Sometimes.

Source: yesandyes.org via Jacqueline on Pinterest

I needed to read this today. It's a good reminder. Hope you all are having a wonderful week.  Enjoy your rainy Tuesday. {at least in Ohio}

Love always. 

Miscellany Monday {relationship edition}

Well hello, Monday. Fancy to see you again so soon.

How was your weekend kids?!

Mine went by super duper quickly - anyone else have this problem?!

The lovely thing about today is that we have Miscellany Monday {relationship edition} to look forward to!

Shall we...

1. Being in my late twenties, trying to find time to date...is a challenge, to say the least. Just sayin.

Source: None via Christelle on Pinterest

2. Part of me in so envious of Ashley on the Bachelorette. It's so simple, right now. You have 25 dudes vying for your attention - wanting to be with you. {maybe not for the right reasons, but thats beside the point} It'd be nice to have 25 guys in front of you and for them to be continually trying to prove themselves to you. Yes, it'd be difficult making decisions as to who stays and goes - but the hard part is done for you. Meeting them. Finding them. {Whether or not it works out for her in the end is a different story entirely ;)}

3. I think I'm old fashioned in my way of thinking with dating. I want a guy to find me. I want him to pursue me. I want him take me to dinner. I want him to kiss me good night. I want him to call {yes, call not text *gasp*} me the next day and say he had a really nice time and wants to see me again soon. {I realize that's not how it works always. I realize that's not how I work sometimes. But it's nice to imagine.*sigh*}

4. It's such a good feeling to be able to tell someone who was a huge part of your life for awhile that you are genuinely happy for them and so proud of them.

Source: fromme-toyou.tumblr.com via Helena on Pinterest

5. I think it's shitty {excuse my language} when you can't be civil with an ex. I realize that perhaps the parting ways weren't the best - but why must we forget that at one point this person did mean the world to you... so why be nasty? Life is too short, ya know? By this time in our lives we are all adults. Things happen, people cry, but eventually life goes on. There's no reason that two grown adults can't be nice to each other whether they parted on good or bad terms. I'm not saying you should be best friends with all of yours exes, of course not. That's crazy talk. But you should still be able to be in the same room without killing each other.

6. I'm not jaded or bitter when it comes to relationships. I used to be. But I've realized that people get hurt, lessons are learned, but thats no reason you can't have fun along the way. Each guy I've dated was a part of my life for a reason - they taught me something about life, love, or myself. And I've realized that now. And I'll be enternally grateful to them for that.

Hope y'all have an amazing day!

Love always.

Thank you...and you...and you.

Source: lanaloustyle.blogspot.com via Diane on Pinterest

Last month was my birthday. And as I've stated before - I'm a lot little bit of a princess when it comes to my birthday. I insist on it being an entire week instead of just a day. I want things to go my way and no other way. And I just basically can act like a little bit of a brat when things go askew. And I realized it this year more so than ever before {call it old age, call it PMS, call it what you will...}. And because of this I want to say a GIANT, meant from the depths of my souls THANK YOU.

Thank you to my parents - for putting up with me for 28 years. For laughing with me {and at me}, crying with me, supporting me, loving me. I know it hasn't been a walk in the park. But I truly am grateful beyond words. 

Thank you to my brother - for putting up with my girlie obnoxiousness for the last 24 years. And thank you for always putting me in my place when need be. I know you couldn't live without me {cue obnoxiousness} but I couldn't live without you either! 

Thank you to my brothers from other mother (s) - you make me always feel safe, no matter what. I know I always have a wall of protection if I ever need it. And I know I'm lucky to have that. Oh, and the same thanks about putting up with my girlie obnoxiousness goes to y'all too. 

Thank you to my best friends; my "sisters" - you are my family. I'd die without you. You have all been there in the good and bad moments and there is no one else I'd rather have been in them with. Thank you for wiping my tears, laughing till we cry, being silly, being stupid, and just being us. 

Thank you to all of you - for supporting me. For listening, er... well reading, my ramblings about life, love, and everything in between. Thank you for being a huge encouragement every day when one of you tells me you enjoy reading this.

Y'all are the best. Seriously.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend.
Enjoy the first official weekend of summer.

Happy Friday, kiddies!

Love always.

Love Lessons.

I've been thinking about relationships a lot lately - don't ask me why. But I have. {I blame it on the Bachelorette, it reminds me of the jackasses I've dated and the stupid girl that I've been. ;)} And I have realized that regardless of the outcome of any relationship, the good thing you have at the end {if it ends} is what you learn - what you can take with you to the next round. So for that, I'm thankful to the jackasses and the stupid girl I've been - because I've learned a lot - and one day - I'll get it right.

Source: love-notesx.tumblr.com via Abby on Pinterest

Don't get me wrong, guys... I have NO problem being single - but when the time comes - that's all I'm saying. ;)

Without further ado... allow me to enlighten you...

Lessons Learned in Love Life.

1. meet his family. you will learn so much from that time with them. it's imperative. 

2. when you begin to question yourself - or why you are doing something that you wouldn't normally {i.e. becoming a huge sports fan, hanging out in trash bars, wearing biker clothing, etc...} RUN. as. fast. as. you. can. 

3. "i love you" is overused. and eventually becomes meaningless if there aren't actions to back it up.

4. if a guy tells you to work out because you will feel better. kick him in the balls. *dudes - never tell a girl to workout. ever. she won't forget it. and she will never feel "skinny" enough for you after that.* {that said - there is NOTHING wrong with working out as a couple, however do not FORCE it - that's when it can create a self-esteem issue}

5. watch how he interacts with your friends and family. those moments are crucial. 

6. don't pass judgements so early on. you know the guy who seems to have all the great qualities but you "just don't know about" - give it a shot. what do you have to lose?

7. being labeled "too country" or "too city" is the biggest cop out i've ever heard. 

8. if he talks a big game - chances are - he won't be able to back it up...if you know what I mean.

9. looks aren't everything. chemistry is. 

10. the next guy you date won't be the a carbon copy of your ex. so don't treat him like he is. 

11. if he asks you how your day is, and waits to hear the answer - keep him. because in the end... it's the little things that make it work.

12. trust him until he gives you a reason not to. 

13. be interested in his world - i'm not saying change who you are - but pay attention. he will thank you when you do.

14. if you have a feeling in your gut - go with it. check it out, because usually - it's dead on.

15. if they buy you flowers for no reason - take note of that. because it shows their character. 

16. don't push too hard {i tend to - i'm a pusher} but once in awhile, take a step back - maybe you just have to let it go.
17. if he hurts you once, chances are - he will do it again. and again. and again.
18. love with all your heart. that's the only way it works.
19. and maybe the most important lesson - you have to love yourself, first. you can't expect a guy to love you or respect you if you don't love and respect yourself.

Maybe you have learned those lessons as well, maybe you have learned different ones, and perhaps the ones I've learned you completely disagree with - however, it's all relative, right? We all learn through our own life experiences. And mine, have taught me that.

Source: love-remains-the-same.tumblr.com via Andi on Pinterest

What life lessons in love or otherwise do you take with you everywhere?

Happy Thursday, dolls.

Love always.

The search continues...

Guys... this is serious.

I'm still searching for maxi dresses. 

They are everywhere, I know. But I can't find any that I love.

Until now... I've found some seriously cute ones online... 

what's a girl to do?!?!

{source}

{source}

{source}

Send me places that you have found long dresses!!! I will greatly appreciate it!

Have a fabulous Wednesday, pretties. 

Love always.

Happy Birthday Dad!

It's my Daddy's birthday today!!!

And since I already wrote a sappy little note for father's day - I'm just gonna wish him a fabulous day!!!
I love you, dad!!

Happy Tuesday, Pretties!

Love always.

Miscellany Monday {oh sweet summertime}

So it's Monday again - where do the weekends keep sneaking off to?! I swear they come and go so quickly anymore. {does this mean I'm getting old?! *gasp*}

How was your weekend, kittens?!

Mine was nice and relaxing. Time in the country is always nice. Mom makes dinner, dad changes the oil in my car, I get to go hang out with the boys... and life is just a slower pace. It's relaxing.

It's Miscellany Monday time!! Eeeek!

So pull out all your random thoughts and get blogging and link up to lowercase letters!!

1. I need new book recommendations. Like serious page turners. I keep beginning books that are good but not that keep me up into the wee hours of the night... 

What are you reading? 

Ready... Set... Go... {throw out some titles for me to look up!}

{source}

I'm beginning this bad boy tonight - my mom said it's really good and a page turner... here's to hoping!!

2. I am newly obsessed with iced sweet tea with fresh mint. And by obsessed I mean I have drank A LOT of this stuff. It's delicious!! {Thank you, Kim for this lovely idea!!!}

{source}

3. It has been a very rainy weekend here in the country. And I love it.

4. I'm going to give quilting a go soon. I want one for my bed. Soo... wish me luck, guys! {and if you have any tips or tricks... hook a sista up!}

{source}

5. I found my kindred spirit this weekend. She is 3.5. A daddy's girl... and absolutely adorable. I think we could be besties. 

Hope y'all have a splendid Monday. It's supposedly going to rain all day here in Ohio - shocking?! It's either a scorcher or pouring. *sigh* ohio weather - always keeping you on your toes. 

Love always.

she thinks we're just fishing...

Happy Sunday and happy fathers day to all you dad's out there. {although, I assume the majority of my readers are ladies. ;) but I could be wrong.}

Friday night I spent some time with an old HS friend. And he has a daughter who is about 3 1/2. As I was watching them it made me think of my own relationship with my Dad. 

She reminded me so much of myself, even still. {sad, right?!}

She was giving him the "daddy, please"look. Pouting at all the right moments, and basically just had him wrapped around her little finger. He even told me that she has "Jackie tendencies" {that can't be bad right?! hahaha poor girl!}

I've always been okay with the phrase "daddy's girl" I will admit to anyone that I am. He's the one guy who has never let me down. Ever. He has driven 3 hours to get my car and drove 3 hours home to fix it. He's moved me in to countless places, making sure everything is safe and ready for me. He's watched seasons of The Bachelor, Dawson's Creek, and Buffy with me. He's texted me to make sure I'm okay and to tell me he loves and misses me. He watches over my precious old cat, Snickers, even though he knows it's due time... he is letting me come to terms with it on my own time. He's that guy that no matter what... no one can match up to.

I have spent hours, days trying to think of what to say to reflect the importance of him in my life. However, I haven't nailed it. And I've come to the conclusion that there aren't words...
I couldn't survive without him.
I wouldn't be me, without him.
We may not sit down for hours and chat about trucks, boys, clothes, or insignificant things... but at the end of the day... it doesn't matter. I've never questioned whether he'd be there when I needed him. I've always known he would be. And there's no way I can thank him enough. I can't find it in a card {I've looked, trust me.} And I can't find it in just a thank you. There's nothing that can put that security and love into words.

There's a song, 'Just Fishin' by Trace Adkins. {it's country - for all you non country fans ;)} When I first heard it, I felt tears in my eyes because it's so just me and my dad. The first line is 'she's talking about her ballet shoes and training wheels and her kittens... and she thinks we're just fishing.' Not that Dad and I went fishing all the time - but adventures that were of the same. {like the time his orange truck broke down and we had to walk all the way to Grandpa's... God himself only knows how many times I saw something "cute" on our walk and said "oh daddy, can I please have a raccoon?}
And those are the moments that I treasure.
The moments that I'm sure he had to endure when I was little {and even now} of me rambling about anything {usually an animal}. And he did - without fail. He laughs at my silliness, rolls his eyes at my antics, but loves me without fail.

He and my Mom have shown my brother and I what true love is. What is means to be a family, to be happy, to be safe. And for that, I think we will be eternally grateful.

Happy Father's Day to the most amazing man I know.
 I love you.
I hope you have an amazing day and know how important you are to all of us.

Again, happy father's day to y'all.

Love always.

beach, buffy, dreams

Happy Thursday dolls!

How are you? What have I missed while I've been away?!

I've been so slacking in the blogging arena lately.

I've felt really uninspired.

 Ever have that problem? 

I hate that feeling. 

It's icky. {yes, icky. deal with it ;)}

So in order to try to inspire myself... I visited Pinterest for the first time in a while as well. {see, the uninspired thing has affected all outlets. ugh.}

Here are the pretties that made me smile this week...

Source: live-inspired.com via Andrea on Pinterest

Sometimes it's things like this that I need to see and hear. We all get stuck on those dreams and making them a reality... so this was needed.

Source: fuckyeah-hair.tumblr.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

I love this. I tried it on my hair and it was so cute!!! I didn't rock it today because I didn't think it'd fair very well during my run. But this may become my new hair look. {I tend to find new things then rock them till I get bored with it - anyone else do this!?}

Source: google.com via Tara on Pinterest

So once upon a time, I used to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer every single week. And I LOVED it. This is where I first began my love for the Claddagh ring. It's an Irish ring that has a crown meaning loyalty, hands meaning friendship, and heart meaning love. I've had mine for about 8 years. E bought it for me on a little road trip to Grand Rapids, Ohio. {so so so many years ago.}

I still wear it, is that weird? Yes? I just love it. {judge me if you want, it's ok.}

Source: google.ca via Birute on Pinterest

I love this show. {obviously} This is where my enjoyment of the vampire genre began. In my opinion, this is the best vampire installment still. {yes, even over Twilight AND Vampire Diaries} I watched this show all the way through and I am SO excited that it's now on every night at 10 on Teen Nick. I have remembered how much I loved it. And it's made me quite happy. {it's really the little things, guys.} 

Anyone else love this show?!

Source: byron-bay-beaches.com via Marsewi on Pinterest

I am in desperate need of sand in my toes, salt sticking to my skin, the ocean breeze, a sweet cocktail in hand, and a fabulous beach read. Sometimes I just want to plant my bum in the sand and unplug for a while. I need to find my way there for a bit.

So what do you kids have planned for the weekend? 

Anything fun?!

It's Daddy's day Sunday {and his bday Tuesday} so I'm headed to the country for the weekend. 

Hope you all have a fabulous Thursday.

Love always.

Pink and Green Thursday {Watermelons}

Hey lovelies!

How are you?

I'm enjoying the dog days of summer {but isn't that supposed to happen in like late July?! WHY is it so hot already?!}

I've recently started running and trying to get back in shape. {Yay, me!}

And when I do this I always resort to eating a lot of fresh fruit and veggies!

And my favorite...

is WATERMELON.

Seriously, how can you not love it?! 

So for Pink and Green Thursday I'm posting alllll kinds of watermelon yum yums!! Eeeeek! It's making me so hungry!!!!

Source: island-oasis.tumblr.com via Jacqueline on Pinterest

Source: watermelon.org via Jacqueline on Pinterest

Source: mybakingdom.com via Nicole on Pinterest

So how delicious do those all look. Fresh watermelon, watermelon mojitos, watermelon cupcakes... YUMMMMMM - O!!!!

How's your thursday going?!

Anything exciting planned for the weekend?!

Love always.

p.s. check out Alice's Bucket List blog - it's this sweet {yet heartbreaking} blog written by a 15 year old girl with terminal  cancer. She is listing all the things she wants to do before she dies and how cool would it be if we could all be a part of it?

Thankful.

I apologize to those of you who are friends with me on Facebook and follow my blog... because you have already seen this quote...

But it really struck me when I saw it on pinterest the other day.

Do you take time everyday to thank God for the amazing things in your life?

Or do you forget? Do you take those things for granted and dwell solely on the negative?

I know how easy it is to forget to take that time and thank Him for the blessings... how life happens and consumes us and sometimes our pitfalls seem to outweigh the good things. I know its so easy in those moments to throw ourselves a pity party and think the world's against us.

But I urge you to take a moment and think about this... and take an even longer moment and thank God for all the blessings in your life. Every day.

I'm thankful for...
My family.
My friends - both near and far.
My pets.
My job.
My car.
My health.
A roof over my head.
Food on the table.
Clothes on my back {although I have an excessive amount ;)}
You... the ones that read this and support my ramblings.
My phone - sad, but so true.
My creativity - I wouldn't be me without it.

What are YOU thankful for?

Happy hump day, pretties!

Love always.

Guest Blog Post: Missy from Yellow Duck Cookies {Happy Bday Eve}

Hey pumpkins!

Happy Saturday, did y'all have a fun Friday evening?!

As I said yesterday it's Missy's birthday tomorrow and I thought it would be fun to have her guest blog on her birthday eve! {And we know that I LOVEEEEE birthdays and celebrate any way possible - so you know that's how we are doing hers!}

Here she goes...

Hello! My name is Melissa and Jackie asked me to guest blog on her site! I am a Fashion graduate from Ohio University and I own Yellow Duck Cookies.  I currently live in Columbus,Ohio. This blog is going to be the about the main things in my closet right now and just some of my fashion favorites.

- The color Marigold. I'm obsessed with this color! My purse is this color and the cardigan I own this color I wear constantly. My favorite colors to match it with are Royal Blue and Plum Purple.

- FLATS! I am starting to become very fond of Mary Jane inspired strappy flats. They have such a vintage and girly feel to them. I wear flats with everything and they have taken over my flip flop love and let me tell you that is serious.

- Vintage inspired summer dresses. You will more likely never find me in a skin tight sexy dress. It's just not me. I love high waisted girly cute dresses. They are the most flattering on me and the most comfortable. My birthday is next week, any of these will do :)
- I'm not looking forward to the humidity and heat at all because this means my tights are going away for awhile. I've been trying to stay out of the tanning bed and wearing these tights have helped with the paleness I hate! Tights bring so much character to an outfit.

- My style icon is Sherri Dupree Bemis from the band Eisley. I first saw them open for Snow Patrol in 2004 and have been a huge fan since. She is a very confident person and dresses and does her style at her own will. I've seen her in every hair color and in outfits I would have never even thought of then been like wow that is adorable. She inspires my daily fashion an she is just quite adorable in every aspect. This is someones closet i would love to have! Yep that's my girl crush! Haha

This past year I've been very nostalgic with my fashion. I love Mary Janes and ballet flats from my childhood. I have found myself loving Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty again... And I've seen it in all the stores. I would kill to still fit in these outfits!!!

 

I hope you enjoyed my guest blog as much as I loved writing it! Have a great week!

Melissa

Fun right?! Hope you guys enjoyed it and have a fabulous Saturday!!!!

Love always.

Fashion Friday {A Royal Affair. A Shameless Plug.}

Happy Friday kids!

So I was over on Erin's blog earlier today and she was chatting about how she always greets and says goodbye in her posts and how she feels she's the only one - then I realized that I do the same thing! I feel like it's a bit more personal, don't you think?! I want y'all to feel at home here. ;)

Onto the business at hand - in this weeks tradition of linky parties this will be my final stop {perhaps next week I may join a couple, but it won't be party hoppin' central over here - just wanted to test it out :)} I'm linking up with Kori at Blonde Episodes for Fashion Friday.

 

This Fashion Friday post is going to be a bit of a shameless plug... let me begin with a story...

Once upon a time there was a girl {me} who began a collaboration with her friend {Amy}. They began making headbands and hair accessories. {they were quite pretty if I do say so myself.} They named their little venture Amrie Boutique. They had a fun little run last year but life got crazy and their momentum ran out. {it was a hobby that we could take or leave} Life took over and months had passed. Amrie was nearly forgotten about. Then one day the girl was contacted by the fashion editor {Erika} of (614) Magazine. She sweetly asked her to whip up a vintage hair accessory that they could possibly use in the upcoming Wedding issue of the magazine. The girl was pretty excited, but kept it quiet, she didn't want to jinx it. {i didn't know if they would use it, it was very short notice, and i didn't want to get any hopes up} She quickly put something together and met Erika the next day to give it to her. {crossing my fingers that she would like what I created.}
They loved it.
And used it in the shoot.
The magazine was released yesterday.
And I'm completely thrilled that my piece made in it there alongside some AHHHHHMAZING other designers. The Ritzy Rose did the brooch bouquet and it's fabulous. {She also did the bouquet for Miranda Lambert's wedding!!!! Eeeeeek!!! And she's local!!!! Cbusr's rock!}

And here it is... the photo spread from the magazine.
{Click here for the full spread.}

I apologize for the teeny tiny size of the photos - they were yucky and pixelated when I enlarged them. I also apologize for the shameless plug - but dude, I was excited!!!

Thank you Erika and (614) Magazine. :)

Happy Friday, loves!

Anything exciting planned for the weekend?! It's birthday celebration weekend for Missy!!! Head on over there and wish her a good one!!!

Love always.

Pink and Green Thursday {my bedroom}

Hi loves, how are you??

How'd we get to Thursday already?? I think a new calendar should be issued where Monday is also part of the weekend... what do you think?? Another day to the weekend?!? I'm so game. ;)

So its Thursday {Duh, Jackie we have already established this... #fail} and that means its time to linky up for pink and green Thursday! And I'm particularly excited about today because the photos are from my bedroom...



Oh my little bedroom. I had to do some rearranging last night because its that time of year where I need to put in my air conditioner. *sigh* I love summer... but I also prefer my windows open. Oh well... beggars can't be choosers so I hear...

Anywho... its still a work in process but here it is for your viewing pleasure!

And if you have any decorating ideas for a teeny tiny room or storage ideas for a teeny tiny closet... I'd love to hear them!!!!!

Have a fabulous day, pretties!!

Love always.