Six Things You Should Know

Laura Beth @ Mrs. Laura Beth tagged me in a question post that's been making its way around the blogging world. And, I'm so very excited to tell you a little bit more about myself!

Is this how you imagined your life?

 To be perfectly honest, not one bit. I once imagined that I would be a stay at home mom by now with a few kids and a well-earning husband. However, I love the life I have. :) I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am finally in a happy place and can't wait to discover the rest of my life at my own pace and in my own way!

What is your guilty pleasure?

 I have a lot of guilty pleasures...like, a lot! I can't even begin to name them all so I'll just pick one for now. Um...I love to rock out to 90's music. You know, BSB, 98 degrees, NYSYNC, S Club 7, B*Witched, Hoku, etc. All those artists and their songs bring back some awesome memories!

How long have you known your best friend?

There's a lot of answers for this question.

I have known this lady for almost 12 years ~ since Sophomore year of high school!!

I didn't know we'd been friends that long until I counted it up.

And, this lady I have known for 8 years ~ since Freshman year of college.

 Again, what?! It's been 8 years??

{Also, come read our blog - The FunEmployed Ladies}

And, this lady I have known for 7 years ~ since my Sophomore year of college.

 

I still can't get over how long I've known these girls.

And, finally, this chick I've known for 2 years ~ since we met at a conference.

Not quite as long as the others, but she's still awesome. :)

What is a current dream you hope to achieve?

I would love to write a novel. It's seems possible and plausible. I just hope to be able to do it...one day, maybe soon?

Why do you blog and what do you find most rewarding about it?

I blog because I want to and because I can. That sounds very childish, but it's true. I love being able to share my thoughts and ideas with people. I hope you enjoy it too!

What is your favorite evening out drink?
My favorite drink to have when I go out is a Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Whipped Cream Vodka. I posted about it back in June, & you can read about it here.

Now, I get to pick some lovely ladies to answer their own six questions! I pick...

Yen Ling

Chelsea

Sarah C.

Shannon

& anyone else who wants to answer six of these questions!

Okay, ladies, pick six of these questions to answer on your blog! I can't wait to learn more about you.

1. If you could travel anywhere without having to worry about semantics, where would you go?

2. What is your favorite things to cook and/or bake?

3. What secret hobby do you have?

4. What is one of your favorite memories of your childhood?

5. What is something you love about yourself?

6. What's your favorite go-to outfit?

7. What's your favorite part about marriage/being in a relationship?

8. What blogs do you like to stalk?

9. What is your favorite treat?

10. Share a favorite picture. Tell us why it's your favorite!

Sunday Social

What is something you've always wanted to do but are afraid of?
There are actually a few things that I want to do but am afraid of doing. I really want to try extreme activities, like parasailing and sky diving, but I don't want to die or get hurt. I scared to gamble too because I'm afraid I'll like it too much, which probably sounds dumb but if it keeps me from wasting money I'll deal. And, I really want to have a baby, but there's a lot of time and money that goes with it, and I kind of want to be selfish right now and spend it on myself and my husband.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I dream of being at the beach, having my dream job, being happy with my husband and probably one {maybe two, if I'm lucky} kids, and enjoying life. I definitely do not see myself stressed with a million and one gray hairs!

What are you looking forward to before the end of 2013?
I'm not really sure about this one. I'm taking life one day at a time right now, but I would love to go on a vacation! I heard the word California mentioned...okay, I was the one that mentioned it, but I really hope we get to go!

What are your hopes for your blog?
I think it would be awesome if we could build this blog into some sort of a motivation tool for women who are struggling with unemployment. I want to show all the fun things you can do while unemployed so you don't feel like Debbie Downer all the time.

Do you always see yourself living in your current city/town?
Definitely not. I want to move to the coast!!!

What is your morning routine?
I wake up, check my social media apps & email, go for a run {on good days}, shower/wash my face {depending on the day}, & then blog/write/catch up on TV shows.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

Ugh...
I was doing such a good job keeping up with blogging for the past month or so, and then I completely fell off the wagon. And, I really don't have a good excuse for doing so either! Isn't that sad?

So!
I decided today was as good a day as any to start back up again since it's the TN Blogger linkup. We're talking about the end of summer & saying goodbye.

{insert whiney Cassie here}
But, I don't want to same goodbye!!!!!! =[
I love the sunny weather and the cool breezes as I sip cold adult drinks by the pool.

So, for right now, I will refuse to believe it is coming to an end. I will convince myself that all these things I didn't "accomplish" will be possible in the fall. Because...in all honesty, they will be.

But, for now, let's all dream of fall...and pumpkin spice lattes.

I can practically smell it right now.

mmmmmmmmmm!

I heard somewhere on the interwebs that they'll be available starting Sept. 2!!!!

I can hardly stand the wait. =]

source :: the real health wife

Fashion Friday {VB edition}

It has been nearly six months since I have written a Fashion Friday post! And, while I'm not blogging about my clothes today, I am going to show you what I am addicted to...

Oh, sweet heaven have mercy! I cannot get enough of this brand!!! I first discovered it when I was in college, and I haven't looked back since. I remember drooling over all the prints and items in this little shop near my school. I didn't dare buy anything for myself though. I was on the college budget = no money!

I think I talked about it so much my husband {who was my boyfriend at the time} bought me my first Vera Bradley just to get me to stop going on and on about everything. And, he spoiled me! The cute little store was having a BOGO sale. Well, he got me a tote bag and a lunch box in a matching pattern. Then, for free, got me a matching notebook, and a traveling jewelry box.

Ever since then, I've been helplessly addicted to all their products! I thought about taking a picture of my items piled up together...but then I'd have to find them all. I know I have close to 20 of them, if not more, and I'm always finding more that I "need"! Here's a small look at some of the pieces I have.

My obsession is at an all time high right now too because there is an outlet store near me. It takes a lot of willpower to walk on by and not buy everything in the store!! But, what I love most about VB is that you can just throw it in the wash. It is perfect for teachers and moms and everybody under the sun!

They've got some really cute patterns out right now and new dorm gear. When I got the new catalog, I told my husband that I need a bunch of their new stock in my life. He just chuckled; he knows how much I love it!

sources :: frugalnovice

Cookies + Butter

My parents went to visit Germany & Belgium at the beginning of June and came back with some deliciousness that had effectively changed my life.

Speculoos = Cookie Butter

Now, I may be late to joining this party, but I am in love.

I posted a little about this on Sunday in my Sunday Social post, but I wanted to add more.

Like, the fact that it is outstanding when combined with apples!

Now, I'm trying to figure out ways to make my own cookie butter and how to put it into baked goods.

I'm thinking filled cupcakes.

Or, it might good as a whoopie pie filling.

There are just so many options!!

Please let me know if you have any ideas.

I'd love to hear them and try 'em out.

source :: whatsgoodattraderjoes