last second with a field goal. It was great. There is nothing better for me than to see the joy on Michael's facfe when his teams win - it is like a kid on Christmas morning! 

We don't often get days when it is just the two of us, at home, with no specific plans, so today was great. I have a big week of work ahead of me, as it is our quarter-end close- so do not think that I have disappeared if I'm MIA for a few days!

ENJOY YOUR SUNDAY EVENING!!!

10.01.2010

Fill In The Blank Friday

Look at me - two posts in one day! Ha it is Friday, and you know that that means - time for Fill in the Blank! 

I hope you are all enjoying this amazing first day of October. It is finally cool here down south, and I am loving it! 



1.   True happiness is being able to love yourself;  knowing that the people around you love you for who you are, and they will always be there for you, no matter what.

2.  The most surreal moment of my life was when I went skydiving, and realized I was literally just fall through the air - ridiculous. On a more personal note - it would have to be when my parents told me we were moving to America. I was devasted.

3.  My favorite texture is  soft knits, and sweaters. I was known to always carry around one of my mom's t-shirts when I was little, because I couldn't stop feeling its soft material, and used to it go to sleep.

4.  My signature color is  anything black and grey. I AM however trying to branch out this fall, and vowed to start wearing more colors.

5.  My signature style is  scarves. I probably have over 30 different ones in my closet, and you will not see me leave the house without one.

6.  If I could choose one store to spend my life savings at, it would be  ZARA - hands down! They are everything from clothes, shoes and purses. AND they are not ridiculously priced - best of both worlds!

7.  My best thing about autumn is  EVERYTHING! Football season, cabin weekends, changing leaves, warm teas, pumpkin smells, spice candles, cuddling up on the couch in blankets, holidays, you name it!
 
 
HAVE A GREAT WEEK & HAPPY OCTOBER!!!! 

My Forever21 Dilemma

Are you one of those girls/women who were too spoiled by Forever21, and now have trouble shopping anywhere else? Welcome to the club.

I remember my first F21 shopping experience - it was amazing. I walked in the store and left with two full bags, and only spent about $100. It was unreal, unheard of, designer wannabee clothes at SUCH affordable prices?! Why shop anywhere else, right? Especially in college, with a slim shopping budget, when you just HAVE to get a new outfit for a date, or a party, or just because you want to reward yourself after acing a test.

Yes, Forever21 was my "go to" store for years. When you love fashion, and you like to dress nice, it is one of the best stores out there because you can pull of great "designer" looks, for less than $50. However, once you get a big a girl job, and allow yourself too go shopping elsewhere, you are faced with the F21 curse: everything seems SO expensive!

Well - here I was again last night, when I told myself I would "just look around" before Michael and I met at the mall for a quick bite. I walked in, with the usual overwhelming feeling of wondering where to start looking. So many new things everywhere: jackets, blazers, tops, skirts, leggings, shoes, accessories..you get it. I took a first "look around" tour, then proceeded in picking a few things. 
I grabbed a black blazer, 2 black dresses for work, a skirt, a tunic type of shirt, and a red and beige stripes thin sweater. I tried on the dresses; they didn't fit. The blazer; it didn't fit. The tunic; again did not fit. The sweater: YES! it fit! and it was $15.80.  So, what is the point to this story, you may ask? 



sweater in red and beige


Well, the point is that as much as I love F21 and their prices, I am slowly realizing that their clothes don't fir the same way they used to, their materials are very cheap, 2 of 3 shirts I buy usually shrink after one wash, and aside from a few basic items - it might be time for a new "go to" store. 

This is where ZARA comes in! I was kind of disappointed with yet again, another F21 bad experience, so I went to take another "look around" at Zara. I believe I died and fell into clothes heaven as soon as I walked in. I tried my best not to hyperventilate, and told myself: "July, ONE outfit!" 

Thirty minutes later, and $113 later, I had the cutest fall outfit! I was as giddy as a little kid in a candy store, but mostly, I was happy because it made me realize that I am over my F21 dilemma, and that Zara has now become MY "go to" store :)

 t-shirt only

 shorts in brown

sweater with t-shirt

These pictures don't make it easy (and I should probably stop being lazy, and just TAKE pictures!), but this gives you an idea my new outfit, which I am IN LOVE with! Pair it up with some tights, and mid-calf boots, and I am ready for a nice Fall afternoon!