Monday Manners: Gossip

According to wikipedia, gossip is...

Idle talk or rumour, especially about the personal or private affairs of others. It is one of the oldest and most common means of sharing facts and views, but also has a reputation for the introduction of errors and variations into the information transmitted. The term can also imply that the news is of personal or trivial nature, as opposed to normal conversation.

Wikipedia also states that low self-esteem and a desire to "fit in" are frequently cited as motivations for workplace gossip.

Would you agree?  I, for one, am not a fan of gossip.  As a southern lady, it is simply not proper to gossip.  I know y'all have heard of the "telephone game."   That's mostly what I think about if I dare to share something that I have "heard" from someone else.  If it's not a fact, it could spread in so many different ways and so many different versions could come out about a story...all leading back to YOU.  And I, for one, wouldn't want that.  "Well, Ashley said..."  Not good.  But this is reality...now, if we're talking about fiction, then bring it on!  Enter, Gossip Girl!

I need Serena's necklace in my life!

Who else is excited??  Gossip Girl premieres tonight, at 8!  I cannot wait to see what crazy plot lines they have in store this season...and even more importantly, their wardrobes!!

At 9, Hart of Dixie will premiere.  Not sure if I'll be adding this to my ever-expanding DVR list, but the plot line sounds good.  From the Gossip Girl executive producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, "Hart of Dixie stars Rachel Bilson as Dr. Zoe Hart, a sophisticated New York City woman who finds herself practicing medicine in a small Southern town."  I mean, seriously, why can't they just bring the OC back?  Aside from Marisa, all of the cast is still out there, still on TV...Julie Cooper and Summer Roberts are on Entourage, Caleb was on Lost, etc.  Personally, I think an OC comeback sounds better than this show.  But we'll wait and see...

Photo Credit: 1, 2

Weekend Inspiration: Psalm 91: 9-10

 "If you make the Most High your dwelling--even the Lord, who is my refuge-

then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent."

Psalm 91: 9-10

Photo Credit: 1

Fashion Friday: Hurricane Hugo Remembered...

If you're from around this region, do y'all remember these t-shirts?

I think everyone in my elementary school that year owned one.

Twenty-two years ago this week, Hurricane Hugo ripped through the Carolinas, and I can still remember it like it was yesterday.  While it was no Andrew, Katrina or Irene...for us, it was massive!  I still remember taking walks through our neighborhood after it happened, and being astounded at all the damage Hugo created.  If you live/lived in the region at the time, do you remember it?

My mom put all five of us (#6 wasn't born yet) into our middle bathroom downstairs in the dark (the power was out), and told us to stay quiet.  Um, yes, we were just a little frightened.  But for some reason, I remember we were all really calm during the storm, and kind of understood what we were asked to do, or maybe we were just in shock.  Thankfully, after the storm calmed, our house had minor damage...but other houses in the neighborhood and around the Carolinas didn't make out so well.  Here are just some photos I found online of Hurricane Hugo's damage, and its path...

So thankful that we haven't had a hurricane quite like that, since then!  If we did, I'm afraid our poor little house, built in the 40s, wouldn't fair as well as my family's house did.  My heart still goes out to those who lost so much in the hurricanes that have come, since Hugo, most recently Irene.  So devastating.

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On a happier note, I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!  The girls are headed to a Fall Festival this afternoon.  I went with them last year, and had the BEST time, so I can only imagine that they'll have just as much fun with their grandparents this year.  My sister-in-law is also coming in town tomorrow.  So excited to see her!  It's been way too long (she lives in Dallas), and she finally gets to meet Baby L too!!

TGIF!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Thirsty Thursday: Champagne

Champagne to celebrate!  Okay, so I'm obviously very excited about the birth of my brand new baby boy, but is it alright to say I'm a teeny bit excited to drink cocktails again?  I've been posting so many fun cocktails over the past nine months for my Thirsty Thursdays, and I haven't been able to indulge in them myself.  Well, now I finally can, and cannot wait!  For starters, some champagne, s'il vous plait?
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I've just recently discovered Bed Head Pajamas.  Have you heard of them before?  They're SO soft, and comfortable...I want one in every print!  Most of my cocktails at this point will be sipped, while wearing these, in the comfort of my own home.  No complaints here!

Happy Sipping, Y'all!

Photo Credit: 1

Wednesday Whereabouts

Bet y'all can guess where I'll be this week...

...resting in bed, with my sweet, new baby boy!

Photo Credit: 1

Tuesday Trends: Baby L!

As promised, here's a photo of Baby L...IN LOVE, is an understatement!  If I have more time later today, I'll try and post some more. 

He was born on Friday, September 16, 2011, at 5:41pm, weighing 8lbs, 9oz and measuring 21.5".

He's got a head-full of blond hair and blue eyes (for now).

Happy Tuesday!

...And Baby Boy Makes Five!

We got back home from the hospital yesterday afternoon, thank the Lord!

Baby L is doing well, and the girls are already spoiling him rotten.

Hope y'all are having a wonderful Monday!

Photo Credit: 1

Weekend Inspiration: 1 Samuel 1:27

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him."

1 Samuel 1:27

Have you figured out the SURPRISE, yet?  The one I hinted at yesterday?

Well, yesterday, we welcomed sweet, Baby L into our family of four!  We are all thrilled and excited to have him here, FINALLY!  W and E have showered him with kisses and hugs, and are so eager to get him home to let him play with their toys, and love on him some more.

Surprised?

I figured I'd keep this pregnancy hush hush this go round.  The pregnancy went smoothly, and for that I'm so thankful, but more importantly, our newest addition, is a beautiful, HEALTHY BABY BOY!  I was induced yesterday morning, and have had the exact date marked on the calendar for about a month or so now.  The girls were both induced, as well.  I deliver large babies, both girls were 9 pounds.  I think the doctor (I've had the same doc with all three pregnancies - so blessed!) worries that if I carry much longer after my due dates, that the baby will gain even more weight.  So, needless to say, I'm very thankful that I've never had to go into labor, and the epidural comes soon after I get to the hospital.

Smooth Pregnancies = One Happy Mama!

Photos to come soon!

Oh, and while we're at the hospital today, we couldn't have planned it any better...

College Football Game Day!

Go Tarheels and Bulldogs!!

Fashion Friday: RLL and BIG SURPRISE!

Last week, I mentioned that Lilly was on Rue La La during their "Sweater Weather" sale.  Unfortunately, they only had three sweater featured, while the rest were other designers, like Pink Tartan.  But fortunately, the three sweaters they had, were great sweaters!  I managed to snag two of them, before they sold out, after only thirty minutes that day.  Just a heads up, I've never tried on the Caroline style, so if it doesn't work for me, it may end up on my blog sale.

Lilly Pulitzer Gloria Sweater in Jewel Green

Lilly Pulitzer Caroline Cable Cardigan

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Couldn't resist sharing this sweet little baby, that we got for E.

American Girl Bitty Baby

W has had an American Girl Bitty Baby for awhile, with blond hair and blue eyes named Baby June, and E has always enjoyed playing with her (when W lets her).  Well, we decided that E needed one of her own, that looked like her - dark hair with dark eyes.  It's on its way here now.  Still haven't decided whether we'll give it to her now, or wait until her birthday, come November.  Either way, I think she's going to be thrilled that now she'll have one to call her own!

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I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend, and are able to enjoy this fall-like weather!  We don't get to enjoy it here for too long.  Our seasons usually go from extreme heat to frigid temps pretty quickly, so we try to take advantage of it, while it lasts!

And in other news, pretty BIG news, I've got a surprise, that I hopefully can share with y'all tomorrow...so make sure and check back tomorrow morning!

Thirsty Thursday: Milk

So it's not a cocktail this week, but shouldn't you add in some milk, as well?  I know I make sure the girls drink as much as they can, to stay healthy, but why don't I?  It seems like such an easy thing to add to my daily diet.  I mean I guess I have cereal regularly, but I think I'm supposed to drink more than that.  How do you incorporate milk into your diet, or do you?  Does cheese count?  Because I LOVE cheese...on anything!

P.S. How sweet are Rebecca Romijn's twins here?  Their names are Dolly Rebecca Rose and Charlie Tamara Tulip.  They named their daughter Dolly, after Rebecca's love for Dolly Parton and the other one, Charlie, after Jerry O'Connell (her husband)'s brother.  You may remember him from the Bachelor, don't remember the season.
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Did y'all catch the U.S. Open last Saturday?  They don't call it Super Saturday for nothing!  I mean Djokovic came back and beat Federer after saving two match points!  Incredible!!  After their match, Mary Jo Fernanndez (former tennis star) came out to interview Djokovic, and I couldn't help but notice her dress, it was Lilly!  It looked fabulous on her, and now I think I want to call it mine.  What do you think?

 Mary Jo Fernandez (from a previous tennis tournament), NOT pictured with Djokovic here.

Lilly Pulitzer Evie Dress in Bright Navy Ring Pop

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I know there aren't many more Big Brother fans out there,

but did any of y'all catch the finale last night?

What did you think?

Hope y'all have a terrific Thursday!

Photo Credit: 1, 2

Wednesday Whereabouts: Outwit, Outlast, Outplay

While I'd love to be in the South Pacific, relaxing and soaking up the sun, with a nice pina colada in my hand, Survivor will be taking me there tonight, although the conditions won't be as ideal.  The newest season premieres tonight, and I can't wait!

Of course there are always twists, and if you're a Survivor fan, you'll know the name, Russell.  While he won't be back this season, his 19-year old nephew, Brandon, will be.  Among the players joining him is a former Miss America contestant, a country music singer, a Lingerie Football League player, and a medical marijuana dispensary owner. However, these players will not just have to battle each other. They will also have to take on two returning players, "Coach" Ben Wade and Ozzy (a fan favorite from The Cook Islands season).  Also, the hidden immunity idol will be a little different this year too.  Instead of getting a clue, and then looking for the immunity idol...the competitors will have to find the clue first, and there are no hints as to wear the clue may be.  Should be an interesting season, with twists along the way.  Will you be watching?

P.S. The All-Star Season of America's Next Top Model premieres tonight, as well.  And yes, sadly, I've never missed a season. I think I'm the only one that can still put up with Miss Tyra Banks, trying to steal EVERY scene in every single episode...

Photo Credit: 1, 2

Tuesday Trends: Daddy's 59th Birthday

We celebrated my dad's birthday last Friday evening, and had such a great time!  The weather couldn't have been more perfect - no humidity and 70 degrees.  My dad's birthday is actually on 9.11, but since some of us had plans elsewhere that day, we decided to celebrate it early.  Sisters #2 and #3 were able to be there too.  W and E LOVE any chance they get to spend time with their cousin (Sister #2's son), since he lives over two hours away.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!

Zoned in on the candles...

W has the "dipping, sticking and licking the candles" act, down pat...

...while E attempted to flip the candle upside down, and eat the wax. Yum!

Couldn't forget Boozer!  It's been awhile since I've included him in a post.

He's just as happy and energetic as he was when he was a puppy.

Can't believe he'll be FIVE in a month!

Hope y'all have a great Tuesday!

I'm heading to get my hair colored and cut this morning, after dropping the girls off at preschool.
Is it bad that I'm more excited about the head massage, than the outcome?  Can't wait!

Monday Manners: Are You Pregnant? No, Seriously??

Sometimes you wonder how people haven't gotten the memo that it's NEVER okay to ask a woman if she's pregnant, unless you're absolutely sure.  Awkward Alert!

My friend that's due in October has been posting some inappropriate/obnoxious comments she's received, while being pregnant, and I just had to share them with you.  I seriously want to punch these strangers in the face, for their rudeness.  I've also included some additional comments that other friends have responded to, based on her posts.

From my friend's posts:

Instead of getting offended or mad, I’ve decided to share with all of you, so we all can have a good laugh. FYI – I’m 30 weeks pregnant and in my 7th month. As I’m walking into work this morning, my first interaction is an inappropriate one:
Guy: “When’s the due date?”
Me: “October.”
Guy: “Not until then??? Wow - you look like you are ready now."

Guy at work pointing to my belly - "Twins?"
Me - "No, only one."
Guy - "Ohhhhhhhhh."

Person: "You are having a girl right?"
Me: "Yes! How did you know?"
Person: "I could tell by your face. It's a lot more swollen and fuller."

Walking in to get my hair cut: "Man, you are about to BUST!" My reply - "Not yet. 6 more weeks." Ugh!  I wasn't that offended. You should have seen the way she looked.

And additional comments that others have received:

I had a guy stop me on the street when I was 36 weeks and say "Um, the hospital is that way..." and then laugh at his own joke. Creep.


It really is unreal what people will say- I had a co worker ask me if I'd eaten the whole Thanksgiving turkey. I almost punched her :) 

This past week, people have decided to ask my wife when our twins are due. This is not good.

While pregnant suffering through a spin class a very beautiful gym patron said she could tell I was having a girl. When I asked how (in front of the class) she replied that baby girls suck the pretty out of you! Nice!

For all of you pregnant mamas out there, or mamas that have been pregnant, what absurd comments have you heard?  And for all of you not pregnant yet...just wait, see all the fun you have to look forward to?  Oh, and if you're saying to yourself...well, I'm pretty laid back, I'd just let the comments roll off my back...just wait until those lovely pregnancy hormones kick in.  :)

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Weekend Inspiration: Psalm 24:1

 "Of David. A psalm. The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

Psalm 24:1

As we remember the tragedy of September 11th, ten years ago, today, we must remember also...that bad things happen, for we have sinned in the beginning.  My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones that day.

Everyone always talks about where they were that day.  Where were you?

I had just started my junior year at UNC-Chapel Hill, and I was coming into my dorm room, after my first class.  I had just sat down with coffee to watch Regis and Kelly, turned on the TV and watched the second plane fly into the second tower, LIVE.  There were no words.  I thought they were just replaying the first plane, but quickly realized it was actually a second plane.  I called my parents right away, after that...in total disbelief.

Photo Credit: 1

Saturday Shopping on Rue La La

Sorry I've been MIA these last two days.  Back to school time has been great, but has definitely been keeping me busy.  We celebrated my dad's 59th birthday last night, and had a great time.  The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, and sisters #2 and #3 were able to join us too.  Photos of his birthday to come sometime next week.

Hope y'all are having a great Saturday morning.  Wanted to give you a heads up that Lilly Pulitzer will be on Rue La La this morning, starting at 11am SHARP!  It's part of a "Sweater Weather" sale, that includes other designers, as well.  Personally, I think it's a perfect time to shop, right before the football games start.  While your boyfriend/husband makes one more run to the store to grab some extra beer and snacks, why not take advantage of some great deals on RLL?  After all, you will NEED some new sweaters as the weather gets cooler soon, right?  Click here if you haven't been invited yet.  It's FREE!

Wednesday Whereabouts

School days, school days...

Seriously, are we done yet?

So over it.

Okay, one more picture, then I'm done.

Seriously, can I go back to bed?

These were from the girls' first day of pre-school, yesterday.

Can you tell how AWAKE and EXCITED they were?  Haha.

Tuesday Trends: $30 for Us Weekly! And RZ!

First off, the Living Social deal for today is $30 for a year's subscription to Us Weekly.  Yes, a WEEKLY gossip magazine, for only $30!  Click here to take advantage of the deal!!  Offer is only available today.

Secondly, to help you keep up with the trends, while reading your new Us Weekly, the Rachel Zoe Project starts back tonight, on Bravo!  I'm sooo excited!  I must admit, I'll be a little sad that Brad won't be around this season, but rumor has it that he's getting his own show.  Can't wait to see RZ donning all of her cute maternity clothes!

School went well for the girls on their first day today.  No tears!  I was so excited to hear such great news.  The pouring rain didn't make it easy getting them to school and picking them up, but I think they enjoyed wearing their rain boots and splashing in the puddles...especially W, since she got to wear her new pink ones!  And even little E wanted to "Walk! Walk!" as I picked her up from her classroom.  She wants to be a big girl, just like her sister.

Hope y'all are having a great start to your short work week!

Monday Manners: First Dance Playlist

Note: This is not me! But I love this photo.

 

Happy Labor Day!  So, I'm always looking for new playlists to add to my iPod, and I need YOUR help on this one.  I'm thinking this play-list would be great for relaxing.  What did you and your husband/wife dance to, as your first dance together as husband and wife?  Or what would you want to dance to as your first dance, if you're still single? 

The hubs and I danced to "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green.  A close runner-up was "Blue Sky" by The Allman Brothers.

Love "Blue Sky", but still love that we picked Al Green.

Classic, and not too trendy, an oldie, but goodie.

In Al's words:

"All I can say is that there's a sweetness here, a Southern sweetness, that makes sweet music. . . . If I
      had to tell somebody who had never been to the South, who had never heard of soul music, what it was,
      I'd just have to tell him that it's music from the heart, from the pulse, from the innermost feeling. That's
      my soul; that's how I sing. And that's the South."

One day, I'll finally get around to scanning in my wedding photos, so I can share them with you.  First, we need a scanner.  And second, my wedding photos are STILL at my parents' house - still seven years later...

Thanks for your help on my newest play-list.  Who knows, maybe it'll become yours too!

Hope y'all enjoy your day off, if you get one!

Since we're in town, I'm using it to clean and organize.

I'm storing away my spring/summer, and pulling out the fall/winter wardrobe.

Goodbye whites...until Easter!

The girls start preschool tomorrow, as well.

So, I'll be prepping their bags and making their first lunches of the school year.

Don't worry, photos to come of their "first day" tomorrow!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3