Duck Dynasty

Disclaimer:  If reading about hunting or God bothers you, you might want to skip this blog post!!

On Sunday after our Tarjay run J went back to his house and after an hour or two, he sent me an email.  I clicked the link and instantly became so excited...

Why??

Well.  The link led to an article about a fundraiser for a Christian school that Willie and Phil from Duck Dynasty would be headlining... That night... In Castle Rock, Colorado.

I suppose I should begin by explaining how I came to be a Duck Dynasty fan and why I love it so much...

J and I were talking one night when I was in L.A. and he told me that his brother in law had gotten him to watch this TV show on A&E.  He was watching it while we were on the phone and he convinced me to turn my TV to the same thing.

Two hours later, I was doing laundry and completely transfixed by these Louisiana hillbillies that created this mega-company from the swamps.  There was something so refreshing about how genuine and true to themselves they were.  Add in the fact that I was born in Iowa and know a thing or two about camo and hunting and you have a Duck Dynasty addict. 

Over Thanksgiving break, I introduced my mom and dad to the show... We quote Si all the time and laugh about the episodes with my aunt, uncle, and cousins.  It's amazing to find a TV show we all can enjoy together.

When I moved to Colorado, J and I began a tradition of watching the show together.  It's not scandalous or sexy or suspenseful... It's just funny and enjoyable, which is nice for a change.  We like seeing the hunting and hearing Phil's words of wisdom and seeing a TV family that loves and respects one another.

Needless to say, it didn't take us long to decide that we had to go to this fundraiser.  

Throughout the night there was a silent auction going on at the back.  A local Christian bookstore also had Phil's book, Happy, Happy, Happy and Willie and Korie's book, The Duck Commander Family, for sale.  I bought both and I read Phil's that night when I got home.  It's amazing what that man has been through and how he has been able to turn from his hard times and become an upstanding, family man with a successful empire.

The event began with Willie Robertson, who spoke about the growth of their family and their business.  Growing up poor with an alcoholic father, Willie remembers accepting God into their lives as the turning point to a more positive future.  It took his father's passion for wildlife and hunting, lots of hard work, and blessings from up above to help them develop the family empire they now have.

It was really motivating to hear such a successful person talk about holding onto his personal values and the importance of his family while growing a company.  He repeated several times that they prioritized their lives by faith, family, and ducks... In that order.

Then Phil came out and did a duck call demonstration.  He is fantastic at presentation, and the passion he holds for his craft really shines through as he speaks.

The main event was a live auction to raise money for The Rock Christian Academy.

After the live auction, Phil came back on the stage and began to speak about his faith.  He was such a passionate, moving, knowledgeable speaker... I was floored.  I knew he was a smart, successful man but I had no idea he could preach the way he did.  Whenever Phil Robertson starts a church, I'm going.



I had such a great time at the event... And it made me so thankful that J is willing to go to things like this with me!!  We left very happy, fulfilled, and feeling like we made a difference... Which is all you can really ask from a Sunday night  :)

I even got Willie to sign an autograph for my uncle, who is a fan of the show.

Weekend Shenanigans

Do you feel like your Summer is filling up, weekend by weekend??  I feel like every weekend I have an event... And it's busy and I like that, but sometimes I feel like I'm hopping from thing to thing to thing like a frantic little frog!!

At least all my lily pads have been very lovely, blessed lily pads lately  :)

On Friday I woke up excited... Partly because I got to wear my new Anthropologie PINK skirt that twirls ever so nicely, and partly because J's parents would be in the city that evening.

Skirt is from Anthropologie.  Tank from BP Nordstrom.  Bangles from J.Crew and Kendra Scott.  Necklace from Forever21.

I started out the day by squirting foundation onto the brand new white top I bought to wear with the neon-pink skirt.  And I had to change.  And my embroidered sweater-tank made me look somewhat pregnant, but I decided it was alright since I felt like a little flower child in my ensemble.  And flower children don't care if they look like they're hiding a bump.

Sweater-tank from Free People.  Orange layering tank from Free People (old).  Ring from Francesca's (old). 

After work, we went to Canvas and Cocktails - one of those wonderful little painting classes that have taken over the world.

I don't know why it's taken me so long to try one, but I'm so glad I finally did!!  The class was everything I hoped it would be and more... It was nice to sip some wine and socialize at the end of the work week, and it was even better to be learning something and exercising a little creativity while doing it!!

The teacher was this wonderful, vivacious Australian woman who joked around with us as she taught us to paint.  She played the most eccentric mix of music... Everything from Pitbull to Carly Simon's "You're So Vain".

The best part about the class was looking around at all the paintings after and noticing how each person interpreted the very same painting and the very same instructions so differently!!  Each painting looked so unique.

This one is for Dad for Father's Day!!

I cannot wait to go back again soon!!  I think this is a great idea for dates, girls' night out, or a family outing... Any gender, any age, any art skill will enjoy it.

On Saturday, J graduated with his L.L.M.  This past year, he's been going to school to get his specialization in law.  Many times, a general J.D. does not go as in-depth as more complex subjects require.

Wizard attire... My favorite  :)

I am so proud of him... It takes a lot to make it through even more law classes after those 3 grueling years.  I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to go through law school with J... And we've been able to support and encourage each other to grow, develop, and follow the career paths we were made for.

Thankful for some warm weather so I can break out my new Summer clothes!!  Wearing a Banana Republic cardigan (old), Dolce Vita sundress, and Michael Kors nude heels (old).  

After graduation, we spent the afternoon at the Denver Botanical Gardens.  We've been once on a decent day in January, but nothing was really blooming except in the greenhouse area.  This time of year was totally different... It was beautiful.  

And that steamy, greenhouse air!!  My skin has been missing a little humidity in this dry Colorado air.  I felt like I could have just sat and soaked it in all day.

If you ever need some peace and tranquility, I recommend going to your local Botanical Gardens.  I know I can't create gardens like that... And it's nice to sit back and admire something so naturally lovely.  Bring a book and a floppy hat, find a quiet place, and listen to the fountains while you waste away an afternoon.  I am promising myself a solid afternoon at the Botanical Gardens with a good book and an iced tea...

Saturday night, J and I were so tired... We got takeout and we watched "The Campaign".  It's a silly, brainless Will Ferrell movie, but it's funny and entertaining when you want to tune out and relax.  Do you ever have those nights when you literally don't want to exercise one brain cell?!

On Sunday, J and I went to breakfast.  Over our caffeine, I talked him into going to Target with me.  I love me some Tarjay.  And you ladies need to check out the Sam & Libby line for Target... Adorable, embellished sandals and some chic wedges and heels as well.

Trash rags and bargain buys.

The only bad thing about Target is that I get so excited I sometimes forget the reason I'm there.  Case in point:  I forgot to get paper towels this time.  But I did manage to find the trash rags and those addicting little Pop-Tart crisps packs.  What is wrong with me??

I'm going to tell you about what we did Sunday night in another blog post tomorrow... Because it deserves a blog post of its own.  It was just that exciting.  So stay tuned!!


What did you do this weekend?!

Link up with Sami's Shenanigans to share your Weekend Shenanigans!!

Funny Friday... It's a Blog Hop!!

I know that you guys like it when I tell funny little stories from my disaster-prone life... (I was born an hour after Friday the 13th, what can I expect?!)

So... I thought, why not start a little tradition here on the blog where every other Friday or so I can tell you a funny/embarrassing/disastrous story from my life and you can read it and be glad it didn't happen to you?!  To join in on some Funny Friday fun, copy the text in the box below, paste it in your post, and blog about a funny little story of your own.  Then... Enter to join the blog hop at the bottom of this post!!

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Today's story happened when I moved to Denver.  I have a penchant for shiny objects so naturally I have furnished my home with lots of mirrored furniture.  Which weighs a lot.  My mirrored dresser alone weighs 400 pounds.   

So three movers were trying to heave this mahoosive dresser up a curved staircase and into my bedroom... I just stood awkwardly behind them, watching them grunt and sweat and struggle under the weight of my beloved mirrored object.

Finally, they slowly struggle into my bedroom and shift the dresser onto the floor.

The Simplicity 6-Drawer Chest from Z. Gallerie... My 400-lb Hunk of Mirror

Strangely enough, the THUD of the heavy dresser was followed by a quiet little plop.  Something dropping out of the dresser caught my eye, but I couldn't see what it was since three large men were standing in front of me.

"Huh... What IS this?!" one of the movers asked, as he picked up the object and held it up for all to inspect.

Horror hit me as I realized that the mover was holding a silicone jelly "chicken cutlet"... Designed to be placed in a bra or dress to fill out the area and give you a little lift in the bust region.  I mean, come on ladies, strapless dresses beg for a set of chicken cutlets and a good strapless bra, am I right?!

But "chicken cutlets" do not belong in the hands of your movers.

I was shocked and embarrassed and horrified all at the same time... I kept wondering how that could have escaped me when I was packing all my bras and undies.

The mover man woke me from my thoughts when he repeated, "No really... What IS THIS?!"  They all looked so confused and intrigued and out of pure panic I answered, "It's my... Boob." 

I have never seen an object drop so fast out of a man's hand before.

The movers all turned fifty shades of RED... And awkwardly shuffled their feet before stepping over the chicken cutlet and walking running out to get more furniture.

The episode in The Jersey Shore when one of the girls loses the chicken cutlet out of her bathing suit and into the hot tub flashed in my mind... As did a New Year's Eve when one of my friends (I won't say who) ended up losing one of her chicken cutlets on the dance floor  :)


Happy Friday, all!!  Hope you have some fun plans for the weekend!!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!!

I owe everything I am and everything I ever will be to my mother.  

My mom is a mother through and through... She is an expert at comforting, at caring, at supporting, at loving.  She is kind and selfless and sweet.  She probably should have had ten kids because of the amazing gift God has blessed her with to love and to teach and to comfort.

But if she had ten kids we wouldn't be us.  Our relationship would be different and our bond might even be different.  And I am so thankful for our incredible, unbreakable bond.  

I know that there is nobody who will give me as pure and unaffected advice as my mom does.  I know that there is nobody who will ever love me as unconditionally as my mom does.  No matter what, she never judges... She simply loves and encourages.

She is my best friend. 

And if I grow up and can someday be half the wife and mother she is, I will be happy.

I love her fiercely and without end... Anyone who hurts her feelings is immediately on my bad side.  Because that's just how we are; a little team.  I will always be on her side, in her corner.  

I learn something new from this woman every single day... She inspires me and motivates me.  I wish we could have an eternity together so I could hear all her stories and learn every life lesson and experience she has.  I appreciate every moment, every laugh, every memory we make together and I am so incredibly thankful that God decided I could be lucky enough to have her for a mother.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom... I love you to the moon and back.

The Great Gatsby...

It might be difficult to describe exactly how excited I am for The Great Gatsby to come out today... I remember seeing the preview for the first time in theaters and thinking about how incredible it looked.  The costumes, the cinematography, the jewelry, the acting, the music.



And since then, my obsession has only grown... I've watched the trailers too many times to admit, I've drooled over the Tiffany & Co. collection of Gatsby-inspired jewelry, and I pre-ordered the soundtrack.

If I didn't have to work tomorrow, I would definitely be going to the midnight showing. 

Instead, I'm going to sit here tonight, drool a little more, and let the anticipation build.  Feel free to join me in my obsession...

First, let's set the mood with a little music straight from the movie.  I have been listening to this soundtrack in my car, at the gym, on my phone... All week. 



Purchase the album from Amazon HERE. 

Purchase the album from iTunes HERE. 

Then, we can admire some major bling designed by Tiffany & Co.  Let your imagination take you back to a time saturated with long elegant cars, glamour, dripping diamonds, and an appreciation for the finer things in life. 

The Great Gatsby Collection Savoy Headpiece

Ziegfeld Collection Pearl Ring

Ziegfeld Collection Pearl Tassel Necklace

The Great Gatsby Collection Daisy Hand Ornament

And for an ensemble to wear to the movie's opening night??  Here you go...

Kate Spade Book Clutch.  Thank you, MCL, for sending this cutie to me today!!

The Great Gatsby Collection from Brooks Brothers

Going to bed tonight dreaming of fringe, moonshine, and The Charleston... Will any of you be seeing The Great Gatsby tomorrow?! 

Weekend Shenanigans

Joining up with Sami's Shenanigans to share my Weekend Shenanigans!!

I can't explain in words how exhausted I was after my work trip last week.  I was up at 6:00 am each morning, and went to bed around 2:00 am each night.  We were blessed with a lovely rain-snow mix the last three days of the trip, which made getting out and going to appointments a little more difficult.  While running in from the freezing rain one day, my debit card fell out of my pocket and I didn't realize it until it was long gone.  The cherry on top of a long week was our flight being delayed for over 3 hours, then waiting on the runway for over 30 minutes. 

On the other hand, I have to say... I really love working with women.  Female dermatologists and plastic surgeons, women who own and manage spas and salons and small businesses.  They are so inspiring and motivating.  I truly enjoy helping them reach their goals and helping to meet their business needs.  Several times on this trip, I thought... Wow.  If I lived closer, I would really want to be friends with this person!!  

Women against women can be brutal, but when women start helping and supporting other women... Ladies, we can take over the world.  

I finally made it home on Friday night and all I wanted to do was collapse in my bed.  I was so happy to see J and my doggies!!

This robe was a new purchase last weekend... It feels like what I imagine the Snuggle bear would feel like.  I was so thankful for an hour spent lounging on the couch with my doggies Saturday morning.

Somehow I managed to run my errands on Saturday morning and rallied for Denver's Derby Party.  I was really excited about my outfit, so that helped me pull it together and get ready... There's nothing like a new pair of shoes and a beautiful hat to motivate me!!

Don't you wish we wore hats more often?!

Denver's Derby Party is the largest outside of Kentucky... It was full of food, drinks, music, hat contests, and photo ops.  We even bet amongst us on the horses we thought would win... My horses didn't win, but a horse with a name as awesome as Frac Daddy definitely should have.  

We had been going strong (in heels!) since 1:00 pm, but at a late dinner it all hit us... Three of the people in our group were trying not to nod off at the table!!  It was a loooong day.

Hat from Go Go Chapeux in Denver, Robert Rodriguez dress, Chanel bag, Jimmy Choo strappy heels.

Needless to say, I made sure I slept in a bit Sunday morning.  And speaking of Sundays, aren't Sundays wonderful?!  I would really like to find a good church here in Denver... But besides that, I just like being able to go out to breakfast, get some necessities at Tarjay, and spend the day catching up on laundry and household tasks while watching a good movie in between.


What did you do this weekend?!

Can We Have It All??

On Sunday, amidst packing and prepping for my work trip, I read a fantastic newspaper article my dad cut out and sent to me.  The article is called "Facebook and Feminism" by Gillian Tett and it was in the Financial Times. 

I encourage you to take a moment to read the article before you read the rest of this blog post.  The article can be found here:  www.ft.com

Incredible, right??  Sheryl Sandberg is such an inspiration... She really does seem to do it all.  A powerful, successful woman who has taken her career by the reins and happy wife and loving mother?!  How does one woman get so lucky??  And really... How does she do it all?!

I feel like the struggle between motherhood and having a successful career is becoming more and more prevalent among women these days.  While I agree with Sheryl that both can be done, I feel that there is a bit more to consider...

In my opinion, it wouldn't make sense for a woman making a smaller salary to continue working if she had the option not to... Because at a certain point, she will be spending more than she makes on daycare, babysitting, and the gas to get to and from.  Now, if you just love your job and it's worth you paying to be there, that's another story... But it seems a little silly to pay for the extra cost involved with childcare if you aren't making enough for it to balance out.   

That being said... I love that Ms. Sandberg advocates women doing both without feeling guilty.  I love working, and I don't know if I want to stop when/if I have children.  I don't think it's fair for women to feel pressure to choose between having a career and having a family... Having both is completely healthy, and having two incomes (and thus more opportunities) will only benefit the child in the long run. 

Working makes me truly happy, makes me feel more confident and powerful, and gives me more freedom.  Someday I want to know that I am contributing to my family's well being, and I want to make the choice on how best to do that without feeling restricted to the "either/or" mentality that has plagued women for so many years. 

I also liked that Ms. Sandberg pointed out how crucial your partner is to your success.  I firmly believe that choosing the right person can change everything... For bad or for good.  Having a mutual support system, a cheerleader, a teammate, and someone in your corner can only help motivate you to reach your goals.  Your partner should encourage and challenge you to be the best person you can be and you should do the same for them as well.
 

“When looking for a life partner, my advice to women is date all of them: the bad boys, the cool boys, the commitment-phobic boys, the crazy boys. But do not marry them,” she sternly writes. “Find someone who wants an equal partner … who thinks women should be smart, opinionated and ambitious values fairness.”

 

- Sheryl Sandberg, "Facebook and Feminism"

 

Sheryl Sandberg also cautions against getting married too young.  Using her own failed first marriage as an example, she suggests waiting for the right time and the right person instead.  Too often, I feel our society gets so caught up in the spectacle of the enormous wedding and pushes marriage too fast and too soon.  With a divorce rate still hovering around 50%, a failed marriage stressing me out at work and derailing my career is not something I want to take chances on. 

I've ordered Sandberg's book, Lean In, on Amazon (here) and I can't wait to start reading it.  I love the fact that it's written by such a successful woman... And I hope that it's as inspirational and motivational as I think it will be!!


I want to ask you... Do you think we can we have it all??  Have any of you struggled with the career vs. family issue??  What did you decide??