The jet-setter lifestyle...

Jet-setter 
  noun.
A rich and fashionable social set the members of which travel widely for pleasure.

I am far from the definition of a jet-setter however, I've had some pretty fun adventures this past month or so.

Toward the end of August, I completed another rescue mission with FlyPups. We brought two dogs - whom originated in TN - from Roanoke, Virginia to New Jersey where one met her foster mom and the other her furever mom. I can't even begin to explain the joy felt knowing I had part in giving these girls a second chance.

Roanoke Regional Airport, Virginia

Pilots lounge. Like a boss.

The Blue Ridge... Home to me <3

Nimera

Mazey and her furever momma

 

 

Last week, I enjoyed a peaceful Saturday in Martha's Vineyard. A trip filled with beautiful weather, great company, and my first trip to an actual Alex and Ani store. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day!

 



Martha's Vineyard

Edgartown Lighthouse

Well hello there 737!

 

 

Although I didn't really take any pictures since it was a quick trip there for dinner then back, this past Friday night was spent in Cape Cod. Once again, beautiful weather and great company.

 

6,500 feet in the air watching Sweet Home Alabama...
Doesn't get much better than that!

 

Loving my New England destination Alex and Ani's.
2012: Block Island
2013: Martha's Vineyard & Cape Cod
2014: I guess only time will tell... 

 

This Wednesday, I'll be off to Hartford, CT to see Mr. Buble sing song that will make me tear up.

 

Sometimes we all complain about life and where we are in it. Those times are when we have to look at it from afar and realize how lucky we are. Everyone's life will include ups and downs but the journey is what matters most.

 

Officially Fall...

Crisp air.

Colorful leaves.

Warm apple cider.

Soft sweaters.

College football.

Bonfires.

Crockpot soups.

 

Welcome Fall, you've been missed!

Today would have been the day...

... the day I excitedly woke up, surrounded by my closest girlfriends. 

... the day I would have reminisced with my sisters while getting my hair and makeup done. 

... the day I would have slipped into my gorgeous white dress with a veil on my head. 

... the day my parents would have walked me down the aisle with Beau waiting for me at the other end. 

... the day I would have become his wife. 

Now don't get me wrong - as sad as I am that this isn't a reality I'm glad we've pushed the wedding off. Between his schooling, finances, and with my new management promotion at work, it would have been tough. But I still can't help but get teary eyed thinking about what today would have been. 

We'll have our time; I know we will. It may not be as soon as I'd like but it's what's best for us.

My dearest husband-to-be,

I love you. Although I wish we were married years ago, I'm happy where we are. Our little family is perfect and I know we'll have a beautiful wedding one day... Just please make that day sooner than later. Kidding. Sort of.

Your future wife,

Sarah 

Don't worry folks, I'm still alive...

Hi, my name is Sarah. I was once a blogger.

And if you are waiting for picture of our new home, keep waiting - just don't hold your breath.

(I don't want to be responsible for any deaths)

Although our living room and kitchen look nice, the hall still has boxes in it, the offices have random crap lying around, and the closet... lets just say I'm not even going to go there!

So what have I been doing since I obviously haven't been doing stuff around the house?

Working.
Working.
Oh and...
Working.

This may or may not have been my task for the one day.

Ok, it was.

It's called: The perk of working for a newspaper.

Seriously though, I've been working around 50 hours between my two jobs then putting in more hours at home for the non-profit (check us out on Facebook and Twitter #shamelessplug).

So if any of y'all would like to come put my house together for me, my door is open!

Perspective...

Last night on my way home from work I was thinking how I finally had free time to write a post.

This was not the post I intended to write though...

After getting home, I grabbed my computer ready to post about our new apartment. Although we don't have everything put away yet, I was excited to share the progress of putting our home together. I sat down and flipped on the TV for some background noise.

That was when I heard the news. Reports of a tornado in Oklahoma.

Suddenly, posting about our apartment seemed wrong...

Loved ones. Family heirlooms. Memories. Gone.

I pray for those who have lost. Those who are hurting, grieving. Those now in Heaven.

Welcome to Pennsylvania...

Last night we turned the page to the next chapter of our book.

On our two year engagement-versary, we cleaned out our first apartment together -- our home for the last four years -- and drove away leaving the keys on the counter.

And today we slept in. For the first time in weeks, we didn't HAVE to wake up. We didn't HAVE to pack. Although there is a bunch to unpack, we decided that most of it could wait a day - we needed to rest.

It's nice to finally relax. Take a deep breath knowing that besides from the unpacking, it's over. No more running between houses. No more stressing about packing. Instead I can sit in our beautiful backyard and watch Sammy run off leash (something she could never do at our old house).

They say hard work pays off in the end and it definitely proved itself during this move. Hopefully the next time we move it will be to a house in our name!

My life, lately. Also known as: Why I've been a bad blogger...

I've obviously been absent from here lately and although I'm normally just too lazy to open my computer or have nothing to write about, this time it's legit.

Lately...

-- I found a second job that is closer to our new apartment. I'm going to keep working at my first job, just not as much since it's going to be a 45 minute commute.

-- My first job's manager quit on Sunday. Talk about a circus! If I didn't have enough stress before, I sure do now.

-- Between the two jobs, I'm working 62 hours a week. Goodbye life, hello paychecks!

-- In the midst of all this, I'm still going to the new apartment as much as I can to clean and begin moving stuff in.

Until we fully move and I get a post together, you can watch our new home updates on Instagram,

username 90PercentBlonde #shamelessplug

-- I've come to realize how much complete crap a person obtains when living in the same place for 5 years.

-- Our DVR is 85% full. Maybe one day I'll have time to watch stuff again. And by one day, I mean definitely after this move takes place.

-- Sammy knows that something is up but isn't quite sure of what yet. Nothing a visit to Grandma and Grandpa's (so we can finish moving) won't fix!

And although I am stressed to the max, I'm happy to be starting this new chapter of our lives in good 'ol Pennsyltucky!

It's ok Thursday...

 

It's ok...

 

... to start packing even though we are still 44 days out.

 

... to have two shows recording on the living room DVR and watch something else upstairs since there is three good shows on all at the same time.

 

... to only cook twice this week. What? I was away overnight the beginning of the week!

 

... to not workout. At all. In the last month.  #backproblemproblems #whyamihastaggingonmyblog

 

... to bathe Sammy at home as much as I want for the next month. The dog hair in the drain won't be my problem! Muahahaha!

 

... to cry over the fact that Army Wives killed off Claudia Joy.

 

... to have spring fever. So far it's been 45+ degrees for 6 days. We even had the windows open in the house the other day!

 

... to have waaaaay too many shoes yet still want more. According to Beau, not ok.

 

... to be more than excited that there is a Starbucks between the new house and my work. No more going 20 minutes out of the way!

 

What do you think is ok this Thursday?

Clean hair, don't care...

Let's talk about shampoo and conditioner for a second, shall we?

And before you think 'I wonder how much she's getting paid for this' the answer is a big, fat nothing!

A few months ago, I went to Target (I know, shocker) and since they had just opened their market section, they were handing out bags of samples when you walked in. Most were sample-sized items except one... John Frieda Full Repair Conditioner.

After one use with my normal shampoo, I knew I had to go back and get the shampoo to go with it. Since then, I've purchased more bottles of it and got some of my friends turned on to it.

This stuff is legit amazeballs and only $6! My hair was so soft and shiny after just one use. It's safe for color-treated and chemically-treated hair and helps with damage made by curling/straightening.

Call your sister. Call your best friend. Call your boss.
Don't call your enemies -- they deserve nasty hair.

Take my warning though... Once you use it, you'll be hooked!

Sick. Still? Again? Something like that...

I know, I know... Once again it's been weeks since a new post. Want the run down of my life? Sick. Sick still... Sick again... I'm not sure which to classify it under but what I had came back with a vengeance! I am so ready for spring and summer to be here -- obviously my body can't handle the weather fluctuations.

So I'm not a complete Debbie Downer, I'm blogging from the beautiful Poconos today! It was just for overnight and I'm getting ready to head back to NJ but it's nice to get away for the night. Nothing beats sitting on the porch, drinking tea, while looking at mountains even though it's only 55-degrees and partially cloudy.

In other news, our landlord was able to re-rent our house after the first showing!
::insert hap-pay hap-pay hap-pay dance here::
This means I don't have to worry about anyone else tramping through my house while my family and I are still residing there. We are hoping to start moving stuff to the new place soon (holiday stuff, stuff that won't be needed in the next 45 days)!

That's all for now -- off to enjoy the last few hours of mini-vaca!
(And lets be honest here, I have to make it home in time for The Bachelor finale!!)

Things change...

That's right! As of May 1st, we will be out of our drafty, outdated apartment and in a new one. This move is a little bittersweet though...

Our current place is the first place Beau and I lived together.

Where we have had many 'firsts'.

The house where we brought Sammy home for the first time.

Where we've made our home for the past 4 years.

But with that aside, I am beyond excited. We will be downsizing a little but rent/utilities is going to be cheaper and the back yard meets up with fields upon fields of farmland. Plus it's a two bedroom -- right now to be used as Beau's office but you never know when we may decide to expand our little family... Kidding! Unless someone keeps posting pictures every morning (I'm looking at you Ashley)!

Keep an eye out for moving updates and a new home tour in the next few months!

My life as of lately...

In the past week, my life has consisted of...

Tissues.
Tissues.
And more tissues.

Oh, and cough drops.

And Girl Scout cookies.

I should buy stock in Puffs and Ricola.

Anyone else think of this every time they hear 'Ricooooolaaaaa'?

 

I've been nursing this semi-cold for over a week now and it sucks! I don't even think I'd be as annoyed if it was a full blown cold but this sore throat and occasionally runny nose gets old quickly.

I'm going to Target soon though -- that should help, right?

A note to my Beau on Valentine's Day

My dearest sexy Beau,

I am beyond grateful to have you in my life. You're a wonderful fiancé and puppy daddy. Although some mornings I could do without your morning breath, I couldn't imagine waking up without you. You're my rock.

Loved you then, love you now. Always have, always will.

Love,
Your equally (if not a little more) sexy wife-to-be

Feelings...

Blessed.
Thankful.
Protected.

There's been something I wanted to blog about but wasn't quite sure how to put my emotions into words. I think the above pretty much sums it up though so here we go...

As most of you know, I went to Virginia for New Years and spent a week down there. The weather wasn't the best the day before we left and was suppose to be crummy on my way home. Instead of taking my little car with its low-profile tires, my parents had me take their four-wheel drive SUV that I normally use in the snow. It was a smooth ride there and a smooth ride home. No car issues whatsoever.

Fast forward to the very next time the vehicle was used after my trip. My mom went to go somewhere -- Got in the car, stepped on the brake, put the car in gear, but then the brake pedal went to the floor and the car started to creep forward. Yup, the brake line blew. The same brake line that had just gotten me home safely after an 8 hour, 75-80mph trip.

It makes you take a step back and think...
Think about luck. Think about chance. Think about fortune.

It easily could have gone while I was driving home over the Blue Ridge Mountains, when I was closer to home going getting off the interstate, or even after my mom had left the house. But it didn't. It happened in our driveway where everyone was safe.

I do believe that someone was looking over me then and every day and I am beyond blessed to have that person - that spirit - above me.

What makes you feel blessed?

Hoping everyone is enjoying 'Nemo' (although we haven't seen much of it here).
Have a great - and safe - weekend.

A case of the happies and crappies...

I was excited to read about this new linkup on Sarah's blog and I think one of the main things that attracted me was the title. So without further adiu...

 

 

- NJ experienced some spring weather this week. It was amazing.

- My new fireside scented Woodwick candle. Bonus: It was on sale for 50% off.

- Two of my best friends had birthdays this week... Happy birthday pretties!

- Seeing Kristin's face when I gave her a gorgeous Alex & Ani bracelet for her birthday.

(yup, we both cried)

- Finally getting the house pretty much back to normal - and clean - after the holidays.

 

- Still having mice in the house. Or more specifically, the kitchen. I'm tempted to get a cat.

- Dealing with slumlords... I'm beyond ready to move.

 

Have a great weekend everyone! Mine will be spent working and sleeping. It's ok to be jeaous.

 

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it.

Once upon a time, I actually cooked.

Go ahead... take a walk, get some fresh air, take a shot of whisky. Now re-read the above statement because your eyes aren't deceiving you. I cooked. But not just anything... lasagna rolls courtesy of Pinterest!

Original pin:

 

I failed as a blogger and didn't take many pictures but in my defense, my hands were a hot mess.

 

Cook lasagna noodles based on package directions.

While noodles are cooking, combine (1) large tub of ricotta cheese

with (1) pound of shredded mozzarella.

Wilt spinach by microwaving in some water.

Add spinach and some Italian seasoning to cheese.

Lay out noodles and fill with cheese.

Roll like a joint.

Put in a pan then cover with tomato sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes on 350-degrees.

 

My creation:

 

Pin success! Beau was one happy man that night... full belly then, well, never mind.

See it, pin it, do it, then link up!

 

Day late and a dollar short... AKA: Detox bath post.

Many - and I mean many - of you inquired about the detox bath I took the other day last week. Finally, here is directions and review you've all been waiting for...

Combine 2 cups of Epsom salt, 2 cups of baking soda, and about 1/4 cup of sea salt in a bowl.

Draw the hottest bath you can stand to sit in.

Add dry mixture while bath is filling.

You can also add a few drops of essential oil into the water.

*IMPORTANT* Get a big glass of water to drink while bathing.

Soak for no less than 20 but no more than 40 minutes.

Sweat. Sweat. Sweat.

Sweat out some more toxins.

Shower off and be careful getting out of tub (could be slippery due to salt).

Do not apply any lotions, creams, nothing.

Drink more water and relax.

You may be pretty tired after the bath. I took mine an hour before bedtime (then stayed up an extra hour to watch Snooki and JWOWW) (did I just admit that?) and drank a large bottle of water. I can't stress the water drinking enough -- you'll be dehydrated if you don't and will do more harm then good. Make sure you pee before going to bed! Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep and if you're like me, you'll sleep like a rock that night. I can't speak for everyone but I felt amazing the next morning. Amazing.

Enjoy!

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball...

... other times it gives you quadruple Z as a bra size (or so it seems).

Is anyone else highly amused by the smaller chick's expression?

 

Welcome to Lifetime's new show, Double Divas. According to balleralert.com it's 'a peek into the world of intimate apparel at Atlanta's renowned boutique LiviRae Lingerie'. Although I haven't watched it yet, you bet I'll be checking it out and reporting back to y'all.

In other [now old] news... CLEMSON WON!

Although no one thought it would be possible, we managed a win against LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on New Years Eve. I am beyond proud of those boys in orange! Now I just have to wait for my celebratory shirt to come in - you know, to go along with last year's ACC shirt.

Happy weekend and remember to drink responsibly aka: don't leave any alcohol in the bottom of the glass.

You are never too old to set another goal...

I hope everyone had a great NYE/NYD. Mine was wonderful (although that feeling ended on my long drive back to NJ yesterday - which most of you probably know based on my instagram pics). I'm not one to make resolutions because lets face it, they'll be broken by January 15th. Instead, I'm following in the footsteps of other bloggers and making goals for myself for 2013...

I think they are all possible - well, the back/hip one is a stretch but I'm going to try - and I am excited to put my mind toward reaching them! What are your 2013 resolutions/goals?

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
C.S. Lewis