Oldies but Goodies

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone. I hope your thanksgiving was a blessed one and that you ate until you fell asleep. Everyone says there is a something in turkeys that makes you sleepy when you  eat it. I say 

it's the massive amounts of food mixed with the massive amounts of 

alcohol. Just a thought! For the past few years we have spent Thanksgiving in GEORGIA with my mom's side of the family. We are a tight knit family and Thanksgiving has become my favorite Georgia tradition yet!  

(love partying with my family)

Thanksgiving brings lots of food and diets following but it also brings
Black Friday Deals!

We had so much fun shopping even though it was crazy. We didn't even do the "crazy people deals", we went 

Friday at 2PM and still found amazing deals! We were definitely a sight to see as we were 

crawling on the floor looking for the right or left boot to a pair.

We had the whole department cracking up and feeling so bad that we were crawling around, they even gave us the "Door Buster Deals". None the less it was a blast. 

The best deals we found came the next day at the local ANTIQUE shop.

My cousin shops here all the time and said we had to absolutely go take a look. 

Thanks to our taking a look my mother is going back up there the week after christmas to rent 

a U-Haul to take all our amazing pieces of history back. 

Here are a few things I found AMAZING and INSPIRING.

This is an old Wardrobe that has been refinished $125

A beautiful hand made quilt $25-this is now mine :)

This gorgeous piece is MY perfect writing desk! $60

(reminds me of the movie "The Christmas Carol" Scrooges desk)

“I’m hoping if I find my perfect desk the words will just come to me” 

– Carrie Bradshaw

Love this refinished dresser. $125

Thought this table was really neat!

I was reading an excerpt from an old book and my mother happened to catch the moment. 

That's my new desk, quilt and yes the HAT too! All antiques and 

gorgeous pieces of history. 

Since we are talking about Old Treasures I thought 

it only appropriate to share with you one of my favorite and most 

cherished loves, Mr. Miles Davis.

Have a Treasured Tuesday!

Sincerely,

Julie

Round and Round We Go!

Last night was an epic dual between two amazing drivers of the 

////////NASCAR Sprint Cup Series! Tony Stewart versus Carl Edwards, will be recorded in 

history books as the most amazing battle for the ////////NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. Stewart,

Champion for 2002, 2005 and now 2011 started his summer off in a slump and thought that was the prediction for the rest of his year. When Fall came around improvement
was not full force and even with the chase coming up  
he thought his chances were still very slim. He then shocked himself, along 
with his fans, when he started the chase off with a WIN in Chicago. 

(2011 Chicago Win)

After his first 2011 Victory Lane appearance, Stewarts mentality, driving and overall persona changed. The driver he knew he could be and the one everyone knew as "Smoke" was back in action. He went on to win the very next race in New Hampshire and revisited Victory Lane in Martinsville and Texas, before the big finale at Homestead. Going into the final race Stewart had one mentality which was to win the race. Although there were many other strategies available to him that would crown him champion he thought the easiest road was to be the best driver. On Sunday November 20th 2011 he was just that. In the last 40 laps Stewart knew he was in good shape on tires and gas and now all he had to do was drive and drive hard. Although Edwards was only at most 1.9 seconds behind him, it wasn't enough to beat the bright red number 14 Office Depot car he had in his sights ahead. With Stewarts big win in South Florida he and Edwards were tied for points giving Stewart the very first Championship ever to be won through the tie breaker of driver with most WINS! Not only was he the first tie breaking champion but he was also the first owner driver to win a Sprint Cup Championship since 1992. 

From crossing the FINISH LINE, to getting out of the VICTORIOUS car, to kissing the 2011 Sprint Cup Championship TROPHY,  it is hard to imagine the emotions running through Stewarts head as he took in the moment. Maybe this video will help give us a slight idea of what he was feeling. 

It was so neat to witness a piece of history that children, for generations to come, will learn about through books and websites. It was even more special for me since my boyfriend is such a huge Stewart fan and ////////NASCAR
 follower since he could comprehend what racing was. 


For all you Edwards fans out there don't be too disappointed because he made the most valiant effort he could and drove a very hard race. Not only was Edwards an amazing contender but an extremely humble one as well. 

Congratulations to Stewart Haas Racing on your amazing 2011 Sprint Cup Championship!

Get your Official 2011 Championship Gear Here
Want to learn more? Visit the official website of Stewart Haas Racing
Learn more about the newest member of the Stewart Haas Racing Team Danica Patrick



Quote of the Day:
"I'm going to say this because I know my fans like brutal honesty.
Every year all the competitors go out to the bar and try to get me
drunk so I can't run the next day. It didn't work this time." Tony Stewart

Have a Victorious Monday!

Sincerely,

A Bottle of White, A Bottle of Red

Wine has become my new drink of choice.

I have never been great at picking out wines but I am willing to try anything.

My boyfriends mother is a wine guru, which definitely helps, but I am finding we don't

have the same exact taste buds. I didn't used to be a big fan of any wine but women look so classy drinking it that I have made myself do some research.

This is the Chateau St. Michelle. Their Riesling is my VERY

favorite wine. Its so uplifting in its "spirits". Buy Here

Not only is wine classy in your hand but look at all these amazing DIY's

you can do with your empty bottles. (Pinterest Inspired)

(candles inside wine bottles)

(wine bottles as vases)

(Wine Bottles cut and used as a display for candles)

(wine bottles with strands of lights inside)

(love this outside festive look)

(gorgeous and so simple)

Everyone of these amazing DYI's comes from

Pinterst and has directions on how to complete your challenge.

Tis the Season for Parties!

This time of year is made for celebrations of all kinds. With celebrations comes party after party and what better way to enter than in a brand new cocktail dress!

Helpful Tips for the Holidays:
1. Spruce up your home in style with Oprah
2. Holiday Cocktails to go with your Dress
3. Have way to many parties and not enough dresses try Renting the Runway


Today's Blog Inspiration came from the amazing Billy Joel. He is a truly AMAZING musician

Notice the glass of red wine on his Piano! My soul mate from the 80's


Today's Bottle:
Penley Estate Gryphon Merlot 2008, Coonawarra, SA.  Super ripe plums and redcurrant fruits. Lovely fleshy wine, medium bodied with soft tannins. Jammy hints but this does not detract the wine being a lovely drop.


Happy and Safe Partying Everyone!

Sincerely,

America the Beautiful

When girls think of mud, two things come to mind. 

1. A nice facial mask or 2.Dirty Nasty Boy Activities.
Well ladies get your muddin boots and change that mind set because tomorrow is Mud Muckers. Oh yes its time to get down and dirty with an ice cold beer in your hand. It's the AMERICAN WAY after all! 



Fact #1: Boys Like Pretty Girls in Heels

Fact #2: Boys Like Pretty Girls Who Know How To Get Dirty and Drink Beer

Now ladies just because we can play rough doesn't mean we can't look cute while doing it. I personally have my mudding outfit set aside. This specific one is for the colder days which is exactly what tomorrow will be.

All this cold weather has made me want to wrap up in a quilt,
while sipping on some hot cocoa (splashed with baileys of course), by a nice warm fire place, in a beautiful cabin, somewhere deep in the woods. A few of these places would do me just fine :)

(So comfy and warm, with an amazing view)

(called the million dollar view, I can see why. Rent Here)

(so comfy cozy, Rent Here)

This little jewel belongs to the enchantingly handsome Tom Cruise.


Here is a video of my dream cabin!

 With Thanksgiving just around the corner
I thought it was time so start realizing what I'm thankful for.
Today I am thankful for my huge handful of cousins who have served our great country!
Thank you for your service and your dedication.
America is Grateful!

Happy Veteran's Day Everyone!


Sincerely,
JuLiE

Healthy Eats and Yummy Treats!

I would like to start by saying that this blog is all because of PINTEREST ! If you aren't a member already this is one social network you don't want to miss.

Healthy food is a must for me. I am a HEALTH FREAK and proud of it. I have had a few friends ask me how I do it. The most common excuse for not being healthy is "The food is so boring and tasteless". All I have to say is WRONG!

Motivations for healthy eating include, losing weight and feeling better all around. What if I told you certain foods would make your skin look amazing or make your hair thicker and longer. This one is for all my fellow FASHIONISTAS.

This is Cilantro Lime Jalapeno Chicken Salad in an Avacado. Recipe Here

The Oils in Avacados have been proven to thicken and add shine to your hair.

Myth: Avacados are fattening in the worst way

Fact: The fats they contain are GOOD fats that your body requires.

This is a Sweet Potatoe stuffed with Vegetables and Chicken. Recipe Here

The nutrients in sweet potatoes have been proven to make your skin softer and healthier.

Myth: Sweet potatoes have tons of sugar and are horrible for your body

Fact: Sweet potatoes are better for you than baked potatoes. They have nutrients and less dense carbs.

This is an Autumn chopped salad with pears, cranberries, feta cheese, pecans and bacon. Recipe Here

Salads aren't always the "low fat" alternative because of the fattening dressings we use. This salad is so full of flavor from its healthy ingredients that the only dressing it needs is a light olive oil and herbs and little S&P.

Myth: Salads are always the healthy low fat alternative to a meal

Fact: Salads can be worse for you than a burger or fries due to creamy fattening dressings we coat them in.

Webites for my fellow Health Freaks with "Great Taste":

1. Eating Well "Where Good Taste Meets Good Health"

2. From Social Network to Food Network

3. In Style and In Shape 

Recipe of the Day:

Broiled Scallops with Sweet Lime

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound bay or sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry

2 teaspoons grated lime peel

1 lime, cut into 4 wedges

Directions

Bon Appetit!

Sincerely ,

Julie

Brown Hair Don't Care

With the Fall and Winter colors taking over my wardrobe I thought, why not let it take over my hair! Yes this Blonde is going Brunette, maybe. So many blondes seem to go dark for fall and winter and I have never had the guts to do it. Some I see I personally don't like but then there are others that look AMAZING!

Here we have the fabulous Keira Knightley. She looks beautiful as a Blonde and a Brunette. I am hoping that when my transformation takes place I would look even half as beautiful as she does. Although, I don't have celebrity money or hairstylists, but hey its worth a try.

To go along with my new hair (assuming i don't chicken out) is Essie's newest color line which I love!

For all my girls who are thinking of joining me in Brown Hair Don't Care go Try it On first!

Are you a DIY girl? Well before you go buy your products for your big change print these Coupons to help you save!

Word of the Day:

Have a Care Free Tuesday!

Sincerely,

Julie





Thrifty Mondays

Everyone DREADS monday mornings. Mondays mean that reality checks are taking place, bank accounts are being mourned (due to the weekends activities) and everyones "real life" is BACK again. Thats just not the case for me and neither should it be for all the "THRIFTY" women of the world. I am currently a resident of Ormond Beach and there just happens to be a wonderful little thrift store called "Miss Priss" not to far from me. Every monday I am blessed with a schedule that allows me to be at school at 11 and work at 2:30 this means my mondays mornings are occupied with DEALS! Here is a little secret. Everyone who brings their "TRASH" to the thrift shops does it over the weekend, and because mondays are typically slow the newly found "TREASURES" don't get put out till MONDAY morning!

This is the bag I just purchased this morning at "Miss Priss". It is a brown leather coach that is in PERFECT condition and it only cost me $15! My bank account and sense of style don't always match accordingly so this is my secret to successful shopping!

On another note Christmas is just around the corner and I have been making my WISH list  and checking it twice. Hopefully i've been good enough this year to score a few of these amazing items. 

Quote of the Day: 

For all my sports fans here is Week 9 NFL  SCORES

I love a good coupon especially ones for exotic vacations. Join this its called GROUPON!

Follow me on PINTEREST! Its super fun and helps create your perfect wish list!

Hope you have a Thrifty Monday!

Sincerely,

Julie 

Is Life all Black and White or is there a Little Grey?

In the world of fashion, black and white is the base for EVERYTHING. In life there is wrong (black) and right (white), but is there room for some grey interpretation? With the fall season already here and passing through I have started to SLOWLY take out my winter clothes. I have noticed that most of them consist of these 4 colors in different shades. Black, White, Brown and Grey. This made me think that not only is there a little room for GREY in our life decisions but I there might be some Brown thrown in there too. Comment with your thoughts fellow bloggers, I'd love to hear what you think :)

Just because the Economy isn't cost efficient doesn't mean the FASHIONISTAS of the world can't be. You just have to know how and where to shop!

COUPONS aren't just for grocery stores they can help you save at Dillards on some of your favorite brand names.

Places such as Costco only cost $50 per year and will save you THOUSANDS! 

Quote of the Day:

"And we were dressed from head to toe in LOVE.

 The only label that never goes out of style"

-Carrie Bradshaw-

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Sincerely,

Julie

Today's blog topic was inspired by Lisa Dibitetto. Visit her Blog she won't let you down :) Love you GBIG