My Inspiration...

On Monday, I talked a little bit about getting of rid of my old clothes and my plight to lose some weight. I lost  about 10-15 lbs. last year but I am pretty sure I've gained almost half, if not more of it back since then. I'm not happy with it, especially since it is right before the wedding, but I am motivated to lose as much as I can before then. 

Now, it's not just for the wedding. 

I want to lose weight in general to feel better and to not be labeled in the 'overweight' BMI category but I also want to shed some of these extra pounds to be in the best possible shape to make some babies. Don't get any be ideas....it's not happening quite yet but I want to be in the best possible shape so that I hopefully have better chances when the time does come. I'm not sure that makes sense....I want to lose weight just so I can gain it back but I hope you know what I mean. 

Anywho, since I've cleaned out my closet...it is pretty bare and will be in need of some new threads when I reach my goal weight. I am going to grant myself a mini shopping spree when I reach that goal and in the mean time, I am checking all the new pretties I want to get....

A nice casual jean and cardigan combo

This little number for when I want to bring my sexy back : ) 

I'm not sure if I will be able to pull off the ruffle sleeves but that will just make me work harder on my arms

Purple is one of my favorite colors and I just like the style and sheer-ness at the top

And what's a shopping spree for if a girl doesn't get some new shoes....

Be still my heart ♥

What gives you inspiration when you're trying to get in shape?!?

And if you say the the simple joy of it....I will have to defriend you : ) 

Dresses, Shoes, & Fittings...Oh My!

Today my mom, sisters, cousin, and myself will be heading down to David*s Bridal so my bridesmaids can go and get fitted for their dresses and order them.

If you don't remember, this is what the dresses look like...

 

Three of my bridesmaids will be wearing this color...it's purple but fancy people call it lapis.

 

My other two girls will be wearing this color...a bright shade of green also known as clover. 

I'm excited that this is finally starting to come together....it's starting to get real, which it should considering it's only 140 days away.....eeek! My dress was ordered a couple weeks ago and I'm eagerly awaiting it's arrival....holy prettiness Batman!

I have a million other things to do and I'll go more into that during the week but these dresses are a big part of my weekend plans. While were down in the 'city' we're going to hit up the malls so I can find shoes for my dress....I need to find them soon so I have them for my fitting. 

I'm going with the more modern take and wearing colorful shoes instead of the traditional white...these are what I have in mind so far...

 

These Kate Spade's are probably a little out of my price range but hopefully I'll be able to find a cute cheaper alternative.

They'll be more wedding posts coming soon so hang on tight my loves.....it's going fast and furious from here 

: ) 

Did you go for traditional white shoes or contemporary colorful for your wedding?!?

I Feel Like Such A Big Girl Now,,,

For the longest time I shied away from the new 'hip' phones and always stuck with my handy dandy kickin' it old school style phone until this weekend when Big Man went and upgraded and picked up our new phones...

 

The T-M*bile Galaxy S 4G

And let me tell you, I am in freakin' love!!!

I've never had a data plan phone and I must admit, I'm pretty smitten. I love that I am able to check my Facebook, email, or blog while I'm on a break at work and that I can be connected even if I'm not at home. It's such a nice convenience.

I have also leaped in to the world of Apps as well. The first night I was up until 6 AM check out all the little gadgets and fun apps that it offered. My favorites so far are the MP3 Music Download and the Coupon app. I love that I have my favorite songs at my fingertips as well as coupons that I might not have known about. 

Some may de-friend me for saying this but I totally dislike the Words for Friends app.

*ducks from the flaming pitchforks thrown my way*

I downloaded and played it for like 10 minutes and quickly uninstalled it. I wanted to be in on what all the cool kids were playing but in all honesty I suck at Scrabble so I don't know what I was thinking, trying to play this game. I seriously submitted 'NO' as one of my words....yeah I suck that bad. 

But I do puffy heart my Slot Machine app. :) 

So since I am new to this whole 'big girl' phone thing...what apps to you love or suggest for a novice phone lover?!?

Finally Fall...

Forget that the 'official' first day of fall (autumn) isn't until September 22nd...to my impatient mind fall pretty much starts on the first of September. All the kids are back in school, schedules have changed, new fall clothes are on the rack, and Halloween and Fall decor are in full force.

In extension from yesterday's post when we were at Country Junction the week before last...this is got what got my heart pounding for some Fall...

Look at all those pumpkins....yay!

I love the bright orange roundness of them little things. Once I see pumpkins, I know the start of fall is not far behind....seeing them here paired with their bff hay bales had me envisioning their future homes on my future homes front porch.

These guys will have a permanent residence on my front porch during the fall months. They always look cute whether you let them be, carve and stencil them, or let the little ones paint them. Hay bales are just the added bonus of having something fall-ish to enhance their orange goodness.

Big Man and I also found some fun Halloween stuff...

A mummy that I wouldn't let him purchase since it's eyeless face freaked me out and

The Big Bad Wolf to my Little Red Riding Hood.

I told him that he could buy this only if I could get one of those slutty Red Riding Hood costumes to match  but that idea was quickly vetoed....lol...maybe next year.

We also saw a bunch of cute Halloween signs that I know I would look awesome with my other Halloween decor..

But since Big Man told me it was excessive to buy them all I settled on this one...

Cute right?!?

Out of all them, I thought this one was the one that encompassed Halloween the most with the witch stockings and hat, skull, and creepy eyes.

My obsession with decorations is borderline rehab needed. I not only saw so many things I wanted at Country Junction but my wishlist for sweet Halloween, Fall, and Christmas decor has grown with the adorable stuff they have at Cracker Barrel as well. And no, neither are paying or giving me anything for these reviews but I just love them that much....but if they were willing, I would take it *wink wink* : )

Switching from Fall fun decor....I am also excited for when these sights start turning shades of reds, yellows, purples and golds.

Living in Florida, I missed the mountains, the change of seasons, and being able to watch the trees change colors. It's one of my favorite things about living in Pennsylvania and you know you'll be seeing plenty of more pics when they actually do start changing.

I'm gearing up and can't wait to get some new fall clothing (I am at a lack since living in FL), enjoying my Steelers during football season, and the temps to drop so I can enjoy some of my hot chocolate yet again.

Ahhh fall....I am so ready for you...bring on the cooler (but not too cool) weather!! : )

Date Night Deluxe

Since starting my new job, Big Man and my time has been limited together so with our opposite schedules we've decided that Friday would be our official date night. I work during the week and him on the weekends so Friday was the only day we had off together.

Date Night has been a favorite of ours and we look forward to it every week whether it's going out somewhere far or just hanging around town.

The week before last I mentioned we were going to the King of Prussia and to the Cheesecake Factory and how excited I was and we did this past Friday but can you believe.....I DIDN'T TAKE A SINGLE PICTURE!

 Ridiculous, I know....but I did take pictures of our date night the week before and just for remembrance sake I want to post it here.

On our date night the week before last we hit up none other than the Country Junction.

I've mentioned the wonderfulness that is Country Junction before but I brought my camera along this time to document some of it...well until my battery died.

Country Junction offers anything you would ever need from

Puppies, Bunnies, and pretty much any other animal for sale. I personally get my animals from friends or from the SPCA but the boxer there was def. pulling the heartstrings a bit. Besides the pets for sale they have a K-9'r Diner where they sell all types of pet accessories. Mia would have been a spoiled girl if Mommy and Daddy brought more money.

A cute little restaurant...I haven't eaten there but I just the outdoor decor makes me want to a little bit.

Pappy's Farmers Market.

It's not technically a farmers market but offers a bunch of options for outdoor decor and organization...swoon. I loved going through all the little warehouses they had and the outdoor decor one was def. one of my favorites...c'mon you know me and my sick obsession with decor.

Aisles upon aisles of awesome outdoor stuff.

Oh, you asked if they have a petting zoo for the kiddies....

Why yes, yes they do!!

I didn't get to close because I think these are the ones the spit at you but if your cool with your kids being spit on by caged animals then by all means go ahead.  It is pretty cool though, and they also have a playground for the little ones.

After scoping out the outside tents and warehouses we made our way inside to the yellow brick road of home goodness. I do not lie, they seriously had a yellow brick road for you to follow.

Big Man even got a picture with the prez....lol : )

They have so many decorations in there for all kinds of decorative styles...

Western

Domestic Bitch and much more....this was about the time my camera died till we left and got more batteries but if you have a Country Junction in your area I highly recommend it. This was a generic review since I didn't take all the pictures I wanted to but they have furniture and so many decorations, it will blow your mind.

And bless Big Man's heart....I know the boy really loves me because who else would want to spend their date night looking at decor with their fiancee.....smooches boob!! : )

Show Me The Money....Jerry Maquire Style

Who will get their very first 'real job' Pennsylvania paycheck tomorrow?!?

I WILL!!!

Though my new job is exhausting and strenuous, this paycheck is def. making up for it. Whenever I'm at work and thinking I can't last one more minute, I think of the payoff at the end of the week that I'll get. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, Big Man and my schedules are completely different now with our jobs and the only day we have off together is Friday.

Friday has now officially become our date day/night and we are excited about finding new things to do each week. Last week we headed down to the Lehigh Valley mall to window shop. They added on since the last time we were there and ended up with a sweet purchase from Yankee Candle. We bought a Pineapple Cilantro and Spiced Pumpkin (squeal) plug ins since they were on sale but I am for sure going back for a candle.

After walking around and browsing all the stores we headed out to catch a 7:20 showing of The Switch. It was a cute movie. It's nothing to write home to mama about but it was a cute flick to catch and Jennifer is always such a sweetie in her movies.

Anywho since Friday is going to be upon us again and date night will be in full swing me and Big Man decided to be mall rats again and hit up the King Of Prussia mall. This is the mall of malls around and next to the crazy amounts of stores they have that we will be checking out, we will be hitting up here...

for the delicious goodness that is this...

Chocolate Tuxedo Cream Cheesecake...mmmmm!!!

Since leaving Florida and the abundance of restuarants they have I have missed The Cheesecake Factory and this particular cheesecake the most. I better watch myself otherwise I will be spending my whole paycheck on cheesecake! : )

Just In Time For Football Season....

I saw this over at Jess' blog Livin' On Sweet Tea and since she was representing her Patriots, I thought it was only right to give a shout out to my team...

Black and Gold All Day Baby!!!!

Thanks to Jess for introducing me to this awesomeness and to Victoria Secret's for finally having some football gear for girls, even if it is a tad overpriced!! : )

GO STEELERS!!!

Why Must People Wave Colorful, Shiny, Expensive Objects In My Face?!?

Pioneer Woman in her infinite wisdom and wallet (I suppose) was showing off her gorgeous Fiestaware the other day and I couldn't help but envy it. I sadly don't own a piece but I have registered the crap out of the set.

When Big Man and I started registering I knew this was one of the sets of dinnerware that I wanted.

Both of us are not very frilly fu fu type of people so instead of going for the really classy white china, we decided that we rather have more practical and colorful dinnerware.

Besides all the bowls and dish selections they have, they have a a wide array of accesories and bakeware. If I had the money I would first get myself a a Kitchenaid mixer and then go crazy getting Fiestaware such as this...

The Pitcher

Oh Sunflower, how I ♥ thee....you will def. be a staple during the summer with your sweet disc shape! :)

Sugar and Creamer Tray

I don't even drink coffee so I don't know how much use I would technically get out of this one but I'm sure I could find alternate use for it.

Steak Knife Set

Freakin' adorable....I just love all the colors. I want my future kitchen to look like a rainbow threw up in it. Ok, well that did sound right but I want my kitchen to look colorful and inviting.

Salt & Pepper Shakers

Look at these round little lovies...I don't know how Big Man would feel about $15 salt and pepper shakers but who cares, I puffy freakin' heart them. If you break them though, I might have to rethink our friendship! : ) (just kidding...or am i?)

As you can probably tell, I can't wait to have our own home again. I love my parents and they have been nothing but spectactular but I can't wait till I can decorate how I want and know where all my belongings are. Having a majority of our stuff still boxed is a bitch sometimes but hopefully within the next year we'll be able to have our own place (hoping to buy a house...eeek!) and I'll be able to get some Fiestaware! : )

Do you like Fiestaware?

What pieces do own or what colors are your fave!?

My Second Favorite Time Of Year...

Ya'll know I love some Christmas around here but let's back it up a few months to second favorite time of year. Now teachers and students you might want to earmuff and cover your eyes for this but I love love love BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING

I might be a nerd, the coolest nerd you'll ever know..lol, but to see abundance of notebooks, organizers, markers, crayons, and school supplies makes me giddy with joy. You see being the to do-lister and doodler that I am, I can never have enough notebooks and organizers around.

Besides the basic school essentials needed, I love that this time of year has Tarjay and Wally World stocking their shelves with color coordinated college gear. You know what I'm talking about...the perfectly pink, awesome aqua, and lovely lime green towels, dishware, storage bins, and appliances they have.

I don't know why but I swoon for these colorful home accessories.

I'm trying to be a college girl but I doubt there will be any dorm living in my future but I can always use some hot pink and lime green storage bins, who can't? For now I will be roaming the aisles starry eyed but in true Little Woman fashion, will wait till it goes on clearance to scoop it up! : )

Does anyone else love this 'shopping season' as much as me?!?

Mama Dukes Still Sings This To Me...

"You are my sunshine

My only sunshine

You make me happy

When skies are gray

You'll never know dear

 How much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away!"

Remember that?!?

 My momma sure does still serenade me with it and I plan on singing the same lullaby to my babies when I have them, so when I was browsing Etsy my heart melted when I saw these...

This might be a future Mother's Day gift

This without a doubt is going in my future child's nursery..how cute is this print!?

Again this will be displayed if not in a nursery but somewhere in my home. I can imagine this pink one in Baby girl Little's room but it also comes in a variety of other colors.

Be still my heart.

I just want to see one tiny baby in this thing : )

Aren't those all adorable?!?

I didn't get paid or even asked to do any of these reviews but during my browsing I couldn't help but not post these. If your looking for any of these, just go to Etsy and type 'You Are My Sunshine' into the search box : )