Welcome to Gripe City. The Single Gal's Favorite Place This Week.

I just wanted to check in and let someone know that I resisted the Kendra Scott sale on Gilt this week, the purchases outlined in Monday's post that I wanted to make, and made myself stop dreaming of that Lilly Pulitzer swimsuit.  

The bottom line is I have really, really, really wanted to shop this week.  Mainly because things have been really hard and lame at work lately and I am just sick of it.  I am trying to be positive but I am kind of over that and just moving towards indifference.  I talk to a lot of cry babies all day whose definition of "fair" is extremely ridiculous.   I can't take it.  I can't take people spam calling me and not leaving a message.  As if they were 5 year olds and not actual grown ups.  Lord help me.  

I am hoping that my plans for a long overdue pedicure {haven't had one since I came back from NYC!} and a trip to The Dry Bar on Saturday morning with Em {birthday fun for her!} before lunch with an old friend from my old job {you know, the one I loved} will make me a bit more relaxed and not so high strung about all the small things at work that are getting to me.   I keep trying to tell myself to look at the big picture.  Maybe I'll get through to my own hard head before the end of the week.  

Also, I am assuming I will like work more in March.  Where I will get 3 paychecks, perhaps a bonus, finish my taxes, and just maybe plan a vacation with 3 Putt that I can look forward to going on.  

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Unscheduled Programming {Monday Thoughts}

I'm not feeling particularly over the moon about anything lately so you guys just get a regular post tonight.  You know -- the ones with a bunch of random stuff  that's in my head.   This is mainly because 3 Putt and I had a rather long and drawn out Sunday Funday so I wasn't as prepped for the week.  But no harm there.  A homemade breakfast, a long walk with Hogan, beer, bowling, French food, Operation Smile, and afternoon naps are just as important.  

Y'all 3 Putt surprised me this weekend with concert tickets!  Alabama comes to The Fabulous Fox Theatre in May.  I die.  Seriously.  He was supposed to go too but he already found a schedule conflict so I have been ordered to bring The Housewife instead.  She can buy me a beer to thank me later.  Or 3 Putt, rather.  

How much do I love this photo? The Housewife and I have also purchased tickets for New Kids on the Block when they come with Boyz II Men (did I do that right?) in June.  Let's just say its an intense summer concert season for us already.  Don't hate. 

Alabama

Also...I can't stop thinking about these two items of clothing.  Like I want to wear them together.  Or separately.  Either way they are on my mind.  I don't even know that would it would look good as a combo but I'd like to try.  But I am pretty sure this skirt from JCrew Factory already sold out. Blah.  I dislike being poor. And having to pay taxes {I'm sure I'll complain about that more later}.  

Ever since making those cinnamon rolls the other day all I want to do is bake.  Like I want to just stay home from work and bake.  All day.  If I could do this I would be making some of these Pinterest desserts I have been drooling over.  

Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake

Chocolate Pistachio Sandwich Cookies

Chocolate Bread Pudding

How is your Monday? What's on your mind? 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Blogs We Love {Paris in Four Months}

It's another rainy Saturday here in Georgia -- but what better way to spend the day than combing through all the fabulous photos and entries posted by Carin Olsson on her blog Paris in Four Months.  She moved to Paris originally for four months to explore and learn the language but she loved it so much she has since moved back.  Her blog is full of beautiful photos including images of the most beautiful {and likely delicious} desserts the world has to offer.  

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**all images from Paris in Four Months**

What I love about this blog is that she makes me feel as if I have been to a place I have never seen.   It also makes me want a fancy camera that I would have no idea how to use but that's another story. 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Some Days...

There are some days when I just want to come home, walk the dog, curl up on the couch and read my book at night.  Wait -- I want to do that most days.  And most days when I wake up I just want some peace and quiet.  Coffee with Hogan or another loved one,  my book, some flowers, maybe some Squawk Box quietly in the background.   

But most days are a lot more hectic than the ideal.  Most days are filled with long "To Do" lists at work.  Another long "To Do" list for the hours after work.  Gym trips.  Meals that need to be planned.  Schedules that need to be kept and maintained.  Budgets.  Taxes.  Dog walks.  Laundry.  Dishes that need to be washed.  Groceries.  I could go on.  

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm really ready for the weekend.  And, while I can't move into retirement any time soon, I guess the bright side of all the regular days is how much they remind you to treasure what little time off you have each weekend.  A friend of mine asked me if I could see Friday yet while I was at work this morning -- I couldn't. But now I do.  Or I will after I finish the laundry.  

And after all my Thursday griping...I hope to wake up tomorrow and feel this way {because who the hell doesn't love The Cure and Friday for that matter?}

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Where I Talk About This and That and Photo Bomb You.

Well, we've made it through most of the week.  Hooray for the home stretch!  I hope y'all are having a lovely and productive week.  Just wanted to check in...and also gift y'all with some pics.  Because you care so much.  

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I'm just going to go ahead and confess that I ate three doughnuts last week.  All in one day.  But they were cute and heart shaped and work has been tough lately.  

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3 Putt and I went to Waffle House for Valentine's Day.  It was amazing.  Some of the locations decorate, take reservations, and have specials on the menu.  How super cute was our little Valentine's day table at Waffle House? 

JCrew Factory Winnie Twill Pants

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In other news I faltered on my resolution to shop like never until April.  But -- I have been controlling much more spending.  And, a lot of my pants were too big since I lost a few pounds {and if I stop eating doughnuts at work} and I need something nice and not baggy to wear to work.   I was nervous to order these but they came today and I love them! 

I have also been really bad about having my phone out a lot. I certainly can work more on that.  

The bright side -- I am quite sure that my goal of paying off my credit card completely by the end of March is definitely going to happen.  Baby steps people.  I've been skipping a lot of Starbucks trips.  I have been suffering for the cause. 

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Started reading Beautiful Creatures.  I really like it -- and probably will never see the movie.  Books are better anyway. 

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3 Putt and I ended the week with dinner at a new place in Buckhead -- Seven Lamps Atlanta.  I loved it! I will try to take more time for a review before the end of this week.  

{that's a real couples photo, folks.  jaw-dropping. i know.} 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Monday Obsessions: Cinnamon Rolls

This weekend I made some cinnamon rolls and I really just can't stop thinking about them. I know making them from scratch seems like a lot of trouble but the recipe I use really is simple.  I got the recipe I use from my friend Caroline -- her lovely mother in law, Carol would make these.  Seriously -- I tried another recipe one time that ended up with cinnamon rolls being thrown into the garbage.  This one works.  Trust.  If there is one thing I'm not messing around with it's food.  

Carol's Cinnamon Rolls

4-5 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 envelopes yeast

1 Tsp salt

1 cup milk

2/3 cup water

3/4 lb butter

2 eggs (at room temp)

 

- place 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt into large bowl

 

- place milk, water and 1/4 cup oleo into pan. Heat until very warm

 

- place milk mixture into flour mixture

-add eggs

 

- add enough flour to make dough elastic

 

- place dough in greased bowl and let raise until doubled

 

- after dough has risen, roll into a square shape

 

- spread butter over dough then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon

 

- roll and cut into 1 1/2" to 2" pieces

 

- place into greased pan

 

- refrigerate 2 to 24 hours

 

- when ready to bake let rolls sit out for 10 minutes and bake at 350 degrees until brown

 

Powdered sugar glaze: powdered sugar, very little milk and pat of oleo. Blend and place on rolls when still warm. Add flavoring.

here is my photo journey...except I forgot to take one of them out of the oven! Sorry! 

Dough after it has had time to rise/double. 

The rolling pin of all Single Gals - can o' beer. 

All rolled out with the good stuff for the middle. 

And now rolled up. 

Ready for the fridge until time for breakfast! 

Seriously try these! The best part is making them the day before and just popping them in the oven the next morning and enjoying them with friends and family! 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Time Management

Time management is really a big joke around here at The Housewife case. Sure, I obviously have some because we are never late for preschool, I have managed to make it to the gym (I have to make infant reservations.....like they are eating at a fancy restaurant or something.), and have almost completed the class project for #1's preschool class. Now, the project is a few weeks late but I can explain. I sound like I Love Lucy.........Luuuccccyyyyy! I run on survival mode 24/7. My mind is constantly 40 steps ahead of where I am in order to get us to whatever the next step of the day is and stay on track for the next 40 billion.

Ok, class project. No one would commit to this so of course I feel bad and even though in September I'm obviously super preg and heading towards whale status....I agree. Well then I realized that the "project" is really for the school's Spring Auction. Great. What the hell do people do for these things?  Massive google search commences as the email comes out project ideas are due in a week and must be approved. Shit, I'm back at work again and in a twilight zone. Fine. On the list people are doing these finger-print vases etc. Well, I don't want to do the same old thing everyone else is doing so I come up with the idea I can do a small quilt on it with a church and balloons coming out of it like the movie UP. Gets approved. I beg my mother-in-law to help because I know jack about making a quilt. Long story short I couldn't quite get the balloons to work (just needed more time to figure out the strings) but did get some clouds done and a rail fence pattern on outside. It actually turned out really well; I just got it back from the quilter.

Another reason I'm a crazy lady right now is we decided to put our house on the market to see what happened. Well, it showed like gangbusters. I'm hauling all of the kids to any place I can for hours at a time. We would get one showing for the day and the it was like a snowball effect and a good number of days it would show three times in a day. #1 apparently learned how to lock doors. I figured that out when I ran my diaper bag and an armload of things to my van in The Single Gal's driveway for 20 seconds and came back to the door, which was locked. #1 thought this was pretty funny. After much pleading on my part and many giggles on hers I ran to some random construction workers and begged in my best Spanglish to borrow a phone to call the Single Gal and leave her a message that she needed to come back right away or I would have to call 911. That's right, I didn't even have my cell. Then, #1 basically busts out of the garage looking for me. I knew she knew what she was doing. Guess it wasn't so fun when she thought she was alone. Long story short, we got a contract yesterday.  So fingers crossed everything goes through.

I am doing my best to find time to blog but it's hard. I'm very Jessie Spano these days....There's no time!!! I have been working out at Crossfit and running some since I can go back to my regular gym. I'm starting to go twice a day sometimes. We will see if anything helps my wrecked body. I'll try to upload the video of #3 giggling.

The Housewife

Bits of My Week {single gal edition}

Just a bit of this and that for y'all today! 

Loving my little splurge for February -- the Forever 21 Heart Sweater. Only $18! 

Sadly this item is no longer available.  Also, if it comes back in stock keep in mind I ordered a large and it fits me like a normal small. I wanted it to be big and slouch and cute, but it's just a regular sweater. 

I also kind of wanted this one.  I realize some people might stand on the other side {especially since Valentine's Day is this week}. 

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Finished reading The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley. 

Looking forward to brunch  on Sunday.  It will be my first time at Bistro Niko! Been dying to try this place for a while.  

How is your week panning out? 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Dating Update {part two}

As many of you know I referenced the return of 3 Putt in my last dating blog.  I am returning for Part II. When we parted I had just completed my 3rd outing with Blind Date.  Also, after months and months of trying (fruitlessly) to forget 3 Putt (remember this post?) part of me still felt like I was standing in the same place after all this time. And I didn't want to get tangled up in the same mess again. So on a Monday afternoon when 3 Putt texted me and asked me to dinner later that week I declined. Also, I was seriously kind of in a panic because I just could not let myself get involved with him again in any sort of casual relationship. It couldn't happen.  So I send a second text. The one I felt sure would deter him from contacting me again.  I basically said I could not consider dinner ever because he only wanted to see me casually. That if he wanted to sit down and discuss our issues and discuss a monogamous, committed relationship I would be amenable. {I mean, this usually sends all males running to the hills, right?!}

I'd like you to try to truly imagine how far my jaw dropped when he replies that he has to see me that night and wants to "lay all his cards on the table".  But then he also said I still may want to punch him in the face.  I was pretty freaked.  But also insanely curious as to what in the hell had happened to him that would make him say that after all this time. I calmly replied that was OK, but seriously people I wasn't about to change my Monday plans at a moments notice.  So I said he could make his statements after I got back from the gym. And after that I promptly started frantically texting and emailing The Housewife. 

Really, I am shocked I actually made it to the gym that night.   All of the texting occurred earlier during a regular work day and I had almost talked myself out of the possibility that I could even think of quieting my mind enough to attend gym class.  

I was really surprised when 3 Putt came over.  First - we had a serious, grown up talk about conflicts, relationships, our prior issues, what the bottom line was for both of us, expectations, reality, etc.  Second -- I really thought that a man showing up on your doorstep making a grand gesture was something that really only happened in the movies.  As such, I told 3 Putt that I would be very willing to think about starting a real and serious relationship with him but that I needed a week to mull things over.  Mainly because when someone runs up to you and tells you things you waited over a year to hear that were never said it all seems too good to be true.   And you start to wonder what the catch is -- there has to be one, right? You don't just wake up on a Monday morning and suddenly become Carrie and Big from SATC. 

I truly thought long and hard about my decision.  I knew that some things would still be hard for us -- like telling all my friends and family about him being back in my life.  I knew that he might not get a warm reception from some.  He may not get a warm reception from my family.   I prayed a lot when we were apart the last half of 2012 and I prayed a lot more that following week.  I decided that if he was willing to give "us" a real try then I really wanted to do the same.  They say a lot of people think the path to success is a straight line.  But it's not -- it's full of ups and downs, risks that pay off and risks that don't pay off.  I think that relationships are the same.  Has our path been really squiggly? Yes.   But that's perfectly OK with me. And life is too short to worry about much else. 

It feels super weird to me to have a "boyfriend" after several years of nothing serious.  Really weird.  {Seriously someone email me tips on how to be a good girlfriend because I just do whatever I want.} It's also different to seem to be starting from square one of a serious relationship, but at the same time already having known the other person so long.  And I don't mean these things in a negative way -- like I said -- it's like I woke up one Monday and everything changed.   And some days I still want to know if it's really happening but 3 Putt is always leaving me friendly reminders and telling me that it really is happening.  

And, I don't want y'all to think I have abandoned you Single Gals.  I have already told 3 Putt as long as I am filing taxes as a single individual we will still have lots to write about here! 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Monday Obsessions: Manicures

While we were visiting Little A she introduced me to her Red Carpet Manicure Gel kit. It's super awesome. Y'all know I love a good manicure as much as a Kardashian. This process does take a little extra time but the pros are that it is dry immediately once you are done curing your top coat and it stays on for up to three weeks. Little A got her kit on a Black Friday special for an excellent price but Ulta sells these as well and you can always use a 20% percent off coupon for your purchase to help with the cost. I've never gotten a gel manicure at a salon before but this little gadget may be mine soon. I'll just have to do my nails at 10 pm when everyone is asleep.

source

This gives you a better idea of the process. The Red Carpet Ready color is what I have on and it's quite lovely. I'd love to pick up Thank You Thank You to ride out the remainder of winter before we can get into some spring colors. If I actually had this kit I mean. I believe the website says they have 59 colors to choose from and you can get them at Target too.

Prioritizing

Seriously I have SO many posts listed on a Post It note waiting to be written {pun not intended, but I like it so I am keeping it}.  I am sorry to have been very MIA this weekend but I took the time for an actual weekend at home catching up on numerous items that needed desperate attention --  helping The Housewife with the butter beans {aka babies}, margaritas + cheese dip with a handsome guy, house cleaning, time with Hogan, reading, stocking the pantry and fridge, cooking, dates (!), DVR, etc.  So I was at home a lot, but at the same time doing lots of other stuff.  I will have the second part of my dating post updated this week {I say this so I know I have already committed to the task}.  In truth I  am only waiting because I needed a good chunk of time to sit down and write it, which I haven't had and I want to make sure all the important and good stuff is included.  

I say all of this because I have been doing a lot of thinking about priorities.  As such there has been a lot of re-prioritizing lately.  I realized I tried to take on too much in January.  After trying to work  almost every day to earn some extra money to meet one of my financial goals I woke up one day and realized that training for my half was becoming really difficult.  And not fun.  And that I was working all those days to get rid of some debt so in reality I didn't need to spend another $100 on a race fee and another $100 for new running shoes in the next few weeks.   Something had to give and that was the Publix Half Marathon {sadness}.  This was difficult for me.  I don't like saying "I can't" do this or "I don't have time" for such and such.  Those are lame ass excuses for anything in life {like completing my dating post}; however, I do have to realize when I am overcommitted.   Does anyone ever feel like this? Have any of you had to drop a goal or a commitment to maintain your sanity and your quality of life? 

It's just that I want to be able to do everything I want to and also do it well.  I know this is not realistic -- thanks for the lesson January.  I guess when it came down to it the race didn't make sense in the big picture.  I usually try to pay attention to all the small pictures and hope that this will result in all the big things falling into place,  except I think that I need to work on my perspective a bit.  So there's a good goal for February I think.  

Atlanta is getting pelted with rain AGAIN this week.  It started tonight and more until Wednesday.  Still, I'm determined to have a good week and start looking for some positives like how all these droplets are filling up Lake Lanier and it will be boating season soon {yay!}.  I know it's not a snow storm like in New York blah blah blah - but they have fashion week so who cares? And I thought it was supposed to snow up north so no big, right? Anybody else with me on this? They all seemed fine based on my Instagram feed. 

And while we are dicussing priorities I'll leave you with this...

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

I Heard You Guys Would Like an Update on Dating.

I know it's been a while since I delved into the dating topic.  I feel like a lot of times nothing is really going on or happening...and then suddenly everything is happening.  If you follow on Twitter you know that I did have several dates with Blind Date.  My sweet cousin set me up with him just after Christmas.  And then I dropped off the face of the planet.  

So several dates with Blind Date.  I actually thought that I had initially failed the first one because we met up for a drink and I ended up being out for a little over 3 hours.  I'm all wow-we-had-a-lot-to-talk-about-this-could-be-so-great.  But then he gives me the friend hug at the end and I didn't hear from him.  Like for a while.  So I figured I failed Blind Dating 101 and felt bad for keeping the poor guy out for 3 hours having to listen to me prattle on about nothing very interesting. But my cousin calls to check in and says he told her he had a great time and I should hear from him.  And y'all this guy was so nice. He called.  He had great follow through.  Good looking.  Lots of hair. Good job.  Nice dresser.  A total and complete gentleman.  We are both distance runners. We both went to UGA.   We seem to have a lot in common.  Could be good right? 

We went on two more dates.  And I had fun except there's always that nagging "but" with me.  Why?!?! I felt like I couldn't really tell if he liked me very much but I guess he was a slow mover? He never even tried to kiss me. Not that I am a total hooker but you know what I mean...surely there has to be some form of the chemistry.  Also you all know that I get hung up when guys are not my minimum height requirement of at least 6 feet.  Don't judge me.  I like to wear heels.   And I'm practically 5'8 flat footed. 

So we had date #3 -- where bro took me to the NFC Championship game to see the Falcons play {which was super awesome} and then he had to leave to go out of town.   Ok, no big. 

Aaaannnndddd that's when 3 Putt shows up again.  Wanting a dinner date.  

{to be continued -- mainly because we all know I usually have a lot to say about the latter topic}

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Long Weekend

Happy Monday, everyone! I am finally coming to you from a place of happy {and rested}.   After working so much in January I took a long weekend and had plans of going to Savannah with Em to visit Little A and have an all out girls weekend.  Earlier last week we had some frantic texting from The Housewife stating she arranged childcare for #1, talked to the Turtle and was all set to party crash if she could bring the minis.  We obviously said yes and added 3 more to the party.  

We left Saturday morning with The Housewife's minivan loaded down with stuff and our two extra girls to head down to Savannah.  The minis were sweet angels and slept dutifully on the road and we had tons of time for serious discussions and also tons of laughing/being ridiculous.  It was much needed for all of us I think! 

This was a really special trip because it has been a while since the four of us all got together for a full weekend -- I think it hasn't been since before Little A got married last June {completely shameful}.   Also special -- we were able to go stay with Little A and her husband in their new home!  We lugged all of our crap in her house and spent the afternoon catching up, drinking wine, holding babies, and grabbing some pizza for dinner.  Little A is an incredible hostess and we wanted for nothing while we were there.  We tried a fairly new place in Savannah for early brunch called The Five Spot and really enjoyed our meal. I linked up their menus and have some pics I found online below. They also do lunch/dinner/drinks.

How cute is this place?

Since we had the minis we were obvs not staying for mimosas -- but problem solved because if anyone knows mimosas it's Little A and she was already prepped and ready for us to have unlimited at her place.  And truly that's what we did. Like, all the way up through the Super Bowl.  By the way -- how disappointing were most of the commercials? And how awesome was Beyonc e? And how many of you couldn't stay up to finish watching it because you drank unlimited mimosas all day? 

We sadly got up this morning and had to hit the road again to head back to reality but it was so, so, fun and good for the soul.  I love my friends {and The Housewife}. 

I promise to get back to regular blogging for February and get some real life updates to you.  For serious.  

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

GOAB: Flower Necklaces

As I was ogling my larger than normal paycheck today and resisting the urge to shop I was thinking of all the great blogs I read that do Splurge v. Save options or their own "Girl On A Budget" features.  And as a Single Gal I really should be on the lookout for budget friendly items so why not share with everyone. 

Big surprise -- I am out there with probably everyone else drooling over a lot of the spring jewelry from JCrew.  Especially flower necklaces.  You know, because I don't have enough necklaces.  And surely my 14 year old car will just magically last forever. 

{splurge}

JCrew Crystal Circle Necklace $135.00

JCrew Flower Lattice Necklace $228.00

{save} 

Forever 21 Rhinstoned Rosette Necklace $15.80

Forever 21 Bejewled Flower Collar Necklace $24.80

Obviously they aren't exactly the same...but could probably get the same look, right? What do you think? 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~