;) ;) ;-)

Blazer: H&M// Button Up: Converse (Target)// Cardigan: Aerie// Pants: H&M// Boots: Gianni Bini (eBay)

No, I don't have lice, I just have no idea what to do with my hands, ever; I mean I'm already setting up a self timer on my camera (aka iPhone) and trying to get a shot without a tree growing out of my head (mission 2: failed). On top of everything I just like to sleep and most the time these photos are taken in a haste, so that's why there's a tree growing out of my head and i'm pretending I have lice. 

In other news, I witnessed the sweetest thing ever this morning. A little man-toddler and his mom were walking into my building and the little man ran in front of his mom and I, said, "I'm the man!" and held the door open. I coo'ed and awe'd and almost cried. I should get back on birth control immediately. NO ONE COME NEAR ME. I don't even like the idea of having kids that much, but when they do little real people things like open doors and wear little ties I just can't help but stop everything, curl up in a ball, and cry. If a little, real-person boy could change my car oil and rotate my tires, I'd probably be insane. Once (about 3 years ago) I was at Target and heard two babies giggling simultaneously and my ovaries went cray-zy. They were jumping around, knockin' shit over... yes, my ovaries.

Speaking of which, I had my annual yesterday and if I can't talk about it on my blog then I don't know why I have a blog. I will talk about my vagina here! I WILL. Firstly, my employer hasn't switched over yet, so I'm STILL paying for birth control (RUDE AS HELL), but my visit was free, so that's cool, I guess (still pissed about the BC though). I like my lady-part maintenance being a given, for real. My gyno also made a few "small" jokes whilst poking around; I love my doctor and the fact that if I laugh and the metal junk falls out my personal junk, it's her fault.

And it's Friday! See you all in December (OV VEY!).

Best-

Amber

Winkers and their winking.

I have lots of feelings, and sometimes those feelings are towards things so miniscule, like emoticons.  

We've all watched it happen: text, Facebook, email. Winky Emoticons. Who even thought it was a good idea to put such a flirtatious form of emoticon out there? Someone who'd never been cheated or caught their significant other looking at their best friends tots, that's who. I'm one of the least jealous people I know, I am also a firm believer in Winky faces are straight up trouble unless you are 150% single. 

I mean why even use the Winky face unless you're flirting? You're not even winking when you're flirting in real life, but I get the idea behind it when you're online, trying to be coy, or something; the person is probably just embarrassed by you, tbh. If you have any kind of interest, significant other, then it is unacceptable to use a wink. Sorry, not sorry.

Here are ways to avoid the Winky Emoticon:

Hi! (sans wink)

Glad to hear you're good, we should all get together and catch up. (sans wink)

Great to see you the other night, my girlfriend told me to tell you she loved your dress. (sans wink)

If you feel so apt to use a Winky Emoticon please check yourself, your intentions, and choices.  

*If you're using a - (nose), you're embarrassing yourself and you're an asshole. Stop.

[eBay]boots (I bought before my budget start, k guys?)

Sunday wearings

Scarf: H&M// Maroon Shirt: Old Navy// Cardigan: Target// Skirt: H&M// 

Boots: Gianni Bini (eBay)// Purse: Joes Jeans

Went on a date with an old friend, good food, pumpkin ales (yes i'm holding on).

Anyways, before that, Lorna and I went to our old stomping grounds [Hollister Co.] (and her new-again stomping grounds) to pick up some manager-wear for her new management position with the company. I, being on a budget, walked out of the mall empty handed and feel great about it. Here, here to willpower! I did eat Taco Bell this weekend. I never said i'd be cured in a mere week, k?

Also, I ate so much chocolate cake [so fast] on Thanksgiving I literally gagged and almost barfed. 

No regrets.

Deck the Garland, Holly Christmas Santa, St. Christmas....

yes, that's my 8 year old cousin doing a faux keg stand

Let me preface this post with, I love my blog because I can just talk about things I hate...

Anyways, It's about to happen. It's already happening actually. Christmas. Don't get me wrong I like holidays and Christmas counts, but MY GOD why do we have to gaudy it up? Tinsel is being eaten by cats everywhere, I'm about to hate the entire city/country/world, and I'm not going to be able to get mall sushi because people are out pretending to buy presents, whilst reality kicks in and they realize they are just buying everything for themselves (I support this). Here's a list of things that annoy me right now until December 26th.

1.) Garland. I hate garland so much.

2.) Christmas Music. Ok, I don't hate all Christmas music, because Mariah Carey got it right with "All I Want for Christmas is You," and we can all collectively agree it's the only Christmas song we really, truly enjoy...well, that and Dan Fogelberg, "Auld Lang Syne."

But the others: NO. No one likes hearing the punk rock Deck the Halls or Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

3.) THE MALLS. THE EVERYTHING. GOD, BEST BUY. Everywhere you go you are greeted, not only, by red and green (which completely screwed up being able to associate those colors with anything else, other than Christmas), but you also have to deal with the worst thing to deal with, ever: People. Tons and tons of people. They are buying everything and running into you while they're checking their iPhones. Their husbands are taking up all the massage chairs and their kids are eating all the yellow gumballs out of the gum machine.

4.) Seeing everyone you went to school with. If you are like me and still live in your hometown (wah, wah, wah), you know that everyone leaves. But then they come back for the holidays and you see them everywhere: at the gym, at the mall (hell), at a Christmas party after you've been drinking too much eggnog- sloppy.

5.) The snow. I'm from Alabama, so it's rare, but when it happens we go apeshit crazy. Things shut down and I'm stuck in a house with family, eating old turkey. I love playing in the snow, I don't love being from a place where snow means we are not allowed to live our lives. I wanna throw snow at people, THEN I WANT TO GO TO SONIC AND GET A CORNDOG.

6.) People don't know how to keep the anticipation of Christmas going. They start putting up their Christmas gear way too early, when did Nov. 26th turn to the day everything should be lit and covered in fake snow?

.....my future offspring are going to hate me.

HAPPY! BIRTHDAY!

Happiest of Birthdays to my sweet, amazing, caring, loving, and did I mention amazing(?) daddy. This man is one of the most selfless individuals you'll ever know. Such a huge support to me and my baby sister (look at that blondie)! I'm so glad to see him smiling again. We love him so, very much. He'll probably never see this (he's not the most internet savvy and might never understand a "blog"), but if you ever see him out and about give him a hug and tell him he's awesome! :) 

Coffee, budgets, and dog bows.

Dress: F21// Cardigan: Aerie// Tights: Romwe// Wedges: Target

So I did it. I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. I have been avoiding it, because as much as I love pumpkin things (beer, pie, etc, oh my) I couldn't imagine liking a latte. Well, I did. I liked it a lot and now I'm scared that I might have to budget in Pumpkin Spice Lattes. 

Speaking of budgets, I've started one. Let me tell you three truths about this budget: I hate it, I hate it, I hate the damn thing so much. If it were made of paper i'd burn it. And of course on the day I start my budget, I run out of coffee and end up at Target on my lunch break contemplating buying every single thing. Fortunately, I kept my cool and browsed (bad, not recommending that as a rookie budget-er), walked away from everything, but my coffee (on sale- only good thing that comes of ~Thanksgiving shopping) and I might or might not have bought a pack of bows for Milly (my dog), BUT THEY WERE ONLY A DOLLAR. Ok, I shun myself for that one. I shouldn't have. I know. 

So. This blog is a budget blog you guys. Here, here! Hope you guys stick around for the adventures of my budgeting. I mean, I haven't eaten out all week (ok, it's only Wednesday, but still). 

Oh, and the news I keep hinting at has to do with my budgeting. There's another hint! Have a Merry Thanksgiving. I've lost some weight lately (I've actually been working stupid hard at the gym), so the plan for tomorrow: gain at least 5 pounds in turkey and potato weight, sleep, and oh, cuddle with my (as of late) extremely affectionate puppy!

Twihard, y'all.

Cardigan: Aerie// Scarf/Tank/Belt: F21// Skirt: LOFT

Yes, I saw the last Twilight. Yes, I cried. I cry a lot; I cried today for good reason, but fact remains I cried (happy tears). I'll let you all know why soon; I'm dying to blurt it out all over the internet, but I need to make certain everything is in order before I open my big mouth. 

Also, so many weekend pictures are coming to this blog tomorrow. PREPARE YOURSELF. 

Giving Thanks, Dammit!

Thanksgiving, this is one time of the year I absolutely love; I honestly love eating food so much, and the fact is, I hate cooking, so when other volunteer their services to cook for me, I'm overjoyed. I just pack up my shit (which is nothing food related) and head to grandmas house and eat all the food and watch NASCAR with my uncle as he drinks himself to another place, a place I will join this year, because I'm an adult (!!!!) and everyone in my family has a Facebook and knows I recently danced on a stage in a bar, we just accept our alcoholics and move on in this family.

Yep, this is like Easter, and I'm still egg hunting, y'all! I'm 25 years old and have never made a dish to bring to Thanksgiving. I had a feeling this was about to change; this year my family has suggested I bring a dish. And I thought they loved me. I don't even want to go to Thanksgiving now, eating all the glorious food is, in a way, not even worth the effort I'd have to put towards making a stupid dish or gravy. That's right, I'm being a spoiled, food-eating, non-dish-making brat right now and I can't say it's my proudest moment. I'd rather order pizza, but they are closed. I could just forget the food or say I burnt it and come in all red faced from crying, I could just move away and never look back. This is young adult abuse.

I feel like there are unwritten rules for Thanksgiving. First, I should always have food or a drink in my hand, just a given, really. Next, If I don't bear children, I shouldn't have to cook a damn thing, ever. I mean, how am I suppose to cook when I don't have kids to carry the stuff to the car? Seems like a lot of work for a single person, yanno? On top of that, I'm not even bringing a date to Thanksgiving? So, why should I bring food? It's just me eating, I EAT CORN, A HANDFUL OF CORN. Another thing? I don't know how to cook. I mean this should just be the biggest red flag, you know the family members that wait on this junk, the ones that volunteer to stay up until odd hours in the night and cook ten dishes. Then there's Amber, you know the niece that eats Taco Bell three days a week? Not exactly recording shows on The Food Network, I don't even own a DVR or a recipe book or a mixer, I literally only know how to work a coffee maker and that is a feat at 6 A.M.; DID I MENTION I'M POOR? I'm poor, because I have been buying myself all the things: scarves, sweaters, watches, gourmet coffee; I feel like everything costs more in the winter because it's all made of thick fabrics and knit and junk. This all boils down to one thing: [not so secret] Single Behavior.

Also, if I am boozing it up with Uncle Duck, how am I suppose to clean my dish before I take it home (lets get real, I don't even have a fancy bowl to put anything in anyways)? Uncle and I don't even get along, this is the one time we interact throughout the year, LET ME WATCH NASCAR WITH MY DRUNK UNC IN PEACE. Family should just spend this time talking about me in the opposite room, asking my mom about my love life, as she cries saying "she's never gonna give me gramm babbies," not calling me to suggest dishes I should bring to Thanksgiving. This is unforgivable.

Monday, no work, all shop.

Scarf: H&M// Cardigan & Tank: AE// Jeans: F21// Leather Jacket: F21// Rainboots: JCrew

Took a personal day Monday! Went to Nashville Sunday night with Lorna (outtake above), we played in East Nashville (first time for Lorna), ate tons of food, and shopped til we could not shop anymore. Basically... success. 

Why being sick sucks, other than the fact you're sick.

I hate being sick, yada yada who doesn't? I literally hate laying in bed out of necessity. I hate how my butt falls asleep, and my bed feels like it's the sun, but it's cold outside the bed, I HAVE NO CHOICE, no where to go, the couch? No, I'd have to take my pillow and blanket in there: not happening.

Other than that, there's numerous things that suck about being sick.

1.) You always sleep through all the shows you would love to watch while you're at work.
Price is Right and every single talk show you miss, because you have a 9-5'er. These TV shows are the ones you get excited about... and you'll sleep through them, but don't worry you'll wake up when TLC's "A Baby Story" is on, then you'll start taking all the birth control.

2.) You ate all the food last week.
You had powdered doughnuts and Mountain Dew last week, you ate/drank those and you're left with frozen veggies and lunch meat, ALL YOU WANT IS THAT MOUNTAIN DEW YOU LEFT OPEN AND HAD TO THROW OUT. This is why you always hide one Mountain Dew in the pantry.

3.) You run out of internet.
I've run out of internet a few times (luckily it replenishes itself frequently). When you're sick and you've slept (out of necessity) for 33 hours straight, you missed Ellen, and just need internet... it's literally all gone. The whole internet is gone, read, etc. Or worst, you're internet is being spotty/slow. THIS IS WHEN IT HAPPENS.

4.) The pizza won't be here for 1.5 hours, because the oven is down.
This happened.

5.) The medicine is in the cabinet, but you're sleeping and just wish your mom were around to get you a Mountain Dew and cough syrup...

6.) Your friends decide to actually be fun.
Seems like when you're sick you're friends actually want to go out and do things, it's everyone's birthday, and shots are free. People are posting fun pictures on Facebook and updating their Twitters from Harrison's Housewarming Party that has a bouncehouse.

Saturday night photo dump

 

Lorna's outfit: Scarf/Purse, F21// Skirt, H&M// Sweater, Old Navy// Boots: Taiwan

My outfit: Shirt, F21// Jeans, F21// Boots, FRYE

Girls and I went out for Margaritas, then decided it was a karaoke night, and apparently we wanted to drink silly amounts of alcohol. 

 

We rarely go this hard (or me anyways), but apparently it was due. There was a ton of singing and dancing. It was fun; fortunately, I was not dancing as hard as that girl behind me, my knees would hate me. 

Songs sang: 

Baby, Justin Bieber

Call Me, Maybe?, JCR

You Belong with Me, Tay

Tearin' Up My Heart, Nsync

If there was ever something someone should know about me, it's: I. Love. Karaoke.

Milly and the Robe

 Good morning. 

This is a series of photos that helps you understand my interactions with my dog/my mornings. Because I know you're curious! duh you think about me always.

You're welcome.

Sunny Day, sweepin' the clouds away, on my way to where the air is sweet!

 Sweater: Old Navy// Dress: Old Navy// Tights: AE// Boots: Frye (eBay)// Watch: Target

So. There's lots going on lately; I don't want to jinx anything, but exciting things.

So enough with vague talk, this outfit is brought to you by the letters B and R (and by the fact we get to keep PBS!), it's cold here in Alabama and I have gone from "YES, it's finally getting cooler!" to "dammit, I don't want to carry my coat around everywhere."

I've been sick all week (my body hates changes in weather), but not sick enough to stay in bed, so I've been going to work. I feel a ton better today though... silver ling  amiright? I'm also starting to embrace my straight hair. I am such a curly hair fiend, I love jumbled locks and beachy waves, it's a ~grass is always greener~ thing, I suppose. 

Tuesday Milly and I embraced being sick (poor girl had a tummy ache) and we watched American Psycho. She definitely slept through most the movie. She really enjoys movies, actually. If my dog focuses she will actually watch a movie, it's so cute/funny.

Thursday means Thursdays things I [dis]like

I eat fast food. I am the last person to claim that I enjoy being/eating healthy when it comes to food. I'll follow it up with I LOVE TACO BELL. You guys have no idea the cravings I get for the ole TB, specifically the Chicken Quesadilla. Last craving: Nashville 10/20/12, 9pm. My friend Ashley and I were at a hockey game at Bridgestone Arena. It happened and I almost cried when we didn't immediately exit the building and bee line to the nearest Taco Bell. I was in Nashville, surrounded by 24 hours/7 days a week worth of amazing food and all I needed, all I craved, all I wanted at all was Taco Bell. I got it. Label me happy.

Here's the deal with Taco Bell(and I ONLY feel this about TB in general): the employees are so excited to give you your food. Honestly, they cannot wait for me to put my debit card in my purse, they want me... no they need me to have MY DRINK AND MY SAUCE AND MY BAG OF NONSENSE AND MY MEAL all in one swoop. They must know what that food means to me if I am there. They know their customers only come to them when it's a dire emergency and nothing else will satisfy. Do not get me wrong, between the lady mouthing something about taking a survey and me trying to find a place to put the old Taco Bell cup, I am just as excited to get this food in my grasp, but I have really small hands, you guys, it really complicates things when I find myself choosing what to take first (when we all know I merely want them to place the food directly in my mouth, cut out all mediums to my chewy, little piece of heaven).


Best-
Amber

True Story Bro: My Breakup Made Me Cooler

I just recently talked to a friend in the midst of a divorce, it brought back a lot of feels I had about breaking up, though I've never been divorced, married, engaged... I've been in love?

I went through a few break ups in my life, i've been the broken and breaker. This once I got broken up with and it was the hardest hit ever, and then I realized 2 years later how much better/smarter/more awesome a person I was because of it.

I will say my story isn't much different than most you hear. I was with this certain person for four years and it was a great love, don't get me wrong. I, in no way, wanted it to end, was convinced I'd be married with babies with this person, etc. This isn't an ode to exes, it's not praising, or condemning them, it's merely a success story, that I'm really, truly proud of.

Ahem, sorry, let me put on my brag cap rullllll quick.

1.) Friends; So. Many. Friends.
I had maybe 3 friends when my ex and I were together, now I've got more than I know what to do with and even if they are not close, and just the grab a beer on a Tuesday night types... they are great and I enjoy them and we have a damn good time on Tuesdays.

2.) It opened me up (but not before I thought it closed me down).
For a split second I put on my "closed forever" sign, weeded out the possibility of opening up to anyone and sulked. Then I got up and put on my bossy hat and decided that one person isn't going to determine how I am. I am more open to living now, to friendship, to whatever shit life brings, and even love and stuff. I have gone on dates with people I never thought I'd go on dates with, I've kissed best friends, and stop worrying so damn much.

3.) Confidence. 
I thought I was confident previously, but today I realize it was a masked confidence; my confidence was masked by the deep insecurities I felt in my relationship. I can't express how much I love my confidence now. I feel worthy, I feel wanted, I feel sexy, and just... confident, and best part is not needing a man to make me feel that.

4.) Independence. 
When you're planning for two, you forget about one. I had a life built with my ex. I had the curtains and the location and the plan. When you lose that, you realize how focused you were on the other person, when focus should be on you. I had to rethink my whole life, and it's the best time i've had so far.

There's more; there's always more good than bad, when it comes to this stuff (in my opinion)... but I want to say how thankful I am to have had my heartbroken (don't get me wrong, I was pissed, hurt, and just plain crazy when It happened). Hindsight is 20/20 and through all the craziness I know that the life I've got is not worthy of trading for what is past. I cried, I Let It Out, I talked to friends, considered therapy... blah blah. I went through the motions of being terrible, being scandalous, to craving love, to hating it, to loving myself, working on me, and therapy thoughts dwindled to retail therapy thoughts. I'm just... happy with my life.

I came, I conquered, it was still cold.

Well... it's cold.

           

Blazer and Scarf: H&M// Shirt: Urban// Pants: Gap// Wedges: Target

Fashion. Clothes. Whatever. Go Vote.

Row Tide!*

So, I love being outside. I love walking, hiking, just getting out, especially in the type weather we've (the South) had as of late. Sunny and 65-75! That's one of the things the South and I agree on: green stuff.

I've fessed up to my love of Nashville, TN, but I'm blanking on if I've mentioned Chattanooga, TN. I spent a good deal of time up there last fall, and this fall I was excited to get back and play. I stayed with a couple friends and made a weekend of what was suppose to be a day. Snapped a few shots, of course.

It was an amazing weekend to be in Chattanooga with great friends I hadn't seen in awhile. One of the many great things about Chattanooga is the drive; you hit TN and you get lost in a sea of trees, probably one of the easiest drives I make.

Signal Mtn. Hiked part of the Cumberland trail on Saturday.

My long legged tour guide through the trails, had a time trying to keep up.

Drank coffee to this view Sunday morning. I could get used to that.

Row Competition Saturday after the trails. Row Tide!* 

BWag and I putting our beer faces on before the races.

*Not an Roll Tide fan, I'm not opposed to Row Tide because well, gotta support the rowing team, y'all!