Friday, December 16, 2011

The Bow Tie Blues

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with my dog.  So when I found a candy cane patterned bow tie collar on Etsy.com, I just had to buy it.  
(via BigPawCollars)
It has become a tradition that my Christmas cards (all five that I send out annually) feature my favorite pup.  And I thought the bow tie would be the perfect prop to really jazz it up.  The cards were coming along nicely - all I needed was the bow tie so I could snap a pic of my pooch and viola, the best CHRISTMAS CARD EVER!!!  I waited.  And I waited.  But the collar never came.  So i'll be sending out cards with a naked necked dog. 


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Drool Worthy

For years, I avoided the Macy's at Kingsdale because to be honest, they had a lot of old people clothes. Even now, I can't say that I'd shop there for clothes but when it comes to the shoe section, they have got it going on. I went this afternoon on my lunch break and found TONS of DAARRLLLING shoes, most of which were 50% off. I picked up a pair of black heels for work that I desperately needed. Currently in my arsenal, I have one pair of black shoes. Unacceptable. I also came across these beauties:
Yum!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

He's Got the Moves

The only thing I love more than Cory dancing...is Cory dancing in a funny sweater.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Christmas Wishlist

I've heard it's better to give than to receive but I'll be honest, I really like receiving. Call me selfish! So below are just a few things that I really wouldn't mind seeing under the tree in 20 days!!
(sold on etsy.com by Truche)
For the love of God, I live in Ohio and don't have a pair of rain boots!!
(www.hunter-boot.com)
Ok, so this isn't the most practical gift for $200, but they are just so darn cute!
(www.tiffany.com)

Friday, December 2, 2011

Nifty to be Thrifty

In high school, my friend Bonnie and I were addicted to thrifting. My wardrobe consisted of really tight t-shirts and track shorts that some old man used to wear in his glory days as a 1970's track star. How we had any friends, I will always wonder. Thankfully I grew out of that stage and slowly started to distance myself from Volunteers of America.
Last night, Cory and I decided to hit up our local thrift store in search of an ugly Christmas sweater. Upon rummaging through the red sweater section, I found this gem:
This sweater has officially renewed my love and faith in thrift stores. I did experience slight sticker shock when I noticed this sweater was $7.99 and had no red, green or blue tag (25, 50, or 75% off!!) but this is the new era of thrifting. And if the new era keeps me from looking like a prepubescent boy for under $10, I'm OK with that!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Winston Mania

Winston is so gorgeous, Petsmart stopped me on the street the other day and asked me if he could be in their Christmas ad. I was all like "you know, we really try to steer clear of the spotlight. We had a really bad experience a couple years ago when Winston got so famous, the paparazzi tried to steal him off my porch. But...what the hell". And so, here he is. Introducing, Rudolph Winston!
(disclaimer: this is not Winston. His toenails are much too pale. Photo & costume courtesy of www.petsmart.com)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

What a Hoot!

It all started when I walked into Forever 21..actually, I take that back. It actually probably all started the first time I was carried into my grandmothers house and saw these freaky crochet owls hanging from her wall. But that's not the point. What started as a fun party accessory has become a serious addiction.
(the start of something beautiful)
I can't stop. I have officially declared that my first unborn child (boy or girl) will have an owl themed room. I've already found wall decals and cute little sheets. Maybe a little hat for he/she to pose in for his/her first pictures. My dull office desk has become owl chic compliments of this lamp.
My bathroom will hopefully become owl themed (hint: Cory...birthday present) starting with the coolest bathroom rug I'VE EVER SEEN!
(cool owl rug can be found at Target)
I'm not sure what it is about the owl that speaks to me. Maybe it's because I'm so wise...

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Wandering the Streets of Charlotte

So this weekend, as you know, I headed down to Charlotte/Rock Hill for a few days and it was fantastic. It was a pretty short trip with a lot of driving but well worth it. Hamp and I tried to be adventurous and go out in Charlotte but ended up spending $20 to park for a trip to Pita Pit. It wasn't a complete waste though (I can say that because I didn't have to pay to park). I got to see a couple Dukies, got lost in the parking garage trying to find Hamp's car, and caught this little treat for the senses.

I now know how I'm going to get some extra cash on the weekends. Is anybody interested in starting a tuba group? I know my brother's in.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy Birthday, Winston!

3 years, 10 months, and 17 days ago, my life changed. I was offered a full time job at Winthrop raising me above the poverty line and officially making me inelligible to receive food stamps for the first time since graduating college. I didn't want a nicer apartment, more nights out, or new clothes - I wanted a puppy. All througout my childhood, I had dogs that were great, but never once did I have a puppy. We always got the show dog that was no longer show quality or the recycled bulldog. So when I ventured on to the Charlotte Observer and saw six of the cutest frenchie/boston terrier mixes - I knew it was time. Forget the fact that I couldn't eat or pay utilities for the next month. I drove down to Columbia, SC to look at the little pups and waited in a pet store parking lot for the "breeder" to call me back. I thought about turning around numerous times. What would I do when I wanted to go out with my friends? Who would watch him when I wanted to go to Charleston for the weekend? Would I betray Gus by loving another dog? Right as I was about to pull out of the parking lot and head home, she called me. I pulled into the trailer park and had a million thoughts running through my head (not all of them were PC) but I stepped inside. I knew once I crossed that threshold, I was going to be walking out with a puppy - I am, afterall, my mothers daughter.


I knew I wanted a little boy and four of the six were girls so she handed me the one boy who's ears had stood up already. I played with him for a little bit but we really didn't connect. I put him down and thought about maybe taking a different one. But the minute I placed the little guy back with his brothers and sisters, he batted them around with his paws and I realized he wasn't so shy afterall, he just needed some time to warm up to me. So I picked up "Winston" and announced that he was the one. With a cardboard box and an empty wallet, I drove back to Rock Hill.

(winston's first day home)

When I came home to my roommates, they weren't as thrilled as I was. "Hello Lauren, did you forget we aren't supposed to have dogs!!!" I walked upstairs with my head down and my puppy in the crook of my arm. Did I make a huge mistake? That night I cried. I cried for Gus. I cried for myself. And I cried for Winston. 3 years, 10 months, and 17 days later, I look back on that day and realize I made one of the greatest decisions of my life. Winston has been there through breakups, road trips, new jobs, new apartments, and new beginnings. He is my best friend and the only one I can do my creepy dances in front of without judgement.


I know you can't read this, Winston, but Happy 4th Birthday! You are officially an old fart!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Dirty South

Wow...I was almost right on when I said "see you in six months" on my last post. So if you're still with me, thank you! I feel like this week is kind of blog worthy. And if anything forced me to do it, it was today's southern inspired meal of green beans (the weird square kinds that I don't think are natural) with ham, mac & cheese, pulled pork, and cornbread. (I got really hungry and couldn't wait to take a picture and then eat...so this is between breaths)
I'M GOIN' DOWN SOUTH! And I'm pretty pumped about it. It's Winston's 4th birthday on Friday and I thought - what better gift to give my best buddy than a trip back home (he was born in Columbia, SC...a TRUE southern gentleman)? To top it off, March Madness starts TODAY (Clemson will lose) and the weather finally doesn't suck (although it is kind of dreary today). So, in honor of my southern homecoming, here are just a few things I'm looking forward to:
1. Winston and I. Alone. On the open road. Blasting out tunes. He has a killer voice.
2. Seeing Ms. Breanne Keys and her new baby. Wow. I never thought I'd say that sentence before the age of 40.
3. Drinking a beer in 80 degree weather and hopefully getting a red tint on this Casper body of mine.
and 4. Visiting the 'Throp and everyone in it.
Ok...welp, I think that's it! Go Bucks!
ok fine...5. Seeing Mr. John Hampton Wallace who I will surely want to kill after 15 minutes - and kicking his ass in Darts at McHales.