College Dinner

Since moving away from home, 

the key to my survival has been

Smart Ones 

(more commonly known as Lean Cuisines, but they're different).

Smart Ones are made by Weight Watchers which my mom swears by so I go for the red box!

I cook sometimes, but Lean Cuisines are so much cheaper, easier, and quicker when it's just me eating.

For my college student budget and schedule, they're perfect.

Let me tell you how to cook one to PERFECTION

no matter which one it is...

Put it in the microwave for the whole time. No taking out and stirring nonsense.

When the time is up, leave it in the microwave for at least two minutes.

Then, take it out, stir it up, put it in another bowl, and enjoy!

These are my two favorites!

Trust me, I think I've tried them all and these are pretty noteworthy.

Try them...if you want. 

I, personally, think they're pretty tasty!

Ready in less than 2 minutes total and super yummy!!

Ignore the "stir it up" step for this one.

Usually, I don't eat the pasta ones with meat, but this one is so good. 

Find them in the frozen food section.

Healthy. Cheap. Quick. Tasty.

What could be better?

Tie the Knot

Summer is almost here!

Do you know what that means?

Weddings galore!

Currently, all of the hype is about the 

Royal Wedding.

On Friday, Prince William will wed Kate Middleton 

in Westminster Abbey.

Many, many people are, in my opinion, overly excited about this event.

Yes, it will be an absolutely stunning event and they will

live happily ever after

as royalty.

No biggie.

Aren't they both so gorgeous?

and 

Look at that ring!!

ahhhhh

Now on to a wedding I'm more interested in.

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert

These two country stars will wed on May 14, 2011

in Miranda's home state of Texas.

As I've said before, country music is my thing so this event excites me.

These two are perfect for each other...they are gorgeous, can sing, and are both very laid back and easy going.

I just want to go spend a day with this fun loving couple one day!

How much fun would that be?

And for my big news of the day and my favorite upcoming wedding...

Justin Jonus and Molly Caudell

were engaged today on Easter Sunday.

Molly has been my best friend since we thought boys had cooties.

I can't believe she's getting married!!

My goodness, what a hot couple!

Molly, I am so excited for you. I know you are going to make a wonderful wife. I wish you two the best of luck in all of your future endeavors together. I love you so much, best friend!

BEST WISHES TO ALL OF YOU!

I better run now, literally! Now that Molly is engaged, I'm going to have to devote a lot more of my time to the gym and a lot less to the pantry. 

Fat bridesmaid's are not cool. 

Role Model

As I was watching Girls' Night Out last night, 

I realized one thing and that is that 

Carrie Underwood

is absolutely incredible. 

Not only can she sing like an angel, she is an amazing person, inside and out.

We can all look at her and see how unbelievably gorgeous she is. 

Carrie uses all of her potential beauty to be such a show stopper on the outside. She is also just as beautiful on the inside. As such a healthy woman who takes care of her body, she isn't over consumed with being thin; she's just interested in being healthy.

We can all listen to her sing and get chills from her beautiful voice.

Personally, I believe she is the best singer I have ever heard, hands down.

But I doubt we all knew that she is a woman of God.

Last night, she sang "How Great Thou Art" alongside Vince Gill. I had chills and tears in my eyes from the beginning to the end.

And I doubt we all knew that she is charitable.

Carrie donated instruments to Checotah Elementary School to benefit the musical arts program. She strongly believes in the importance of music in education and does what she can to keep it alive.

And I doubt we all knew that she always stays grounded.

If you didn't know, Carrie is from Checotah, Oklahoma (Population-4,000).

She still goes back to her home town and acts like she never left and became the star that she is. She remembers what her parents taught her and how she was raised.

Carrie Underwood should be an idol and a role model to all women. She exemplifies all of the characteristics that we all wish to have. 

Today, let's take note from Carrie Underwood.

 Let's take time to all be the best we can be in every way, every day.

Don't Be Afraid

 Today's most common fears include 

flying, public speaking, heights, the dark, death, failure, needles, crowds, and germs.

I will not say that I am not scared of any of those, but I wouldn't call any of them my fears.

There are only a few things that make me absolutely cringe.

They are what I call my fears.

Yes, they're silly, but they are the things that scare me.

You can laugh all you want but here they are:

ICE CREAM TRUCKS

I had never been around ice cream trucks until I moved to Tuscaloosa. Now, it comes through the apartment everyday. 

You know the music ice cream trucks play? Yeah, that. That's what terrifies me.

 When the music stops and the creepiest voice I've ever heard says, "Hello," I almost come to tears.

 I won't even get started on how weird it is when a toothless old man is hanging out of the back window of a van serving ice cream to a line of small children.

NUTCRACKERS

Something about the way nutcrackers "chomp" just scares me. 

I don't know what it is.

 And that hair. Why is it even there? Ewww.

WOODEN ARTISTS

Don't ask me why I'm scared of these. I don't know. I think it's something about 

the way they move.

Of course I'm also scared of SNAKES and SPIDERS. Who isn't?

I won't put a picture of those on here.

I can't look at a picture long enough to upload it.

It seems as though in the last two weeks, I have constantly come face to face with all of these things. 

Since I am not at home with my parents anymore,

 I think it's time to grow up and throw my fears away.

As someone once said, 

"Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing."

So, with that being said, I am setting a challenge for myself. From today forward, I am going to not be afraid. These things will not scare me. I will face them with no fear.

Now, I am going to challenge you. Think of your fears then put yourself in contact with them and don't be afraid. I promise they won't hurt you.

I'm not saying go crawl in a bed of tarantulas or in a pit of pythons. Don't go jump off of a 40 story building, either. 

I'm talking about things within reason, guys.

My Dear Friend, Jake

Tonight, I hit a landmark, or so I'd like to call it.

I reached 1,000 views on my blog that I've only had for a few short weeks.

Thank you all so much for reading and being so supportive.

When it hit "1,000" tonight, I was talking to my long-time friend, Jake.

He swears up and down that he is the reason it's had 1,000 views, and that he is, without a doubt, my most loyal reader.

In appreciation to my friend, Jake, I'd like to share with you a few of our most memorable conversations from the many years. I'm sure you'll get a laugh. Keep in mind, this is a GUY we're talking about here!

Parabola

 I was in 7th grade and Jake was in 9th grade. We were on MSN chat (remember? it was the cool thing back then). I thought Jake was the smartest kid on the planet and I asked him what a parabola is. He came back with the most scientific, proper definition you've ever seen. At that point, I knew that Jake would go to the moon one day. Years passed and I still believed Jake was "it". 

Much to my disappointment, he recently revealed to me that he had copied and pasted that oh so wonderful definition of a parabola from Wikipedia. Now we all see how smart Jake is...not.

Denim on Denim

I don't remember exactly when this was, but it was several years ago when Jake and I were texting. Somehow the topic of denim on denim came up. I told him that it was absolutely the biggest fashion faux pa he could ever commit. Little did I know, it is ok to wear denim on denim in contrasting shades. Now, every time either of us see anything about denim on denim, it is understood that we send a picture.

Air Brush Shirts

We've had plans for years to go to Gatlinburg and have matching air brushed shirts made. Jake, when is this ever going to happen? I'm beginning to lose hope.

Grammar

I am a grammar freak. Jake is a journalism major. We hate bad grammar; therefore, we always speak to each other in the most "countryfied" grammar possible. This is what a typical conversation between Jake and me would look like:

"Hey what r u doin?" -Jake

"O nuthin just sittin on the porch waitin on Jimmy so me n him can go fishin." -Me

"O thatll be fun catch u somethin big like u dun last time u was out there." -Jake

Anyway, you get the point! 

Profile Picture

For years, Jake has begged to take a picture with me and always promised that he would make it his Facebook profile picture. I finally made my way over to him at the Alpha Psi Rodeo and we took the cutest picture. I got back from the rodeo and posted it, anticipating the change. Much to my surprise, HE UNTAGGED HIMSELF. Jake, I will never let you live that down.

This is the "sorority girl pose" picture that Jake and I took at the rodeo. Isn't is adorable?

Thank you, Jake for your loyalty to reading my blog. I really appreciate it and hope you continue to read.

To everyone else, thank you to you, as well. I hope that I have kept you entertained and will be able to continue to provide you with an occasional laugh. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Stylish Blogger Award

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Brittany Purpura (www.bmaryandblessed.blogspot.com) for choosing Jelaco Design as the winner of the 

Stylish Blogger Award.

Thank you so much for that, girl. I truly appreciate this recognition.

As the recipient of this honor I must:

1. Link back and thank the person who gave it to me.

2. Share 7 things about myself.

3. Award 5 stylish blogs I read.

4. Contact them and tell them about their award!

Choosing only 7 things to tell you about has been hard, but here they are:

ONE

As an only child, I have always been very close to my parents. People ask, "Do you wish you had siblings?" I always answer, "I don't know. I don't know what it would be like to have one, but I do know that I like it just the way it is." I have always eaten dinner at the table with my parents, watched TV with them, and done my homework while sitting in the living room with them. My dad and I have spent many hours on the golf course together and he has taught me so much. My mom is who I go to when I need to talk to someone; she knows everything about me and is always there. 

I love my parents so much and enjoy going home to see them as often as possible.

TWO

I started begging for a Yorkie puppy when I was 5. I begged and begged and begged. Every holiday, I told my parents that if they would just get me a puppy that I would never ask for anything else. Finally, Christmas of my senior year, they decided that I was old enough to have a dog of my own. And along came Winston Frescott Cobb, you can just call him Winston, though. His first name, Winston, was chosen by Robby Spruiell, and his middle name is Frescott because my precious friend, Katie Mattox, calls me Frescott. My mother quickly fell in love with him and he now lives at home with her. She calls Winston her "surrogate child" now that I'm gone. I just love this little baby!

THREE

I started playing golf when I was in 5th grade. My dad teaches school so he is off during the summers and he would take me to the course with him. I played varsity golf for seven years and I still enjoy playing when I have time.

FOUR

Since I have moved off to college, I have made so many new friends. Many of them go to the University of Alabama, but several go to Auburn University. College has allowed me to expand my boundaries and meet people from so many different places. My new friends are so special and I hope we keep in touch even after college. 

FIVE

Although I have made new friends, I will always have my friends that didn't move to Tuscaloosa with me. These guys have been there with me through everything and they mean the world to me.

Molly and I have been close since we were in 4th grade. We worked together at a shoppe in our hometown for several years. She now goes to UAH and is majoring in accounting. I LOVE YOU, MOLLY!

This is Robby. We didn't really become close friends until 10th grade, but he has been the best friend anyone could ever ask for. He now goes to Auburn University and is a pre-dental major. I LOVE YOU, ROBBY!

SIX

If you knew me before I moved to Tuscaloosa, then you know I haven't always said "Roll Tide!!" I was raised a Georgia Bulldog fan. It absolutely makes my dad's skin crawl for me to say "Roll Tide," he says he "raised me better than that." But now that I go to school at UA, I am a Crimson Tide fan. I won't lie, I still cheer for the bulldogs, I just do it very quietly. I may get in trouble for saying "Gooooo Dawgs!" in Tuscaloosa. What do you think?

SEVEN

Design is my passion. As you probably already know, I haven't always been a design major, but I am now and I couldn't be happier. I am interested in the architectural aspect of design and hope to one day work for an architectural firm as an interior designer.

Those are only seven things about me. Keep reading my blog and you're guaranteed to learn many, many more things!

And my Stylish Blogger Awards go to...

1. www.soocollegiate.blogspot.com

2. www.lovebrookelove.blogspot.com

3. www.itsthemogblog.blogspot.com

4. www.rileybelieves.blogspot.com

5. www.interiordesignroom.blogspot.com

Once again, thank you so much, Brittany, you're too sweet!

Tri Omega Formal 2011

After the A Day game and a long nap, I headed over to the

 4th Annual Tri Omega Spring Formal. 

Tri Omega, as the brothers say, is "everyone's favorite non-philanthropic egalitarian brotherhood." Basically what that means is a bunch of goofy boys who know how to have a good time made up a fraternity. You better believe that they go all out with it, too. They have the stickers on their cars and everything. It's hilarious!

I was so happy to get to see so many people that I haven't seen since high school. Allow me to share a few pictures...

Well, I may have seen Sean a few times since high school. Weren't we spiffy?

This is Trey Murphy. He used to live beside me at home. Love this boy!

Allison Davis is the most adorable, gorgeous girl ever. Seeing her made me miss Snead.

Chelci, Allison, Me, and Perry!

Girls just wanna have fun!

We may not always be classy, maybe we like to be trashy sometimes, but at least we know how to have a good time!

You're only young once so have fun!!

A Day

Yesterday was yet another Saturday consisting of sun burn, and I loved every second of it. Sun burn means warm weather and SUMMER so I'll take it!

Yesterday was A Day. 

It was almost as cool as an Alabama Saturday in Tuscaloosa in the fall but not quite. Ok, I won't lie. It was extremely boring. The excitement of football comes from having that undying passion for Crimson Tide football and wanting nothing more than for them to get out on the field and beat the ever loving stew out of the opponent. When they're playing against themselves, what are the fans supposed to do? Cheer against their own team?

 No. Notta gonna happen. Sorry, budreaux. 

Yes, I understand that here at the University of Alabama, we may take football a little too seriously. Just as the motto says, 

"At some places they play football, at Alabama, we live it."

My boyfriend, Sean, his roommate, Matt, and I had a wonderful time at the game despite the hot weather and boring game. It got us excited for fall 2011 football in Bryant Denny Stadium!

Sean and I went to the stadium today to just look around and enjoy the gorgeous weather. We had a conversation about how being on campus and at Bryant Denny Stadium makes us feel. It went a little something like this:

"I can not wait for football." -Sean

"Oh, I know. Something about being here just gives me chills. We're so blessed to get to go to school here." -Me

"Anyone who doesn't get chills when they see this stadium is messed up. I hope no one ever takes being here for granted." -Sean

"It is so incredible." Me while standing, amazed by the unbelievable size of the stadium and dreaming of the loudness and excitement of being at games. 

Oh! I can't wait!!!

Also, the new statue of Coach Nick Saban was unveiled before the A Day game. Here is what we've got here on campus now. It's MASSIVE. Compared to all of the other statues of National Championship coaches, it looks like Saban is of utmost importance. Saban is even bigger than the Bear...please explain that one to me.

Roll Tide Roll!!

My Future Husband

If you have talked to me in the past few months then you know that I have a slight major obsession with 

Paul McDonald.

How could this smile not brighten your day?

Paul is a 25 year old singer/songwriter originally from Hampton Cove, Alabama (only about an hour from my hometown). Fun fact: his mom is from Albertville, you know, that stinky place next to Boaz. He went to Auburn University and majored in pre-dentistry. In order to pursue his hobby and dream of singing, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee. There, he and his band The Grand Magnolias play in bars around town. He auditioned for season 10 of American Idol in Nashville and brought a new light to the season. He has a unique, scruffy appearance and a voice that would remind you of Rod Stewart, not to mention those pearly whites.

Unfortunately, Paul was eliminated from the show tonight. I'm not a happy camper to say it nicely. 

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES OR THEY WILL GO HOME. 

I'm sure that Paul and The Grand Magnolias will go far regardless of this disappointing elimination. Thanks to American Idol, we all know who they are now. 

If things ever get cold, he's got his gorgeous girlfriend, Nikki Reed, from Twilight, to cheer him up, but if things fall through there, I'll be waiting. 

Paul, you can sing me to sleep every night and I promise to never ever be mean to you, complain, or make you do anything (besides sing).

Enjoy Paul McDonald singing "Maggie May"-This is the song that he auditioned with and the judges loved it so much they requested he sing it tonight one last time.

Buy The Grand Magnolias album off iTunes. It's amazing.

My Mind is Turning

As I sit in my favorite, ahem, class, art history, I am thinking of everything in the world except for these absolutely incredible Gothic cathedrals the instructor is discussing. It's just one of those days; I'm sure you've had one. Spanish should be the only thing on my mind considering I have a HUGE exam in the morning, but I haven't even opened my book today. 

These are the things I'm thinking about instead. 

Go ahead and read them all. You may learn a few things about me, find out we're more alike than you thought, or you may just leave this post thinking I'm crazy (which may be true). 

I always wear a watch, my David Yurman bracelet, and earrings.

I wouldn't mind making that a watch, 2 Yurman bracelets, a Yurman ring, and earrings.

Mac > PC

I miss playing golf everyday.

Cupcakes are gross. I wish I didn't have to see GiGi's and gag every day.

No other deli will ever compare to Mill St. Deli so they should just quit trying.

I really need something to wear on Easter.

I would be perfectly fine if HGTV, E!, and Style were the only three channels on  my TV.

True friends are the best.

Country music is where it's at. 

You don't have to tell me how grammatically incorrect that statement is, it's for emphasis.

Wedges or cowgirl boots are the way to go.

Who ever declared big t-shirts and running shorts the uniform of college girls is one of the smartest people ever born.

Summer needs to get here, like now.

The words "epic" and "legit" are way too overused and most often used incorrectly. "Legit" isn't even a word, geez. 

Long haired, Chaco wearing, bike riding college boys are sexy.

Wavy hair > straight hair

Oakleys are ugly.

The beach is Heaven sent.

I drink way more water than recommended daily. It's important.

Bike lanes are for bikes, sidewalks are for walkers.

SUVs are better than cars.

I hate talking on the phone. If you need me, text me.

I don't understand Twitter. HELP!

Art has meaning, evaluate.

Until last semester, I didn't appreciate the meaning of art. Now, I never see an art work without trying to find the elements and principles of design within it and understand the meaning.

Have a great Thursday, y'all. I guess I'll get to studying Spanish now.

P.S. I'm sorry I've kind of overloaded you with posts in the last two days; I've just now gotten a chance to catch up from all I missed last week.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

I'm sure that every.single.person on this planet is aware of the big news I'm about to share, but I just have to tell you how excited I am about this upcoming event. 

Can you guess what it is? I'll give you a hint. It's about a month away. Bum, bum, bum...drum roll, please...

SUMMER!!!

It knows it makes me wanna shout!

Kick my heels up and shout!

Throw my hands up and shout!

Throw my head back and shout!

Summer to me means no classes (except online classes which are a joke), the beach, magazines, tanning, shopping, and playing golf with Diddy. It is, without a doubt, my favorite season. 

In preparation for my favorite time of year, I have compiled a list of my top 10 summer obsessions and I'd like to take the time to share them with you now. Enjoy!

1) Tory Burch

Please go ahead and find one girl who isn't in love with Tory Burch's designs. I'll guarantee that you can't so don't even waste your time; just go tan or something.

Now on to some more affordable brands, all of which are everywhere in my closet!

2) Judith March

Everyone knows who Stephanie Nichols is, right? She's fantastic. 

3) Ya Los Angeles

Ya is probably the most prominent brand in my closet. They have the most adorable things for such great prices. Summer tops and dresses galore, check them out!

4) Mystree

I got an adorable Mystree top at The Florida House in Panama City a few weeks ago. It's now one of my favorites. I should probably quit wearing it so much.

5) Blue Bird

One of my favorite brands, hands down.

6) Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed makes the most adorable tops for such affordable prices that transition so well from spring to summer to fall. 

7) Lulumari

Their clothing is a little bit more expensive than the others I've listed, but, honey, they're worth it. The unique designs are to die for.

Ok, so I've told you all about my favorite brands of clothing. But don't you be going out without accessories, or I will catch you.

8) Essie Nail Polish

Go for a neutral light pink. It goes with everything and it's so SUMMER!

9) Gold Hoops

I bought a pair a couple months ago for next to nothing. They are my new every day earrings. Dress up a t-shirt or make anything Boho with big gold hoops.

10) Gold Aviator Sunglasses
Mine are Ralph Lauren and they're wonderful. Go get ya some :))

TJ Maxx has great ones, btw!

Just because you're a broke college kid doesn't mean you have to look like one. Great brands like 2-7 are here to help! Shop away, gals (and take me with you)!

It's Rodeo, Y'all!

As many of you may know, last weekend was the famous Alpha Psi Rodeo in Auburn. This 65 year tradition has become somewhat of a Southeastern holiday. People from colleges and universities all over the Southeast make their way into Auburn, Alabama for a weekend of calf ropin', sangin', dancin', drankin', and gettin' a good ol' sunburn. I've wondered for years how in the world something so "redneck" could be so much fun. Well, now I know. I experienced the rodeo and I had a blast. If you like to have a good time, go ahead and mark your calendars for next year's rodeo. Plan to take off work and skip class. I promise you won't regret it.

The rodeo is a lot like Halloween, but every one is a redneck. 

It's easy, I tell ya. Just go on down to that there thrift store, pick ye up the best racing t-shirt they've got, cut the sleeves out, cut ye old jeans up, and pack ye sh** kickin' boots. Throw it all on and hop 'bout 15 deep in the back of ye pick 'em up truck.

Hang out with ye best friends

and

 have ye a good ol' time with ye ol' high school buddies.

When the sun goes down, head on over to the stage and move ye boots to a little Blake Shelton. 

The rodeo is a place for makin' new memories ye ain't never gonna remember (uhoh, Mom's looking) forget. 

War Damn Rodeo (as them Auburn folks say).

Tell the Truth and Say "I Love You"

Saturday morning, I was struck with shocking news. My dear friend Katie's father, Mike, had suddenly passed away on the morning of her senior prom. My heart broke into a million pieces for her; she was always so close to her dad, he was her best friend. 

This picture was taken only 3 short years ago when we were deep sea fishing. Little did I know, this picture would mean so much to me today.


It's like Rascal Flatts took the words straight from my heart in "I Won't Let Go":

It’s like a storm
That cuts a path
It breaks your will
It feels like that

You think your lost
But your not lost on your own
Your not alone
I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
If you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go

It hurts my heart
To see you cry
I know it’s dark
This part of life
Oh it finds us all
And we’re too small
To stop the rain
Oh but when it rains

I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight

And I wont let you fall

Don’t be afraid to fall
I’m right here to catch you
I wont let you down
It wont get you down
Your gonna make it
Yea I know you can make it

Cause I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
And you can’t cope
And I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go
Oh I’m gonna hold you
And I wont let go
Wont let you go
No I wont

Mike was such a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He loved everyone and never talked badly behind anyone's back. He was always "glad to be here." He always told the truth and he never ended a conversation with any of his children without saying "I love you" multiple times.

Maybe we should all take some time to reevaluate our character and learn some lessons from Mike. 

Since Saturday, many tears have been shed, memories have been remembered, and prayers have been prayed. The Mattox family will continue to be in grief for more than just today so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they face this very difficult time. Katie is a strong girl and she can fight this fight, but she will feel weakness, and we need to be there to help hold her up with love and support.