Nothing New

Another Wednesday, another dose of random. I figured I better get as much out as possible since next Wednesday I won't be here. I will be opening presents, eating an enormous amount of food, making memories with family and celebrating my Savior's birthday. So, this is the VERY LAST Random Wednesday link up of 2013! I can't even believe it!

Forever 21 Puffer Vest (great options here and here) // Old Navy Top (option) // Old Navy Coated Denim // Wallis Ankle Boots c/o (love these) // Forever 21 Leopard Clutch (similar styles here and here) // Forever 21 Fur Scarf (optional styles here and here) // Michael Kors Watch c/o Jeweler's Wife // Forever 21 Leopard Bangle (option) // Lilac Bijoux Bow Bangle c/o // Kendra Scott Ring c/o Jeweler's Wife// Forever 21 Spade Studs (option) // H&M Sunglasses (option)

Nothing that I am wearing today is a recent purchase. Go me! I plan to continue my remixing until the new year and only shop with gift cards I hope to receive from Santa.

Speaking of Santa, I am freaking out just a teensy-weensy bit because I am not finished Christmas shopping. Not only do I still need to shop, but I need to wrap the gifts that I have gotten. Nope, not a single present is under my tree. How pathetic is that? Why do I do this to myself? I guess I am a procrastination junkie. Wish me luck.

Our sweet Gus, the newest member of our family, has melted our hearts in less than four days. I never in a million years thought I could fall in love so quickly, but I have. He is a perfect little angel. I am dreading when he goes off to "camp" on December 29th. We are sending him for bird hunting training. Ross says he is going to be gone for two months. I say he'll be back sooner. He's that smart. Maybe I am just telling myself that because I'm already so bummed that he's going to be away for so long. Who have I become? You guys, this is soooooo not like me to get mushy over an animal. 

My invisalign trays still haven't come in. It's probably a good thing that I get them after the holidays because let's be honest, I plan on eating like it's my job and cosuming a few glasses of red wine over the next week or so. What a pain it would be to take my trays out every 30 minutes. Yes, that's how much I plan to indulge.

I almost forgot to tell y'all what I thought about Beyonce's concert. I went to see her last Monday in Dallas with two of my girlfriends. I have to say that I was mildly disappointed. We all were. She didn't bring it like I thought she would. She only sang snip-its of some of my favorites and butchered a Whitney Houston song. Don't get me wrong, I still love me some Queen B, but I would definitely not pay to see her again. And there was no encore. What? Who doesn't do an encore? It's expected. Right?

Before I end this all-over-the-place post, I wanted to be sure to ask you to come back again tomorrow. I have been planning this post for two weeks and cannot wait to share it with you. Hope to see you then!

 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 

 

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Linking up with The Pleated Poppy.

Intricate Embellishments - Trends to Try

When I think of holiday style, sparkles, bows and metallic shimmer immediately pop into my head. Don't get me wrong, I have worn my fair share of red, green and plaid over the last few weeks, but the look below really radiated my festive spirit.

Merona Cardigan from Target // Banana Republic Dress (great options here and here)// Zara Heels (another pair I love) // DSW Clutch (option on sale! & wristlet version) // Merona Bow Belt from Target // Forever 21 Bracelet (similar) // Stella & Dot Bracelet (fun option) // Forever 21 Black Rhinestone Earrings (similar pair)

SHOP THE LOOK

Taking a few classic pieces from our wardrobes and adding a few girly touches is an affordable way to style a head turning holiday look. I used a white dress as my starting point and layered it with an embellished cardigan sweater, classic bracelets, a dainty bow belt, silver clutch and of course my go-to heels of the season. It's pretty glorious that a sprinkle of sparkle here and a dash of darling there can really complete an entire look.

Embellished pieces are probably one of my favorite trends over the last few seasons. I am on board with it all; from cardigans, to sweatshirts, to tees and even dresses and skirts. It's a fun way to spice up any style for any occasion.

We are into the home stretch for the Kotex® "Try It For Yourself" style contest where one lucky lady is going to win a trip for two to new York City. Be sure to snap a photo wearing your intricate embellishments for a chance to be entered. The prize package also includes a shopping spree, hair, make up and an editorial on Glam.com.

Upload your picture to Glam's Facebook page for a chance to win. Each week the Glam editorial team will pick the best photo and the winner will receive a $100 AMEX gift card, plus be eligible for the grand prize fashion trip to New York with a friend.

Shouldn't you decide what works for yourself? At Kotex®, we believe in the power of choices. That's why we offer a full lineup of tampons, pads and pantiliners. But you never know what works best until you try it. So, each week, we are challenging you to try a new trend - and flaunt your new look!

U by Kotex® provides protection that passes the only test that matters - your life. Try U by Kotex® for yourself and commit to protection you can get serious about. Head to Facebook to grab a sample and show us what trend you're trying this week. Let the world know what you think!

This contest runs from November 25, 2013 through December 29, 2013.

*Disclosure: Compensation was provided by U by Kotex® via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are 100% my own and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of U by Kotex®.

Meet Mr. Gus

If you happened to see my Instagram post on Saturday evening, you already know that we added a new member to our family and his name is Gus. He is an absolutely gorgeous German Shorthaired Pointer and there is a good chance that I already love him. 

Let me paint you a written picture of how Mr. Gus made his entrance. 

I took the girls to a holiday event Saturday afternoon. We were playing in fake snow, sliding down slides in potato sacks, chit-chatting with Santa and sipping hot chocolate. Ross had been at the deer lease doing deer lease things and also scheming a little surprise.

He called us on our way home from the holiday fun. He sounded normal. We talked about the upcoming party we had that evening and a few details of the day. Nothing about our conversation seemed out of the ordinary. We ended our talk with. "Bye, I love you. See you in a bit."

The girls and I walked into the house and my parents, Ross and this strange dog were sitting in the living room. I was like, "Oh, heeeeeeey, who's dog is this?" Ross replied, "Surprise, he's ours."

After that everything for the next 5 minutes is sort of a blur. I do know that I freaked a little lot, said a few words, ones that were abbreviated because my kids were in the room and thought it was a big joke.

Here's the deal. I like animals. I really do. I like to pet them, look at them, hear other people's pet stories and watch them on Animal Planet. I just didn't want one living with me. I can barely keep up with our kids, our lives and hectic schedules. I did not want another responsibility tacked onto everything else that is going on in our lives. Also, after my childhood dog died when I was in college, I swore that I would never have an animal again or become attached to one. It broke my heart when we had to put him down and I never wanted to feel like that again. Animals just don't live that long and it's sad. I know, that's kind of a lame excuse for not wanting a pet, but it's the way I feel.

Anyway, the girls have been begging for a dog for the last year or so. Ross has mentioned that he wanted a bird dog. We have casually spoken about it on and off, but nothing was set in stone that we would add another member to our home....so soon.

After calming down a little bit, realizing that this wasn't a joke, seeing my girls excitement and hearing their squeals, I was coming to terms with our new four legged friend.

Gus was owned by the son of a good friend of ours whose allergies started to get the best of him and could no longer keep a dog. So, Ross decided that he would bring this one-year old pup home to live with us for the next 10+ years. GRRRRREAT! (insert sarcasm)

Actually though, it really is great. Mr. Gus has been in our home for less that 48 hours and we have all fallen in love with this sweet boy. He is house and kennel trained, very mild mannered, amazing with the kids and loves to be loved. To say that the girls are obsessed is an understatement. They have already taken on so much responsibility by helping feed, bathe and picking up after his business in the backyard. I don't think either one of them have stopped smiling.

I am still a little shocked and uneasy about this new venture, but know he is going to be such a huge part of our lives and family. Ross always wanted a son. Now he's got one.

P.S. I will be back to my regular scheduled program tomorrow. I just couldn't resist sharing Gus with you guys!