Allow me to introduce you...

This group of girls right here are my best friends from college. There are 9 of us.

During a fall break trip to the beach our sophomore year, we came up with a really cheesy name for ourselves...The Fine Nine. I know...it's kind of ridiculous. :) However, in our defense, we made a promise to each other that this name was to remain in the vault. As in, tell no one. As you can probably guess, someone slipped up and one of our guy friends (who happened to be the biggest gossip EVER) found out and then took it upon himself to spread the word.

From then on, that's what we were known as so we decided to just embrace it.

So much so, that we even have a Fine Nine t-shirt.

(could we get any cheesier??)

The Fine Nine at my engagement party
Miriam, Mini, Erin, Alicia, Aimee, me, Mary, Jenni, & Christie



Half of this group of girls is from various places in South Carolina and the other half are from up north...Michigan, Maine, and Massachusetts. Aimee, the one from Massachusetts moved back there after college and is married, Christie, the one from Michigan is now an actress living in LA, and Alicia, the one from Maine now lives in Charlotte and is getting ready to have a baby! The rest of us still live in SC (Greenville, Charleston, North Augusta) with the exception of Erin, who is currently living in Florida with her husband.

The point I'm trying to make here is that we don't get to see each other very often. It's very sad. But that all changes this weekend!! One of our guy friends is getting married and for us that means a (partial) Fine Nine reunion! There is never a dull moment with this group and I know we will come away from this weekend with some kind of funny story that we'll still be talking about years down the road. I can't wait! I really, really wish that the whole group was going to be there though! (we'll miss you, girls!)

There will be lots of pictures to document the weekend so be on the lookout for those next week!

Happy 3 Years!

Three years ago, on a rainy and cold Saturday, I married my best friend. And even though the weather wasn't perfect, everything else about that day was!

I cannot believe how quickly the past 3 years have gone by! But I can honestly say that each year just keeps getting better. I wouldn't trade the time we have together for anything in the world! Even the hard times, because in the end, they have only made us stronger. Thank you for always being there for me, for putting up with me when I'm acting like a crazy person, for making me feel like I'm the prettiest girl you've ever seen, for making me laugh, for loving my cooking, and for always encouraging me. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have you to spend the rest of my life with!

Happy 3 Year Anniversary, honey!

We promised each other we'd make it to 101...so here's to 98 more!

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Philippians 1:3

Summer in a Bottle

Is it weird that the title of this post immediately makes me think of "Genie in a Bottle" by Christina Aguilera?

Anyways...that's not what this post is about.

Thanks to Linds, I have recently discovered this stuff:

And I'm loving it! It goes on much easier than the lotion kind and you can tell a difference even after using it once. The color is really natural looking too...no orange skin for this girl. It's so nice to have a little bit of a tan without paying for a good airbrush/spray tan ($8 instead of $35!) or going to the oh so bad for you tanning bed.

So, there you have it...my new favorite beauty product! What are some of your favorites?

Happy Birthday, Ross!

Today is my brother's 20th birthday!



Wannabe Gangsta.

(To all those who may be concerned,
the chin strap is no longer in existence. Thank goodness.)


Guess what that means, brother? You get a whole post dedicated to you! I know...you're super pumped about it. This means you're totally famous now since this blog is read by tens of people every day! :)

So, for your birthday...here's a Top 10 Reasons I'm Glad You're My Brother list:

10. Compared to you, I look really tan.

9. You're moped is really cool. No motorcycles neccessary!

8. Since you are "folliculary challenged", down the road I will always look like the younger sister. :)

7. You used to insist on wearing tube socks up to your knees at all times.

6. You followed in my footsteps and are now a Clemson Tiger.

5. Your original songs on the piano are the bomb, obviously. Even when played repetitively.

4. You show up with an entourage of friends when I'm home alone and I think I hear someone breaking in.

3. You are one of the founding members of the C2H2 band...which produced hits such as "I can count to 5" and "SDH".

2. You're willing risk your life and drive me miles into the Deliverance-like backwoods of the mountains to get shampoo when somehow every single family member forgot to pack some.

And the number one reason...

1. Don't let this go to your head...but, I think you're pretty cool. Even though I'm older than you, I look up to you in many ways. You are SO smart (hello, engineering major!), you're talented, you've always been very level headed and you're definitely a hard worker. At times growing up, I would wonder whether or not we would have a good friendship since there was such an age difference. Now I realize I didn't need to worry about that. I am so thankful for the relationship that we have and the fact that even though I'm "old" you still want to hang out with me! I'm so proud to call you my brother!



Ross and his super cute girlfriend, Evans



And just so you know, the fact that you are now 20 makes me feel really old. So, thanks for that. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope it's your best one yet!

Love you bunches,

your FAVE Sister



I have totally been missing out!

So, I work in a small office with just 7 other people. We like to keep snacks in the office because no one is happy when they're hungry and we don't like cranky people around these parts. :) Somehow along the way in my 3 years here, I have become the "snack supplier". (Well, it's actually not a mystery why...it's because I have a corporate credit card and no one else does.)

Once a month or so, I get the pleasure of a trip to Wally World to stock up. Yesterday, as I was roaming the aisles picking out the best possible snacks (it's alot of pressure!), I came across this:

I saw it and realized that since I had never had it before, it was definite neccessity to try it that day.

Oh my. This is pure deliciousness in a jar right here, people.

I cannot believe that I have deprived myself of this all these years! Am I the only one who had never tried Nutella before?? If not...I suggest you run out and get yourself a jar, pronto.

Happy Friday!!!

Mobbed

Confession: I really want to be in a flash mob.

My inspiration comes from the episode of Modern Family (one of my favorite shows, btw) where Mitchell surprises Cam and joins the flash mob at the mall.

So, last night while watching American Idol (side note: how good was it last night? everyone did awesome!) I saw something really exciting. Starting in April, there will be a new show called Mobbed all about flash mobs! On the first episode, a guy organizes a huge flash mob to propose to his girlfriend. How fun is that??

Am I the only one who thinks this will be awesome? There is just something so exciting to me about being in a public place with a bunch of unsuspecting people and then busting out into a huge performance.

So, if anyone decides to organize one, let me know...I am a willing participant!! :)

A Great Way to Start your Monday

I know...I've been kind of MIA lately. Last week was pretty crazy and I obviously didnt find much time for blogging. :) But to make up for it, I thougth I'd share this with you:

This just makes me laugh! I love how dogs act guilty and totally give themselves away. Reminds me of a certain yellow lab that lives with me. :)

The Verdict is In

Last night, my sweet husband made a quick trip to Chick fil a for milkshakes. I decided it was time to try the banana pudding milkshake, but just to be on the safe side he got a Cookies & Cream one also. :)

After the first sip, I wasn't 100 % convinced but after a few more I was sold. It really tastes just like banana pudding. And it has pieces of Vanilla Wafers in it which is extra yummy. I give it two thumbs up! However, unless banana pudding is your favorite thing in the entire world...I think a small is plenty. We got the bigger one and I'd had enough banana pudding for one night after about half of the shake.

In other news, I was a little bit disappointed with Idol last night. My girl Lauren didn't step it up as much as I'd hoped she would...but I do think she's safe this week. Casey is my other favorite and he didn't let me down. Paul was not good, which was really surprising. Oh and Pia! I keep forgetting about her...she is awesome! I think Karen is out of luck this week...What do y'all think?

Confession

Confession # 1:

It's a pretty dreary day today and I was having a little trouble getting myself motivated and in the shower this morning. So, to solve that problem, I danced around my house as I was getting ready while playing this song on repeat. It may have also been played on my drive to work...and I may or may not have been dancing in the car.

Confession # 2:

I tend to do this type of thing a lot.

 

So, my suggestion to you - if you are having a bad day (or even if you aren't!), play this song and back it up like Tonka truck. I promise it will improve your day! :)

Insert clever title here.

I am totally struggling with the blog this week...so here are some random thoughts I've got swirling around in my head today:

I really want to try the Banana Pudding milkshake from Chick fil a. I think it could go one of two ways...it could be really good or it could taste like artifical banana flavoring (banana Runts, anyone?). Either way...I am very curious. Has anyone already tried it?

Is it just me, or are the work weeks going by extra slow lately? I totally vote for four day work weeks and three day weekends.

I want to be a better photographer...which means I need to some subjects to practice on! Sydney and Miller just aren't cutting it anymore. Any takers?

I had a dream about cinnamon rolls this morning. It's kind of sad that I dream about food.

Did anyone watch The Women Tell All last night? I didn't even recognize Ashley H. with her new hair...crazy.

I can't believe I have not posted part two of our ski trip. Why am I such a slacker? :)

American Idol...overall I am pretty happy with the top 12. Lauren A. is my favorite...that girl was born to sing. I am making an early call that she wins the whole thing.

I just finished reading The Pioneer Woman's book, Black Heels and Tractor Wheels. It was really cute! Now, what to read next?? Recommendations are welcome!

Our 3 year anniversary is this month...3 YEARS! I can't believe it! It's definitely true what they say...time flies when you're having fun!

I am craving warm weather...BAD. I am in desperate need of a tan.

OK, that's about it for now. I promise to be back tomorrow with some more exciting material. :)

American Idol: Let's hear it for the boys

So, we got the see the Top 12 guys perform last night. Overall, I think there are some really talented people...although I thought a few of them fell short last night.

First, let's talk about the best quote of the night:

"You got the high thing goin on. But you didn't over do it...you kept it nice and tasty."

- Randy Jackson

Aaannnnddd...that is why I LOVE Randy.

Now on to the guys:

Clint is interesting and I think he's pretty good. I feel like it kind of sucked for him that he had to go first last night because I feel like he'll be forgotten a little bit.

My vote: TOP 12.

Bad song choice, Jovany. As Randy would say, I thought it was kind of sleepy.

My vote: OUT.

Tim was ok. Again, not the best song choice. But I think girls will vote for him

so you never no what will happen.

My vote: OUT.

Woah, Jordan...not sure what you were thinking with that song selection. That was just really wierd.

I don't think it's going to be good news for him.

My vote: OUT.

How adorable is Scotty? I'm totally pulling for him!

My vote: TOP 12.

I've got mixed feelings about Robbie. I think he's really good but last night wasn't his best.

I think he might stick around though.

My vote: on the fence.

Paul is SO good. That's all I've got to say about that.

My vote: TOP 12.

Other than that really bad high note, Stefano did really well. I think the judges really like him so if he doesn't get voted in, he could easily be a wild card choice.

My vote: on the fence.

James was awesome. He's got that Adam Lambert rocker thing going on

but with much less of the Broadway feel. I like it!

My vote: TOP 12.

Brett's hair has a personality all it's own and the amount of times he flipped it around was cracking me up. That said, I do think he is good. He could also be a wild card choice if America doesn't vote him in.

My vote: on the fence.

This guy is crazy good! Not sure how he's going to appeal to America because of his older style, but there is no way to deny how talented Jacob is.

My vote: TOP 12.

At this point, Casey is my favorite. He is quirky and fun and I love it!

My vote: TOP 12.

So, those are my picks for the guys. Who were your favorites?? I think it's a tough group to only pick 6 out of.

Can't wait to see the girls tonight!