12 HUNSKY?

Well well well...I've been a busy little bee all gosh darn day and for the first time ALL day today, I take look at my blog (yes, at 9:09 PM to be exact) and see this little number appear:

LIKE WHOA.

Where did all 1,200 of you come from and why on Earth would you follow a girl who blogs about an Olympic village full of whores and condoms and wanting to be a flower delivery girl when she retires?

If you, too, are questioning yourself, you're not alone...I'm always wondering the same thing.

But in the mean time, from the bottom of my heart...THANK YOU.

I have met so many incredible friends, like Katie, Shalyn, Erica and so many more, through this little community of ours and I am so so SO thankful for that. I really don't know what I would do my time if I didn't blog? (Hmm here's a thought...maybe work out more? Cook more? Clean more? Read more? But we all know that would make for a farrr to productive Stephanie so we'll just stick with what I know. Err-what I think I know...which is blogging. Maybe not?)

Ok foreals. I love y'all.

PS-if you didn't already know (which I'm sure you do)...Kelle Hampton is preggo again!! So help me GOD that she creates another beautiful human being like sweet Nella!! (Is it just me or does anyone else feel like they "know" a celebrity when they talk about Kelle?! It's like you know her, but you don't, But you do! Buuuut you don't...) ;)

Yes I stole that picture from her blog. I was her 500th comment on this post...it's only fair. Can we say "cutest knocked up chick EVER?"

Ok really. BYE.

3 reasons...

...as to why the 2012 Olympic village needs 150,000 condoms:

'tis true...

With more than 10,000 Olympians on site, there are enough free rubbers amongst the village for each athlete to participate in "extracurricular activities" 15 times a piece over the three week span. They say the swimmers are the worst (possibly because they're the first sport to finish?) and after seeing Mr. Lochte and those baby blues winking at the cameras in skin tight spandex, I think we can all agree with that.

As for Mr. Beckham...he was by far the best part of the opening ceremonies and you, Mr. Priddy, I know you have a wife and all but holy muscles. Hellllllo baldy! ;)

 I dunno about you but these 3 gentlemen have made watching the Olympics that much better. Who'd ever think I could be so interested in swimming for the first time in my life?;)

Just sayin'...

{wow. did I really just write a blog post about condoms?}

Dear Zappo's, Katie & Duck Dynasty

Dear Friday:

Thanks for being here again. You know, I really do think I'm falling in love with you. Now if every Friday were a  pay day...it'd be love at first sight. Who do I need to talk to about that? ;)

Dear Zappo's Headquarters:

I'll be seeing you in a few months and I. CAN. NOT. WAIT. Mark my word, I WILL be by for a visit of your facilities by December 31st, 2012. I prefer the conference room to be at a brisk 70 degrees and I take my coffee with cream and sugar.

Dear Beau:

Thanks for getting up with me this morning. I kinda like seeing your sweet, sunshiny face (awake) before I leave for work. Morning dates are kinda my thang. ;) (I just realized that sounded extremely sexual. I hope those of you reading this don't think of it that way!)

Dear Target:

You should get a letter every day for rocking my world. I bought FOUR of the exact same dresses, in all different colors for under $100 and it has made me so content. You'd think I'd hit the jackpot or something. It's the simple things in life...

Dear Lunch Break:

We didn't get to visit much this week thanks to a heavy work load but I'm appreciative of that. Opportunity has presented itself and I'm along for the ride! Maybe next week? Panera bread @ noon?

Dear Katie:

Friday morning, drive-thru coffee dates need to happen more often. Deal? 

(Oh ya. And so do trips to Ohio...) I miss you. Wah.

Dear Homebuilder:

I have every bit of faith that you will build us a good home but if we could get the frickin' show on the road I would be 1000x happier right now. I mean, can't you just dig ONE hole just to say we finally broke ground?! Just one! Is that too much to ask!? Oh-and if you could NOT charge $8,000 for flippin' interior doors that'd be great too. THANKS.

Dear Duck Dynasty:

You are my newest guilty pleasure and I just can't get enough of you. Foreals. Screw all this "Real Housewives" BS. Uncle Si, you never let me down. Can I be a part of your family already? I promise to make you sweet tea in mason jars and learn how to fry chicken and hunt for snakes and wear camo 24/7. Pinky swear!

See? I fit right in!

Dear readers:

Thank you for rocking my world lately. I have received some of THE sweetest, most heartfelt emails and I truly mean it when I say they completely and utterly make my day. {HUGS!}

***

Peace out girl scout! Happy Friday!

It's a shower party

There aren't too many things in this world I'm terribly picky about.

Okay. That was a lie.

I'm picky about a lot of things...the way I look, the food I eat, the workout routines I follow and the clothes I wear...to name a few, but one of the the things I'm the most picky about is the products I use, from makeup to hair products to cleaning supplies...there's good, there's bad and there's downright ugly.

 Today friends, you're in for a real treat cuz we're gonna to take a look-see into my shower. And don't get your hopes up...there are no nakey pics of this girl, or Beau for that matter, included in this post. Sorry, Charlie.

Where was I?

Oh. My shower. I have a routine. After all these years of bathing, I'd like to think I've perfected my showering skills to a tee. (And trust me...I've tried switching things up and it always ends up with a non-shaven knee or face wash in my hair. Don't EVER steer from the routine.) So anywho-I get in, I yawn a few times and wipe the sleep out of my eyes. I lather my hair with the first round of shampoo. While that sits, I shave mah pits and then rinse. I lather my hair again for the second round of shampoo (hair rule #64353: always shampoo your hair twice), I shave mah arms (yes, my arms) and rinse the hair again. You get the point...this ends with conditioner, face wash, shaving of the legs and then...the best part. The body wash. This is where "picky" comes in. I do not, let me repeat DO NOT use bar soap. There's just something about using the same bar all over your body again and again, day after day that totally creeps me out. And that slimy film that coats the outside? Sick.

I also do not skimp on the body wash I do use. 

(Trust me. I've tried the "bargain" stuff and it always ends up in the trash.)

Enter Dove Visible Care. 

BAM.

Yep. There she is...in all her glory.

I've always been a Dove girl...deodorant, shampoo, leave-in conditioner...oh! And their body spray! My-lanta that stuff smells amazing! They got the goods for a real good price which makes for a happy camper and the Dove Visible Care line does not disappoint!

From the new line, I tested out the "Renewing" body wash and it was love at first scrub. And I'm not just saying that. I have SUPER dry skin when it comes to my arms and legs so I usually have to put lotion on at least twice a day. Nope. Not with this stuff! When I get home from work and head to the gym, guess who still has nice, moisturized legs from that morning?! That's right. This girl. (I don't know why but putting on lotion is such a hassle to me so to not have to put it on twice a day is a darn miracle. Am I the only one that feels this way or am I just that lazy?!)

The other product I am dying to try is the "Toning Creme". Yes. Toning body wash...music to your ears, right?! I may only be 26 but things are about to start headin' south in a few years so I'm gonna need all the "toning" I can get! Who would have thought...body wash that keeps things where they should be?! Genius, Dove. Pure genius!

Oh-and the best part about this line...each product is under $7. And if that's not good enough for ya, you can visit Dove^® VisibleCare^® to get a coupon for $1 off! (Hi. I'll take 10 of each!)

So what's my point?

We all love feeling beautiful and squeaky clean yet pampered at the time time without spending an arm and a leg, do we not?! So today you have the chance to win one of two $500 Spafinder gift certificates! (Giveaway rules below).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

COMMENTS TO THIS POST ARE NOT SWEEPSTAKES ENTRIES. PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ENTRY METHODS FOR THIS SWEEPSTAKES.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Follow this link, and provide your email address and your response to the Promotion prompt

b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and then visit this link to provide your email address and the URL to that Tweet.

c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and then visit this link to provide your email address and the URL to that post.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. Winners will have 72 hours to claim the prize, or an alternative winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 7/18/2012 - 8/22/2012

Be sure to visit the Dove^® VisibleCare™ Crème Body Wash brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Happy bathing, sweet friends! And to whomever wins THIS giveaway...
I will be FOREVER jealous! ;)

Current Loves

I'll be honest...I'm loving a whole lot in my life these days. Like...a whole lot. Nothing huge going on...just a whole lot of contentment with myself, my life, my marriage, my job, and so much more. It feels good.

But for today...I'm definitely loving these few things :)

1. New dress from Tar-jay. This is a steal girls. Go. NOW!

2. Kauai in t-minus 42 days. Come ON September!

3. Keep Calm & Blog On t-shirt pics from readers. So love these!

4. Yesterday's post secret comments. Beau and I were DY-ING reading all of these!

5. My husband's infectious laugh. He makes me heart smile! (See below.)

I don't know why but his laugh just tickles me. Now do you see why he steals my heart? (PS-sorry for the terrible quality. I was hiding behind my laptop trying to sneak this video. Oh-and our oryx friend in the background says "Hello!") ;)

Shhhh...

I'm gonna go ahead and assume we're all well aware of Post Secret.
{If not, go ahead and climb out from under that rock and go pay them a visit.}

Hysterical.

Ok..so Post Secret...seriously. Who doesn't LOVE reading other people's juicy bizznass!? ANONYMOUS bizznass, at that!? All I know is I'm nosey and I LOVE it!

Yes. I realize this is totally disgusting but it was too funny to not post...

(And I want you to all know that my blog is the place to be if you prefer to chat about farting with headphones on and non-shaven armpits...)

Anywho...today friends, we'll consider this here blog our very own "Post Secret". 

Here's how it works:

You just anonymously leave a comment telling the world your little secret. And lucky you, I'm as clueless as they come when it comes to tracking anything. My blog is not  hooked up to some crazy analytics website so when I say I have no way of linking back to anonymous comments, I really don't. (Trust me...I've tried.)

And yes...I will be playing along and I'm sure Beau will gladly be putting in his two cents, as well! :)

I did this a LONG time ago and got back some of the most hysterical comments so don't forget to read other peoples! (& don't forget to comment ANONYMOUSLY!)

Today...secrets DO make friends! ;)

Thank you + a winner + the weekend

Y'all...thank you so SO much for your love and support on Friday's post. The service was absolutely beautiful and I know that all your thoughts and prayers helped Julie and her family get through such a difficult day. I sure do have a bunch of gems as readers. <3

Since I wasn't able to announce the winner of the SwimSpot giveaway on Friday as planned, you all got lucky and got a few extra days to enter. ;) 

So...here we go!

 Britany-I'll be in touch with you soon!

***

Other weekend happnins'...

Hope your weekend was fab! 

Here's to another Monday!

***

PS-Holly at Running in Stilettos is having a pretty 

legit Christmas in July giveaway. If I were you, I'd check it out. ;)

Today.

Today was supposed to be a day where I write a playful post 

and announce the winner of my most recent giveaway. 

But today...

...today is different now.

Today is the day I watch my best friend lay her mom to rest.  Someone I've always considered my second mother ended her battle with cancer on Sunday.

While a huge part of me is engulfed with feelings of sadness for Julie and her family, I can't imagine how elated her mom is to be done with this life and to be starting an entirely new canvas in a place where sickness and cancer don't even exist. Can you even fathom a world without sickness? 

Death is hard. Funerals downright suck. And knowing that life is about to drastically change because you've lost a family member will scare the shit out of you. It's not something I would ever wish upon my worst enemy. Ever.

BUT...

With a whopping 26 years of life experiences, I've come to
handle death much differently...

So to my sweet, sweet friend, Julie:

Today is not easy. It will never be. It's okay to cry. It's okay to be sad, and you know what, it's okay to be pissed off at the world and ask "why me?"...but you know what? While we're all here mourning the loss of your mom, she's looking down over us all (with my dad, of course). She's happy and darn it, she's finally healthy so don't be sad. We're the lucky ones. I may be a tad bit bias but between you and I, we pretty much hit the guardian angel jackpot. Two angels to watch us every step of the way, to leave us "pennies from heaven" when we need them most and to bring a smile to our face when we bring up our fondest memories of them.


Ya...we're the lucky ones... :)


 So if there is ever anything in this life I can teach you, I hope this is it: from the most incredible sweet tea to ever grace this earth to the countless times we laughed as she choked on "too much pepper"...momma Joni still has a lot of life to live...but that part is up to you. As long as you talk to and about her and carry on her legacy, she'll hang around for much, much longer. And that, my friend, is a promise. <3

For my husband...

With tiny tears that glistened, my eyes were fixed on you,

And thinking of the life we'd share, we softly said "I do".

Our hearts were knit together from the 

Time that we first met,

And memories were gathered, that we

Will never forget.

While daily living life with you, you saw the real me, 

And still you chose acceptance, 

A lifelong mystery.

With many happy days gone by,

And others when we cried

Some days we'd share so endlessly,

While other days we'd hide.

With all the ups and downs we've had,

In learning to be friends,

I know that in this heart of mine,

I'd marry you again. <3


(...and again and again and again!)

Homebuying Hump Day: Dining

Decorating the dining room may be one of the things I'm THE most excited about! I've never really had a "decent" dining room so you already know I am chomping at the bit to find the perfect table, chairs, centerpieces, napkins, place settings, etc. Sigghhh...so many options! I'm really trying to channel my inner Pottery Barn here so bare with me...

This first one...I am head over heels in love with. From the burlap curtains to the soft country feel... Now if I can just plan on having fresh hydrangeas as a centerpiece everyday I'll be doin' good...

I found this exact table the other night and wanted to strap it to the top of my car and bring it home with me. (You think I'm kidding?) Beau is a little indecisive about it but if he gets to put dead animals on my walls, it's only fair that I get to choose the dining room table, right? ;) 

Currently swooning over those chairs and the burlap cloth
but can we talk about the lantern chandelier?!

Again...the chairs. The dark wood. THE CHANDELIER! AHHHHHH....

Not really loving anything in this particular dining room EXCEPT those cedar beams, the stone fireplace and the coral walls. Holy gorgeousness. (Psst..even Beau liked the paint color!)

God LOVE Pottery Barn for this piece of amazingness. Amiright or amiright? 

Burlap lamp shades...YES PLEASE!

Oh Z Gallerie...I love you too. Our friends have this over their dining room table and it looks incredible. And the best part? If you ever lose power, you just light all the candles and voila! You have light! It's all about practicality people...

I've always loved these chargers from Willow House but the plates I am loving even more. Though I am slightly obsessing over the coral walls above, I'm envisioning a red/light blue color scheme. Thoughts?

 Besides furniture hunting, there's really nothin' major going on housewise. We have to complete 4 design center appointments before they even break ground and our second one is this Friday afternoon. I mean, do I really need to know the type of sink faucet I want before you start digging? REALLY??

Yes. I am the most impatient person you will ever meet. EVER.
And that's a promise.