Checking In

It has really not my intention to be so far away from this little place of the internet that I do really like  -- but it's kind of the busiest time of year other than December at the office.  I worked just about 50 hours this past week.  It doesn't seem like that much more than a regular 40 hour work week but trust me when I say that it's really kind of crazy.  I almost logged in today but I decided that all can wait until Monday -- I am working towards not overdoing it with ALL THE THINGS since my husband will tell you I cried ALL THE TEARS the weekend before this one.  I'm not a machine.  So I'm doing ALL THE THINGS I LIKE this weekend and also checking in here. 

• I am still really into barre workouts lately - this video is a killer for your legs and I've also had a lot of fun with Jessica Smith TV on You Tube.  Are we not all thankful for free things like this on the internet? It's amazing to me. 
• Ever since starting to eat according to Macros I've become addicted to finding protein sources -- Quest Bars are my jam forever. Thanks Amazon Prime for mailing them all so quickly! 
• The Housewife has been feeding me books lately and we really loved this one from Melanie Shankle who write the Big Mama blog. Great book about friendship and I think you would all love it. Ok, Ok -- the dudes may not be up for this one but STILL. 

• I also need to let you know that I'm like one summer away from being a master gardener because I have managed to keep a ton of plants alive so far this year on my porch and back patio -- aka rosebushes and ferns aka things that are pretty much impossible to kill if you just keep watering them. (We won't talk about my little lavender plant that is struggling and the shrub by the front door that has been here since I moved in and is suddenly dead all over in a matter of one day...)
• JCrew is having a sale so awesome I actually strayed from eBay.  Super surprised at how far my $57 took me! I got a bathing suit for $12! It's bright orange but I thought it would be fun when we go to Vegas.  
• The first half of this year I have been working to better my soul and give it more Jesus -- I have been going to Revolution Church  (ok I was streaming the service a lot but now I really do get up and get my behind out there Sunday mornings) with The Housewife and I have found such a good home there. 

Ok...I swore I was going to work out now. Hope we haven't dissolved our lovely little following with lack of posts! 

~the married gal~

Monday Obsessions

Happy Monday, all! I hope you had a great weekend! Last week was not very productive other than doing a lot of work at the office but I think I just needed a break from house cleaning, exercise, laundry and My Fitness Pal.  Granted, the house was a disaster all week which doesn't necessarily relax me -- but some days you have to step back for a greater problem I guess.  The weekend was equally relaxing aside from getting prepped and ready for an organized week so here we are! 

JCrew Oversized Stripe Turtleneck $55

I love so much about this tee.  It had really high reviews -- but I always question the length and drape on a lot of JCrew stuff because I'm so tall yet also small across the shoulders.  I ordered a Medium - mainly because I've been trying for some slouchy-ness in all the things I have ordered lately.  I really like the medium -- but I kind of want to try the black one in a small. Just to see. This shirt so far is extremely comfortable, not too thin, a great length and a great price point (I got mine 25% off). 

buy here

I got my friends this as part of their hostess gift for my Bachelorette party -- but I really feel like I should have gotten one for myself, too.  All our travel mugs here have seen better days and this $14.00 mug from Shop Ban.do is super cute.  

buy here 

I don't know if I'll be able to afford it but because it was so damn cold this weekend I got really obsessed with wanting this sweater.  But the Old Navy lookalike is probably more of what I can afford these days.  Also, apparently I have a thing for turtlenecks this year. 

Madewell Cityblock Turtleneck Sweater $128

What are you wearing to stay warm?

~the engaged gal~

Monday Obsessions

Happy Monday! I guess things got busy, huh? I know -- we are all busy. I totally believe it! I feel like I have been taking some relaxation time because June is going to be an incredibly busy month.  The last few weekends have been a perfect balance of keeping things in order at the house and relaxation.  Dad put the boat back in so we have had some lake time, my neighborhood pool is open, it feels great in the evening for dog walks and patio sitting.  I just haven't been on my computer that much.   Anyway - on to obsessions.  We have tons but I'll only bore you with a few. 

I've been pretty good about shopping lately (and will for the rest of June because HEY THE AC BROKE) but I made a return to GAP (because HEY WHITE JEGGINGS WERE A NO GO) and ended up with this beaut.  She is super on sale.  Size down.  

J.Crew Arrow Print Shift Dress $79.99

enter code TODAYONLY for an extra 40% at checkout

//buy here//

Completely devoured this book last week. I'm a YA junkie.  Not even afraid.  I grabbed my copy at the library but you can get this here. 

I wanted to save the best for last -- 3 Putt surprised me with my 3rd wedding band this weekend for my birthday.  It's stunning and I love it and I love his surprises.  I cannot wait to get married and complete the set when we exchange our vows.  

Jeff Cooper Lily Eternity Band. 

If you are in Atlanta and are looking for anything special and of great quality please go see The Solomon Brothers in Tower Place.  They have treated us so well! (Not sponsored, I just love them.)

Love you. Mean it. 

~the engaged gal~

Sunday Randoms

Happy Easter everyone! I hope you are all with loved ones doing something fun today! I survived my first week at work and it was nothing out of the ordinary regarding trying to get logins, sending numerous IT tickets, setting up VM, and doing online corporate training videos.  I'm trying to relax tonight before licensing class (round two) starts Monday for the full week. 2014 is still throwing curve balls at me so even though work went really well it still seems like other areas of life are lagging behind in the "wonderful news" area. Also, I need some sleep.  As such, we are keeping Sunday reads light today! 

First off -- JCrew Factory is seriously getting me this season.  I have been ordering a lot of their stuff for work and with the 50% off sale that goes through April 21st I may or may not have added some more items that are on the way here.   Sad story -- they had some striped bow pumps that were amazing but I can't even link a photo because they didn't have my size last night and I guess they are completely sold out.  BUT -- I have been searching for some metallic pumps and for 50% off I thought I could at least see if I could work these into some outfits. 

 JCrew Factory Isabelle Metallic Pumps $59.00

Here is some outfit inspiration I found on Pinterest: 

Let's also note the weird come back of pull-on shorts which I feel is very 70's.  So obviously I'm on board.  They have solid pull-on shorts for $21.00 on the JCrew Factory site through tomorrow.

Outfit inspriation: Could this be me every time I go out this summer? The printed pull-on shorts from Factory were adorable but appear to be gone now. Sads. 

Other things -- I've been binge reading YA Lit lately.  Definitely really enjoyed these two books that I got from the library this month! I'm actually dying to run back to the library to get the next in both of these series but I am making myself concentrate on studying for my license exam this next week (adult problems). 

What are you ordering/wearing/reading/ lately? 

~the single gal~

Friday Five

Happy Friday, everyone! We made it! It's been quite a busy week even for the unemployed. I feel like I have been cranking out a lot of "business" all week.  This is actually a super happy Friday -- I've received a formal offer letter this morning for the job I was really hoping to get an offer on.  I went for my final meeting Wednesday morning and they shocked me by pretty much calling me within the hour with a verbal offer.  I'm a couple weeks from a start date -- they are now vetting me like crazy with background and I still have a feeling I'm going to have to promise my unborn child to them at some point.   Oh well. I guess it is just part of the process to make sure I'm not crazy.  Let's hope that nothing bounces back because hey -- I just announced I got a job. We don't want this to end in tragedy. 

1.  As mentioned above -- formal offer letter received today.  I really can't even believe how this job came about.  I am actually going to transition out of claims handling and work for a broker.  I have all the feelings this week. 

2. In other news I am a super "girly girl" and I have ordered this as new office wear and maybe First Day of Incredible New Job Outfit.  It's on super sale this weekend online at J. Crew Factory.  It is pink and has capped sleeves.  I don't know what's not to love. 

//buy here//

3.  Can I just take a moment and say how amazing Unemployment 2014 has been? And not even because I haven't had to go to work for a few weeks.  This reflection is ultimately complete amazement and gratitude to have had such a great reminder of all the loving, supportive, faithful, and positive people I have surrounding me in my life.  I love all of you. Every comment, phone call, and pep talk has meant the world to me. 

4.  I am seriously newly obsessed with La Croix sparkling water.  It gets me through the day and keeps me full so I can fit into a wedding dress.  I really have no idea if it's actually healthy or not but you can't win 'em all. 

5.  Also filed under things I probably should eat but that I love -- frozen taquitos. May every Thursday be Taquito Day in the future. 

~the single gal~ 

Friday Five

Happy Friday! Thanks again for all the stops by out tiny little blog and for reading or just looking at pictures or whatever you like about our posts.  We adore you. Truly. 

1. I'm going to work and make the rest of this week about communication.  Especially with loved ones.  It's really important and something I need to work on -- especially with roommates (yes, 3 Putt.).  I mean we aren't about to kill each other by any means but I want to get this exercise down by December. 

2. Wedding season is here. But unemployed people be broke.  I actually returned one of my two interview skirts and located a basic black shift dress (early April weddings in Blue Ridge call for sleeves) at H&M for $26.  WIN!  But if I had more money I would want this BB Dakota Grendell dress for $74.  

3 .  Fridays are for listening to Miley Cyrus and afternoon yoga because holy cow am I carrying some serious stress between my shoulder blades this week. 

4.  I'm really excited to have a date night tonight with 3 Putt.  In the name of saving money we will eat dinner here, but go to our favorite wine bar Vin 25 in Roswell for a dessert platter and some adult bevs.  

5. I notoriously tell 3 Putt that I don't like watching internet videos.  Seriously, I really don't -- but I caught this on a blog I read and I actually just loved it.  73 Questions with Sarah Jessica Parker at her home in just over 5 minutes.  It was adorable and sweet and she just seemed so authentic and able to roll with the speed of the interview. 

Enjoy your day! 

~the single gal~

Sunday Window Shopping

Is there anything greater than "window shopping" with your Sunday morning coffee? I don't think so.  We had a fabulous little shower here for my baby sister yesterday (cue Single Gal crazily mopping floors at 8 am on Saturday) who is expecting in March so I am seriously taking it easy today.  I have had a long week at work, a long week talking to God, a long week counting gratitudes and blessings, and trying not to worry about some future changes.   So let's slow it down this morning, shall we? 

//pug sweatshirt from H&M//

This pug sweater from H&M! I die! I kind of wanted to beg 3 Putt for it for Valentine's Day but we are paying for our wedding in December and have our trip in two weeks so let's just keep it in the window.  3 Putt if you are reading I am super serious about that last statement, this isnt' a ploy.  I also LOVED this floral version, too! Wish I had for my trip! They are only $19.95. 

GiGi New York extended their sale.  This uber large clutch in dark green -- swoon.  Down from $130 to $65.  It's kind of like they are giving them away.  And you can add a monogram.  What else are you waiting for? Order by Monday. 

//J.Crew Lightweight Merino Tunic Sweater//

I love all tunics, lately. And J. Crew.  Kind of wanting this sweater in 3 different colors.  Love the bright yellow to move into spring. $88. Use code BRINGSPRING for extra 25% off.  

This Lilly Pulitzer Robyn Short Sleeve dress is everything.  Need for summer.  I love that you can throw this on and feel completely put together for dinner, day festival, whatever.  Anything.  And the price point is awesome too -- $98.  

None of these will be in my closet any time soon.  But it was fun to look! 

~the single gal~

A Girl Can Dream...

Since I am on shopping hiatus it is only fair that you all dream and window shop with me.  Revisiting my resolution for solid closet items that have lasting value for my wardrobe I feel like these would just be heaven...

Also, I'm really into updating accessories lately. I have a lot of basics acquired clothing-wise but I think the key to really nailing down the ability to change up my favorite outfits is to update the little things.  

clare vivier foldover clutch in leopard $210

//buy here//

Anthropologie Gazelle Drops $48

//buy here//


j. crew sophie crossbody bag $228

(40% off with code TAKENOTE until Jan 12th)

//buy here//

jcrew rayban cat eye wayfarer sunnies $144

//buy here//

What are you coveting? 

~the single gal~

Monday Obsessions {pink}

looks perfect for walking around Paris and Scotland in February, no? 

//banana republic pink slouchy beanie//

beautiful coasters

//from rablabs//

art

//via//

for summer...

//buy here//

Hope you are having a bright Monday! 

~the single gal~

monday obsessions {two sweaters you need}

I've been searching high and low for the perfect cream cable knit sweater. Totally drooling over ones at JCrew and even some other more expensive versions.  Obviously I haven't been buying any of those.  I keep telling myself I'm going to blog about something more substantial that what I bought or want to buy but I really wanted to take a minute to spread some love to the two sweaters I ordered from Old Navy online. 

Old Navy Cable Knit Sweater $28.95

I think I would have hated this sweater had I not been online and opted to order it in the "tall" size.  I am almost 5'8 and I hate when sweaters ride up my midsection.  So, if you err on the tall side you may want to consider that option.  I was able to get the sweater for $15 but I truly would highly recommend this sweater. I was really pleasantly surprised with the weight and quality. 

Old Navy Mock Turtleneck Sweater $29.00 (on sale from $39)

The Housewife is a little weirded out by the mock turtleneck I think but I got the tall in this sweater too and aside from the arms being a bit too long it has a very ski chalet/tunic look to it.  I got it on sale Black Friday so it was only $20.  I definitely like it too much to send back even if I just wear it to the grocery store with leggings and around the house.  

{don't forget that all opinions are our own. we have like 20 followers so ain't nobody got time to send us free shit.} 

{have you noticed how "ain't nobody got time" is my new favorite phrase?}

~the single gal~

Mid Week Round Up

Well, I had been really good on the no shopping thing but Black Friday and Cyber Monday did get me a little.  Dropped $45 online with Old Navy and finally found a decent camel coat thanks to a tweet from The Love List's Jess Graves for Cyber Monday where H&M was having 40% off.  In my dreams I ordered another beautiful coat from JCrew also...but that is not to be. (I mean really! The cost of some of them could get me halfway to Europe.) 

Meet my new frand (well, frand that hasn't shipped yet). Regular price $79.95 with 40% off and I think free shipping.  It was probably the best deal  I would find on a camel coat and I got too scared to wait until after Christmas.  Let's hope it fits.  Sometimes I worry they run a bit small.  Don't let me be broken hearted next week when it arrives, Little Baby Jesus. 

coat found here

I think I made a successful pot roast...I loosely went with this recipe from Martha Stewart on Sunday and had some pretty good results.  Confession, I pretty much used a ton of wine with a little water because I forgot to buy chicken stock and ain't nobody got time to go back to the store after you have already been.  I also skipped the onion and used lots of rosemary.  Do with that what you will. 

I also finally took the time to upload some photos and order them form Shutterfly.  I've been shameful about sending off pics of me and 3 Putt, me and The Housewife, my mom, me and my little sis on her wedding day, etc.  It was time.  Most of my pictures are pretty outdated that I have floating around the house.  

If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I did embrace my small Christmas tree on a table idea.  Working on this post.  Maybe I get The Housewife to bring her fancy camera over here. 

Hope you aren't all getting dragged through the mud at work like I am this week.  Le sigh. It always happens after a long holiday weekend.  We are almost there! 

~the single gal~

What I'm Loving Wednesday {single gal edition}

I missed Monday Obsessions so I figured I'd jump in on Wednesday with the important stuff.  I'm trying not to buy all the things so I'm trying to post about real life and not wanting ALL THE THINGS but I broke down this week.  Like I do every week. 

I went to JCrew this week to return these pants (didn't hate them, but didn't love them) and ended up trying on this sweater that I'd been stalking since the fall stuff came out.  It was sold out online and they had one small in the store.  I tried it on -- I couldn't leave it.  And now I will be eating beans and rice the rest of October. 

I've also been thinking about this bracelet a lot.  {read: Christmas is coming} 

C Wonder Skull Bangle

In other news I resolved to read at least two non-fiction books before the end of the year.  If not 3.  I am currently reading The Happiness Project and while I am late to the Malcom Gladwell fan club and have never read any of his other works, I picked up Outliers this week and I am oddly really excited about it.  

What are you reading? What are you loving? We'd love to hear from you!

the single gal

Monday Obsessions: Shoes + A Good Sale

It's not like any of these are really in the budget lately but I thought I'd give it a go at some regular programming.  

I did a bad thing -- I started cruising the regular JCrew website rather than the more affordable Factory collection.  And I am going through a major shoe fetish.  I just want lots and lots of pretty shoes lately.  Especially some nice work shoes/dress shoes. 

I need want all of these!

JCrew Ankle-Cuff Pumps

These JCrew Ankle-Cuff Pumps were originally $275 and are currently marked down to $199. You can also enter the code NEWSTYLE and get an additional 25% off your purchase.  

JCrew Etta Cap Toe Pumps

It took me a while to get on board with the Etta Pump.  But they just look so good on! And they are classic.  Marked down from $248 to $199 and NEWSTYLE gives you an additional 25% off. 

JCrew Darby Loafer

I definitely wouldn't mind investing in these JCrew Darby Loafers at all.  Suede with piping! Originally $150 but they are marked down to $99 and you can take an extra 25% off with the NEWSTYLE code. 

JCrew Mari Piped Suede Sandals

These sandals may be the biggest steal of all.  Originally $238 down to $189 with an additional 25% off after code NEWSTYLE. 

Y'all hurry up and buy these! Sale ends at midnight! 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

{bits of my week}

...realized it was dumb that I didn't think I would need a bedskirt.  New bed looks a bit janky.  Order placed.  But won't ship until mid April.  

...even though the bed skirt won't ship for a while I think I found what I want to hang over the bed. 

//both via etsy//

...i randomly wandered into Barnes and Nobel after work yesterday to find that Victoria Stilwell of "It's Me or the Dog" was speaking and signing her new book that is out.  Very interesting! Her book can be found here.

...ordered some shoes to walk around in at The Masters {more on this later} with 3 Putt since Sperry's were on Ruelala this week.  please take a moment for this amazingness. 

Sperry "Biscayne" Topsider

It's been a good week.  What about y'all??

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Monday Obsessions: The Cap Toed Shoe

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! I have a pretty low key day of hanging around here until Christmas Eve church service with the Housewife {thanks Mom for making the main dish and only making me responsible for an appetizer and my booze}.  Thanks to Em making me jazz up the house this year I have been feeling much more into Christmas {other than the obvious issues with my ear infection}.  I'm really excited to pack Hogan up  along with all the prezzies I have wrapped up for loved ones and spend the night with The Housewife.  Also - it will be an extra special treat this year to wake up and see my niece's reaction to Santa's visit on Christmas morning.  

Anyway, aside from that I didn't see any point in deviating from the normal short Monday post since I am sure everyone is busy and celebrating {as you should be}.  

Let's talk cap toed shoes. 

JCrew Cap Toe Pumps

Vince Camuto Signature Prunella {can be found on shopstyle}

I've been seeing a lot of these little cap toes heels and I've been pretty intrigued.  I love the Vince Camuto nude ones above with the rivet deatils!  I bit the bullet with a gift card at Target this weekend and snagged the pair below on sale.  While the pumps I have shown above are amazing and beautiful they come with a steep price. And I can't get that invested in something that may be really out next year.  It makes me nervous.  

Target Viveca Cap Toe Heels - $26 

They have a lot of different colors in this style -- green, navy, orange and pink.  I also love that they are suede because I have been wanting some suede pumps for a while, too.   Also, with a quick google search I can also confirm there are many cap toed pumps and flats out there -- all within a varying price range so I feel quite certain you can fit some in any budget. 

What fad have you been dying to try? 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Monday Obsessions:LOFT Chain Necklace

The girls and I were shopping on Sunday-- or really just kind of wandering and we eventually went into The Loft because they were having a 40% off sale.  I walked around with this dress in my hands for a while, but couldn't quite commit as I am trying really hard to save some money for NYC.

I really still love it, but it was $89.95 and even at 40% off I just couldn't quite commit.  I think the picture here doesn't quite do it justice...it was a bit darker in color and I didn't feel like the sleeves belled out all that much in case you were wondering.

I was about to go through the check out line with it when I spotted this Loft chain link necklace that Guiliana Rancic made for them or something to benefit breast cancer {read: see, I give to charitable organizations...kind of...}.

I. Love. This. Necklace. And I got it for right around $40.  I wanted to run straight home and wear it with my Sunday pajamas that I promptly got in to spend the rest of the day.

You can find it here...but the sale ended yesterday.  But I may have paid regular price for it because it is so beautiful. 

Love you. Mean it.
~the single gal~