Thursday, June 28, 2012

Thankful Thursday - Love


Today, this week, and forever I am thankful for LOVE.

I have been surrounded by lots of love this week. Lots of celebrating of love. Really and truly we should celebrate love and those we love in our lives everyday. Of course, sometimes we get too caught up in our own lives that we can forget at times.

Thankful for the love of this man...

Thankful for showing what love looks like...30 years strong..

And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Cotton Anniversary

As many of my readers know, yesterday was Drew and I's second anniversary. I promise after today you only have to wait 365 days to hear me talk about it again. :)
Something I take very seriously in the anniversary department is the whole tradition of what to give according to how many years you have been married. One year is paper, but two years is cotton.
Awhile ago I went searching on the internet for cotton gifts for my man. Clothes, sheets, and robes were all suggestions, but none of them felt like the right fit. I was having a really hard time. Little did I know so was Drew.
I finally settled on a trio of embroidered hankies from Embroidery by Melissa on Etsy.
Not that Drew uses a hanky right, but in the future he might. Plus I felt they were thoughtful and I was able to express what I wanted from the writing.
Drew, on the other hand was much more creative. He also went the Etsy route. Check out this beautiful wreath made out of cotton burs. The lady from Georgia who made this (I will report back with her Etsy store) goes out after they finish harvesting the cotton and collects these. It is so pretty and looks great in our dining room.
Though it was hard to try to think out of the box, I think we both did good!
Next year is leather! Better get to work on it!

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Ways to Stay Married


Since I am all mushy-gushy with love today because it is our anniversary, I thought I would share this with you all. I found it on one of my friend's Facebook, who has also been married for two years.

15 Ways to Stay Married for 15 Years

I really enjoy reading material about how to make your marriage better or stronger, or perhaps ways to pamper your husband. I am currently reading the Five Languages of Love, as well. Not that I believe what all these people say is true or works for everyone, but I love my husband and my marriage, so there is always things we can do to work on things.

Hope you enjoy the article and give your significant other some love today!

Two Years Later



Today is Drew and I's second wedding anniversary! Two years seems crazy! Here's to 50 more! Love you!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Best friend's wedding..a year later!


Today is my best friend Salena and her husband John Louis's one year anniversary! I can't believe the time has already come and gone. It seems for so many years we waited for those special days in our life, and now both of us are grown up and married!



Happy Anniversary to the Hurter's!!





Saturday, June 23, 2012

What's Hanging?

in your closet...

I will admit it. I am guilty. I am guilty of having a closet full of clothes and only wearing a select few of them. What women isn't? As I was switching my winter clothes to summer clothes the other day, I was doing my annual purge. Goodwill pile. Clothes Mentor pile.

As I switched out the clothes, I remembered something I saw on Pinterest and my friend Devan's blog. Turning your hangers around, and once you wear an item, it survives another season and the hanger turns around correct. Since I was working hard to switch out metal hangers for new, sleek nicer hangers I decided to do it.



If by the time I switch back to my winter clothes, if the hanger hasn't turned, the piece of clothing doesn't survive. Looking at the number of items in my closet - I'm nervous to accept the challenge, and nervous which items will survive and those that won't. I did decide though, if I take a article of clothing out, and don't like the way it fits or looks, it's not going back in the closet. It's out.

Best of luck clothes - I am coming for you!

Next I am in the need for a great way to store my shoes. They are currently in canvas totes, and I can never find a match. Any ideas send them my way!

Friday, June 22, 2012

The Naked Palette

Did I get your attention?

I love pretty make-up, but I'm not always sure of what to pick out and what looks best on me. We used to have a Merle Norman store in Paris complete with a lady named Sue who did my make-up for anything important. Unfortunately, they shut down a few years ago, and since then I've been lost in the make-up department. I have dabbled in Mary Kay, MAC, drug store, and Sephora.

Back at Christmas, I got a ULTA giftcard in my stocking. Upon checking the ULTA mailer, I stumbled upon the Naked 2 eyeshadow palette from Urban Decay. I decided with my gift card I was going to buy it. ( I know I'm probably behind the times here) After purchasing it I was a bit intimidated because coordinating the colors and making everything look just right. Quite frankly, until a few weeks ago I hadn't even used it. But now I have, and I love it.



Because I loved it so much, I also decided to get the original Naked eyeshadow palette. They share some of the same color schemes, but the original Naked has some dark shadows for that smokey eye look. Can I properly do a smokey eye? No.



They are a tad on the expensive side, but they give you a lot of options and color combinations. You can get them at ULTA or Sephora.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Thankful Thursday





Today is my grandmother's 81st birthday.


We went to dinner on Father's Day with my grandparents.



We visited with Drew's grandmother on Saturday.


We helped Drew's dad box, donate, and store his grandmother's belongings.



So today I am simply thankful for our grandparents in our lives. Those with us and no longer with us.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Stuffing a show heifer!


I love to give gifts. Whether it be a card, flowers, or a wrapped present, I have always enjoyed the art of gift-giving. Therefore, I am always looking for the perfect gift for someone. I keep lists of things I see and like for people, plus Pinterest has been really helpful in that sense.

Back around the first of the year my friend Deanne Young of High Country Cattle Services posted on her blog about a gift that she gave her daughters for Christmas. You can check out her post here about Gifts.

What she gave her daughters were stuffed cows that were made to look like two of their past show heifers. Bingo! Unique gift for the cattle lovers! Of course, being a cattle showman myself, I thought I should check out this product. You know, just to make sure it was up to my gift giving standards. ;)

So I set off to order a Purple Banner Designs stuffed cow to replicate my beloved show heifer Sazerac. Sazerac won many purple banners throughout her show career and now has made quite the name for herself as her progeny (kids) have sold well and won honors. I showed Sazerac my senior year of high school, so she definitely helped make lots of memories.

This is the photo I sent in for them to use:


The company had some issues that caused them to be backed up, so it did take me awhile to get Sazerac in my home. But they were very helpful and informative during that time.

The finished product!


Now that I've personally tried out the company, I can look forward to giving these as gifts in the future. I know some of my readers out there would also find this a perfect gift for some of their showman out there!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Thankful Thursday: FFA

I believe in the future of Agriculture...

The Kentucky FFA State Convention has been going on this week in Lexington at Rupp Arena and the Lexington Convention Center. Tuesday and Wednesday I had the opportunity to go be apart of it as a judge for the Goat Impromptu and Junior Parliamentary Procedure.

While judging is fun, the best part of the week was seeing members from my 2005-2006 State Officer Team. It has been 6 years since we retired our jackets after spending an incredible year of service. It was one of the best and rewarding years of my life.


Sam Evans, myself, Mary Jennings, Devan Parrett Gaddie, Sheldon Pence McKinney, and Thomas Stevens

I miss FFA. I get the opportunity to judge and help students prepare for interviews, but it is definitely different from personally wearing the blue and gold. But hey - thats part of the process.

Yesterday as we sat at the Judges & Alumni Luncheon, there was 4 of us from our team present. The other two that were there are teachers, so they are off chasing their students. We were reminiscing, telling stories, and I'm sure making a fool of ourselves - just like we did 6-7 years ago. Those 10 people hold a special place in my heart, and always will. Now we are getting married and having babies. It seems hard to believe.


2005-2006 Kentucky FFA State Officer Team

The National FFA Organization had one of the most profound impacts on my life. Not only did I experience many successes, but I grew as a person professionally and personally. I learned about working hard to achieve success, being a graceful loser, and the importance of helping others around you. I always enjoyed teaching and leading FFA members. It was so rewarding.

Today was the final session of the 2012 State Convention. This year is was broadcasted live on the internet through IHigh. So today I pulled it up to watch the installation of new officers and the retirement of the 2011-2012. These days can be summed as one of the best and one of the worst days. One year you are so excited to be named, and the following year it breaks your heart to hear someone's name take your spot. As I sat at my computer watching it, I began to cry. As they took off their jackets, I was reminded of that day, and my heart hurt for them.

I could not be more thankful of the FFA events that happened in my life, and continue to today. I am thankful for serving as the Kentucky FFA State Secretary, and for the 10 individuals who became my family. There is nothing more impactful and moving than a group of passionate Agriculture students in the national blue and corn gold.

Thank you FFA for changing my life and thank you to my team.

Looking forward to our 10 year reunion.....

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Thankful Thursday - Mentors

I have been wanting to do a weekly installment for quite sometime now. With my rededication to blogging and trying to do a better job at it, I thought this would be the perfect time. And then one day I came across this photo....



Then it dawned on me. Thankful. I will be the first to admit that sometimes I don't express what I am thankful for enough. But everyday, no matter what happened in your day or what your mood might be, we can find something we are thankful for. Sometimes its something serious and sometimes its something silly or even material. People, places, and even things that make our life a little easier or a little better.

So, for the first installment of Thankful Thursday.... (drum roll, please)

MENTORS

Aside from my wonderful parents, I feel very fortunate to have grown up in an industry that provided me some great mentors to look up to over the years. A few weeks ago, Drew and I had the opportunity to work with and learn from my biggest mentor over the years.



For as long as I can remember I have admired Christy Collins. Her photographs are known for capturing beautiful cattle and ads make a great statement. I always wanted to be just like her. As a young girl, I e-mailed Christy asking her for advice on how to get to where she was. She wrote me back discussing her career path, and her self-taught ways of photography and advertising. I was so appreciative that she took time for a young girl like me. Therefore, when presented the opportunity to attend a cattle marketing seminar featuring her - my bags were packed. As a group of young ladies talked about Christy's career at dinner one evening, you could quickly pick up that she was admired by many. Being a lady in the cattle industry was not always the easiest business to enter. Christy was a pioneer for women to be successful and respected in the cattle industry, and for that we are all forever thankful to her.



Some of you might know that Crystal (Young) Blin and I met at the 2000 Simmental Junior Nationals, but our dads have been friends for quite some time. Crystal has made quite the name for herself when she came to the U.S. to judge, then onto the American Angus Association, and now at SureChamp. Of course, she is quite the successful blogger with Crystal Cattle. Though Crystal is only a few years older than me, I consider her a mentor. If I have questions about blogging or videoing, she is always willing to help out any way she can. Her strong advocacy for the cattle industry and for agriculture are easy to admire. I value her friendship so much on both a personal and professional level.

In today's society many young girls look to celebrities as a mentor. I am lucky that the cattle industry has provided two women who are influential on both my personal life and professional career. No matter who your mentor might be, they will appreciate it if you let them know the significance they have had on your life.

What are you thankful for today?

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Diamond Jubilee Please!

Tea with the Queen.. Yes Please!

I am a sucker for celebrity events. They fascinate me. Casey Anthony trial...waited for verdict. Presidental funerals... glued and crying. Kate and Williams wedding...ROYAL! I get hooked and engrossed in it. Sometimes I even research. Don't judge.

So, of course this morning when we turned on the today show at Matt Lauer was in London at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee - I was in. With all these events happening in London, I think I might need to invest in a flag. Hmm..



I love that the people of England take such pride in their monarchy. Here in America, we just complain about the economy and the bad job our leader is doing, but in England - economy sucks but long live the Queen! I find that so refreshing and so patriotic. I also love that they were lots of hats and wear gorgeous clothes. I wear a hat well. Moving to England might be in my future!?

Back to the guest of honor who is celebrating her 60 year reign. The Queen is a fascinating woman. Did you know that she doesn't give interviews? Not once. She recorded a statement before the concert yesterday to be played on the British television channels. America can find it on YouTube. As she stepped into her carriage this morning following the luncheon, Drew said, "Why isn't anyone helping her?" Because she is like 86. But they aren't allowed to touch her!

Any most importantly about the Queen - her wardrobe! She reminds me a lot of my Granny Turpin who always was dressed up to go out with her skirt suit complete with coordinating brooch. Only thing Granny was missing was a hat! I love how the Queen always looks so regal! But here is what I always wander. What is in her purse? She carries a purse all the time. What possibility could she need? She's the last one to arrive at an event and the first to leave - so there's no time to powder your nose or check your lipstick. Maybe her IPhone to play Words with Friends during a boring speech? Maybe I will try googling it.

If I ever make it to London I'm going to see if she'd like to hang out. I think we'd have a lot in common. :)



Friday, June 1, 2012

Deal of the Day!

Or STEAL of the day....

This afternoon we took the puppies to Lexington for a little spa time. While we waited for them to get done being pampered, we killed some time doing some shopping in Hamburg. Mom was with us, so we went to pick up a few items for the beach then to get her a new phone. The Verizon store is right next to the Talbot Outlet Store, which I like to frequent when Drew is doing technology related things.

I love Talbots. They have really awesome, stylish clothing, but they can be pricy. The Outlet Store is kind of hit or miss, but when you hit, you usually do alright. I've gotten jeans for $10 and shirts for next to nothing.


Last fall I spyed a blazer in the fall catalog that I absolutely loved; other than the price tag. It was $319.00. Brown tweed with sparkles, sequins, and beads. What's not to love? I even pinned it on the "My Style" Pinboard on Pinterest. Needless to say though, I couldn't afford Drew wouldn't let me buy it.


Back to day.. I am going through the clothes racks. I come to one filled with lots of winter jackets. Peacoats, shaws, capes, blazers. Wait! Brown tweed. No way! The brown tweed blazer I feel in love with in the fall was in the Outlet store. Retail price: $319.00 Sale Price: $29.99 SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!

Lets just say I grabbed that coat up so fast. My heart was racing! I was soooo pumped! I really didn't care if I found another thing. Of course I did though. A great cable short sleeve sweater that was originally $90.00 that I got today for $30.00.

I literally raced back over to the Verizon store so proud of myself, and couldn't wait to share the good news with mom and Drew. I'm not always the best bargain shopper (because I don't have the patience), but I always love a super cute piece of clothing. I'm already planning where I can rock my new finds come Fall Sale Season!