Happy Sunday

Getting it back together

Courtesy: Kris Atomic

Over the past several weeks, I've come to realize how easy it can be for women to loose sight of themselves when they get heavily involved with someone.

In addition to moving, starting a new job, finishing school and trying to establish a name for myself in a new city, I am also in the middle of what is turning into the most beautiful relationship of my life. But I have to admit, it's work!

Not the tedious, "oh, here he comes again...let me cook, shave and smile" type of work. But the excitement of wanting to spend so much time and energy with him. I'm loving it, but it's taking away from "ME" times..or as I like to call it "E-time."

However, instead of shaving time off, I've decided it's time to balance. Before, I had no one to consider but myself. Now, it's time that I learn to juggle the new demands of my life--including the newest component of my social life. And I'm actually looking forward to it...

Lovin' these Louboutins

The ones in the middle are my fav.

So Good

I never pretend to be the best cook but when I cook what I cook, I cook it well:)

My fav thing that's quick and easy is green bean casserole.

Mr. Hailey "claims" he won't eat it. We'll see...he will come around.

Anyway, with Thanksgiving just days away...if you're looking for a last minute dish to add to your menu. Try this...it takes about 35-40 min (including prep time).
I made it for our work dinner today...and it was a BIG hit!

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Dash ground black pepper
4 cups cooked cut green beans
1 1/3 cups French's® French Fried Onions

Stir the soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans and 2/3 cup onions in a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
Bake at 350°F. for 25 minutes or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining onions.

Bake for 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.

For Broccoli Casserole, substitute 4 cups cooked broccoli flowerets for the green beans.
For cheese lovers, stir in 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese with soup. Omit the soy sauce. Sprinkle with an additional 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese when adding the remaining onions.
To add a festive touch, stir in 1/4 cup chopped red pepper with the soup.
To add crunch, add 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds to the onion topping.
For bacon lovers, add 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, to the bean mixture.
For Golden Green Bean Cassrole, substitute Campbell's® Condensed Golden Mushroom Soup for the Cream of Mushroom Soup. Omit the soy sauce.

RECIPE TIPS
Tip: Use 1 bag (16 to 20 ounces) frozen green beans, 2 packages (9 ounces each) frozen green beans, 2 cans (about 16 ounces each) green beans or about 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans for this recipe.

In Awe

Ok. So check out this ring...

It belongs to Kim from the Atl Housewives. While I don't agree with the story behind it, I can't deny that THIS is a ring.

My ideal ring...is a lot smaller and A LOT less gaudy....but I too would love a cushion cut stone.

But no platinum for me though...give me white gold. Platinum scratches too easily...and unlike Ms. Kim, I work hard everyday.

But you can't deny, this is a nice ring!

Healthy Habitats

First Lady Michelle Obama talks about fruits and veggies w/Elmo and friends. Too cute. Enjoy.

Check your local listings for airdates.

And the award goes to...

Hoo-ray!!! I got my first blog award!!!
Thanks to Chaotic Bliss for giving me the "Sugar Doll" blogger award. I couldn't think of a better person to receive my first blog from!

Because I luv tulips

They make me smile.

Unit #M: Don't be late

One of my blog readers suggested this wall clock for Unit #M.

I actually like it. It's cute and it will make me smile on my way out the door. I'm going back to Ikea next week to see if I can find something a bit more modern, if not, this is definitely a contender.

Thanks!

Friday Night Plans

Not sure what your Friday night plans are.... before I do ANYTHING, I have to finish conquering this hair. **sigh**

A Quick Friday Night Dinner

If not this Friday, maybe next Friday.
I haven't tried it yet but I WILL!!! There are only a few ingredients...which is right up my alley.
For Starters: Arugula - fresh from the garden. Olive oil. Lemon Juice. Shaved Parmesan. Fresh-ground salt and pepper. Bon Appétit!

No seriously, that's it!! Enjoy!

"It's not what you make, it's how you manage"

I know that I always post about fashion, decor and sometimes you even get a snapshot of my life BUT I need to be a responsible blogger.

I LOVE shoes and clothes and furniture...but more importantly I love being financially responsible.

So while I may urge you to check out a scarf or pick up a pair of shoes...please, please, please be financially fit!

There was a time (not too long ago) when I wasn't. Like many women my priorities were ALL wrong! I had to have new this and new that...but I didn't have money in the bank.

To this day, I have friends who I think live well beyond their means...but I have other friends who live within their means...and even some who live below their means who STILL manage to do it fabulously.

Today, that is how I live. BELOW my means.

While m$ney is not oozing out of the seams, I make a decent income for a semi-single woman with no children.

While I am not quite debt free, I have very little debt. No car loans, no credit cards, no outstanding medical expenses, no tax bills. Aside of student loans, I have about $5K of outstanding debt (and that will be gone within the next six months). More importantly, I no longer stress about money. You know why...it's because I've learned to prioritize what's important.

Prime example: I have a $200 dress in my closet that I bought when I didn't even have $200 in the bank. Three years later, I can appreciate that dress and many others....AND I have an E-fund.

Don't get me wrong, I still buy nice things..but nice doesn't have to mean expensive and I don't buy what I can't afford.

Some people think that because the money is in the bank, you can afford it. WRONG!!!! If you don't have an emergency account--equal to at least one month's salary...you can't afford ish!

That was so hard for me to comprehend as a young adult. NOW, I get it.

I get the bulk of my financial advice from my grandmother (MeMa) on a regular basis who has worked hard to be a six figure woman aside from my grandfather. She lives fabulous...but she stresses the importance of hard work AND money management.

She continues to help me through my journey of being a financially independent business woman, motivational speaker, soon-to-be wife, soon-to-be mother, soon-to-be real estate mogul. (Yep, that's the plan!)

And that plan does not include flushing my m$ney down the toilet. I work waaay too hard!

Her motto...and now my motto is: "It's not what you make, it's how you manage."

Here are a few tips I found over at Fabulous Financials. Many of these tips I live by!!!!

Saving Tips
$$$Open a savings account that doesn't allow easy ATM access

$$$Start small if you have to, $5 is better than nothing

$$$Do not 'binge save' or deprive yourself, it’s a recipe for failure

$$$Pay yourself first! Save before any other money is spent…even before bills

$$$To curb the temptation to spend, consider payroll allotments so the money never touches your hands

$$Establish a realistic goal to keep you focused

$$$Share your goals with your inner circle for support

$$$Surround yourself with positive people who will motivate you

$$$Save at least 1/2 of your found money (i.e. bonus, tax refund, gifts, etc.)

As with all other goals, saving requires discipline. It is hard at first, but it doesn’t take much to get started. Watching your money grow is the greatest reward. Imagine being fabulous AND financially savvy!

Pillow Talk: I could wear this pillow

$48 Urban Outfitters

Over and Above

Christmas List Alert!!!!! I am on a search for comfy over-the-knee boots. I want a pair of high heeled ones and flats. These are fab....they are also Louboutins (enough said).

If you find a more "affordable" pair, let me know!

Pillow Talk: The Dreamland Collection

Introducting the Dreamland Collection from AphroChic. I luv these pillows. They are a little too steep for my taste. But who knows, I may spluge on this one...

I'm gonna get you...

Nope. Haven't forgotten about this shoe from Aldo. It is definitely on my Christmas list.

I don't mean to brag...BUT

One of the things I always receive compliments on are my fashion rings.
...Besides my shoes, they are usually my favorite part of an outfit. But what people don't know is that I have never paid more than $20 for ANY of my fashion rings!!!! NEVER! My thoughts are: if I have to spend so much on real jewelery., I don't mind bargain hunting for a cheap...yet chic fashion ring.