ISFJ

As part of yesterday's Blogtember prompt, Jenni asked that everyone take this personality test and share the results. I'm sure I've taken this test many times throughout school, but it's probably the first time I've taken it in my "adult life."

And honestly, the results are dead on. I'm an ISFJ.

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Introvert 11%, Sensing 62%, Feeling 50%, Judging 67%

Here are a few of the characteristics that describe me perfectly:

- ISFJs are characterized above all by their desire to serve others, their "need to be needed."

- They are notoriously bad at delegating ("If you want it done right, do it yourself").

- In the workplace, ISFJs are methodical and accurate workers, often with very good memories and unexpected analytic abilities (hello, I'm an accountant).

- ISFJs take infinte trouble over meals, gifts, celebrations, etc. for their loved ones

- ISFJs have a few, close friends. They are extremely loyal to these, and are ready to provide emotional and practical support at a moment's notice.

I thought this was fun! Have you taken the test?

Shopping Spree!

I can usually go a while without buying something new, but when I do decide to loosen the purse strings a little, I tend to go a little crazy. Here are a few of my most recent purchases I thought were worth sharing!

Nike Icon Two-in-One Shorts

I've mentioned my love of the hidden compression short before, but Nike's new version is a million times better. I found a sale online and bought 4 pairs. There is nothing wrong with wearing every color of the rainbow while working out.

Initial necklace from Fifth & Mae

When I saw all the buzz about Fifth & Mae on Twitter, I just had to pick out something! This mini initial necklace is perfect (and really inexpensive) - it's my go-to necklace now!

Books and Notes from May Designs

I'm in love with these customizable notebooks and note cards! I'm always making daily to-do lists on any post-it note/note pad I can get my hands on at work, so I figured it was about time I keep my lists all in one place! I bought one for work and one for personal lists (with dotted lines inside) and couldn't pass up a set of stationery too! I love that no two notebooks are alike!

Campaign Chair from World Market

I mentioned a century ago that I wanted a new desk space in my apartment. I finally took the plunge and bought a new Mac, the Sloane desk from Crate & Barrel, and to complete the ensemble, finally found a desk chair I liked. It took over 6 months to get this space how I wanted it!

And the most exciting purchase of all...

cobble hill little curtis by kate spade

This is my newest baby. I've wanted a neutral grey leather purse for over a year and kept waiting for the perfect style. Once I saw this cutie online, and it was tax free weekend and I had a coupon, I just had to take it home with me. I love having a cross-body bag that holds everything! I keep referring to it as my child when people compliment me, and I think they think I'm weird.

Before you all turn me in to Shopper's Anonymous, I promise I spread these purchases over several months!

What have you bought lately that you're loving? (Like I need any more ideas...)

TGIF

I have so many thoughts swirling around in my brain and I can't find a way to get them all onto paper (or screen). I'm still working on my 101 in 1001 list, which will be coming next week! And a new recipe! And some of my recent shopping splurges!

But when you're out of town for work for half the week and you're currently sleeping on one side of the bed while the other is covered with clean laundry that you are too lazy to fold, you just have to be thankful you made it to Friday.

Traveling for work isn't all that bad...

I've also had a lot of recent health issues/concerns/symptoms no doctor can explain, so my time has been spent bouncing from specialist to specialist in between that little thing called a full-time job. Prayers are greatly appreciated!

New Beginnings

Sometimes a fellow blogger will write something and the entire time I'm reading the post, I'm nodding along. Does anyone else do this?

Apparently both Anna and Jess were reading my mind last week.

While I don't think I'm quite having a quarter-life crisis (don't worry, I already had one of those back in grad school), I am definitely feeling a little...lost.

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Maybe it has something to do with turning 25 or being newly single?

Either way, I decided a while ago that I needed a goal. Something to work towards so I can feel that sense of accomplishment again. Even though I just got promoted (and got a raise !!!!), I still don't feel like I really earned it. Our accounting firm has a natural progression of staffing, so it's almost the norm to get promoted after a certain period of time (all the staff who started the day I did also got promoted).

My point in all this rambling is this: I've decided to register for half marathon #2. While my first half was pretty disappointing and training for one last fall didn't end so well, the sense of accomplishment I felt when crossing that finish line was pretty unreal. And I want to know what that feels like again. To have a goal and then reach it. So that's what I'm going to do!

And while that goal is in the near future, I've also been working on some not-so-distant goals. Several months ago, I stumbled upon The Day Zero Project, which encourages people to make a list of 101 things they'd like to do in 1001 days (roughly 2.75 years).

I've been perfecting my list for a while now and will be posting it soon! I meant to post it on my 25th birthday, seeing as 25 seemed like the perfect milestone to begin such a project! I'm looking forward to crossing things of this "bucket list" of sorts, and to chronicle the journey along the way!

iPhone Love

I have a coworker that I love working with because he's always just discovered the greatest new iPhone/iPad/whatever apps. We're both kind of nerds like that and we spend half the day talking technology. It always makes me think that there are a million apps out there that are amazing and I just don't know about them! Here are a few of my favorites that I use daily hourly.

Here are all my pretty apps!

Sleep Cycle

The nerd in me really likes this app. You can set a time range that you'd like to wake up and the alarm will gradually sound during this time to wake you up slowly instead of your alarm blaring while you're in the middle of a deep sleep! It then shows you a little graph of your sleep quality. Above is a little screenshot of my night last night after I stayed up WAY TOO LATE watching Friday Night Lights on Netflix. I cried at least 5 times in as many episodes. Oops.

Happier

I just found out about this app but I'm loving it. Every day, you log at least three moments that made you "happy" that day. It can be something major like "I BOUGHT A NEW CAR" or something silly like enjoying an afternoon run or a bubble bath. You can also attach pictures to go with your "moment." I like to take the time right before bed to think about some happy moments from my day instead of focusing on something negative and going to be grumpy!

Felt

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Another game-changing app my coworker told me about! You can HANDWRITE notes on your iPad and the app print and mails it for you in your own handwriting! How freakin' cool is that? Note to all family and friends: you're about to get weekly cards because I just want an excuse to use this app all the time.

Share with me your favorite apps so I can get to downloading!

(Side note: excuse the blog design for the moment - it's a hot mess while I'm getting a re-design by Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Designs!!)

Currently...

It's been awhile since I've written one of these posts, but given the randomness of my week and my jumbled brain, it seems perfect for this Thursday morning!

Reading the CNN headlines and my Twitter feed. Standard early morning activities. Is it just me or does a lot go on in the world while you're asleep?

Watching nothing at the moment. I'm hoping to get into some new TV seasons on Netflix this weekend. Give me recommendations!

Listening to The Great Gatsby soundtrack on Spotify. I think I'm obsessed with Florence Welch.

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Working in the office for the rest of the week, thank goodness. But I survived this week running an audit completely by myself with a first-year staff AND an intern! I constantly wondered, "Did I use to ask this many questions?"

Writing this blog post. Duh.

Hoping my year-end review with my boss goes well this morning. If so, it means a promotion and raise for THIS GIRL!

Excited about this:

I PURCHASED MY VERY FIRST CAR!!

I've had my Honda Accord for 5 years, and while it was a great run, I missed having an SUV. Because I'm very impatient when I decide I want something, I walked on the lot, drove a CR-V around the block, went to dinner, then called them back and said I had to have it! Weeeeeee!

But it's much less fun buying a brand new car when you don't get to drive it off the lot. #firstworldfit
They're bringing it from another dealer and I'll have it by Friday! More pictures coming soon!!

Thinking that change isn't necessarily a bad thing. With what's been going on in my life lately, "change" should be my middle name.

Wearing a cami and pajama shorts. I'm convinced our A/C hardly works at all during the summer.

Sipping/Eating out of my favorite mug from Scottsdale:

Loving everything! It's almost Friday! I get to go bowling with the interns during work today! I bought a new car! And I'm off to the mountains for the weekend!

Things are looking up!

...

Breakups are so so shitty.

I'm hurting in the worst way.

But this article, 15 Words To Remember When You're Going Through A Rough Time, is perfection.

Faith: "Believe in what you believe in, but do it wholeheartedly. God, love, the universe, people, destiny — sometimes you don’t have extra reassurance, leaving you with nothing but the strength of your own confidence. Faith is a trust fall, you’ve got to believe with the utmost conviction that everything is happening for a reason, and in the end all will be well."

Snapshots

Here's a little snapshot of life lately:

Top Row: Peonies from my grandparents' memorial service | The gang at Lauren's birthday dinner | Lauren's sweet potato (birthday) cake from Brick Street Cafe

Second Row: The most adorable dog in the whole entire world (he unfortunately belongs to my boss)  | Sarah, Lauren, and I at Sip | Who doesn't love rooftop wine bars?

Third Row: The view from our condo in St. Simon's Island for work | Gotta love fresh oysters | Nothing like retail therapy - I bought a new Mac!

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I'm so ready to be on vacation. I'm off to Columbia tomorrow for a grad school friend's wedding, then I'm leaving on a jet plane for the west coast.

Look out for some posts for the next week for Jenni's blog challenge!

Happy Holiday Weekend everyone!

M.I.A.

Hi pretties! I didn't mean to be M.I.A. for the rest of the week/weekend, but it looks like that's going to be happening, mainly because of this email I received from TripIt:

weeeeee!

I was on a committee for a firm event we hosted yesterday, so I was mostly running around from noon-10 pm last night trying to make sure everything was running smoothly while also entertaining clients, but I'm not really complaining when the event required me to attend a baseball game at 2 pm on a Tuesday....

Rough life, right?

And apparently coworkers who work together a lot apparently start to dress alike too....

Yes. Sarah and I are wearing the exact same sweater from J.Crew. It started to get embarrassing when at least 5 people commented on the fact that we were matching.

I'm also trying to work 40 hours by Thursday at 5:30 so we can hit the road and I don't have to take PTO for Friday!

I hope everyone has a fabulous hump day and I can't wait to tell you about all of our adventures in New Orleans!

What's in my Makeup Bag?

Maybe I'm just super nosy, but for some reason, these types of posts are my absolute favorite! I love seeing what other people carry around in their purse, their beach bag, makeup bag, or their travel totes. Is that weird? Whatever, I'm cool with it.

Here's the contents of my makeup bag and the products I use almost daily!

All images via Sephora

1. Clinique Moisture Surge - I can't live without this moisturizer. If I ever forget to bring it with me on a trip, I instantly freak out. It's the lightest moisturizer I've ever used, but certainly holds up to my dry skin!

2. Benefit Boi-ing Concealer - I usually don't stick with the same product once I run out, but I've consistently re-stocked this concealer over the years. I use it under my eyes and to cover any blemishes.

3. Bare Minerals Ready Foundation SPF 20 - I had never used Bare Minerals before because one of my friends constantly complained about the mess the powder foundation made. But when they came out with a pressed version, I thought I'd give it a try! I like the coverage and the fact that it has SPF.

4. NARS Blush in Orgasm - While it seems everyone has this blush, I really do think it's the perfect color for everyone! It gives you a nice little glow year-round.

5. Bare Minerals Ready Bronzer - I never used bronzer until the girl at Sephora suggested it, and since it was the dead of winter and I was desperately pale, I decided to give it a try. I love it now, and my face feels kind of naked without it.

6. Bare Minerals Eye Shadow Palette in The Truth - It seems like Bare Minerals is my go-to for all makeup products! But I like having this palette so I don't have to carry a million eye shadows when I travel. I tend to stick to the basic browns/creams for every day!

7. Tarte Mascara - I got this mascara as a sample on one of my trips to Sephora, and I'm really liking it. Good mascara is hard to find! I plan on purchasing the full size one soon!

8. Stila Liquid Eyeliner - Can we just discuss for a second how freakin' hard it is to find a good eyeliner? I'm constantly buying new ones to try out, but they usually let me down. I like this one, but don't always get the straightest line since it's liquid.

9. Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner - This was one of those purchases that I kind of wish I hadn't made. In my hunt for the greatest eyeliner, the Sephora girl swore to me that this would last all day. I bought a few colors (dark purple, black, and grey) and the black one is the only one that's visible. The grey and purple are so light, they don't even show up on my eyes. I still use the black occasionally, but I was definitely disappointed.

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Please share with me what great products you use everyday!

Liebster Award ~ Round 2

Happy Wednesday, friends!

I'm still here, still sick, but still working. I'm not sure if I'm passing my germs to my coworkers or they're passing their germs to me, but it seems half of us spent all day Sunday in bed. Blah.

But life goes on! And the sweet Melissa Jo at Home Sweet Auburn nominated me for the Liebster Award! I just received this award last month and I'm all tapped out on "random" facts about me, but I still wanted to answer Melissa Jo's questions! Here we go....

1. What is your typical breakfast?

Breakfast! My favorite meal of the day by far. I don't see how some people are all, "Oh, I just had a granola bar at 6 am so I'm pretty much set for the day." Um no, I need a breakfast that's not going to have my stomach growling audibly by 9 am.

The 2 breakfasts in my rotation currently: two poached egg whites on toasted english muffin halves with a slice of white American cheese melted on top OR two whole grain waffles with crunchy peanut butter and sliced bananas.

2. Who was the first person you loved?

I'm assuming this means someone other than my family? In that case, I'd say my ex-boyfriend, Adam (I don't count my high school boyfriend, we were young).  Adam and I dated for 5 years (senior year of high school and all of college), when one day I woke up and realized he wasn't "The One." My friends and family thought I had lost my mind when I told them I was breaking up with Adam, but somewhere along the way I just knew I had to.

That quote, "We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us," has never been truer. And honestly, I never once regretted my decision.

3. Tell me about any past/current pets you have.

He hated this Santa hat, if you can't tell...

Aw, I've only had one pet my whole life, but he was certainly the best! When I was 5, my kindergarten teacher's cat had kittens, but the mom died giving birth. So each day, my teacher would bring in the 3 little kittens and let us feed them from tiny baby bottles. I immediately begged my mom and dad for one, and I guess they decided it was time we could have a pet.

He was all black, and I named him Oreo (apparently that made sense to 5 year-old me). He lived to be 18 years old, but we had to put him down almost 2 years ago. I still miss him all the time, but my mom probably misses him the most (he was her 3rd child)!

I'd love to get another pet some day, but for now, my schedule just doesn't allow it. I travel frequently and have long days at the office, and I'd hate to keep an animal couped up in my apartment all day. That still doesn't stop me from perusing the Humane Society's website from time to time, though...

4. You're having a burger for dinner. What's on it?

If I were making a burger at home, I'd probably put some bleu cheese and bacon on it and call it a day. But one of my favorites that I've had in a restaurant was a turkey burger with brie cheese and a granny smith apple slice. It was so yummy.

5. Who were you in high school? A cheerleader, nerd, etc.?

Ugh, high school. I'm so glad I never have to go back there. I wouldn't say I identified with any particular group. I didn't play sports nor was I a cheerleader. I took Honors classes and 2 AP classes my senior year, but I wasn't what I'd consider a "nerd" either. I guess I was just a little bit of everything.

6. What kind of cell phone do you have?

iPhone 5. I had an iPhone 4 before that (which surprisingly survived a swim in the toilet two weeks after I got it).

7. Favorite dessert?

I don't eat dessert frequently, but if I had to pick, I'd say banana pudding or molten chocolate cake (with a big glass of milk, of course).

8. Favorite thing to do to waste time?

I take a bath almost every single night when I get home from work or before I go to bed. It's my favorite way to decompress from the day and have "quiet time." I'll read a magazine, catch up on the day's news, flip through pinterest, or just lie there thinking about nothing in particular.

9. What time does your alarm go off on weekdays?

6:33 am (yes, I'm weird). I used to get up at 6:51 am, but with the craziness of busy season, I like having some extra time to myself in the mornings. I make a cup of coffee and then get back in bed and flip through Twitter, my Google Reader, and CNN. It makes me feel more awake. I finally drag myself out of bed around 7 am and start my morning routine.

10. What's your favorite season? Least favorite?

My favorite season is Fall, hands down. But I guess summer is a close second.

Pretty leaves are my favorite

But I do love dipping my toes in the water...

I hate winter. Work is busy all.the.time. and I detest being cold. Come on, April...

11. Are you a rule breaker or a rule follower?

Definitely a rule follower. I was always so afraid of getting in trouble growing up and in school. But I usually I got in trouble with my teachers for talking in class. Ha, what can I say? I was born a talker.

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Thanks Melissa Jo for the fun questions!

 

In other news, I've finally contacted a realtor (whom I love) and we're starting the house hunt! My lease isn't up until July 31st, so I'm not in an extreme hurry, but I'm definitely keeping my eye on a few houses that I like! It's so exciting to go house hunting! 

The Liebster Award

Anna, the author of the cute blog My Semi-Charmed Life was sweet enough to give me The Liebster Award!

 

The Liebster award is given to an up and coming blogger who has less than 200 followers. Blogs are nominated by fellow bloggers, and while there is not an official organization that runs this or chooses a winner, it is a fun way for bloggers to get to know each other and discover new blogs.

Here are the rules:
1. Post 11 random things about yourself.
2. Answer the questions that the nominator sets for you.
3. Create 11 questions for the people you nominate.
4. Nominate 11 blogs that you love (also with less than 200 followers). Link them to your post and let them know they have been nominated.
5. No tag backs!

Here we go!

11 Random Facts about me:

1. I love milk. And not in the "I used to drink it a lot as a kid" kinda way. In that, I love it and still drink it with every meal I eat at home (I don't order it in restaurants to avoid the funny looks) kinda way. My mom even has to buy a gallon when I come home because the half-gallon she keeps in the fridge for her and my dad will be gone in an instant once I get my hands on it.

2. The movie, Radio, is based on the true story of my high school, T.L. Hanna. The movie was filmed while I was in school there, so I got to meet Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Ed Harris at a pep rally before the movie's premiere. People always think it's so crazy that I actually know Radio, but he was at school every day so I spoke to him like I would anyone else. Oddly enough though, I've only seen the movie once.

3. I'm unhealthily attached to my iPhone. There's very rarely a minute that I don't have it within arm's length, even when I'm sleeping. My must-have apps are Songza, Foursquare, TripIt, Yelp, Kindle, ESPN, and CNN.

4. I never wash my face. I know. When Sara asked me for a washcloth while sleeping over this past weekend, I coudn't even think where they were in my bathroom. I was blessed with good skin and just never got into the habit of washing my face before bed or in the morning. It's not uncommon for me to wakeup with yesterday's eyeliner still in place...

5. I can never find a hair tie/bobby pin when I need them. I swear I buy a pack of the Goody hair elastics every single time I go to the store, but yet they stay under my bathroom sink. I tried recently stashing them everywhere (my car, my desk at work, my wallet, Ryan's apartment) but I've managed to use all of those and they've migrated back under the bathroom sink. How does one fix this problem??

6. I have no less than 6 macaroni and cheese recipes saved on my Pinterest boards. A life without cheese or pasta is not a life I'd want to live.

7. I'm dying to write a 101 in 1001 list before 2013, but I'm afraid I'm running out of time. Maybe I could have one written by the time my 25th birthday rolls around?

8. I broke my leg when I was 5 months old. It was 2 weeks before Christmas and my mom was putting away the dress I had worn to church. The second she turned around, I rolled right off my changing table. There are pictures of me in a full leg cast stuck beside the Christmas tree in my stroller seat. Quite hysterical (although I'm sure my parents didn't think so at the time)! It's the only broken bone I've ever had. See #1 for the reason why.

9. I'd like to think I'm a morning person. Once I wake up, I'm wide awake. An ex-boyfriend of mine once asked if I slept in a toaster, since I seemingly "popped out of bed" the second my alarm went off and wanted to chat. This was not a trait of mine that he enjoyed. Oops.

10. I'm always cold. Always. I keep a blanket at my desk at work and always take a sweater or coat with me to the client's office. It's not unusual to find me under a blanket with long-sleeves and pajama pants and socks in the middle of the summer.

11. In line with #10, I have to be covered up when I sleep or take a nap. Even if I have to resort to a pillow or a cardigan on the couch as a "blanket," I just need to have something draped over me. I must have poor circulation...

Anna's 11 Questions:

1. If you could listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Oh, this is a tough one. I absolutely love The Civil Wars, but their CD can be a bit depressing if you're not in the mood (it's perfect for a rainy day, though). If I had to pick just one, I'd say John Mayer's Continuum.

2. What's the first website you go to when you open your browser.

Easy - my email. At work, it's Microsoft Outlook, but I also open my Gmail, too. I obsessively check my calendar several times a day for fear of missing a meeting or something else important.

3. What's the background on your phone?

This festive picture from our tour of the Maker's Mark distillery.

4. What are you currently listening to? Music? TV?

Nothing. It's hard for me to focus if there's noise in the background. This was always a problem when studying in college, as I needed complete silence. I've gotten better about it since I'm constantly with people at work and can hear anything going on in the cubes around mine.

5. What is one thing you would love to have in your dream house?

A huge porch with a fireplace and outdoor kitchen/eating area. Very similar to this one we saw one our tour of the Inspiration home in Greenville:

Or the porch/backyard at Ryan's dad's house in San Antonio:

Obsessed.

6. Biggest pet peeve?

Haha, I think I have a lot of these. But the main one is probably slow drivers in the left-hand lane. Get out of my way, people!

7. What something crazy/exciting that you'd love to do but are too scared to do?

Skydiving. I think it would be so cool but I'd be an absolute wreck leading up to the actual jump. I think someone would have to push me out of the plane to get me to do it.

8. Are there any songs you know 100% of the lyrics to by heart?

I'm sure there are a few, but the only ones I can think of right now are NSync's a capella version of "O Holy Night," The Civil Wars "Poison & Wine," and Adele's "Turning Tables." Just some favorites.

9. If you could invent something, what would it be?

Lauren and I discuss frequently how awesome it would be to shower and then magically be dressed, hair fixed, and makeup applied. Getting ready is one of my least favorite parts of my day. I'd wear my hair in a ponytail and my pajamas to work every day if I wouldn't get fired for doing so.

I don't know what I could invent that could accomplish this, except little elves maybe who were my personal stylists.

10. You win a contest to create a new Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor. What would be in it, and would you name it?

Uhh, I'm probably the wrong person to ask this question. I don't really love ice cream. Yes, it's refreshing on a hot summer day, but my teeth are too sensitive to enjoy it properly (I have to turn the spoon upside down and lick it off that way). However, on the rare occasion that I do eat ice cream, I love to top it with gummi bears. Spill the Beans in Clemson used to fill up my cup with too much yogurt by accident, so they'd have to give me the gummi bears in a separate cup so I ended up with much more than was standard. Yum-o.

 But if you had asked me what kind of nachos I would create, I'd be all over that.

11. What is your current ringtone?

I keep my phone on vibrate 99% of the time, but my alarm ringtone is "Strum" in the iPhone settings. It's chipper and wakes me up. Ryan's alarm used to be the sound of dogs barking, and it made me want to punch him when it went off at 5:45 am. I know, I'm such a sweetheart.

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Unfortunately, I don't have any blogs that I follow that have less than 200 followers, except for the ones that have already been tagged or tagged me.

 

Thanks again, Anna, for the award! I had a ton of fun answering your questions!

Fall Bucket List

Happy First Day of Fall, y'all!!

Gorgeous fall day in Cashiers, NC

It never occured to me to do a bucket list for each season, until I saw them on two of my favorite blogs, Hungry Meets Healthy and In The Pink & Green. Remember when I talked about fall being my favorite season, but it always goes by so fast that I don't get to take advantage of it? Well, I'm here to remedy that with a fall bucket list of my own! This will ensure I cross off all the things about fall that make me smile - and I have until December 21st to do it!

1. Try a Pumpkin recipe

Perhaps this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread, this Pumpkin Crunch Cake, or holy cow, these mini Pumpkin Spice donuts.

2. Go apple picking

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This is something I've never done, which is pretty unacceptable considering how close I live to NC mountains and what I'm assuming are some pretty awesome apple orchards.

3. Carve a pumpkin

I haven't carved a pumpkin on Halloween since this little guy in 2008. Lauren and I should definitely decorate our little porch with two pumpkin friends this year. Halloween is actually my least favorite holiday (I know), but there's no harm in doing a little celebrating with this tradition!

4. Run a 5K

After dropping out of the half marathon, I'm still looking forward to running the Big Punkin' 5K this fall. I went backwards in my race distances; I started with a half marathon, then ran a 10K, now I'm finally tackling the shortest distance. Weird.

5. Visit Boston

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In less than one week, Ryan and I will be in Boston! I'm hoping for crisp fall weather and changing leaves! I've been wanting to visit Boston for so long, and couldn't think of another perfect time than when Clemson is playing BC. I've heard the whole town is full of Clemson orange with visitors in town for the game! Can't wait! Things we're hoping to do/see: Fenway, Sam Adams Brewery, Harvard University, and take a Boston duck tour!

6. Take a trip to the mountains (or two or three)

View from our porch in the mountains

My parents bought a timeshare for a mountain home in Cashiers, NC a few years back, as my dad has always been more of a mountain person (for the colder weather, fishing, photography, and hiking) than a beach person. We get to go about 4 times a year and we always schedule a week for my dad's birthday in October. If we're lucky, the leaves have already started changing colors and the weather has turned cooler. It's one of my favorite family vacations (even though my sister has never gotten to come). We're actually spending Thanksgiving up there as well (which Katie will get to attend, hopefully)!

Our college friends are also trying to plan a mountain weekend, hopefully in November. The thought of piling into a cabin, watching football, reminiscing about college, and sitting in front of a fire with my best friends has me practically giddy.

Lauren and me in Cashiers, NC, Fall 2011

7. Make a pot of chili

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My mom makes a vegetarian chili every year when we're in the mountains, usually eaten for dinner while watching a Clemson away game and sitting in front of the fire. However, I've never made chili myself. Maybe I'll get the chance when we go to the mountains with our friends; it's the easiest way to feed a bunch of hungry mouths! I'm not sure the guys would take too kindly to the meatless version, even if I swear to them it's hearty!

(I also want to try and make cornbread, too...perfect to go with a pot of chili!)

8. Ride bikes on the Swamp Rabbit Trail

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I bought a Living Social deal for a 4 hour bike rental for Ryan and me. I've been saving it for fall when the weather is nicer and so we'll have a view like this on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. I haven't been on a bike since our family rented them in Sonoma and rode them to different wineries. Hopefully this adventure will be a smoother ride (I blame the wine)! 

Greenville is such a pretty city and I feel like we don't take advantage of it enough. Fall will be the perfect opportunity to soak up the trail and enjoy nature!

9. Enjoy as much football and tailgating as possible

Our last home game as students, Fall 2009

College football is probably one of the main reasons I'm so in love with fall and Clemson is absolutely beautiful this time of year. Nothing beats walking to class while crunching fallen leaves under your feet. 

We have more home games towards the end of the season this year, which I couldn't be more excited about. It's just hard to get into a football game when it's 95 degrees out. But for those October and November home games, when the air is crisp and everyone is piling into Death Valley at sunset to cheer the Tigers on, life really doesn't get any better than that.

Geez, can you tell I get extremely nostalgic for my alma mater?

10. Celebrate one year with Ryan

In the mountains, March 2012

I tend to count anything after Thanksgiving as "winter," and our anniversary is December 6th, but winter doesn't technically start until December 21, so this still falls in the "fall season." (I might have just won an award for using the most commas in a single sentence) Nonetheless, I'm excited to celebrate one year with Ryan - he's my best friend and I love him to death, mainly for keeping me grounded and making me smile every day!

11. Buy a fall-scented candle

I purchased a woodwick one from Pier 1 last year and it reminded me of Thanksgiving any time I burned it. This year, I have my eye on Rewined's fall exclusive, "Spiced Cider," which is described as "fresh apple, clove, cinnamon, and a shot of buttered rum." YES PLEASE!

12. Take more pictures

Can't help falling in love with a view like this!

Since starting the blog, I've definitely gotten better about documenting my life through photos. I did really well in college but slacked off during grad school and some of last year; I practically have no photographs from that period of time, which is a shame because we had such a great time as a group!

With lots of vacations this fall (Boston, Mexico, and several mountain getaways), I vow to take more pictures! At least I have to now, for the sake of the blog!

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I want to start crossing things off right now! Oh fall, please don't fly by, because I'm so excited you're finally here!

What are some "must do" items on your fall bucket list? Please share with me!

What I'm Loving...

It's been awhile since I've done one of these posts, but there are a few things I just have to share with you!

This dress from Anthropologie:

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This dress is so versatile and comfortable. I want to buy it in every pattern. I've already gotten so much wear out of it, and I've only had it a month. I wore it to a baseball game, dinner at a steakhouse in Dallas, and then on the plane afterwards, and most recently to Sippin' Safari last weekend. I wear it with this belt, also from Anthro.

Have I mentioned I'm going to be in big trouble when they finish building the Anthropologie in Greenville? My bank account can at least breathe easy until sometime in 2013. Yikes.

I'm officially a CPA. 

Yep, I got my license in the mail and now I can finally put those 3 little letters behind my name that I worked so darn hard for. Maybe someday I'll write a post about how I came to be an accountant, because it seems that most people don't come out of the womb wanting to crunch numbers. Hard to believe, I know.

These beauties from Tory Burch:

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I've been debating a new pair of flats since last fall. I know everyone loves their Revas, but I couldn't decide if the shiny metallic logo was for me. When I saw these, with the more subtle logo, the tumbled leather, and that gorgeous camel color, I was pretty much sold. No store around here sells them and I wanted to be able to try them on first. I lucked out when I was in Atlanta and Emmie let me try on a few of her pairs to determine fit.

I'm very picky about my shoes. I only have about 12 pairs, and each of them serve an individual purpose (nude heels, black heels, black flats, neutral sandals, etc.) But these will be perfect for fall and can match almost anything in my closet.

Next thing you know, they were in my shopping bag online at Nordstrom. The verdict: I'm. in. love. 

This little exclamation from Mint.com:

I want to buy a house. Like tomorrow. I've been saving up for years, and now that I have a real job, I've been putting more away each month. I set a goal for myself a year or so ago for a certain dollar amount I wanted to reach to help pay for a down payment and some furniture (i.e. necessary items for a new house). This month, I finally reached my goal! However, Lauren and I renewed our lease for another year, so I won't be looking for awhile. That gives me time to save even more money so I can buy something I really love. Look at me, all grown up!

This planner I found at Staples:

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At work, we're all pretty much glued to our Outlook calendars. Mine syncs with my iPhone so I always know what's coming up on my schedule, but sometimes I miss the pen-and-paper planners I used in college. I bought a blank one this past weekend that can serve as a running to-do list when busy season starts. I'll be looking to get promoted next year, so running my jobs efficiently will be key when I start taking on more responsibility. Plus, the floral pattern is pretty!

This designer copycat watch from Target:

I've been coveting a Michael Kors gold boyfriend watch for quite some time. But there are certain items I'll splurge on (shoes, above) and things I won't (trendy watch). I usually breeze right past the jewelry section in Target because I have a few classic pieces I wear all the time, but for some reason I decided to browse through on my most recent trip. 

I almost jumped up and down when I saw this watch. It's cheap ($14!!) but doesn't look cheap at all. I even had someone ask me if I had purchased a MK watch when I wore it this weekend. Talk about a score! I smile to myself when I glance down at it and pat myself on the back for my thrifty find.

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Anything you're loving lately (besides of course the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks)??

Tuesday Randoms

Hello! I've been accumulating quite a few pictures on my iPhone, all so they could be shared in this random post!

First: The Sleep Cycle app! This thing is awesome -- and makes me completely aware that I sleep like crap. You place your phone in the bed with you and it monitors your movement and gives you a graph of your "sleep cycle." You also give it a 30-minute window in which to wake you up, so the app avoids waking you up in your deepest sleep (making you feel groggy). While I think it's a neat idea, I'm not 100% sure it actually works. If you do happen to be in a deep sleep before you need to wake up, your alarm has no choice but to wake you up anyway. Still, I like having the graphs in the morning, mainly to say, "No wonder I don't feel rested! I woke up 5 times last night!" (see below. woof.) Side note: Ryan, two of of our friends, and I have a group message going in which we compare our sleep cycles in the morning. Comments include: "Dang Charlotte, your sleep cycles are messed up" and from Jordan: "I'm pretty much awesome at everything I do. Including sleeping." It's pretty hysterical.

On the left is a picture of my "breakfast." Okay, not really, more like a morning snack. Our office is really good to us during busy season (i.e. feeds us A LOT) and there were cranberry orange muffins in the training room last Monday morning. Even though I had already eaten breakfast, I couldn't resist. I ate it all day long - the muffin was the size of my hand! But oh, was it good. Must find a recipe for these!

On the right: my standard lunch for the past week and a half. Mom sent me home from Easter with some leftover ham (thanks Mom!), which I turned into lunch for days. Fun fact: I'm not a fan of sandwiches. People always look at me funny when I say this. But it's true! I just don't get excited about lunch. If I could survive on breakfast and dinner alone, I would. Lunch foods are a necessary evil though. Sorry, rant over! With my dislike of sandwiches aside, this one was pretty tasty! I bought some cranberry honey mustard a while back that is a standard for me for turkey/ham sandwiches. I'm a little impressed with my well-balanced meal. But then I ate it for 5 days in a row, and today, I had popcorn for lunch. Ha, I tried.




Kate Spade purse & sunglasses, J.Crew cardigan



Earrings from Anthropologie

 As it's gotten warmer out, and I've switched to wearing some of my "summer" wardrobe, I noticed I have an obsession with coral. It's everwhere! I was discussing this obsession with Lauren, to which she agreed with me. We decided it was because the color, when wearing it, makes you look tanner. I can totally agree with that one!



And last but not least, the beautiful sky last night when I got home from the gym. I have a mild obsession with sunrises and sunsets. I have been known to pull over on the side of the road to take a picture of the sunset (which never seems to do it justice). I swear, Clemson had some of the best sunsets. I have a few pictures saved just to help me remember how gorgeous that place really is. Sunrises and sunsets over water are a particular favorite. Maybe I'll do a post of my favorites for a rainy day.

Thanks for sticking it out through my brain's random thoughts today!