Fabulous Friday Picture Dump

Happy Friday y'all!!

We're in Nashville for the weekend participating in Mr. Potts' sister's wedding. There shall be pictures, she declares (next week!).

I have several weekends worth of photos to share before the pictures from the wedding extravaganza.

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to dress up and attend the Humane Society's Ties & Tales gala. We clean up pretty well, no?

The weekend of Thanksgiving we decorated the tree and had our annual holiday cookie making day with the munchkins. This year they both spent the night before the big day.

I ask them all the time if they'll slow down & quit growing. They both refuse.

This past weekend we had our annual holiday party. I was rocking the red lipstick & slightly darker hair.

And what photo dump would be complete without a few gratuitous Christmas decor photos?

Our buffet dressed up for our party. If you look closely you'll note that I hadn't put the cheese out with the crackers yet.

Why yes, those ARE nutella rice krispie treats!!

Our mantle. We added lighted garland this year.

I can't seem to take a decent picture of lighted elements. Any suggestions?

Hope you all will have a wonderful weekend!!

Tuesday Confession

I've finally caught up on reading blogs. Phew. There were several times when I thought it would be easier to simply select "Mark all as read" rather than wade through all the different blog posts.

I'm so glad that I didn't do that. I would have missed catching up on all the things that have been going on in everyone's lives.

Hopefully by now you all know that I have accepted a new position with a new company. One that hasn't gone through and emerged from chapter 11 only to still not make numbers. I can't tell you how excited I am about working for a stable company!

Y'all that feels great.

Almost as great as participating in Leslie's Confessional. I mean, really, who doesn't like to get things off their chest?

So, here goes!

1. I've got house fever. Mr. Potts told me one evening that he'd been looking at houses online. Well, that got me started. I've found several that I love. Some with beautiful interiors, some with beautiful exteriors, very few with both.

2. While I have house fever, I do love our town home. It fits us perfectly, for now. I love it even more so since it is decorated for Christmas and everything feels so warm and cozy.

3. I've finished most of my Christmas shopping and gift wrapping. I have a few people who aren't accounted for yet and I'd love to be able to cross them off my list.

4. I want to try on my wedding dress from 3 years ago to see if it fits.

5. See above - I think it will fit but probably be way too big. Since I wore it I've lost about 20lbs.

6. I've a longing for these boots.

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That's all I've got! What confessions do you have?

Happy Tuesday, y'all!

Not another manic Monday

Thank you all so much for the kind and welcoming words last week. After being absent so long from blogging, it felt good to let you know what has been going on.

This past Friday was my last day at my former company. It was quite a bittersweet day for me. While with this company I've grown in my professional experience as well as experienced professional heartbreak.

Anyone wondering what professional heartbreak is? I had to sit and think for a few moments of the best way to describe the disappointments I experienced there.

As a learning professional I truly want to help others learn and grow in their professional experience. What I saw with my former company was almost the opposite. There were many times when we had opportunities to be exceptional, even great, but did not have senior level support. In all honesty, one could probably say the company as a whole regressed.

Professional heartbreak.

But I also loved many of the people I worked with. There will be many people that I will keep in touch with, many who had tears in their eyes on Friday. I'll miss them all but am excited to be moving on and have an opportunity to learn and grow in my new role.

I have a week off before I start next Monday. Wonder what I'll be doing?

1. Going back to the hair salon (I was there Saturday) to have the fix my hair. I was brushing through my hair last night and noticed that if I part my hair differently than it was blown out that I'll have a stripe in the middle of my hair. Not like a random long strip of blonde hair root to tip but a horizontal strip about 4 inches long about 2 inches down from my root.

Not good.

2. Going back to Ulta to pick up eye makeup remover. I didn't look closely at the label on the mascara I purchased & picked up waterproof. I don't normally wear waterproof & had a hell of a time getting it off Saturday night (Sunday morning) at 3:00 after our holiday party.

3. Uploading pictures from our party. You know, so you can have a post with pictures.

4. Prepping for Mr. Potts' sister's wedding in Nashville this weekend. Trust me, the pictures (and stories) from this will be PRICELESS.

Happy Monday!

Falling back on the radar

Over two months.

That is how long it has been since I sat down at the computer and wrote here. Sad, isn't it? It felt like every time that I sat down to write all I could think about was my job situation.

It wasn't good.

And while I think I could have moaned about it for a good 25+ posts, I didn't believe anyone would want to read past the first one. Truth be told, thinking about my situation day in and day out was exhausting. I just couldn't add to that by writing anything about it.

So.

On to better news.

I have a new job!

Phew. Bet y'all didn't see that coming.

My first day will be December 12th. And with that, I'll be a road warrior again. Will fill you in on those travels. Hopefully this will keep me out of Maine in February.

Smile

I also have been very fortunate in that I won two giveaways. Two! I know!

Back in October Abbie from A Glimpse of the Girl Next Door hosted a Stella & Dot giveaway. Lucky me - I won! Now, I've lusted after Stella and Dot jewelry for a while but haven't caved in and picked something out for me.

I was so so excited to pick out these earrings. Aren't they beautiful?

Thank you Abbie! I LOVE them!!

Then, as if October weren't about to wrap up with a bang I won Shasta Anne's Pink Clarisonic giveaway!

I was so over the moon and couldn't believe that I won! Thank you so much Shasta for hosting such a wonderful giveaway!!

Following close on the win of these giveaways I received the job offer. It happened so so quickly & honestly I wasn't expecting it.

I'm beyond thankful for the blessings I have. So many weights feel as if they've been lifted from my shoulders and I thank God for his love.

Long catch up, but much needed.

xoxo

Ch ch ch ch changes! It's in the air!!

Fall is often the time when people begin to change things out.

Summer bags are cleaned and gently placed in their dust bags and the fall/winter bags taken out and brushed off.

Shorts and Tanks are put away in favor of Jeans and Cozy Sweaters.

Summer weight comforters are exchanged for the cozy, cuddly warmth of winter/fall comforters. And maybe an extra blanket hanging around for when the window is open and things are quite brisk.

Summer decorations are exchanged for fall themes. Colored leaves, pumpkins, all things Fall.

Summer highlights are looking a little much so a girl decides to darken them. To fit more feel of fall. I've touched on that recently (see picture in prior pic and you'll see what I want) and will get there myself, it is just a matter of the time, the who and the what in the world will I be doing??

This time of year also heralds my return to comfort food. I slip away from salads and salads and more salads and grilled chicken and pork chops and I return to the comfort food.

We've spoken of it before...Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken & Dumplings, Stews, Braised Ribs, Roasted Chicken, Roasted Root Vegetables. I can go on and on.

Most of the time my food rambling centers on main meals - the big ones that tide people over at the end of a long day. These meals warm people's bellies and their hearts. They're the kind of meal you want to savor with warm fuzzy socks on.

Lately though I've been craving breads. It has to do with the way I'm made up. When I'm stressed (and we know I have been) I want carbs.

Gooey, taste yummy carbs = Comfort Food

So to satisfy the urge I've made Garden Harvest Cake.

So super yummy and so so easy. You're welcome in advance.

From Cooking Light

Garden Harvest Cake

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour (1 cup)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated peeled Granny Smith apple (about 1 medium)
• 1/2 cup grated carrot (about 1 medium)
• 1/2 cup shredded zucchini
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup nonfat buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• Cooking spray

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and the next 4 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk.

3. Add grated apple, grated carrot, shredded zucchini, and walnuts to flour mixture; toss well.

4. Combine canola oil, buttermilk, and eggs in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.

5. Add egg mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until combined.

6. Spoon batter into an 8 x 4–inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.

7. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes or until a wooden pi.ck inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove cake from pan. Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.

Happy Wednesday, y'all!! Friday can't get here fast enough!!

Full Hearts

Have I shared with you lately how full my heart has been lately?

No? Forgive me?

One of my best girlfriends, the one I laugh and cry with regularly is pregnant again.

Sigh

So, so full and happy.

She and her husband lost their first baby, a little girl, last December and are now expecting again. I couldn't be more thrilled for them & can't wait to meet the newest little one.

Welcome him or her to "the family" and shower her/him with love.

Kiss little fingers and toes & marvel with my girlfriend over how perfect her baby is.

Makes for a great Tuesday, doesn't it?

Happiness Is....

Fresh hair.

I'm still a little more blonde than this picture, but I love having fresh highlights/lowlights. Still not here yet, but I wasn't quite ready to go so dark yet.
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Fall TV

One of my faves!
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So excited about this show!
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New shoes. I'm dying for some new boots. Any recommendations for tall, black boots?

And y'all? It is Thursday! Which means tomorrow is FRIDAY!!

Fabulous Friday

Angel babies singing
Is everyone ready for Fall?

I know MCW - not ready yet since it means winter is around the corner. I can't help it.

I've seen all the posts people have written detailing their love of Fall. I can't help it, I love it too.

Ready for my list?

Short, sweet & to the point.

Kind of like me.

Boots, Sweaters, Chilly Weather, Going a little longer, a little further on the dog walks, Not sweating, Less frizzy hair...

Speaking of hair (and she veers off track - not surprising is it?)

I'm really loving this hair right now. Pretty for Fall, no? Thoughts?

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Ahem. Back to the list.

Stews, Chicken & Dumplings, Warm Coffee on the Deck in the chill of a Fall morning, Football, Scarves...

Don't you love this scarf?
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Pumpkin, Pumpkin patches, Pumpkin picking...anything to do with pumpkins and my munchkins!!


Who doesn't love the Teddy Bear Harness?

2010 - He outgrew the Teddy Bear Harness & moved on to Cotton Candy.

Still precious, isn't he?

LOVE

Happy Friday y'all! I hope your weekends are FABULOUS!!

2 X 4

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No, not the wood used in building things.

Since I have one thing and one thing only running through my brain.

Scratch that. That is not true.

Today I obsessed over:

A pumpkin apple muffin that I really wanted but the bakery did not make today.

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A slice of blueberry pie with ice cream that was my dinner. Comfortfoodmuch??

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For the record, this was not my pie. I take mine with TWO scoops of ice cream, please, thankyouverymuch.

How skanalicious my hair is looking since I haven't been to the hairdresser since July. Y'all.It is bad.

Sons of Anarchy premiering Tuesday night. Jax. Whoa.

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But as has been the case lately, the most constant thing on my mind has been what could be a large change in my life.

And as should always be the case (at least in my case) I'd like to be as prepared as possible. Which means looking at plans B, C, D & E in case A doesn't work out.

A being find a new, better, more secure job AFSAP (As Freaking Soon As Possible).

So if A doesn't work out for me, what you may ask is my B?

Two by Four. Two feet by Four Feet.

Not a padded cell.

My two feet with a companion's four feet.

Not that I believe that I would rival the Two by Four of NYC. But as a way to provide a little extra income (I mean, cause if I got nothing else coming in that makes it extra, right?) I think it is doable.

Because y'all. People in Charlotte are like WHOA about their dogs. Personally, I use my lunch time each day to come home & take Hayden out. Because I can.

But those with newer dogs, puppies, elderly dogs or who happen to have to work a long shift would love to have someone check in on their loves.

So, what do you think? Would you pay to have someone take your four legged baby out for a break during the day?

Disclaimer
I know that there is a lot more to it than just thinking how awesome it would be & how great I'd be & then *poof* it happening, but it is a fun thought, no?

Random Thoughts on a Tuesday

Hi everyone!

I hope that each of you were able to have Monday off and that today is your first day back to work. For those that didn't have Monday off I am sincerely sorry.

I absolutely LOVE short work weeks. Almost as much as I LOVE long weekends. Anyone else believe that the US should institute a nationally observed holiday each month that falls either on a Friday or a Monday?

My hand right now is up in the air saying, "YES!! PLEASE!!!"

On another note, I drove past Auto Bell recently and saw a Mini Cooper parked next to a PT Cruiser. Anyone ever wonder what the PT Cruiser's owner must think? Because really, isn't the PT Cruiser like a bigger, less chic version of the Mini?

On to the next thought....

My birthday just passed and unlike birthdays of years past I didn't make a big deal out of it. I turned 35 which should have been a kind of semi big deal, but with all the uncertainty in my life right now we didn't make a big deal out of it.

And I'm kind of semi ok with that.

Next!

I go back & forth between thinking that I MUST find a new job before something drastic happens to me in my current job (i.e. I lose it) or I keep looking and if I get to a point where I don't have a new job lined up then I can use the time to clear my head.

I go back & forth but keep coming back to this: "Nah. A few days might be nice, but I really will feel like something is missing if I don't have one to go to every day."

Next!

via

I like comfort food when I'm stressed. Macaroni & Cheese, mashed potatoes, roasted chicken & vegetables.

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Comfort food is my friend.

Anyone else out there indulge in it when stressed?

I have been trying to keep a tight rein on it though. I've been doing well with eating/exercising/weight loss lately losing 1-2 lbs each week.

Which leads to the next thought.

I had to have one shot in my leg last Wednesday. The Wednesday before Labor Day. So I've spent the weekend in my sexy leg sock.

Thank goodness Fall is around the corner. At least if I have to wear these it won't be 100+ degrees!

What kind of random thoughts do you have circling around in your head?

Happy Tuesday y'all!

What happens when your brain won't slow down

Thankfully all, Labor Day weekend is here. I can't tell you how happy I am to have an extra day this weekend to try & still the frantic pace of my mind.

When I have something heavy weighing on me I tend to focus on that with that laser beam focus. Laser beam focus is great for work projects, personal goals, deadlines, etc. Not so much when the focus is aimed at what may or may not happen in the next few weeks.

Things that are out of my control are what I've been focused on lately & it is hard to think of anything else.

I've got a great resume that isn't just words on paper. When I look at all I've accomplished work wise, I know I've got something to be very proud of.

I've got resumes/applications out for so many various positions here in Charlotte and am hopeful and praying that something will open up for me soon.

I'm trying to get back into this groove and not have this weigh so heavy on my heart. It seems that since it is what I'm so focused on that it tends to set my direction. I'm trying to keep that pointed positive and happy.

All of your thoughts & well wishes have been so appreciated!!

Happy Monday, y'all!

8 Interviews later....

Y'all.

I feel like a runaway train lately. Feeling like I can't catch my breath.

I've been "looking". Working on my work "life" story, practicing answering those questions, making sure my suits are oh so appropriate.

Hoping that the people I meet with will "see" me. See my potential. See my fit.

Eight in person and phone interviews with eight different people for one position.

Seems a bit much, no?

Praying

Hoping

Waiting

Not very patiently waiting. I know it is a virtue & one that I really strive to attain but.... Honestly? I'm not there yet.

Eight interviews later and they decide that experience in a certain industry is a MUST.

Tears were shed. Eyes were dried.

So to look at the positive side, I've had a lot of practice now! On to the next!!

Fly Free, Fly High

When I think back at all that has transpired this past year one thing that has rocked my world to the core was the loss of beloved Lisa. If you didn't have a chance to get to know Lisa you still can. Her beauty is one that never fades.

She made me laugh, she made me smile.

There were times she made me drool. As in this time she posted a recipe for Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding which looked amazing!

My comment: Oh for SHUT THE F UP! Save me now. Can I come over when you make this? How about just shipping me some?

Her Response: You're hilarious, love that about you!

Schedule a dentist appointment for the next day!

Can also be made with powdered sugar donuts as well!

I would bake up a storm if you really were coming, if nothing else, you'd go home with tight britches dahlin'!

I miss those witty comments and the quick emails to check up on a girl.

I miss her beautiful posts. The images she found were breathtaking.

She was a beautiful woman who was one to uplift others. Always with a kind word and a funny comeback. She celebrated being a woman & lifted us all up with these beautiful pictures.






She was passionate about the beauties in her life.








I miss the SATC quotes and her love for Carrie Bradshaw.






Lisa, I know you had so much love in your life. I'm so thankful to have had you in mine.

Fly Free, Fly High Sweet Bumpkin.

all images via Bumpkin on a Swing Tumblr and Bumpkin on a Swing

We're halfway there

Thank you so much. So many of you stopped in, let me know you were thinking of us and praying for us.

I can't say enough thank you's.

We've known since Memorial Day that Mr. Potts' job was in danger with his company potentially being sold. He learned today that while things will be changing, he'll still be employed.

So half of what we've been so anxious/worried/stressed out about is behind us. We still have half of our obstacles in front of us, but I'm so thankful that we're at the half-way point.

Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers.

I'll be back to regular posting soon.

xoxo

I've started and stopped and started and stopped....

I've sat on this post for several weeks now.

I keep starting to type it out and then erase it once half written.

I'll start again and then delete it.

I've tried to post around it and not necessarily focus on what I truly want to write about. I want to sit down and pour my heart out. List out and detail all the worries that are sitting on my heart.

Write about future dreams and hopes and wishes.

Yet I can't. Not yet. There are changes afoot which I can't talk about. But I will. As soon as there are some resolutions to be had.

In the meantime, if you've got a free minute to think about the Potts family or lift us up in a prayer for good timing and good things, this girl would sure appreciate it.

Fabulous Friday

Why hello Friday! So happy to see you too!

Took you long enough to get here.

I've decided that italics will now be my new sarcastic font.

We've got a ton going on right now. Changes are afoot my friends. Changes are afoot. Aren't they always though?

Changes or not Mr. Potts and I have plans to spend most of our weekend by pools. Various pools, good friends...what more could you ask for?

Dreaming about pools, couldn't you just dive into these?










Well, maybe not dive in, but definitely lounge!

Have a wonderful weekend & Happy 4th of July!!

All images via