Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Home...For A Day

Hello, friends! I'm back from my trip to Florida and am trying to get rid of these bloodshot eyes, dark circles under my eyes and that feeling of pure exhaustion. First of all, none of my posts or guest posts that I had planned on you all reading while I was gone worked, except the one talking about sunny Florida on Saturday. Let me clarify, I did not get to soak up any rays or enjoy any nice weather at all. I went to Jacksonville for the biannual Kappa Kappa Gamma convention. I thought we were going to be on the beach--no, we were on the river and stared at the blue bridge. Ok, at least I could enjoy the pool and sunny Florida--no, the weather was miserable and I was constantly busy. Other than that, my trip was wonderful! I met so many incredible people, learned valuable information, reunited with old friends and got a little sister time in with Emily when she got a {30 second} break from working for the foundation.

My phone decided to really be the piece of junk that it is and take horrible pictures. Most of them are grainy or were taken in bad lighting, and I really didn't take just a ton anyway.


Two of my pledge sisters were there, one which I didn't know was coming until I saw her walk through the front door and into the lobby. We just might have both screamed and caused a small scene.

{Katie, Me, Roo}

My chapter, Gamma Nu, Arkansas, won the Most Outstanding Chapter award!! Only one chapter in the country is given this honor. It was quite exciting!


The chapter I advise is Zeta Rho, Colgate, in New York. Two of my girls were there and we were able to spend a good amount of time together. They are such fun girls!

{Sarah, Me, Hannah}

I have a few other pictures, but they really aren't good at all, so I'll spare you and the people in them the pain of seeing them. Yellow, anyone?

{Roo, Me, Em D}

The sweetest woman kept trying to take a picture of me with Emily under the balloon arch, but bless her heart she took about 10 and something was wrong with all of them. This is the one that survived.

On my way home I met this adorable little lady. She was traveling home to Colorado with her new mama. We played and played until she curled up between my leg and purse and crashed.


I averaged about five hours of sleep each night, thus I am trying desperately to get revived and refreshed before Bryan and I head out of town tomorrow for his brother's wedding. Today I'm watching the kiddos, but then I have a million and one errands to run, laundry to wash and packing to do before we leave. The pictures from this coming weekend are guaranteed to be better. ;)

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Lovely Day


Hello, lovelies! I'm popping in from sunny Florida. I hope you are enjoying the guest posts and the wonderful bloggers behind them. Sister and I are having a great time together and I've met some amazing people. Have a great weekend~I can't wait to share my trip with you! 

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Lust List

Untitled #45

1. Tibi striped tank
2. T by Alexander Wang dress
3. Pink pastel clutch
4. Tortoise earrings

It is time for a new bag in my life. There are a gazillion out there that I would love to own, but this Robinson tote would go perfectly with just about any outfit since it is neutral. Le sigh.

Monday, June 18, 2012

What's Going On

Last week I ended up watching the kiddos only two days, which left me the rest of the week to get everything together before I leave for Florida this week. I ran around to probably every store in town getting everything from a new carry on suitcase to toiletries that are within airport regulations. Thursday I went to my normal salon, which is out of town, so I spent the rest of the day at my parents' house after I got a cut and color.


On Friday the new Sephora here opened and I braved the crowd to pick up a few essentials. I am super excited about the Urban Decay Naked 2 eyeshadow palette. I want to get on and watch a few You Tube videos about different ways to wear it.


That night, Bryan and I went with Nick and Nicole to eat sushi. It was delish! They came back over to our house since we had eaten at happy hour. Nicole and I grabbed a bottle of wine and she played dress up in my closet and found the perfect dresses to take with her to her sister's wedding festivities in a few weeks.


Three of us girls decided to take a little road trip on Saturday, so we headed to Shreveport to do a little shopping. I had lots of fun helping the girls pick out outfits and put pieces together. Mollye has a new hottie and we found some great things for her to wear when they visit each other.


Bryan and I got in a little pool time yesterday and had a very relaxing day. The weekend was just what we needed, since the next two weeks are going to be crazy. Tonight I have a surprise birthday party to attend and then tomorrow I head out of town. So much to do and so little time to do it!


Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Blackberry Sweet Tea

It came to my attention recently that I have not posted how to make the perfect Southern Sweet Tea, which seems to be quite terrible considering "Sweet Tea" is part of my blog title. In my opinion, there is no such thing at too much sugar in my tea. I like it nice and sweet {which is the only way to drink it}. It is key not to let your tea bags steep too long or it will leave your tea bitter. Lipton is my brand of choice, but everyone has their own personal preference.

Southern Sweet Tea

3 cups water
2 family-size tea bags
3/4 cup sugar
7 cups cold water

1. Bring 3 cups cold water to a boil in a saucepan; add tea bags. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat. Cover and steep 10 minutes.
2. Discard tea bags. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Pour into a 1 gallon container and add 7 cups of cold water. Serve over ice.

............................

There are many different variations of tea, blackberry being on of my favorites. This recipe is absolute perfection!


Blackberry Sweet Tea

3 cups fresh blackberries
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint
pinch of baking soda
4 cups boiling water
2 family-size tea bags
2 1/2 cups cold water

1. Combine blackberries and sugar in a large container; crush with a wooden spoon; stir in mint and baking soda.



2. Pour 4 cups boiling water over tea bags; cover and steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags.


3. Pour tea over blackberry mixture; let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Pour tea through a wire-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, discarding solids. Add 2 1/2 cups cold water, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and chill 1 hour. Garnish, if desired, with blackberries or mint.



Monday, June 11, 2012

Funday Monday


Happy Monday, sweets! I hope each of you had a fun-filled weekend. Bryan and I were able to spend a full weekend at home, which was just what we have needed. Friday night we went to our favorite hot wing spot and watched Tyler and Brittany participate in The Newlywed Game, which was absolutely hilarious. Saturday I fixed a large brunch and Bryan's brother and fiance came over to eat with us in between moving stuff out of her house. Yesterday we relaxed and in the evening went to a local park for Bryan to fish and me get in a hot run. I've got some great posts planned this week! I'll be sharing great summer t-shirts and how to make the perfect blackberry sweet tea. Have a fantastic day!


Friday, June 8, 2012

A Good Night

Last night dinner with our friends, Brittany and Tyler, was wonderful. They will have been married two weeks this coming Sunday and it was our first time to get to hang out together, apart from our small group on Wednesday night. Brittany made the perfect concoction of sangria in her pretty new "M" drink dispenser.


One of the best things about getting married is all the gifts that are bestowed upon you. Bryan and Tyler tried out all of the new grill tools and toys. If you don't have a grill pan, you should really look into purchasing one.


Bryan was the sucker who got caught by a liquor store taste-testing the other day and purchased this wine. It went nicely with the steaks and we will be getting it again.


This was by far the best meal I have eaten in a while--steak, grilled veggies and tomato, peach and goat cheese salad. The weather was perfect for an outside dinner on the back patio.


Brittany and I have so many things in common and always have a wonderful time together. I am very thankful to call her my friend!


After purchasing fresh, homegrown produce yesterday I immediately wanted to make something with peaches. This salad is the perfect addition to any summer meal.


Tomato, Peach and Goat Cheese Salad

2 ripe peaches, sliced
4 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
1-2 raw corn on the cob, kernels removed
4 ounces goat cheese
10 basil leaves, chiffonade
1-2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
salt
pepper

1. Arrange peaches, tomatoes and corn on a platter.
2. Distribute the cheese even across the top.
3. Sprinkle basil over the salad.
4. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar across the top.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

*Due to the very ripe peaches I purchased, it was much easier for me to chop the fruit and veggies and toss in the vinegar.