snow days

Well the weather here in Atlanta certainly isn't improving. Par for the course this week for me. I am lucky enough to be working from home which is a blessing. I also took the time for some networking and tax completion. No workouts so far and that's going to get me crazy really fast if I don't try something to get my blood flowing tomorrow at all costs.  

Here are some pics of late.  Is everyone weathering the storm? 

Made some awesome chicken tacos on the fly with no recipe. 

Took some snow pictures. 

Sent awkward selfies to Little A to show her my new plaid scarf. 

More selfies. This one from our little sister's baby shower this past weekend. Had a good hair day. Can't ask for more. 

Ate a lot of leftover cupcakes. 

-the single gal-

Happies from Tuesday but Divulged on Thursday

This was originally going to be Tuesday Happies but I got busy (read: I did not allocate my day property).  So now it's Thursday.  Since I am essentially working for a small start up while we work claims runoff from a dwindling carrier we had to move our office to something much smaller.  And we ain't got nobody to do it for us.  So Tuesday was spent unpacking file boxes and breaking nails.  But really it was super glorious to have a legit excuse not to work a single claim or take any phone calls.  I also find unpacking to be really euphoric in the fact that everything feels super organized when you are done. It is like crack for me.  

We also went to Baldino's since I work off Buford Highway now (when I'm not working from home).  Best subs ever.  And pepperoni rolls.  

I did get off work a little early on Tuesday and felt like going home but couldn't really skip the gym since I legit had time to go.  Oh hey jammie pants that I had to wear grocery shopping because its super hot in the gym so I have to wear shorts there, but super cold outside.  Whatever. I'm engaged. I've let myself go. 

Tuesday I came home in the pouring rain to a surprise from the love of my life.  How cute is it that he surprised me again and got my doughnut.  That one has a sense of humor, no? Anyway, I loved everything about this. 

I also had this random urge to cook after a long day (which really never happens) and also really had a craving for butternut squash.  Super random. Seriously.  I loosely looked on Pinterest and noted that I saw some kale in the fridge and had some quinoa so this recipe was our winner.  With just a little bit of chopping and a few fresh ingredients this Kale, Quinoa, and Butternut Squash dish came to life.  It lists a vinaigrette but we went with a touch of soy sauce and some siracha for me.   SO GOOD. SO EASY.  I'm keeping this recipe. 

What made you happy this week? I want to know!

~the single gal~

The Single Gal Gets Engaged

I know you have all heard about my big surprise engagement last weekend.  So, if you are tired of hearing about it -- seriously sorry. But I did want to get a bit of a post up to share! 

It really started out like a normal weekend. I knew we had a nice dinner planned on Saturday because it was our "official" one year anniversary (official in that we are not counting the other times we dated the last few years).  Friday was nice but it was SO cold all week but the dogs were driving us crazy so we bundled up to get a few miles in on the greenway.  It's my new favorite thing. 

Anyway, let's just say that 3 Putt is really good at surprises.  I truly had no idea it was coming.  

Unluckily for 3 Putt I had been putting of some pretty maj car repairs until Monday and I decided that even though I was supposed to meet him in Atlanta after work with the dogs...I probably really should let my car sit until Monday.  So he had to come pick me up.  Not once during the ride did he even act weird, jittery, or strange. 

I'm not going to go over all our gushy details but I gave him a little anniversary card right before we were going to leave for the restaurant (or so I thought) and I did think it was odd that he didn't seem to have anything for me. We said no presents, but I thought surely flowers or something?  So I sit down to wait on him to get his shoes but he brings me out a little gift.  Its a picture book of all our fun moments from the past year.  Except the company put the last two pages in the wrong order. So I did think it was weird when he adamantly put his hand down and turned the last two for me.  Because I'm thinking "Who cares if they got November and December pictures mixed up?" -- but then I realize something REAL is happening in this living room AND HE IS PROPOSING TO ME. 

SO THEN HE GETS DOWN ON ONE KNEE AND GIVES ME A DIAMOND RING! 

(I said yes in case you were wondering. Duh.)

And we tried to take some weird selfies to send to the fam before dinner. 

Funny story -- I asked this wonderful man to get me a Krispy Kreme doughnut on his way to my house from work on Friday.  I was super excited about it and then he FORGOTMYDOUGHNUTANDIWASSOSAD.  Like so sad that I hassled him the rest of the night about it.  I'm not even kidding.  I didn't want it to be a big deal but I guess I really wanted a doughnut. Whatever. 

So he tells me Friday night while I issue another complaint about this doughnut -- "Babe - trust me, I will make it up to you tomorrow."

And in my head "I'm all -What the hell is this guy going to do to make up for the fact that he FORGOT my Krispy Kreme?"

Turns out the man is as good as his word.  And we went on Sunday night to get me a doughnut (okay two). 

We ate at Bistro Niko and enjoyed all the French food and even threw down for a bottle of Vooov.  Such a special night. 

Monday we went to the Solomon Brothers to look at the rest of my diamonds.  I feel like I have had a few ring questions about the band.  A while ago I decided that although I see a lot of gorgeous engagements sets I just wanted to do something a little different.  Again gorgeous but most look the same.  So I am going with a set of 3 different bands.  I love them.  

So. Here we are. Enjoying the last year of Single Gal status.  I say "Single Gal" status as I don't technically feel like I will give up the handle until I am not filling taxes as "single".   Hopefully you will still want to hear from me.  I feel like I'm fun, yes? 

It's been a really overwhelming week for me.  Mostly in a great way from receiving so many congrats and well wishes.  Feeling happy and excited.  Feeling anxious about planning a (super small) wedding.  I can see how these brides get caught up.  The first two nights I just woke up in the middle of the night and my brain was running a marathon.  I couldn't even sleep.  

Any wedding planning advice?

~the (engaged) single gal~

Christmas Pictures

Well it's almost time to gear up for the new year. Thought I would share a few Christmas pictures today! Some are instagrams, some are not.  Some are good and some are just goofy.  

-the single gal- 

Lately <photo dump>

I'm real tired of my hair. Trying th middle part. I know you care. 

Thanksgiving pic with 3 Putt. He's so cute. Even if he does only drink imported beer. 

Holding babies. I do like it sometimes! 

More babies. 

Being festive this year. It's so nice! 

Let's take a real dramatic pause for this incredible dessert bar from my Aunt's amazing Christmas party! Apple pie on a stick? I will have them all. 

Also just one of her beautiful trees! 

Sister selfie. Can you guys tell which shirt is my fave lately? 

Now that it's cold black jeggings and camo loafs are in heavy rotation! 

Happy Thursday! We are almost to the weekend! Yay! 

-the single gal-

{hello, december}

//via//

December I am actually looking forward to you this year! Don't be as brutally cold as the end of November, though. 

Someone bring me a Christmas tree, hot chocolate, Christmas parties, slow days at work, gift wrapping, family time, twinkle lights, warm fires and good books. 

What do you love about December? 

~the single gal~

Weekend Recap

Happy Wednesday! I have to say, I kind of loved all the rain we got over the holiday weekend. I had Thursday off but had to work again on Friday so I basically got up for a treadmill run with The Housewife and spent the day at home.  3 Putt and I grabbed an early dinner at our favorite Mexican place and stopped by The Housewife's place to see little people and hang out for a bit later that day. 

Other than that my weekend pretty much revolved around workouts, household chores, reading, the Wimbledon finals and catching up on DVR since 3 Putt had to work most of the weekend. 

Here are some pics! 

Sleepy puppy.

Finally able to get Rocky groomed!!! 

3 Putt and #1 making America a birthday cake. 

Fresh flowers! 

Little H loves Jack Rogers, too. 

Fancy table setting for at home brunch with Em while we watched the Wimbledon final on Sunday. 

I even made dessert. And threw the leftovers away. Then the dogs got in the garbage later and ate the rest of them. 

Spoils from Homegoods for the guest room makeover. 

A little pic of the measuring Hedgies from

anthro I got Monday! 

That's all I have! Hope everyone is having a great week! 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~ 

Catching Up

Hi friends! Last week was really a whirlwind. Here are some photos and little blips about what has been going on! I was a bit absent last week but it was for a good cause -- I have a new furry friend in the house.  After I tried to rescue a pug the week before and he was found by his owner, a girl at my office said she knew someone that was giving her pug away because they could no longer afford to keep him.  I asked a lot of questions about the dog -- how is he with kids, other dogs, is he nice, etc.  At the end of the day, I couldn't have this little one go to the pound and I truly think it was a sign from Little Baby Jesus that I could finally have one after wanting one for so long.  You will find some photos of Rocky further down.  We are trying him out, and if it doesn't work out we will at least keep him here until we find the perfect home for him.  

Also, Little A came in town on Thursday for the NKOTB concert and we had a super long girls weekend with her and E {plus a bridal shower Saturday that I had to go to} so I have barely looked up since last week.  You know you have a really decent and loving boyfriend on your hands when you drop not one, but two dogs off at his place for the weekend and he doesn't complain at all. 

Breakfast Date at Buttermilk Kitchen with my favorite!

Lunchtime Pinkberry.

Lately I have needed a lot of Pinkberry in my life. Judge if you want.  I got a giant one for lunch the other day and it can truly heal almost any bad day. 

Sweet Rocky! 

Perching at 3 Putt's place.

blurry photos at New Kids.

I got like one blurry photo of me and Little A at the concert. Guess we were having too much fun to take a lot of pictures! Excuse my hair.  I have a new baby at home. There's not time to do it right now. 

Late night stop at The Sky Lounge at the Glen Hotel in Atlanta. 

"Who are these people and when can I go home?!"

Still experimenting with some new art for the bedroom makeover.  The Housewife got me several prints and we are leaning things on things trying to be "artsy" and "eclectic" and "stylish".  Mostly that's prob not working.  It might help if I turned the seam on that lamp shade to the back -- no? 

Rocky has jokes.  He thinks he should sleep on 3 Putt's kitchen table. 

We finally had some Sunday lounge time but I got edged off the sofa fairly quickly! 

Have any of you brought a new dog into the house before? Mostly I am feeling really overwhelmed and insane but I think that is just because Mom and Jer are still here because their condo isn't finished yet so it just seems like there are 18 people her rather than just one new dog.  Instead of 3 of us there are 5.  And when 3 Putt is here there are 6 of us.