september serendipity.

Well, Houston, we have a blogger today...

I know it's been forever and a day, and I almost posted my "September Favorites", but really I don't have any! September has been an interesting month, but it's also been a good one! It has ended well, anyway, and I'm EXCITED about October. 

Labor Day weekend opened up with a dove hunt with my Daddy! We always have fun going together, and dove hunting is something I don't mind gettin' up early for. So, after the hunt we rode to the barn for a  family "get-together". Uncle Jay, Aunt Dale, and Beau came down to have lunch. We brought Marlee along. The boys fished, and we all visited and had a good time. 

September was also a month with a few birthday's in the friend's circle. Baby A turned TWO this month, and Hollie & I attended her "Alice in Wonderland" birthday party. She was a cute little Alice, and Ashia had the cutest decor for the party.

 

The next weekend, we took Austin to see "Disney Princesses Live". We shopped a little, ate Japanese, and the play was just as fun for Hollie and I as it was for her, and now we're anticipating seeing "Disney on Ice" in December! 

We also carried on our "We Three" tradition by celebrating Megan's 20th birthday at the barn, and she had the cutest cake! We spent a Sunday afternoon together opening gifts, watching "Something Borrowed", taking naps, and enjoying our time together. It really was a great day to celebrate a great person! Welcome to the "Twenties", Megan, we'll have to get used to it together! I love you! ;-) 

September starts my favorite time of the year. Not only is the weather starting to change, the leaves are starting to turn, and FOOTBALL is in full swing. I love high school football, and I don't know if that will ever change. There's a different air about high school football that you just can't find at a junior college game (or in the SEC for that matter), although I love those games too. Anyway, we have been going to all the home games, and we went to our rival away game (that we won, by the way)!

I think that pretty well sums up the month for me! I hope all of you are having a "Happy Fall" so far, and I will just speak for myself about the weather: I am in love with it. I wish it would never leav, but then I guess I wouldn't appreciate it like I do when it finally gets here! :) 

 .."No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace

                      as I have seen in one autumnal face." 

                                         ~ John Donne

all other ground is sinking sand.

 I woke up, brushed my teeth, combed my hair, put on my school attire, and fought with Matt over who got to ride in the front seat of our white Cadillac. We rode the block over to the school, and I hurriedly voiced "I love you" to daddy as I grabbed my backpack and slammed the door to run inside to Mrs. Long's fourth grade classroom.
  Later that morning, we went to the library, and Mrs. Clemie had the news on, but she quickly turned it off when we went in. The first tower had already been struck, and the first few of us to walk in the door saw the burning building flash across the screen. Reporters seemed to be paniced, but we didn't exactly know what was going on. Then it was gone, and the TV turned lifeless. We begged her for what seemed like forever to turn it back on, and even though she hesitated, she finally gave in. She turned it on in just enough time for us to witness the second tower being struck by the plane. I remember us staying in the library for a lot longer than usual that day, and we were occupied by many more teachers than we would have been on a normal library day.
 The rest of the day has been erased from my memory, unfortunately, but I do remember the vagueness that filled every place we went. Fear, anxiety, and wonder filled the minds of everyone. What would happen next? Was it over? What does all of this mean?

 Even though we didn't FULLY forget about the attack of 9/11, after a few weeks it suddenly wasn't the first thought on our mind when we woke up in the morning, and our last thought before we drifted to sleep. But all of the people affected? It was undoubtably still on their mind. It's always on their mind. Their world didn't turn back to normal just because it slipped their mind for a few minutes. Their world was ripped right from its seams, and it would never EVER be the same again. Their world had been hit by a plane, gone up in smoke, and fallen to the ground in the form of rubble and ash.
 There would be grandparents without children, children without grandparents, parents without children, children without parents. There would be aunts without uncles, uncles without aunts, cousins without cousins, sisters without brothers, brothers without sisters, and these people could never be replaced without another. Sure, another man could teach a boy how to tie his tie, but his Daddy wouldn't be the one. And sure, another man could walk his daughter down the isle at her wedding, but it wouldn't ber her Daddy. Of course another Mom could hold a baby and care for it like it was her own, but it would never be their real grandmother. There's no doubt that a man could teach a boy the mannerisms of how he should treat a lady, but it wouldn't be the same tradition of his grandfathers.
 And if the people who weren't directly affected by the terrorists attack, what about all the people who willingly went to aid the people that survived? The firefighters, policemen, EMT's, military personnel, port authority, as well as everyday people? What if no one had reacted, and not one person showed up on the scene? I imagine that lives that were saved would have been taken, and hope that remained would no longer exist.
 I am grateful for the life I have in America and the principles that this country is based upon. Sometimes I am fully aware (and it is often pretty evident) of the way that our country has strayed from what it was founded upon, but isn't it ironic how the ones who want things to "change" so much always fall back into our original beliefs when tragedy strikes? Maybe if we thought about treating everyday as a day of remembrance upon how our country reacted not only TEN years ago, but years before that as well - we would be a lot more unified, understanding, and appreciative of those who give us such pride in being from the United States. From me, personally, if you are reading this and have given your time and heart to our country - I thank you from my innermost being. You are a hero to me, and you aren't thanked enough.
 September 12, 2001, started just as the one before. There was only one difference. As I reached for my backpack and went to say goodbye to Daddy for the day, I didn't do it in such a hurry, and he stopped Matt & I before we left him and said, "Remember where you were yesterday. Remember everything about it because one day you will read about yesterday in your history books. You'll be able to tell your children that you remember when that happened." I think we both walked into school that day with his words on our mind.

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing, and in everything: give thanks, for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

~ 1 Thes. 5:16-18

August Favorites!

How appropriate is it to do my favorites during one of my favorite months?

Kidding, because August isn't necessarily one of my favorite months, but it is one that LEADS into my favorites. I love this transitional weather. It will probably be as hot as the devil's den by the end of the week, but for now I have been loving the last two weeks of weather. It's been perfect, and it's been a real teaser for fall. 

Anyway, onto why you clicked over to my link! 

:) 

Revlon - Blue Lagoon 

I just really hate that it was so late in the summer when I finally got this color. It is the PERFECT baby blue. I love the formula because it isn't too shimmery, just enough for you to notice it. 

Maybelline - One by One Volume Express

I got this with my Ulta Rewards points this past month, and I have been TRYING to fall in love with a mascara, but it hadn't happened until this came along. I love it! It lengthens so well!

Elf Shimmer Facial Whip

Perfect Highlighter for your cheeks & browbone! It doesn't feel oily, and it lasts throughout the day. A little goes a long way, and it's easy to apply.

Paul Mitchell - Super Skinny Serum

Have a frizz problem? This solves it in 5 seconds. And it smells AWESOME!

Wheat Thins - Stix (Honey Wheat)

These will CHANGE your life! Such a wonderful "on the go" snack! 

Jason Reeves - The Lovesick Album

Favorites:

"No Lies"

"Always Want More"

"Truth"

"Save My Heart"

"Alone"

Eric Church - Chief

Favorites:

"Over When it's Over"

"Like Jesus Does"

"Springsteen"

Luke Bryan - Tailgates & Tanlines

Favorites:

"Been There, Done That"

"Faded Away"

"I Knew You That Way"

Cowboys & Aliens - The Movie

Thanks to Ferris & Will for sitting through this with me, since I was dying to go. I loved it, and looking at Daniel Craig for two hours wasn't hard either.

The Help - Movie & Book

Just go see it. I won't spoil it here.

two decades! WOAH.

I guess now I have to start going to bed earlier, 

get up earlier, 

make some rules, 

and change my ways.

Since I'm "twenty", I should act like an adult now, right? 

I simply can't blame my "staying up late watching movies all night" on being a teenager anymore. 

*sigh* I didn't even realize how much I abused that negotiation. 

I'm still young.

but I do go to bed early, for the most part. 

So! Monday night we went out to eat at my FAVORITE restaurant! 

Umi's Japanese steak house! 

Daddy & I ordered the sushi, and as always I wanted a Volcano roll, and I let him pick one that I had never tried before, so we got the Tiger roll. 

 

It was DELISH!

(although I'm not sure if Mamma & Mimi would think so now that I'm mentioning that the Tiger roll was raw, but they loved it at the time. Sorry!) 

My sweet parents have made this such a wonderful weekend, and I am so incredibly blessed to call them mine. I am thankful for the relationship that we've grown into over the last few years, and I could not have hand picked better parents for me. 

They always make every moment that they can SO special for me, and I owe them a lifetime of thankfulness.

And you'll see me in the next few photos with my best friends, but Mimi isn't to be left out of that. She's always there for me, from my being at my lowest points to being the happiest red head alive. 

I cannot imagine life without her one call away. I have grown to love (even more) our visits when she comes over in the mornings and we lay in my bed talking about the way life is playing out. 

She is so full of wisdom & knowledge, and if I don't take her advice I usually look back and wish I had. When she hurts, I hurt, and vice versa. 

I just couldn't be more grateful for the family I have. 

------

Saturday, my ACTUAL birthday, we left town around 8:00 and headed to Jackson to shop for the day. I have been loving getting new clothes, but I get REALLY excited about Fall clothing. I LOVE the Fall and Winter. I can't wait for it to turn cool where I can get scarves and sweatshirts back out. 

We ate lunch at Mellow Mushroom, and despite what any of you may think, it was incredible! 

Exactly what I was craving. 

Later, we got fro-yo from "Sweet CeCe's", and it's basically like a Smackers, Local Culture, or Yogurt Mountain. It was also quite tasty! :) 

We shopped until around 5:45 (I think?) I slept the entire way up there, as well as the entire way back. So, it seemed like it took us all of five minutes to return. 

------

Sunday, Megan & Hollie carried on our new tradition by having a little birthday party for me. Last year we each decided we wanted cheesecake as our "birthday cake", but this year we all decided to do ACTUAL birthday cake, and I have been looking forward to it all week! 

We rode out to Megan's around 1:00, and we caught up on all we had been missing with each other. 

Another perk to it being YOUR birthday is that you get to pick four appetizers/finger foods that you want to eat at your party, so we had:

- rotel

- turkey "pin wheels" (?)

- pigs in a blanket

- roast beef sandwiches

and of course, CAKE! 

Enjoy these next few photos. . . 

Thank you, Megan & Hollie, for making yesterday so, so special for me. For 20 years, we have made it through thick and thin with each other, but we've always made it out alright, and I couldn't be happier to have you both by my side. We share our craziest secrets, and we laugh about nonsense things,

and that is so perfect to me. 

I love you all.

& to all of you who thought enough of me to wish me a "Happy Birthday", thank YOU, too! 

I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to make mine even more special!

cheesy summer sweetness :)

I have to share with you my most recent find on "Pinterest". By the way, Pinterest is THE coolest website...ever! It's like a tack-board for online photos that you find and don't want to forget about. You can create different boards (Ex: food boards, clothing boards, decorating idea boards, etc) and then you can go to the photo and it has a direct link to the website that you "pinned" it from. 

Anyway, this post isn't about Pinterest. BUT if you aren't a part of it, and you'd like to be - I will be glad to invite you in! Let me know! 

Okay, so.. It is SO SO hot here in Mississippi, and strawberries are always in the back of my mind when it's hot outside. Granted, I love chocolate covered ones, but we're trying to stick with a diet around here. SO! I was searching through a Weight Watchers website, and I stumbled across these beautiful things that added up to a grand total of 0 points. That may be a slight lie if you eat more than one, but either way...

And yes, they were a lot prettier in the photo done by the website, but hey - they still look edible, right? 

I have to share this with you! 

Here's what you'll need:

1lb of fresh strawberries (our grocery store has the most beautiful ones right now 2 for $4.00)

4oz (fat free) cream cheese

2 1/2 teaspoons of Splenda 

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

*again, this is the WW recipe, if you want the "full affect", you can use regular sugar & cream cheese!

First, wash your strawberries and cut the tops off of them. 

Next, cut out the middle of the strawberries, so your cream cheese filling will have somewhere to sit!

After that, mix together your ingredients listed up top (aside from the strawberries, of course), and spoon it into the "strawberry cup". 

Place it in the fridge to cool for at least thirty minutes!

Viola! 

random survey! (15 "Weird" Questions)

This survey is floating around YouTube, but since I am obsessed & without my own "active channel" I decided to do it on my blog because it's my blog, and I make the rules here, right? It's just a "15 Weird Questions" tag, so I thought it would be fun! Enjoy, and let me know if you plan on posting it in the comments! I'll leave a version of the questions at the bottom that will make it easier for you to copy. 




#1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?


- jana
- ju
- jan
- red
- baby girl (only my Mimi can get away with that one!)

#2. What's a weird habit of yours?


- I drive with my foot on the side of the dash.
- I always delete "old" conversations in my inbox. I only keep current ones.
- 
#3. Do you have any weird phobias?


- CLOWNS. (coulrophobia) 
- coyotes. (Latraniphobia)


#4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast && belt out when you're alone?


- "Stay" Miley Cyrus ...uh, yeah. Shut up! :)



#5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?


- not using a blinker.
- not having my nails painted. (DIVA!)
- not punctuating correctly (which I am guilty of, time to time.)
- odd numbers SHOULD NOT EXIST.


#6. What's one of your nervous habits?


- I rub the side of my left thumb with my index fingernail. 
- or I just bite my nails, whatever. 



#7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?


- left, always!

#8. What was your first stuffed animal && it's name?


- the first one I was "attached" to was Lambchop (yes, the puppet, but she was a pillow) and her name? Lambchop. Creative, right?



#9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at starbucks?


- caramel frappe!



#10. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?


- allowing your cleanser to soak into your face for longer than 10 seconds. :) oops.
- using a conditioner regularly.



#11. Which way do you face in the shower?


- away from the water! 



#12. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?


- uhh.. no? I can fold my tongue? 



#13. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food thats 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?


- pizza! 
- cupcakes.
- McDonalds CinnaMelts.



#14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?


- "well good, mimi" - LONG story. ps - no relation to my ACTUAL Mimi, by the way.

#15. Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing?


- i'm guilty of being an "old tshirt" junkie. 


----------------------------------------------------------------------------




Take this to copy to your blog:


#1. What's a nickname only your family calls you?
#2. What's a weird habit of yours?
#3. Do you have any weird phobias?
#4. What's a song you secretly LOVE to blast && belt out when you're alone?
#5. What's one of your biggest pet peeves?
#6. What's one of your nervous habits?
#7. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
#8. What was your first stuffed animal && it's name?
#9. What's the drink you ALWAYS order at starbucks?
#10. What's the beauty rule you preach.. but never ACTUALLY practice?
#11. Which way do you face in the shower?
#12. Do you have any 'weird' body 'skills'?
#13. What's your favorite 'comfort food'/food thats 'bad' but you love to eat it anyways?
#14. What's a phrase or exclamation you always say?
#15. Time to sleep- what are you ACTUALLY wearing?

the wheels on the bus...

I spent my morning back on campus moving students in for Ambassador this morning, and I have to say - I'm not DREADING school like I thought I would be. Granted, I'm not excited about Chemistry, but I will pull through - hopefully.

I've spent the last week figuring out how to spend my day without my two favorite girls. I have enjoyed keeping them SO much, and I miss them to pieces everyday since they've started school.

Last week, Mamma & I went to Tuscaloosa shopping, and we had a great day! The town is so much different because of the tornado, and it was really surreal to see in person. I shopped a little too much, though, but I did need some "back to school" clothes. AND I withheld from buying out the entire Ulta store!

I just wanted to check in & let you all know I'm alive! :) I am just enjoying the last few hours of summer, and I'm looking forward to next weekend as well.

By the way, God is good AND life is good. What else could I ask for?

what i loved about july...

Ahhhhh. 

Favorite time already! HERE. WE. Goooo!

(ps - I don't think anyone gets as excited about this as I.)

Lips: 

Covergirl: Hot Passion

Why? Um.. I don't rightly know, but I am trying to step out and be a little more bold. I feel like each time I put this on, I allow myself to dab just a tad more than the time before. 

I'm enjoying experimenting with new lipstick. I also tried the Milani Coral (can't remember the exact name) and I don't think Coral is a good route for me, unfortunately...

Revlon: Pink Sugar

When in doubt, go nude. 

Okay, that wasn't my best advice, but..with lips, why not?! 

Sure, it has a little pink to it, but this is so sheer. 

It has somewhat of a sparkle to it, also.

Naturally Upper Canada: Pressed Olive Avacado Lip Butter

I found this at Cracker Barrel last weekend, and I am IN love!!

I love all chap sticks, basically, (except for Black ChapStick and Yellow Carmex) so this is no huge surprise. What I love about it is that it is pressed and somewhat hard, but once you apply it, it seems to melt. It isn't greasy or too flavored, and it stays on well. 

It's also organic :)

Nails:

I have been a slacker this month, but I have not neglected completely!

Orly: Primetime

Go. 

Get.

This.

Now!

It is like $.69 at Sally's, and your nails won't even know what a "chip" is. For real.

China Glaze: Pink Voltage (Neon)

It may not look very Neon-y here, but it is. I have worn this on my toes since I got it, and I wish I had it while we were at the beach. I love my toes with this color!! It's so much fun.

Face:

Philosophy: Purity 

Now, before you say "that junk is expensive"... I already know. I drool over the Philosophy line while I'm in Ulta because I love their product names, but I will NOT break down and buy a $32.00 facial cleanser.

Birchbox included a sample of this in this month's package, and while it smells a tad like hospital soap, it lathers soo well, and it is a very thin consistency.

Physicians Formula: Organic Wear Mascara

This does something outrageous to my eyelashes.

It also does something outrageous to my left eye (like, make it water uncontrollably? I look like I sprung an oil leak with it running down my cheek.)

Hm, that may have been somewhat of an exaggeration, but it does cause my eye to mysteriously water at random times which is highly unfortunate because I love the product.

*ps - you can "buy one get one free" with Organic Wear at Target now!

and Clearly, it's organic! :)

Aveeno: Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer 

I haven't ever used a tinted moisturizer until now, but I decided it would be a good investment since I don't like wearing foundation during the summer. So, I've been applying this, skipping moisturizer, and then using a setting powder. I love it! It isn't oily at all, not too much coverage, and it has an SPF too. 

ANNNND it's organic :)

Hair: 

Amika: Oil Treatment

I also got this in my June Birchbox, but I stuck it in my bag to take with me to Honduras as well as the beach in place of my heat protectant, and I love it. It is comparable to (*MY HOLY GRAIL ITEM*) Chi Serum, and although it is still in second place - I have enjoyed this stuff. It isn't too heavy on my hair, and it doesn't have too strong of a smell, either.

Food:

Cracker Barrel

Oh, don't get excited... I don't "loooove" the CB now, but I DO love their grilled chicken fingers.

More restaurants should offer them! 

I especially love their Honey Mustard. 

....and their Coca-Cola cake....

(confession.)

McDonalds: CinnaMelts

*droooooooooling...............*

Okay, now I want to leave the computer abruptly, go get one of these babies, and slobber while eating it.

I'm really not kidding, I could eat this for every meal.

I. love. them.

WHY am I just now finding out how amazing they are?! 

WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE?!

moving on....

Random:

DKNY: Be Delicious

Yummy! It's such a fun, fruity summer scent! I don't own it, but I spray it everytime I see it in a store.

I found it 25 dollars cheaper on Amazon, but I haven't placed my order yet!!

Special K: Fruit Crisps / Strawberry

Like pop tarts?

On a diet?

If you answered yes to both of these questions, call now....

1-800-IM-KIDDING

just run to the grocery & grab these.

because they're good.

and you can have 2 for 100 cals.

and you'll thank me.

and love me foreverrrr.

Lastly, my new favorite place to look at makeup sale racks.

and nail polish.

and travel size junk.

 I think I'm a makeup-nail polish hoarder who needs intense rehabilitation.

isn't the first step admitting??

Songs:

"i love you" - eli young band

"one summer gone" - ashton shepherd

"dear God" - avenged sevenfold

"apologies" grace potter & the nocturnals

"gone" - ashley monroe

Memories of the Month:

We saw Aunt Mary at the beach, and we had dinner with her.

I went on my first deep sea fishing trip, and I can't wait to go back.

Daddy I & went out on the boat for the first time together.

Natalie & I played more rounds of UNO than I could begin to count.

AND.... 

Matt and Hannah got engaged on the beach this past Friday!

:)

*none of these photos are mine, and i take no credit for any of them.