Choose to be Happy

florida & two winners!

2012-03-09T13:20:00.005-02:00

it's friday and i'm leaving on a jet planeeeeee
me in florida, mom and daddy in hawaii and sister in london.
God has his hands full today.
poor brother staying put in nash. i hope you do something fun

so it will be boyfriend, beach, and baseball for the next few days,
and dinner dates and a trip to the aquarium and all that stuff that makes life fun.
i'm ready!

charlie is coming too.

aaaaand the two happy winners of the With Your Heart giveaway are:

meg at henning love and lindsay at lindsay nicole

yippy! please email here

beauty

2012-03-08T15:42:00.008-02:00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it

- confucius

last day to enter the With Your Heart giveaway

the two happy winners will be announced tomorrow!

all dogs go to heaven

2012-03-07T14:17:00.008-02:00

the cutest little Portuguese Water Dog puppy // and the most handsome old man pup

this past weekend my family had to let go of our sweet childhood doggie Duncan. its been a very heartbreaking goodbye for us all. he was not only our furry little friend, but the 6th member of our family. the very best dog who saw us grow up so much over his 14 years. i believe there is a special heaven for our pets. after all the years of giving joy and unconditional love to those of us who will always have a small hole in our hearts left by their leaving. i wrote and re-wrote this post a lot. and cried, of course, but i just didn't feel like i alone could do it justice. there are 4 other people in our family who will miss him just as much and will hold on to our sweet duncandog memories forever

Brianna:

"My dog is smarter than your honor student."
That’s right. I said it. Duncandog was not only devilishly handsome but he had incredible smarts. Just like when there’s a baby in the family, we had to spell everything out so that puppy Duncan couldn’t understand what we were saying.

It wasn’t long until Dunc knew what we were spelling.

T-R-E-A-T and he was scurrying over to the cabinet.
C-A-R and he was pawing at the garage door.
F-O-O-D and he was sniffing at his bowl.
Dunc outsmarted the system & not only could he spell, but he could tell time too!

Just like any man of any stature, Duncaboo could tell when it was

5 o’clock. "Ruff! Ruff!" We thought the meant he was ready for dinner

(but truth is he was probably ready for happy hour and some Jimmy Buffet!)

Duncan was so smart that HE trained US!

******

Colin:

I will miss ole Dunc but he lived a long happy life...eating plenty of frosty paws, sleeping on couches, chasing squirrels, going to college, licking dirty dishes, hopping around in the snow, and going for long walks. My favorite Duncan memory was when he stayed with me at college. He didn't study much, but he knew how to party and sleep until noon.

******

Dad:

Duncan Riley, for a water dog, he really didn't like the water too much but he did like the beach - as long as he got his own umbrella. My favorite Duncan time was when we took him for walks together down that river road in Canton - he was young and so were we - he got us all out as a family walking amongst nature enjoying a sunny day - talking and walking - he never ran way ahead of us - no leash he kept looking back to keep an eye on us - just like he's doing now - we're OK Duncan - we just miss you - hope there are lot's of treats for you in Dog Heaven - you deserve them!

******

Mommy:

Dunncadog was not just my dog,he was my furry four-legged child...with oodles of personality.

Everywhere I went...he followed...so whenever I zigged, he zigged too.

He might not have been a ferocious guard dog, but he did a stand-up job of guarding the refrigerator and stove, which made cooking an adventure. Things won't be the same without my FBI pup monitoring my every move.

Besides being the notorious Rapper D... Duncandog was notorious for his prance.

Whenever he was feeling "all that" ...he used to strut his stuff like a finalist at the Westminster Dog Show. He was always a winner "Best in Show." (And "Mister Congeniality"...all rolled into one.)

We may have had 14 years of fun and funny memories with Duncandog...

but it wasn't enough.

He left us begging for 14 more.

**********

i am so happy we got to go on one last walk with Duncan this past December
and that i got my last kiss and goodbye with him on camera.

love you so much sweet boy
we were so blessed to have you in our lives

the dog of maaaany nicknames :)

With Your Heart GIVEAWAY // two will win!

2012-03-05T13:08:00.004-02:00

giveaways are the best aren't they? this is exciting.

just a couple of my favorite pieces. so many to choose from!

i am quite deeeelighted to introduce yall to With Your Heart.

an online boutique that sells wholesale jewelry & accessories to boutiques in Beverly hills and all over LA. all the very best styles for wholesale prices! that means at least half the price of what it is in shops

buuut to top it all off, with each piece of jewelry they sell, a specific donation is given to feed, educate, and provide medical care to a child in need :)

{& with each purchase you make they will tell you how many days you have provided a child with these things!}

they are an amazing company, combining fashionable jewlerly with helping children in need.
and today they are so kindly giving away TWO $25 gift certificates!

:: this means two happy winners! ::

to Enter:
{please leave a separate comment for each entry}

* "like" With Your Heart on Facebook

* comment and share your favorite item from their boutique {see facebook page}
* be a follower of Choose to be Happy
{you do not have to have a blogger account to follow}

two winners will be drawn randomly and
announced here on friday, march 9th. yippy!

beach, birthdays and boyfriend

2012-03-02T13:06:00.010-02:00

today i'm here:

such unhappy folders on my desk

but one week from today?

... i will be here:

via

in pretty Clearwater FL with my booooooyfriendface!
just a little spring training visit. the best

and i became even more excited after watching him here.

{thank you blog friends for sending me these things}
so close i want to reach out and grab him!
but you know, i cant. noooot yet.
but soon!

happy first weekend in march.
and happy half birthday Jenna!
i may have been a liiiiittle late to work today but i had a good excuse

march! & an interesting question

2012-03-01T13:15:00.005-02:00

March is here! this just warms my soul riiiight up

so many warm weather visions, i want to squeal.

this is the month that just turns mother natures bad behavior right around

daylight savings.. spring… vitamin D… hunger games!

haaaaallelujah!

February was great. but sad and stole my boyfriend and truth be told, i have been ready for a brand new month. February is so last month! and now it really is last month.

i juuust have a feeling March is going to be a fun sparkly one.

pluuuus, i woke up and immediately said rabbit, rabbit rabbit rabbit.

and then turned on the tv and watched my luck start pouring on in

j.bieber marathon. clearly it works! i really hope you said it.

so gooooooooodbye dreary

leaving work yesterday. boo!

and hey!

i answered a pretty clever question about single/relationship me on Amy's bloggie, Oh So Charming.
go pay her a little visit!

mason jar memories

2012-02-29T12:39:00.011-02:00

i love a good stroll down memory lane.

so, i have this mason jar, right on my bookcase, where i keep all the little things i have collected over the past couple of years. i was looking at them the other night and they just made me so happy! so many moments and good times have been captured this way. all inside this little jar. i have a hard time throwing things away. because i like to remember everything.

{like when i was little... and every year when the summer was over and we were leaving our beach house, I'd make sure to go down to the beach and fill a bag of our sand. and the time my sweet little innocent, mad at me, sister decided to dump it out? we had my uncle go riiiight back to our beach and fill a new bag for me! poor guy}

so i really do love these little things, little memories.

like old Alabama baseball tickets, the #36 button my roommates & i wore for Austin, tickets to peter pan, world of coke, movies, festivals, hotel room keys, flight stubs, notes from mom and dad, sorority name tags & game day stickers, v-day dinner candles, etc.

these old things just make me smile when i see them

mason jar memories. i big time recommend!

sometimes....

2012-02-28T13:47:00.002-02:00

when the sun is shinning...
and the weathers pretty and
and you've been on your beeestest behavior....

a lollipop reward is due

even if your not 6 but in my case 6 plus 20.

and even if the lollipop stick is a teeny bit too long {almost 1 whole foot! Michaels, they are clever}

best .39 cents i spent aaaall day!

** aaaalso, if your interested in a march sponsorship email me here for more info!

oysterfest-ing!

2012-02-27T13:26:00.003-02:00

i experienced Oysterfest in Atlanta this past weekend
and so eeeeven if i am not the biggest oyster lover,
i am a big lover of quality girlfriendy time, sunshine, live bands,

colorful koozies and outdoor daytime fun.

and eeeven if it was a bit windy and chilly,
the hundreds of people in attendance all worked to block the wind and
keep the cold vibes from taking over our bodies!
teamwork!

and now i'm reeeeally wanting warm weather to get here fast so we can have lots more outdoor spring time fun.

adios week 1

2012-02-24T13:02:00.005-02:00

i have been Chelsea minus boyfriend for exactly one week today

and what I can tell you about it so far is....

1. the warm sunshiney weather in Atlanta yesterday made my world such a happy place.
and 2. i miss his hand

happy friday! yiippppy

** interested in march sponsorship? email me here for more info!

just a few things....

2012-02-23T14:15:00.003-02:00

i think this company is the greatest. they turn children’s artwork into dolls...it just makes your heart happy.

i believe in coffee.

vampire diaries > gossip girl.

40 pages left until im finished with the 3rd and final hunger games book. i am worried i wont know what to do once its over. i'm really going to miss peeta katniss and gale.

skyping with austin is fun. i love you skype. even if it made me miss him more

the best things in life are $3.50 a box

i'm obsessed in the best possible way with sky pictures.

charlie bear highfives. who knew

sometimes when you cant find a normal hair tie before bed, an old childhood mickey mouse tie will do.

yay for friday eve!

52 reasons i love you

2012-02-21T16:56:00.002-02:00

i saw this little project floating around before February's day of love
and thought it was probably the cutest thing ever.

i had to make it. just had too and before my stone left for baseball.

and ooh boy i am so happy i did.
even if it wasn't ready quite in time for vday, it was ready for his last night.
it was simple. and easy and just the perfect way to say, hey i love you!

so of course, i first started to write down the 52 reasons

and got to about 30. and then thought, well how am i suppose to get to 52?!

so i put it aside. and when i pulled it out later, a bunch more came to mind.

of course, how could i forget that! oh i love when he does that!

that kind of stuff.

and before i knew it, i had a few more than i needed

i think its a really great way to show your appreciation and love for someone!

you will need:

* deck of cards

* avery address labels, i used avery 5160

* hole puncher

* binder rings {i bought mine from hobby lobby}

happy crafting!

sponsoring in the month of peeta & katniss

2012-02-20T16:10:00.006-02:00

{hunger games of couurse}

i would be deeeelighted to work with you

::e-mail me here for more information::

& thank you friends. for the sweet, sweet words on friday. i like people who make me smile.
very much so

a goodbye

2012-02-17T14:13:00.001-02:00

one year ago
***

5 months ago
***

2 months ago

***

memories are important. the happy. funny. bittersweet and even the sad too, because that’s life.

its nice to be able to reflect on them all

so to this collection I add: last night and today.

last night's going away party for two. like last year, because it just feels like the proper way to send someone special off

***

and this morning, when i said a sad goodbye to my stone as
he heads to spring training in lovely FL

he will do wonderfully. and be the cutest.

i am excited for him to get to train with the Phillies big leaguers and proud...

but sad of course.

because i sure will miss my best friend a lot. like every day. as in i already do

it will be a new adjustment for me. and for him. and for my heart

boo.

but like my girlfriend k.clarkson likes to say....

and i do believe she is right

because i'm still alive

and today, my muscles feel exxxxxxtra muscle-ey and big

so gooodbye & good luck Austin! we are alllll cheering for you :) ily

eat. vday celebrate. be merry. say goodbye

2012-02-16T12:35:00.005-02:00

vday breakfast was made early this past saturday. this is one of the best traditions for 3 reasons:
1. croissants // 2. french toast // 3.eggsojchocolcatechipmuffinstrawberrys
but not necessarily in that order

***

and so valentines day 2012 brought us a lovely little tuesday evening
i love celebrating love

yessss! little baby grill grilling. it was like a mini campfire.
only instead of cooking marshmallows we were grilling barbecue salmon. and by we, i mean stone.

and so tonight is the night i have been trying to pretend will never get here
it's my last night until September at home in my apartment with my stone!
tomorrow morning it will be a sad goodbye before i head off to workiepoo.

oooh life.
what a fun//exciting//sad//crazy adventure you are

a scavenger hunt for my valentine

2012-02-15T13:43:00.004-02:00

i love, love. and i know that’s kind of the most duh statement ever.

but it’s like, my most favorite thing.

i try to show it in a lot of little ways, which seems to come a bit naturally for me

because my parents who were so good at this

sometimes in the early work day mornings i will get Austin a bagel and coffee.

because its sweet and nice and i know he gets excited about waking up and seeing it on the table

but yesterday morning, i decided to send my valentine on a little scavenger hunt for his breakfast.

i’ve done this before, and while it takes a little more preparation, its sooo worth it.

you just have to wake up a liiiitle bit earlier and be extra sneaky.

{need ideas? email me here}

mmm dunkin, i love you
{but was so disappointed they were all out of their heart shaped donuts!}

happy heart day!

2012-02-14T14:49:00.005-02:00

i've always loved this holiday

i think its wonderful that we get a day to dedicate to all the big amounts of love we have in our lives

and so of course, i did some little v-day crafts, i couldn't really help myself...

1st grade style. the best

& will be spending it with my fav person for the 5th year...

but really, valentines day will always be special to me in the most important way because my brother was born 24 little years ago today!

happy happy birthday colinboy! best brother a girl could ask for.

today we celebrate him and all our loves!

magician and his assistant :)

we still do make a pretty good brother & sister team

ba pa pa pa ba pa pa pa

2012-02-13T15:05:00.009-02:00

saturday afternoon, stone and i visited a little place called the World of Coke.

we both have really wanted to go and since its just a little drive away, we did it!

it was pretty neat, all the old memorabilia and advertisements.

and of course hearing a bit of the history and how it was created right here in Atlanta!

and how coca cola was only available in a pharmacy. craaaazy

Norman Rockwell painting.. who was commissioned to create 6 paintings. coke has 3... 3 paintings are still missing!

and then.... we gained some top secret knowledge about how coke is made

and since i'm not one for keeping secrets...

taaa da. you . are . welcome

after the little tour we went into a big tasting room where you could try every coke product made all over the world. Italy and china. Mexico. Uganda, Thailand, Germany, England, Bulgaria, Greece. everywhere.

so that was pretty fun. and filling.

but italy, really...

"Beverly" was the worst thing we have ever.tried. the aftertaste. eeek terrible

we stood there for a little and watched poor, innocent people sample it as well.

aaaalll our reactions were the same
and then we sampled it again. i don't know why we do things we do sometimes

*** also - guest posting for ms. renee. i LOVE this series of hers.go pay her a liiittle visit!

friiiday!

2012-02-10T15:43:00.000-02:00

happiness looked a liiiiittle something like this, this week:

and so it begins!

my last weekend with stone.

i'm not quite sure how i feel about this, but ready or not
weekend, here weeee come!

little moments

2012-02-09T16:03:00.003-02:00

life is made up of many little moments.

memorable little moments that hopefully make you smile more so then not

i especially don't want to take these moments with my baseballer for granted.

because I know, they will soon be far and in-between.

and so i love being able to freeze them for one quick second

like an average weekday night, finding old cds stone used to make for me in college.

him playing the cd

me standing on the chair, wine in hand, dancing

both of us singing along

i liked that moment. a lot. small and silly. but memorable to me nonetheless.

{ooo akon and paula deana and t-pain you take me riiiiiight back to our college days}

we superbowled!

2012-02-07T12:33:00.004-02:00

we superbowled with the very best this past Sunday

i really love my friends. and my boyfriend. and mini hot dogs. especially when i get to combine all 3


yum. yuuuum

my patriots vs giants brownies // hola me llamo chelsea

i know. i KNOW! these glasses are so amazing
find them here

he's cute

and we also were in for a throw back college treat!

beer pong, on the table we had in our college house 5 years ago

i didn't realize my cute friend/old roomie Ady still had it!

of course, we always had people sign it

and so it was fun to look back and see what names we could find

and look who we found!

my stone. but i think before he was a Stone and i just referred to him as Austin

booooring

and! i am singing again, this time on Samantha's bloggie - go and pay her little visit!
thanks again, samantha! she really is the sweeeetest!

over the weekend...

2012-02-06T14:57:00.011-02:00

we did a little of everything over this past weekend. i like weekends like that, they feel well-rounded! most recently, the weekend brought us a night out with friends, waffle house mornings, a trip to austin's favorite place in his new truck!, sunshine short sleeve windows down weather, Mockingjay book reading, hunger games trailer watching for ooh the 10th time. {goosebumps. it gives me goosebumps!}, and a dinner date with my babesicles at Atlanta Fish Market. which is the very best place. calamari and bread and shrimp and scallops alfredo pasta. i mean, really. get out of town, what could be better? i was full weeeeell into late Sunday afternoon. and now it's bachelor monday. and this is my last full week with stone before he leaves for baseball next friday. ooo life!

i'll tell you one thing,

2012-02-05T14:56:00.000-02:00

it's always better when we're t o g e t h e r

2nd to last weekend & sponsors part III

2012-02-03T13:37:00.004-02:00

first weekend in February and my 2^nd to last weekend with my baseballer.

that makes my heart hurt a little bit. it’s a weird feeling you know,

to count down to something you don't really want to be counting down to.

yet can't seem to stop!

so, that’s why my little blog is such a wonderful reminder to choose to be happy.

in all moments. and i do. and i have.

this week has really been so fun and silly and full of food and love and work of course but,

when i concentrate on these present life things, happiness is effortless.

so I hope you have lots of effortless happiness this weekend

aaand happy superbowling-commercial watching!

and yay! last bit of the sponsors,
including the woman who gave me my own birthday...
who of course doesn't really 'sponsor' me, she pays me in unconditional love :)

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Hey hey lovely lady friends of Chelsea!

I'm Sarah and I write about life over at simply sarah.

Some of the first things you will notice about me are my loves for Eli Manning, margaritas, pink, and my little man Toby Jack {see above}

This is my first year of single-hood in a while and I'm definitely making the most of it.

Life is way to short to be anything but happy :)

I'm so thrilled to be sponsoring Chelsea. She's one of my favorite bloggers and she's just so darn cute!!

So head on over and say hi!

{and don't forget the margaritas!!} ;)

xoxo.

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Hey y'all, I'm Jodie! I am a 20-Something fabulous single gal living in Oklahoma.

I blog at Ramblings of a Fabulous Brunette.

I'm just a small town girl with big dreams and an open heart. I truly believe that all you need is love and everything happens for a reason!
I post about life and all of it's adventures including fashion, movies, books, inspiration, and everything in between.
I just had my 1st Blogiversary! (I currently have a GIVEAWAY going on!)
I love meeting new people, so come join me at my blog and say Hello!!

BLOG

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Hello Choose To Be Happy followers! My name is Erin from Everything According to Erin.

If you are unfamiliar with my blog, like I'm sure you guessed it's all about me! Well me...and everything I like! I love to blog about fashion, books, movies, celebs, food, music, sports (HUGE Philly sports fan actually), pets and pretty much most goings on in my life. I also host a weekly link up called "Favorite of the Week" where you can post ANYTHING that you are loving that week. So feel free to link up, it's a lot of fun! Being a sponsor of Chelsea's blog is so exciting for me because it's my first one ever! I hope you check out my blog and enjoy it as much as you enjoy Chelsea's.

BLOG

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Hi!

I’m so happy and excited to be ~~hear~~ here.

I love Chelsea’s blog and I love Chelsea.

We have a lot in common...

we both share the love of blogging...

and the same ~~jeans~~ genes.

I’m her mother...and darn proud of it!

So...Whenever you have time...

in a time-out...

doing time...

or wanna kill time,

please visit me... Kat...at Anywhoo.

There is no time like the present. (sorry I can’t help myself)

My “About Me”...about sums me up.

My obsession with blogging began September, 2007. It all started innocently enough, but before I knew it, my blogging tendencies became habit forming. My three children, Big C (that's Chelsea), Colinboy, and Wishy are enablers. Even my husband hasn't stepped in with an intervention. Anywho...I have tried to go cold bologna, but the blogging habit has its hooks so deep in me, I render myself powerless. Apparently I need Blogger Rehab to help me leave the blinking cursor behind and become a productive member of society. Consider this my cry for help. But until then...join me in my obsession.

Thank you, Chelsea for allowing me to spend time on your blog.

LOVE YOU and MISS YOU....

big time!

BLOG

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**aaand if you are interested in sponsoring, you can start whenev, just email me here

groundhogs & sponsors! // part II

2012-02-02T13:44:00.004-02:00

this morning mr. phil the groundhog told us if spring is right around the corner.

& weeell, the little fellow saw his shadow. boo!
6 more weeks of our southern 50ish degree winter

which of course is not terrible. but still,

i am so ready to say hello to spring time weather!

but! lucky for me- mr. phil is not very accurate historically.

sorry charlie.

aaaalso-- part two of sponsors!

go and pay them a little visit

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Well HELLO, Choose To Be Happy readers! I'm Danielle from Taking Notes...Coast to Coast. Originally from West Virginia, I followed the love of my life to Seattle 6 months ago and started my blog to document the journey for those back home. Since the move I've gotten a "big girl" job, moved into the cutest little lake house, and got engaged! I am happiest when I'm reading a good book, drinking a beer with some friends, or playing with my 5 month old pup, Huckleberry! Stop by my blog to read about everything from wedding planning to my fiance's growing obsession with the idea of a zombie apocalypse :) I can't wait to get to know you better!

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Hey there! I’m Lindsey and I blog over at The Bargain Blonde. I started my blog as an outlet to dish on passion for scoring the best bargains in beauty, fashion, décor and more. I love, and I mean love, some cheap wine, trashy reality TV, my precious 4 year-old nephew and my side job as a professional bridesmaid. The movie 27 Dresses = me in real life.

I’ve always loved writing and my blog has been a great outlet for me to share my life and meet amazing people all over the world. Won’t you come stop by The Bargain Blonde and say hello? You can find me on Facebook or Twitter too. I can’t wait to “meet” you!

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Well, hellooooo Choose to Be Happy readers. I am so excited to talk to you today.

I’m Ashlee and my little blog is And They Lived Happily Ever After...

My blogworld is all about my life as a health obsessed, faith obsessed, entertainment TV obsessed, happily(moooost of the time) married life. I have been known to laugh too much, cry too little, and always have a joke on hand. Well, a joke that at least one person thinks is funny…including me. Serious is so not my cup of tea…or coffee….or scotch….hey, whatever your little heart desires. We are not here to judge.

My husband of two years is a Submarine Officer and that keeps our life intriguing. Meet him. He’s a gem, I tell you. So, if you want to follow along our little life together, we'll be sure to keep you entertained. There's a reeeaaalllly good giveaway soon, so be sure and check back!

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Hello friends! I know what you are thinking "wow, this girl looks pretty put together", but don't be fooled. Typically, I don't even bother brushing my hair most days. Although, now that my husband and I are living in LA I have definitely been feeling the pressure to do myself up more often......

Most of you probably don't know me, so let me summarize-- I got married about a year and a half ago and ever since then, my husband and I have been moving every three months for his job as a physical therapist. It's been a pretty crazy whirlwind of an adventure and I have been blogging about it from coast to coast (literally!) I also really love food, fitness (physical therapist husband, duh), mustaches, wine and board games. Since we move so often, my blog friends have turned into my real life friends (including Chelsea-- I seriously love her to pieces)... I love meeting new people so I hope you will stop by and say hello!

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Hey y'all!

I'm Bethany and I blog over here at Skinny is a Mindset.

I began blogging last November to track my knowledge and progress of becoming a healthier me. I feel it is important for my friends and I to quit looking at the scales and clothing sizes; to focus on living in the healthiest body we can!

After making so many friends on here, like Chelsea, I couldn't help but throw a little of me in there, too!

Head on over and you'll learn all about me, my [fur] babies, and life!

Can't wait to meet you!!

BLOG

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**more sponsor intros tomorrow!

including my mommy. although. she doesn't really sponsor me. i just want people to read her blog because she is one clever lady :)

**aaand if you are interested in sponsoring, you can start whenev, email me here

February is for Sponsors! // part I

2012-02-01T16:21:00.007-02:00

ready or not, February is here!

{did you say rabbit, rabbit, rabbit} i did. at 5 am. because i want lots of lucky vibes!

February.. the month of love

the month of my brothers birthday

the month of spring training and my stonebug leaving, boo. saaad face.

and the month for bloggie sponsors!

yippy. sponsors!

make some friends::

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Hi new friends. I know why you're here. Because you love Chelsea's blog and that's why I'm here too! My name is Lauren, a new native to Alabama (Roll Tide). I got married in November to my very own baseball man. I started writing my blog two years ago to survive the long distance. It has turned into a nice hobby for me being a stay-at-home-wife.
I write about ALL kinds of things over at LaurenDarlings my favorite being projects I create and sew. I've started an online shop and it is currently under construction as I decided and create new products I want to sell. I also share stories of our nomadic lifestyle, lessons I'm learning in marriage, and everything in between. This is also my favorite picture from our honeymoon. We are very adventurous and love to have fun!

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SHOP

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Hi!

My name is Samantha and I blog over at petite femme jolie!

The cutie in the pic above with me is my handsome boyfriend of 4+ years, Ryan!

I'm a midwestern-living lady who loves to bake, travel, craft, and blog!

I like to plan weddings on Pinterest, dress the children I don't have on Pinterest, and decorate homes that i'll never be able to afford....on Pinterest. {Come on, you can admit it too.}

Please visit my blog and say hello!

...And a BIG thank you to Chelsea for letting me sponsor her lovely blog this month!

BLOG

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Hi Choose to be Happy followers!! I'm pumped to be sponsoring the sweet and gorg Chelsea!

I'm a nurse and I blog over at This Won't Hurt A Bit.

Don't let the name fool you though... I don't just blog about random nurse-y stuff.

I blog about much more including life, fashion, recipes and an occasional DIY project...

with the random nurse story thrown in there sometimes!

I love meeting new bloggers so I hope you'll drop by and holla at yo girl!

(Yo girl = ME, in case you got confused!)

I kid... but no really, come visit me!

BLOG

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HI! I am so excited to be sponsoring Chelsea (isn't she the sweetest) and I absolutely LOVE her blog. A lil about me: I'm a 28 year old chica who is learning to love and laugh my way through life. My blog, Tales from my Fairytales, is just about my lil corner of the universe. Everyone lives their own little fairytale, and these are just stories about mine : )

BLOG

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Hi Y'all! My name is Katie and I'm a graphic designer and photographer. I live in Atlanta, but am a native Texas girl. I have a weird obsession with chairs and nutella. You can find me most days hanging out with my boyfriend at the local thrift shops...or with my not-so-little Lab, Yellah Dog.

The Design Archives is the blog counterpart to my vintage store on Etsy. It's where my love of all things beautiful-old and new-goes to play.

BLOG

ESTY

*******************************************

Hello! My name is Amy. I like tea, frozen yogurt, and a good movie or book to snuggle up to and watch. I have three furbabies: 2 cats and a puppy. I go to nursing school part-time, while doing other things, like opening my new shop, my business, and blogging. My blog is partly about my life's adventures and the lessons I learn, but also about things that inspire me (and thus, hopefully you!) in this big, beautiful world. From fashion to health & wellness, my blog is as scatterbrained as I am! I opened up Charming Life Studio in January 2012 along with a shop. I have been a photographer for fine art, portraits, and events since 2007 and I love it all very very much. Feel free to stop by! Have a wonderfully, charming day! =)

BLOG

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yaaaaay. yay!

**more sponsor intros this week!
**aaand if you are interested in sponsoring email me here

guest posting question answer-er

2012-01-31T13:42:00.001-02:00

two snippets from life lately

1. cb, proving real men wear pearls

2. bedroom reminder. something i've had above my window for the past oh 4 years.

i love it. and believe in it. buy here

*alsooo! i answered some fun questions over at and they lived happily ever after
so, if you want to read my answers to questions on

life and sock wearing and why i blog well, then go there!

plus ashlee is really just the cuuuutest!

classic date & movie reviewing!

2012-01-30T13:11:00.000-02:00

my stone and i went on the classic kind of date Saturday night, dinner table for two & a movie.

i was giddy. first, because i got to order calamari at dinner and second- to eat movie theater popcorn. and just like old times when i was young and would go to the movies with my family, i had to get Buncha Crunch. plus its just fun to say. chocolate and popcorn and the movie theater. oh.so.good.

the best ever combination.

on our date we saw "the girl with the dragon tattoo." and it was great. so great! i read the book about a year ago and was thrilled that the movie was just as good. i feel like that never happens.*

it was a bit hard for me for me to contain my excitement during certain parts and i reeeally tried to keep my whisperings of "don't worry she gets him back" or "oooh this is a good part" to a minimum. because Austin was equally as into the movie and i didn't want to distract him. so we watched all 2 hours and 45 minutes, without one bathroom break, loved it so and left the theater feeling slightly disturbed. movies like this do that to me

i give it two thumbs up and even though i had nightmares the entire night, it was totally worth it.

* {except for the Notebook of course, and i'm pretty sure Hunger Games the movie will be just as amazing as the book}.

that one time i found out i was in a commercial

2012-01-27T13:44:00.004-02:00

once upon a time, me and my bff participated in the Susan G. Komen 3 day for the Cure.

you know, just a little 3 day thing where 2,000 + people, who all raised a minimum of $2,300 each,

wore pink all day and walked. 60 miles.

it was one of the hardest things i have ever done, but it was also one of the most gratifying.

and so that was about a year and a half ago. and i have a lot of happy memories and pictures to remember it by. but now i have one more thing.

a commercial.

a couple of weeks ago my sister's cutiepie boyfriend was watching tv in Boston.

the show went to commercial, and then for one split second he thought he saw my face.

He rewound, and paused, and he was right.

it was me!

he took a picture of my face and sent it to me asking if i knew i was in a commercial.

and well, i had no idea. none whatsoever!

and so, over the past couple of days and weeks,

so many people {in the most random of places} have been asking if i was in a commercial because they swear they saw me. while people in Georgia have seen it, i haven't but did find it on the 3-day website :)

its a pretty great cause, and a powerful commercial. and hey!

you even get a little glimpse of someone you know.

maaaaybe a little tired and hot. but its meeee!

go here

#baseballgirlfriendproblems.

2012-01-25T13:07:00.001-02:00

the day after my birthday celebration love fest, i said bye to my baseballer

and then off he flew to Florida for a little pre spring training camp.

but juuust for four days

these 4 days have definitely given me a little taste of my soon-to-be reality in
t-minus 3 or so weeks.. when Austin will leave for the long long baseball season,

because i missed him. like, pretty darn fast.

as in byeeeeee, see ya lateeeeeer, beep, beep

and then driving home thinking, i miss him.

and of course that makes me a teeny bit anxious for when he leaves for the next 6+ months

because i've come to realize, no matter how many seasons you've been through-
it really doesn't get easier saying bye to your bff

but equally as important. things will be different.
like my forensic files watching. i can't watch it alone. i tried. i really did. but stopped once i found out the killer was the apartment maintenance man. it got a liiiitttle to close for comfort!
and my subway eating. it just doesn't taste as perfect like when Austin orders it
and my charlie bear laughing. i won't be finding him in anymore funny places
for ex. last week:

#baseballgirlfriendproblems.

26

2012-01-24T12:48:00.005-02:00

i had a birthday! a happy happy birthday
in fact, the whole week and eve and actual birthday was so full of love

bday donut, and two work deliveries: beautiful red roses from my sweet stone and
the prettiest crimson tide flowers from my parents! so neat

crimson tide box the crimson tide flowers came in ! brilliant!

& so Saturday it rained. a bunch but! then the sun decided to show its face. thank g

and a few more snippets from the bday night:

family and friends & bloggers-- you are awesome
& stone. ily x 26

and this is why birthdays are so great.

you can't help but feel totally and completely loved
and now.... i'm 26
holy. moly.

favorite birthdays...

2012-01-20T14:12:00.001-02:00

so i know.
i am just a little bitty bit excited for my birthday.

but a lot of that love and excitement is because of my parents.
they played a pretty big part in why i love birthdays so much

every year my dad would come home with a bouquet of red roses
and now...
he still makes sure to send them to me wherever i am.
i think father-daughter tradition's like that are important

and my mommy.
please.
the lady is a birthday party planning extraordinaire.
rented moon bounces, gift bags, cakes, clowns, themed parties. she did it all

some favorite parties of mine...

1. the party where we whip cream pied each other in the face

2. murder mystery party... where tapes with pre recorded messages were sent out as invites, we dressed as different characters and went around the house searching for homemade clues...
ending with my dad. in the bathroom. stabbed to death. poor guy.

3. tea party, with all my little girlfriends, in our pretty dresses, with my parents as the maid and butler

the things parents do for their kids!

and congratulations to Eliza from Creme de la Creme on winning the $50 giveaway from The Design Archives!
email me for further details!

Ice cream pie!

2012-01-19T20:22:00.003-02:00

while i have always reeeeally liked birthdays.

i really haven't cared much for cake

which can make birthdays a teensy bit difficult.

so every year on my birthday my mom made rice krispy ice cream pie

it is my absoluuute favorite.

favorite! i tell you

i had it at every single birthday party

and parties with just my family

and really... any excuse i could think of

sharing is optional
especially on your birthday
but making wishes and party hats are mandatory
i don't make the rules

Recipe:

half gallon of your faaavorite ice cream

1 bag of mini marshmallows

6 cups of Rice Krispies

3 tablespoons of butter or margarine

Pam cooking spray

spray Pam on the bottom of the pie place

take out ice cream from freezer to thaw (a liiiittle) so its easier to work with

the crust recipe is actually the rise krispy treat recipe on the box of the Rice Krispies

melt 3 tablespoon margarine or butter in large saucepan over low heat

add marshmallows and stir until completely melted

remove from heat

mix in 6 cups rice krispy cereal

stir until well coated

spread the krispy mixture in Pam sprayed pie plate!

add ice cream

and freeze.

yuuum!

its my birthday week

2012-01-18T12:59:00.003-02:00

so its finally here!

my birthday week

yipppy

this Saturday i will officially be turning 26

i might feel the teensiest bit old

but i really love birthdays and birthweeks

and so far so good,
thanks to the delivery of my iPhone, surprise cookies and coming home to find charlie bear reading
stone. he's clever i tell you!

birthday weeks are always good ones.

in fact, stone and i started our flirtationship during my week long 21st birthday celebration

5 little years ago!

him and friends helped me and friends celebrate all week long

so he pretty much knew exactly what he was getting himself into right from the start

26, while you do sound kinda old, i'm ready for you

but i'm maaaainly ready for the balloons and cheersing and friends gathering part

ps: 2 more days to enter the $50 giveaway! go here

giveaway: $50 to The Design Archives

2012-01-16T13:20:00.002-02:00

yay giveaways!

Today's giveaway is from The Design Archives, an adorable etsy shop that carries the prettiest vintage accessory items ranging from the early 50's to 90's. I know this personally. I have checked out the store and played dress up with it all! it's preeeetty convenient when the shop's owner, Katie, dates your boyfriends brother :)

I am particularly loooving this vintage Tinatoo hat, these Ferragamo Patent Leather heels, and this vintage polyester tie, so perfect for my Stone or for me as a necklace {as pictured!}

Today, The Design Archives is offering $50 to use in the online store!

to Enter:
{please leave a separate comment for each entry}

"like" The Design Archives on facebook
Subscribe to The Design Archives Blog
comment and share your favorite item from the Esty store!

a winner will be picked at random this Friday, 1/20/12!
good luck!

dear self,

2012-01-13T00:43:00.008-02:00

there have been a lot of nice, liiiitle moments lately i'd like you to remember

try not to forget them

they are indefinitely the most important.

coming home & finding charlie bear all perched up on top of his throne.
{stone's bed making skills. the best}
and boyfriend get well dinners to help cure me from not feeling well.

or being so consumed in a book you cant wait to read it.

you know, like on lunch breaks, and late at night and at stoplights {prooobably need to stop that one}
but do continue to read while cozied up to your boyfriend & don't distract yourself too much but enjoy it because its those moments that are so nice and comfortable. and soon will be very far and in between.

and keep trying new things. even little things.

you spent 25 years of your life missing out on the best sandwich toppings ever. so wrong.

{subway toppings, aaaall this time I thought i hated you all. but i don't. not even a little.}

sometimes you need a really smart boyfriend or friend or stranger to push you out of your comfort zone a little.

so self.
remember these little weekly moments...
you'll thank me later.

got 14? we doooo

2012-01-11T14:11:00.003-02:00

national championships that is.

Monday evening I drove to stone buggity boo and brother’s house with my sunroof wide open, so excited {& a teensy bit nervous} It was 65 and perfect out. And I was about to go watch our sweet home Alabama team play in the national championship with friends and my boyfriend and it was just the greatest feeling. I felt like I was in college again. I love that feeling, because I really loved my time there. and so its nice to feel like that sometimes.

And so thank you Monday evening for perfect night time temperatures and the Alabama good luck vibes you gave off, they worked! We won theee National Championship. Which of course made for many happy little bama campers. And I think after the year Tuscaloosa has had, with all the crazy that mother nature hit it with, well, this win just makes it that much sweeter! I feel so fortunate to have gone to a school that I really loved and for getting to enjoy some of the biggest, most fun football games ever. This is the second national championship stone & i have gotten to celebrate together, not tooo shabby!

And thank you friends, for being such good fun people to cheer with.

and so, college football season is officially over. and alabama has finished number 1. until neeeeeeeext year!

love friends. love fun. love alabama. amen.

happy national championship day!

2012-01-09T14:02:00.007-02:00

tonight...!
our Alabama plays LSU in the National Championship! yay!

i am thrilled. and totally ready.

i love Alabama. a whole lot.

me and stone and a bazillion others all spent some of our very best years there.
this is a fact.

and of course. i have already taken tomorrow off of work.

in hopes of being very tired from celebrating and then celebrating some more

this was the only reason i dragged my sick self to work all last week.

the things i do for football....

it's time people. it's time!

pictures from happy Alabama college days

blogging in a nutshell

2012-01-06T15:50:00.000-02:00

the perfect cold patient....

2012-01-05T14:26:00.002-02:00

i am a tad bit under the weather.

a cold. and body aches. boo boo boo

so i was thinking...

thinking of a time my mom had written about how my family deals with colds and sicknesses.

its so fun to have a mom that blogs.

so.

i couldn't help to share.

that lady. she knows us so well.

and because it makes me laugh and well,

i think only laughter and sunshiney warmth will get me through this short little sickness.

and people, it is not warm.

-------------------------------------------

I'm not a baby when it comes to a cold, although I tend to moan, groan, and roll around in my bed. I never take cold medication, not because I don’t believe in meds…but I don’t believe anything really helps, except massive sleep.

Everyone has their own way of dealing with a cold....

when Paul gets a cold…he soldiers on.

He gets up, goes to work, and marches through the daily trenches of life.

when Colinboy gets a cold…he has to first make sure it is a cold…

and not a rare disease from South Africa.

He goes online to WebMD,

researches his symptoms to rule out diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis…

that nasty flesh-eating disease.

He makes sure he is going to live another day.

when Chelsea gets a cold…she deals with it…
as long as there something she can take.

She wants it over and over now.

A trip to CVS, down the cold remedies aisle, and she is set to go…with a med for every symptom.

when Bri gets a cold…she never says a word…let alone complain.

She can have something wrong with her and I’m the last to know.

Turns out last spring she had Mono and was walking around with a swollen neck gland for 10 days before she decided to show me the tree trunk she had for a neck.

Yes, the 5 of us are all different…

but if you take the good parts of how we each handle a cold and combine them…

we are:

the Perfect Cold Patient

Someone who…

doesn’t complain…

soldiers on...

rules out rare diseases...

takes meds…

and gets lots of sleep.

Since moving to Nashville...Colinboy says Jack Daniels is a great cold remedy and we should all give it a try.

hmmm... Jack Daniels just might be the perfect cold patient.

-------------------------------------------

amen mommy.

isnt she clever? happpy thursday!

2012 is gonna be a good one

2012-01-04T12:58:00.003-02:00

we New Years Eve celebrated with the very best friends a girl/boy/couple could ask for.

i love new years.

especially because it’s the perfect excuse to get all your friends together.

so fun!

stones old roomie, and my dear friend too!

i asked him to guest post for me. next week. i squealed with deeeelight when he said yes. !

twenty. twelve.

i reeeally like saying that.

and well, I don’t want to get 365 days ahead of myself,

but if new year’s eve is any indication of how the brand new year will be.

well, it should be a pretty good one!

as i was telling austin, i am able to predict this thanks to 3 little things:

1. midnight kiss

2. being told i like Selena Gomez {love you. random girls in the bathroom}

3. my parents sending me a happy new years day shadow picture.
i kinda have a thing for shadow pics.

so, yes.

i think i am right.

a good year is indeed ahead
maybe not a perfectly perfect one. but well, that's life. and really life is good

oh and happy birthday month to meeee!

but its okay, take your time getting here birthday.

because after birthday comes baseball. and then byebye boyfriend.

there are a lot of b's in my life currently.

oh! and if you are interested in sponsoring for JANUARY, do let me know! will be posting them this weekend :)
email me here

2011 in Review

2011-12-30T17:27:00.019-02:00

2011, you were quite a year!

... i celebrated a lot. a lot of birthdays. half birthdays. anniversarys. off-season. Alabama wins.

and other life things. the way it should be.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.January. saw me turn 25 years young, celebrated my birthday all month long, atlanta turned into one big snowball for 3 cozy days

.February. made pink pancakes. celebrated valentines day, sent Austin on a little scavenger hunt! introduced the world to charlie bear, laughed while writing this post, traveled to Neverland

.March. said a sad goodbye to my baseballer, had a going away party for two, little sister visited Atlanta!, made up my own version of 'my favorite things', fought a bee...and won!, flew to Clearwater for a spring training boyfriend visit

.April. woke up early early to watch every dot of the royal wedding {and then again. and again}, made a giant candy card, had a hoppy Easter weekend, was called ma'am for the very first time {noooo!}, prayed for Alabama, wore big hats with friends at Steeplechase

.May. took another little trip to help Austin celebrate his birthday, celebrated my two year work anni, threw a re-bachelorette party, had my mommy guest post!, told the story behind the 'stone' nickname

.June. celebrated 4 years of our datingversery, discovered i have superpowers, saw my face on a popsicle stick, pooled a lot a lot!, giggled over the bf's bed making talent

.July. 4th of Julyed in Hilton Head, celebrated my half birthday in PA with stone, woke up to a 1/2 bday surprise!, joined twitter, met my cute little real life blogger friend!

.August. took a vacation on my vacation. spent the week at Manomet beach house with family and cousins, jumped around... a lot, traded places with stone, threw a surprise party for a best friend

.September. welcomed boyfriend back with open arms and a little song, cheered for Alabama football, became shadow obsessed, walked far away from baseball season {at least for a couple of months}

.October. pretended we were vampires, fell in love with a bookcase, went on a camping adventure, ate oysters for the very first time, told a sneaky police officer he was coming up with some awfully good hiding places, cheersed to my parents on their 30th anniversary {the cuuutest tradition}

.November. made an orange dinner for two, celebrated a fun thanksgiving with the fam, walked it out, obsessed over the pretty fallish weather, this little blog turned one, pretended i was in college again, made a wish on 11/11/11 at 11:11

.December. put my christmassy Christmas tree up, found out Austin was invited to Phillies major league spring training, made cute little reindeer beer, celebrated Christmas with my family and dunc.

2012... i cant wait to live you!

new englandy

2011-12-28T15:20:00.001-02:00

just the other afternoon, on Christmas day, we took a little family/dog nature walk in the cutest little town. a town we used to live in maaany years ago. there's an old mill that sits there on the river, surrounded by old buildings and markets and old timey new England looking houses. and our old church too. the same church my sister was baptized in.. where I made my first communion.. where we were all in the Christmas play {me as an angel, brother as a Sheppard and sister as baby Jesus himself!} the same church I told a boy who broke my barbie's head that his mom sang bad in the church choir.....oppps. sorry boy. i didn't mean it.

this spot really is so pretty. but mainly, we went on this particular walk because it might have been our last chance as a family to go with our furry little friend and family member, Duncan. which of course makes me sad. i hate seeing him get worse. but I am happy we all went and i like to think Dunc is too.

"be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the
people most likely to stick with you in the future."

merry december 27th!

2011-12-27T13:43:00.008-02:00

i'm not ready to stop merry-ing yet!

my little Christmas trip home was quite lovely! it just went way too fast.

but time. it does that. especially when your having fun

i think i am developing a fear of fast-moving time.
still, the holidays have been so deeelightful!

home!

christmassy socks on Christmas morning, of course

santa came!

real men where antlers

my siblings make me laugh. and then laugh some more.
col throwing his money in the air :)
and well. i might have been a bit sore after taking these jumping pictures. but i'll never tell.

and keeping with tradition, a big big brunch.

and the excitement... well, it's not stopping anytime soon.
we have a lot of New Years Eve fun up ourselves still to come! yippy!

hope you had a Merry Christmas
and i hope Jesus had a very, very happy birthday

ps. interested in January sponsoring? email me here!

christmassy christmas card

2011-12-23T22:05:00.000-02:00

merry merry christmas eve eve!

and now. now, i must wrap presents because i haven't wrapped a darn thing.

and play with old friends from high school and dine with the family!

christmas eve eve is fun!

ps. interested in sponsoring? email me here!

Santa, i know him!

2011-12-21T13:44:00.003-02:00

my December has looked a leeeeettle something like this...

reindeer, wreath, Christmas tree

eggnog & slippers, C & A sparkly ornaments

dunkin donuts ornament from my daddio, Christmas tree heaven, mistletoe! sorry anti pd&a peeps!

christmas time. so beauuutyful.

i am flying back to my homey home in Connecticut today! yippy!

well me & CB. of course.

its all really starting to hit me. its really for real Christmas. officially real

and well, i am sure the 40 degree weather at home will make it all the more real.

but that just comes with the territory.

i am excited.

about it all. even for the two hour flight... i finally get a chance to just READ.

and so that. that makes me mucho happy

except i did really hate saying bye to my own Christmas tree this morning.

mainly the unplugging part. i hate unplugging it.

especially since i wont see it lit til after Christmas

{so i kept it on all last night. i didn't have the heart}

happy Christmas week. and happy one exact month til my birthday!

which are you more excited for?

Christmas or my birthday?

i know. i'm torn too....

ps. interested in sponsoring? email me here!

dear diary,

2011-12-20T14:00:00.000-02:00

December has become one of my favorite months.

this is why:

1. girl dates. especially girl dates that involve sitting outside in 70ish degree weather! heeeeeeeavenly.

2. white elephant Christmas parties at work! there were some pretty good gifts this year--
{i went home with the redneck wine glass!}
i brought beer this year. but not just any beer. reindeer beer!
it was a hit. so cute and fun to make. i recommend.

3. din dates and warm camp fires with stone in his backyard! i love fire pictures, they are so cozy. we were juuust missing smores. yes. i need to add that to our to-do list.

i feel like i've been making a lot of lists lately. just like santa!
so this is my life.

time needs to slooooooow down. pretty please :)

baseball & feelings

2011-12-19T12:31:00.007-02:00

life. it keeps things interesting!

i've always felt pretty certain that I'd rather feel everything passionately -
the good and the bad, than experience life with less intensity.

feelings are important...

on Friday stone got an important call

he was invited to the Phillies major league spring training

which is great! and exciting and something that will help further his career a whooole lot

i am very proud and happy for him.

he's a pretty cute baseballer!

but to say i didn't feel sad too?

well that would be a lie.

because i already knew what it meant
he will have to leave one month earlier now
the first week of February.

and well, when your boyfriend is only home for 5 months out of the year, that's kind of hard.

for anyone i would think.

and so while telling a friend at work she said something that just made me stop right in my tracks.

she told me to not worry...God is in control. he's driving the bus here

and as soon as she said that i felt so much comfort.

i need to remember that.

i need to really work to remember that.

every. single. day.

so congrats to my stone

we are so very proud of you!

and i can't wait to see what God has in store for him this season :)

Sock Twin Winner!!

2011-12-16T12:41:00.006-02:00

the winner from yesterday's giveaway can be found on Beth's blog! go here

yippy!

hi new sock twin.

yall.
yesterday was so much fun!

the whole giveaway and everyone's comments and entries was so exciting!

but most of all. thanks so much to those who followed my mom's blog

you see. she's the one who got me into this whole blogging thing.

she's been at it for 4 years.
she loves to write. and so she writes. almost daily.

she has never worried about trying to get followers or anything.

and i think that mindset is just the best.

because that's why we all started blogging right?

to express ourselves.
for ourselves?

and yippy! it's friday!
ammmmmen

i am ready to play and drink eggnog
and maybe have more nights like last night...
with my christmas tree lit
and my porch door wideee open

70 degrees in December. is this real life?

GIVEAWAY!! // On the 3rd Day of Christmas....

2011-12-15T09:55:00.004-02:00

i am quite delighted to present day 3 of Christmas in beauutyful blogland

this is exciting!

but first! the winner of Ashley's giveaway is......
#38 - Samantha Lynn from Life is Better Blonde!!
please email ash with your shipping info!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

now, the 12 days of giveaways...

they are supposed to be something that reflect our personalities.

so i thought. i want to give away a birthday.

because i love birthdays and i love celebrating

but unfortunately, that's kind of impossible.

so!

i thought a leeeetle harder

and my mind wondered off to when i moved to Connecticut the summer before 5th grade.

i thought of when my sporty little girl neighbor told me i was going to be a "girly girl"
{something very bad in her book}

and how i cried so much to my mom that afternoon. i was afraid i might not fit in

but lucky for me. i did. and i found friends who were just as girly as me.

so! today's giveaway is for allll the girly girls :)

1. Butt "naked" Eyes (from Ulta)

15 Cherry Picked Eye Shadows // 4 Blushers // 1 Bronzer // 2 Face Illuminators

2. Nail Polish

Non-Stop Red // Tink-Her-Bell

3. Jasmine La Belle Lip Glosses

aaaand

4. Urban Outfitters Deena & Ozzy Snap Clutch!
one of Urban's s top rated purses :)

Turquoise // Brown // Black //Ivory

i own this purse in turquoise, its my faaaav!

to enter:

(mandatory)

--> be a follower of choose to be happy

For extra entries:

don't forget to leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

---> like 'choose to be happy' on facebook
---> follow my mommy's blog here.
{hey an extra entry puts you one step closer to winning & i want her to have followers!}
--->follow me on twitter here

a winner will be drawn randomly and announced on cutie pie Beth's bloggie, SweetBef

tomorrow

happy entering, you only have 24 hours!

tick. tock.

{and if you win. i am also throwing in your own pair of Christmassy socks!
just like mine. they are a gem! and plus. i want a sock twin}

we are young so lets set the world on fire

2011-12-14T11:14:00.001-02:00

i sort of forgot how much i love glee.

really. i do.

especially these two songs,

i'm in love, i'm in love and i don't care who knows!

girls just wanna have fun

we are young

and don't forget to enter ashley's giveaway here!
the winner will be announced on my bloggie tomorrow :)
along with day 3's giveaway on my bloggola!
yipppppe!

life. is good

2011-12-13T12:54:00.009-02:00

my christmasy socks :)

im finding myself saying this a lot lately.

and saying that feels really honest.

December holidays are the best

its true.
there is so much fun to be had.
just thinking about this week had me singing made up songs:

{i blame my once again new-found love for glee.. i love you glee.}

half day of work...chilli night with bf...brewery date with friends, work Christmas party & dessert contest...Christmas light show...tacky Christmas party...Church

so we'll be doing these things. the little things. they're my fav.
of course, there will be things i don't feel like doing...

like monthly reports and wage statements and wearing a coat

but the good still outweighs the bad by a whole lot!

i hope the good in your life outweighs the bad too :)

ps. go here for Lindsey's giveaway

girls just wanna have fuuun!

2011-12-12T13:25:00.012-02:00

know whats fun? a night out with your really cute funny friends

and well, coming back to a cute sleeping boyfriend :)

eeeven if i had to spend some of my weekend working on work homework

oh and friends!

thank you! i noticed last night this little blog had 500 followers!

it was the peeerfect excuse for bf & i to go get what he called "celebratory chocolate chip cookies"

this blogging thing. so fun. especially when cookies are involved

mmm cookies

(austin might call me the cookies monster. it might be true)

i slept so good austin said when he tried to wake me up i said
something in my sleep about "birthday blankets"
i'm not exactly sure what that is...

but i think i want one.

12 days of giveaways!

2011-12-11T15:14:00.002-02:00

i fully intend to enjoy all the Christmas i can pack into this month
and so i have a treat!
something to add extra christmasy cheer to the coziest season of all
me and 11 of my favorites are hosting the 12 days of giveaways!
yippeee giveaways!
the best thing is... anyone can win, even if you were naughty or nice this year. you just have to enter!
starting dec. 13 to 24th join us for a giveaway everyday!
so look for these lovlies & their special giveaway on the below dates:

1st day of Christmas...Tuesday, December 13th:

The Bargain Blonde

2nd day of Christmas...Wednesday, December 14th:

Run With Me

3rd day of Christmas...Thursday, December 15th:

Choose To Be Happy (meeeee)

4th day of Christmas...Friday, December 16th:

Sweet Bef

5th day of Christmas...Saturday, December 17th:

Young & Fabulous

6th day of Christmas...Sunday, December 18th:

So Shay

7th day of Christmas...Monday, December 19th:

Keep Calm & Carry On

8th day of Christmas...Tuesday, December 20th:

Stephanie and Such

9th day of Christmas...Wednesday, December 21st:

Carissa Explains it All

10th day of Christmas...Thursday, December 22nd:

A Momma's Desires and Pacifiers

11th day of Christmas...Friday, December 23rd:

Sabrina Says

12th day of Christmas...Saturday, December 24th:

Adventures of Newlyweds

yaayy. yay!

christmas tree delight

2011-12-09T14:04:00.003-02:00

we did it we did it! my beauuuty-ful christmasy Christmas tree is up!

aaactually, it’s been up since November 28^th. why delay the happiest season of all?

not me. no ma’am.

i’m thrilled every time i come home.

stone was such a good helper boyfriend with it all.

we were both pretty excited.

me because this was my first real tree in this apartment of mine

& stone because it was his first real tree ever. ever. ever. poor kiddo

he laughed at my tree picking process. i just skimmed over the 6ft ones and went right to the 8 to 9.

we were worried for a quick second that the tree might be too big for my apartment.

i told stone if that was the case then i would get rid of my kitchen table or something.

priorities!

fortuanutely for my table, it fit just fine

and well with a new holiday on my hands comes a new obsession.
christmas ornaments.
i love them.
there are just so many fun ones.
i mean cupcakes. baseballs. sparkly things. justin biebers face. get on my tree!
i can't stop buying them

its probably getting out of control.
but i also think it might be impossible to stop.

not that i've really tried.
or am planning on it.

i think i might be addicted.

well... tis the season!

are you all up and ready for christmas '11?

stone's day of fun

2011-12-08T14:36:00.002-02:00

last Saturday wasn't just any old Saturday
no! it was "hyatt's day of fun"
stone declared it.
and well, who am i to deprive the guy from having a good time??

so we had fun. boyfriend-style:

whole foods. coffee. biggest chocolate chip cookie ev.er

{mainly to keep me silent while he looked at beer. i'm on to his tricks!}
afternoon lunch and beer date. sec championship watching

and maybe we threw in a din date, and chelsea friend time.

ooooh weekends. i love you!

you make me happiest

ps! enter the shabby apple giveaway here!