My big 1 year giveway=)

credit: pureprana.com

My Blogiversary came by on the 22nd, and it totally went unnoticed. So, to celebrate, I am doing a small giveaway in honor of my big 1 year! Yay!!!! I started out by reading lurking on blogs. Then thought, I guess I should start one instead of lurking in private. Ha! Some of the first blogs I read were Pretty in Pink Megan, Lipstick at the Mailbox, Misadventures of a Newlywed, and Monograms and Manicures. I have found so many other blogs that I like along with my old favorites. I hope you all enjoy my daily ramblings. I never thought people would be interested in what I have to say. This has been such a great journey, and I have met so many great women through blogging. Y'alls comments and blogs inspire me! Thank you!!!! By entering this giveaway, you will get this tres cute Lilly Pulitzer cosmetic bag in beachy. Sadly enough, there is no Beachy perfume to go with this:( It was not in the package, but they still let me purchase the bag. Evidently, someone used their 5 finger discount on the perfume. So to make up for this misfortune, the bag will be filled with goodies!!!!!=)

Here are the rules. Please leave a SEPARATE comment for each thing you do. It makes it much easier for me this way. You may get up to 5 entries:

1 entry- leave a comment
1 entry- tell me you're a follower or become one
1 entry- do a post about this giveaway or put in your sidebar(please tell me)
1 entry- tweet about this giveaway @southernbellejm
1 entry- follow me on Twitter @southernbellejm


The giveway will close on October 7th at midnight CST, and for US residents only. Thanks again for reading my blog!!!!!!!!!!!

Closing date in TWO weeks!

We have a closing date scheduled on the house. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! I haven't really said much about the house because of what happened last time. But, I just had to tell ya. I had to get it out. I'm not going to post any pics until the papers are signed. Just don't want to jinx anything, but, you can be sure, I WILL post pics once they are!

I have been eyeing things for the house. I have a very traditional style. I love antiques and vintage items especially things from the Victorian era. I'm just not really into modern things. I think modern and contemporary styles are beautiful, and when I go into someone's home, I definitely appreciate those styles and the aesthetic nature of such. However, it's just not for me and for my home. I have made one purchase for the new house. And it was this tapestry to hang in the dining room (I'll get it framed with probably an ornate gold frame):
What do you think? Yay or nay? If you're traditional like me, what pieces have you decorated with? Feel free to email with pics or comments or just leave a comment. I'd love to hear from ya!

LMFAO...

I got this email the other day and just had to share it. You might have already seen it, but it had us cracking up in my office. Seriously, I laughed sooooo hard. But then again, I used to be a teacher too.

How to Fail a Test:




!





Just thought I'd pass this amusing little thing along....

I think parts of the US need one of these...

credit: climate.met.psu.edu
Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day! Seriously, it hasn't quit raining here in at least two weeks. I know this because I couldn't enjoy the last two weekends of Summer laying out by the pool due to the monsoon that I wake up to every day. credit: commericialappeal.com
This is what it looked like in part of our downtown on Friday. Ok, I kid on the monsoon because literally parts of Atlanta look like Noah's Ark should come floating along any time now. I think we need a rainbow ASAP to show that this will not happen again. Sending thoughts and prayers to the places that it need it the most=)

***PS-no, I didn't cave in to the fourth meal. We had eaten all the pasta for dinner; so, I just went to bed. Good thing; because, I sure went to get it out of the fridge for my 4th meal. hahaha!

4th meal

First off since it's 11:08, I know you're wondering what the heck is she doing blogging so late. LC is dreaming of sugar plum fairies more like Megan Fox since that tramp is his screensaver on the pc and the fact that he kicked the covers off and is probably dreaming of that skank bent over working on her bike. Think Transformers 2. But, I'm S.T.A.R.V.I.N.G. I know it's too late to eat, but I think I hear the pasta LC's mom sent home calling me, "Belle, Eat me. Eaaaat me. Just Eaaaaaaaattttt me." I'm so tempted. I didn't eat much today; because, my co-worker is out sick. So, we have to help out, and well, I was just so darn busy today that I didn't eat that much. I never eat late at night, but tonight, I just might have to. Do any of y'all eat the so-called "fourth meal", cave in for a snack, or go to bed hungry in these situations???

So, how should I respond?

So, if you've read my previous post and a past post, then, you know the trouble I've had out of LC's brother's girlfriend. I didn't go into detail on my previous post, but I will now. The night this happened *again*, we were both going to our friend's birthday dinner. Evidently, she had planned to go over the bday girl's apartment to change clothes after work and pick her up. Bday girl didn't answer the phone, and that is how she ended up at my place. Well, I am a non-confrontational person for the most part. I will speak my mind which has gotten me into trouble more times than I can think and have learned to pick and choose my battles. But, this time, I'd just reached my limit. Sometimes, I can be like a ticking time bomb...literally. It didn't help the bday girl's dinner was at a Mexican restaurant and well, let's just say tequila makes me a tad more feisty than I already am. After a margarita or two, I started cracking jokes to my friends at the end of the table about living in a small space and having a dog which makes my apartment "smell". Granted, I was not talking to her, but I was in no way whispering either. Yes, it was not mature to do that, but it sure made me feel better. On the next stop, LC and his brother met up with us. Brother's girlfriend was telling LC that we were talking about her behind her back umm, how are we talking behind your back when it's being said out loud in your presence...that one still gets me and that we were acting immature. LC was like what you said was the RUDEST thing I've ever heard someone say when you're in their home. Of course, he said that she shut up immediately. 

So.......Friday night after LC and I got out of dinner, I had a voicemail on my iphone. It was her. She called to say she was sorry and that she shouldn't have said what she said. She also made the statement that what she said was taken as mean and that is not how she intended it to be. 

Okay, I'm sorry when you come over and say someone's house stinks, and it's NOT the first time you've said it how are they supposed to take it. I mean I think anyone would take offense to it. I thought I was going to see her at my bestie's bday on Saturday, but she was out of town at a wedding. I haven't responded for 1) I whipped this apartment's a$$ yesterday. And yes, it smells like a Bath & Body Works in here and 2) I stayed home from work today sick. Awhile back, I was put on the generic form of Ortho-Tri Cyclen* and it makes me nauseous about an hour after I take it. It subsides after about 30-60 minutes, but last night it kept me up all night:( So, now I'm asking how would y'all respond? What would you say? 

And she's at it again....

credit: clouddragon.files.wordpress.com

If you're a new reader, see this post immediately before you read anymore. LC's brother's girlfriend has some issues, and she's at it again. Last night was a friend of mine's birthday. LC's brother was over, and they were jamming out to rock band. He asked me if it was okay if his girlfriend came over to change clothes. She ended up coming over while I was in the shower and getting ready. As she left, LC informed me that the first words out of her mouth were "this house stinks". I have a dog. I've been househunting every Saturday and Sunday all Summer, I work two nights a week on top of my day job, I just joined Junior League. Now, that we've put an offer on this house, my life will be much more settled when we move in. I will have more time to do the things that need to get done.

I've really had it with her. I have never met someone that had such terrible manners. Who does this? LC thinks she's the rudest person he's ever met. I am at wits end. Any suggestions?

Second time around...

credit: melissacwalker.com
Another post today...woo hoo! I normally don't do two usually, but I totally forgot til now what I was going to blog about today originally. Getting my package with the absurd shipping made me lose my train of thought. This was like way more important than stupid shipping. I've got SUPER, like sparkly throw some glitter and confetti in the air everywhere, news.....

credit: salesmotivation.net*

The offer we put on a house was accepted!!!!!

To make a long story short, after house hunting taking up all my weekend pool time all Summer, we, basically, narrowed it down to a neighborhood we wanted to live in. This neighborhood is the one where we made our first offer on a house. If you're a new reader of mine, see this post for a little background on this long search. It was disheartening to say the least. After doing a few more weeks of househunting, we kept going back and comparing the houses we liked to the first house we had put our first offer on. That's how I knew it was the one. Please y'all keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer for us that the underwriting will go smoothly. Things are so crazy and guidelines change often in terms of the housing market. I can't wait to show y'all pictures. I promise I'll post them as soon as I know it's a done deal. I'll just tell you a little bit about the house so you can jump up and down too! First off, it's brand new. It's all brick with wood trim and stone for the entrance around the front door. It has hardwood floors in the living room and dining room, two fireplaces- one in the living room and one in the den, eat in kitchen, granite countertops, cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, walk in laundry room, 3 full baths including the master, master suite: AH-mazing. Has enough room for seating area in bedroom with vaulted/coffered ceiling and the master bath has dual sinks, jacuzzi tub and separate shower, walk in closets, two car garage, mudroom, play room, 3 other bedrooms, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh. I could go on trust me. And, it's a pretty sweet to just be our starter home. This was such a happy day for us. I just hope the happiness can stay=)

*no, this is not our house

L.A.M.E.

You know what I think is lame is when people charge OUTRAGEOUS, yes, big bolded, italic font, capital letters big for freaking shipping. Ok, so I'm a bit of clothes whore. You all know this. If you're new to my blog, my obssession is coming to a halt as of the end of this month. Why I have to give up my pretties, you may ask. It's called student loans aka the financial devil. Anyways, I decided to use every extra penny I have to buying the things I want before I have to actually go on a shopping hiatus for reals this time. Palm on Park tracked down the Paley cardigan for me but were only offering a 30% on a past season item. I was nah, no thanks. Sorry, 140 bucks for a cardigan plus shipping is something not even I could fathom. Evidently, LP went ahead and placed the order and sent the cardigan to Palm on Park. The lovely sales assistant called me back to tell me that LP had actually placed the order when she had told them to not to. She offered me a 50% discount on it. I was like well sure. That means the cardigan in Loopy Lilly, one of my fave Lilly prints, was only 100 bucks. credit: thepalmonpark.comI went ahead just because 1) you can never have too many cardigans and 2) I love loopy lilly and may never find it again. So, I placed the order. I swear she said 10 bucks shipping. I swear. Because, if she had told me that shipping would be 20 BUCKS for a cardigan, I probably would have been like sorry, no can do. 20 bucks for something that weighs less than a pound. Pssssh, you can just send that standard, thank you very much. So, I was so excited when I got my package in this morning. It was all wrapped up in white tissue paper with pink and green polka dots and attached was a pink heart thank you note. I opened to find my beautiful cardigan, and this receipt:

Description Qty Price EXT PRC
PALEY CARDIGAN 1 $99.00 $99.00 N
PULITZER S D% 50.00
Shipping & Insurance 1 $19.95 $19.95 N
2 Item(s) Subtotal: $118.95
Taxes 0.000% tax: + 0.00
RECEIPT TOTAL: $118.95


I called the store, and the lovely sales assistant was not working today. However, the lady who was working said they charge a flat rate for shipping which is $19.95. I don't care about having it UPS ground unless I specify, send that sh!t standard. Geez!!!!!

This is what I'd really like to do...

credit: terriemiller.com
Remember Office Space?!?!? I still love that movie. My printer has been down since Monday. I was rerouted to another printer which is not by my desk but close by. So, I can't complain. hey it gets my fat a$$ to walk a few extra steps So, logistics guy came by and remapped my computer to my old printer. I dunno, he kept talking all this jargon that we aren't mapped to the printer that we were originally printing from. All I know is he had a large tattoo on his arm, and had these on his feet. I think I wore these back in middle school. Don't judge. They were the coolest then. Ick!: credit: shoes.com
Needless to say, I am ready to go home, and I still have another 51 minutes to go. *sigh*

New Skin Care line!

Well, I finally chose a new skincare line after weeks of researching and debating. [insert sigh of relief here] I really appreciate all of your advice on this and researched everything y'all suggested. I ended up going with the Oil of Olay regenerist line. They have live consultants to chat with on their website. I was kind of overwhelmed when I went to Target and things weren't really specified for certain skin types. So, I chatted with the lovely lady on the website who mapped a skin regime for me to use.

I use these products in the morning:
credit: overstockdrugstore.com
Oil of Olay Regenerist daily regenerating cleanser credit: talkingmakeup.com
Oil of Olay eye lifting serum credit: talkingmakeup.com

Oil of Olay regenerist UV regenerating lotion

At night, I use the same eye serum and these products:

Credit: olay.com
Olay cleansing cloths credit: beautifulmakeupsearch.squarespace.com
While my face is soapy from the cleansing cloths, I use this Clarisonic skin care brush to exfoliate my skin and clean it. Then, rinse. Best investment ever. I give props to Shasta over at My Blonde Reality for selling me on this sweet machine=) I do not use their cleansers though. credit: latestbeauty.com
Olay's micro-sculpting cream

And ladies, my skin does feel better than the other stuff I used to use. That maybe a combination of now using the brush and skincare, or it could just be this line is actually better than the "expensive" brand I used previously. Who knows? All I know is that I am satisfied. I waited til it had been a month of using the products before posting this review. No, I'm not being paid. Just wanted to share my happiness in finding a cheaper skin care line that A)doesn't break the bank and B) didn't make my skin freak out.

Btw, I just want to say a little thank you to True Beauty...Inside and Out. I won one of her 5 days of giveways. She's such a sweet person. She has been helpful any time I have emailed her about different skin care questions I'm sure I annoyed her, but she sure didn't show it!. If you haven't stopped over there before, go check her out. She's a darling!

Not fell, but just merely stepped off the wagon

I didn't fall; because, I'm still in control, but I might have stepped off the wagon just a wee bit. I purchased a couple of things yesterday. It was kind of a need and kind of a want thing. I purchased these:I'm not a big shoe person. I have the basic staples. You know black and brown winter boots, black and brown heels for work, a pair of cowboy boots, a pair of black and gold and silver stilettos for nightly outings, a few pairs of heels for work, a pair of teva flip flops, a pair of Gold LP McKims, and a pair of New Balance tennis shoes for everyday wear, and a pair of Nike Shocks for running,like I really do any running nowadays which is why I'm a size 6 down low instead of a size 4:( and a few others that slip my mind I'm sure, but still I know that sounds like a lot of shoes, but when compared to someone who loves shoes, i.e. Southern Champagne Wishes (if you haven't read her blog, she is too cute, check her out!), I'm just a mere pair of flats in a great big closet of heels. I felt this purchase wasn't frivolous. I'd wanted these Lilly Pulitzer Bee Happy flats since they came out, but I just couldn't fathom spending 200+ on a pair of flats. I even saw them at Marshall's for $99, but I am a tightwad when it comes to buying shoes. I have no idea why since I have no problem splurging on clothing attire. I guess because I am scared I'm going to ruin them by messing up the heels, scratching them, scuffing them, or whatever else you can do to a shoe. With clothes, they can be sewn, washed, etc. I have been very good and haven't purchased a clothing item in almost two weeks! This is a loooooooooong time for me. So, when I ran across these shoes brand new on Ebay the other night for $29.99+ $8.97 shipping. I had to get them. I don't have any gold flats at all. I think the hiatus has taught me that I don't need to buy stuff all the time. It's good to wait. If I'd already spent my check,which is what normally happens when pay day comes around I wouldn't have had the money for these shoes. I would have missed my golden opportunity for these LP golden Bee Happy flats. I'm so happy I didn't waste my money on items that I don't really need like another polo, unless it's navy b/c I need one to have for football games this year. *gasp* Yes, it's true. Can you believe a prep like me doesn't have a classic staple such as a navy polo. Well, sometimes, a girl's gotta live on the edge, right?
And maybe, I dragged my feet on the ground a little. Jack over at Lilly Service (who by the way is an absolute darling) found me both items I have been wanting forever, but just waited too late to get them. If you're not following him on twitter, you should. His twitter name is XXLilly_Service. He goes above and beyond emailing/calling the stores to find your precious Lilly items. He found both the Paley cardigan and the Mojito tunic for me. I purchased the Mojito and at 99 bucks, I had to; because, I wasn't about to drop a whopping 200 bucks full price for one.Yes, even I have my limits when it comes to clothes I'd been waiting forever to find one. That my friends is my official last purchase. We are about to put in an offer on a house, my student loans come due October 7th, and well, I will be B.R.O.K.E.I know what you're thinking. Yeah, right! This girl has been talking about kicking the shopping habit forever. But it's true. No more shopping:( My parents bought me the Paley Cardigan and are saving it as one of my Christmas presents. I am willing to wait that long.

I salute you America

On a somber note, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do one of these posts. I'd read several 9/11 post this morning. I didn't know if I could do it justice. I didn't know if anyone would even care what I would have to say. I would like to recognize the anniversary of 9/11/01. It's a day none of us will ever forget. It's like how our parents know exactly where they were when the first man landed on the moon, and where they were when JFK was shot to his death. This is a day that I can remember as vividly as if it were today. It was sunny and clear, blue skies in Memphis that day. I remember walking to class with sleepy eyes, and hair a mess thinking what a lovely day was being ruined by having to go to American History at 9:40am in the morning. I went into class and sat in a seat in the auditorium. My teacher came in and announced that class was cancelled. He said, "Today is a day you will never forget. You will always remember exactly where you were for the rest of your life when you find out what happened today. You will NEVER forget. Go home. Go home. Go home and turn your televisions on." He didn't even tell us what had happened. People were rushing all over campus, and everyone was talking on their phones. All I kept hearing were people saying one plane, no two planes, OMG, OMG, I need to call so and so. I finally got home and turned the tv on. Because, in college, I didn't watch the news. I didn't care about the world as a whole. I cared about my own little world; I didn't even realize that there was a world outside my little world. As, I watched the television and the castastrophe laid out before my eyes, I was stunned. You hear and see these type of things happening in other countries far away from the United States. I never fathomed it could happen on our own soil. It was America, the United States, land of the free, land of opportunity, not a war zone. I was naive and sheltered like many Americans were. These were things I read about in textbooks about times past. Not my country. But today, sadly, the children of America will grow up with the lingering thoughts of terrorism. They will not have the carefree days of being naive and sheltered thinking America is invincible and safe. Those were the days I lived until 9/11/01. Today, I pay homage and respect to those who lost their lives that day. It is a day that no textbook could ever describe in enough detail to know the panic that bled through America's heart. Today and every day, I am proud to be an American and hope that our country can one day return to the days where we ran through the sprinkler in our front yard in the summertime without a care in the world.......

Cheap Thrill

Credit: goodbadandugly2.wordpress.com
Yeah, the kid at Walgreens just got a cheap thrill. I need to remind my self when General Krottendorfer comes to visit that I need to check my clothes before I leave the house. I, like many of you I'm sure, grow up top per se for the week of the general's visit. I'm petite up top; so, my buttondowns fit just right. However, when the visit's a coming those buttons start to get a light tight. This is probably going to be TMI so that's your disclaimer to stop reading now if you don't like TMI. I'm a regular person when it comes to "tinkling". I tinkle in the morning, mid-morning, dinner time, and before bed. That's it. No more than 4x a day, sometimes less. I already went 4x this morning. You know what that means.....nasty Mr. UTI has made a visit. I guess he was missing the General and just had to come join the pity party too. Hmmm, I guess you're wondering why they are both men. Well, they are both PITAs (Pain in the A$$) and get on my nerves. That's just like a man for ya. So, after about the fourth bathroom trip, I decided it was time to take my morning break and head on over to Walgreens. I grab some medicine and a candy bar and head to the check out. A girl's gotta have some chocolate during the visit, right?. It's like the adult version of bubble gum medicine=) So, the cashier couldn't have been older than 19. He's trying to talk me into buying some Oreo brownie. I'm like no thanks don't you see this giant Ghiradelli* chocolate bar I'm buying. As I am looking into down into my purse to grab some cash, I happen to glimpse my the middle of my bra. I, then, realize, oh great the top button of my button down is no longer buttoned. I quickly pull the two sides of the shirt together and get out the cash and hold my purse over my chest. I mean seriously this kid had an upfront, frontal view of my goods. I probably just made his day. So, not only did two unwanted, undesirables come to visit me, I had to go and give the Walgreens kid a peep show plus my co-worker isn't back so I'm swamped in work. And you betcha, I took a time out to write this post. If I didn't, I'd probably go postal today. Today's gotta get better....

I hate it when my co-worker takes off work....

This should be an inkling of how my day was going to be....

credit: www.laist.com

No, that's not my car. Trust me, I wish I drove a Lexus SUV, and I wish I lived where there were palm trees. I'm a bad parker. I admit it. LC gets so irritated at my mad parking skills. He just wished he parked like me. I was late to work this morning. Typical Monday, wait no today's Tuesday, but since yesterday was a holiday, today is my Monday. This is exactly what my car looked like after I looked back at it this morning before going in the door. I work with about 30 people. You eff my car; I know who you are. One of my co-workers is on vacay. She's so sweet and such an amazing person. She even stayed late last week getting things taken care of and making sure we had a detailed list of things needing to be done. She's also one of those that goes above and beyond her job description. In the sense, that she does a lot of stuff that she's not required to do i.e. typing up things, entering data, etc. Basically, a lot of the things the people she assists are supposed to do, but she ends up doing it. So, it's like they're babies when she's gone. They are lost and expect us to do what she does for them. Um, no, I'm sorry. That's not my job. Gaw, I'm X'ing off the days on my calendar til she returns. Do you all ever get swamped with work when one of your colleagues is out? It S.U.C.K.S. Enough of my venting, there are tons of people without jobs, and I am LUCKY to have one. I know. I'm sucking it up and putting on my big girl panties for the rest of the week. Only 3more days to go...

Having dinner with LC tonight before my JL meeting. Hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend and hoped you enjoy your holiday without having to do any labor

Redneck dinner=FAIL

LC calls me yesterday and asks if I like macaroni and cheese out of the box. Ummm, yeah I love macaroni and cheese. I was raised on Kraft macaroni and cheese out of the box. We ate things out of boxes and cans growing up. Not literally out of the box or can, but you know cooked from them. LC on the other hand not so much. His mum likes to make things from scratch and use fresh vegetables versus canned ones. She's an amazing cook. Anyways, back to the point. This is the fabulous redneck dinner I came home to last night:

Entree

Side Dish

Beverage

Dessert

After Dinner Drink

Please tell me we're not the only ones who eat a redneck dinner. To be honest, it was all of my favorite things that I got to eat in one sitting. I kinda liked it. Do y'all ever have nights like these???

Loopholes are fabulous

After a Grrrrr post yesterday, a happy one is in store. So, I officially started on my shopping hiatus on September 1st. LC has declared a bet. If I can actually not buy anything of "luxury"i.e. no Lilly, J. Crew, or VV or any clothing items WHATSOEVER, only the necessities like some Stila eyeshadow I bought today, he will buy me two new Lilly dresses. I'm loving the fall line; so, I think I can make it. It's so hard though, seriously! I mean seeing J. Crew in my inbox screaming "BIG SUMMER BLOWOUT-FINAL SALE". And when J yells, this Belle pays attention. I went immediately into my favorites where I'd had the J. Crew Slub Shirred Ruffle Tank saved just hoping for the day it would go on sale. Yesterday was that day. But I became all upset; because, yesterday was also September 2nd, and my hiatus had already begun. There's no way I'm going to lose a bet. So, whadya do when it comes down to this, find a freaking loophole. Hey, isn't that what lawyers do. LC is a lawyer. Surely, he'd understand. I sent him an email and this is what it said:

"Sooooooooooo, the shirt I've been wanting forever is finally on sale. Since I am not allowed to buy things, you are allowed to shop;)"



Reel it in, c'mon you can do it, of course ladies, hook, line, and sinker. LC got me the shirt. Done. He's the greatest, most understanding of loopholes kinda boyfriend. So, it's day three and I'm going strong. Wish me luck ladies. It's going to be a loooooooong ride.

Btw, if anyone knows where I can get (not me but for the parentals to buy me for Xmas [yes, I am already thinking of my wish list]), please let me know. I should have bought it a long time ago. Now, it's quite possible I'll never be the owner of this beautiful Lilly Pulitzer Mojito tunic Loopy Lilly print in navy.

Do you tip your to-go person?

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion. This is the not the opinion of the vast universe as a whole. If you don't like it, don't read it. If you disagree, please be cordial about it and leave the mean messages in your head instead of my comment section. Cordial disagreement is accepted. If you agree, well then, that's just lovely, and we, my friends, live on the same page.

I've mentioned before that I have a second job. I work about an average of 7 hrs every two weeks which I guess equals about 3.5 a week. I don't work enough really for it to be called a "job" per se, but still I digress...

I do to-go at a restaurant in town. I have worked at said restaurant for what will be 10 years in March 2010. I have seen it all. I know the tricks of the trade, and I try to go above and beyond for my customers. I know I get what they call "hangry" when I'm extremely hungry. In case you need to know what "hangry" means, it's when you are so hungry it makes you angry hence the combining of the words into hangry. You know like Brangela or Bennifer. Okay, sorry, that was my feeble attempt at humor. Most to-go specialists make minimum wage or less. I, on the other hand, make more than that, but that's because I've been there NINE years. And believe me, I could go work part-time at the gas station and probably make more. I don't mind bringing your food out to to you even when it's raining. That's my job. I always make sure your order is correct, and that you have everything you need. Nothing's worse than being out of town on business and returning back to the hotel with your order to only find there's no silverware, or things that were supposed to come with your order are missing. Blows. But, not getting a tip really blows. If you get bad service, that's one thing. Good service and no tip is not cool. Here are two recent instances that I have encountered within the past two weeks.

Situation 1:
[It is raining. I'm talking monsoon, flash flood warning kind of raining. The kind where the umbrella doesn't even help. Belle takes receipt of order outside to customer for payment]

Belle: Hi ma'am, you're total is $X. (shivering b/c my back is being smacked with a gust of wind and pelted with lots of rain and umbrella is not helping at all it's raining so bad)
Customer: O.M.G., this has got to be like the worst part of your job. Oh my!
Belle: That's okay. Don't worry about it.
[Belle returns inside to get customer's change and to get order to bring out to guest]
Belle: $X is your change. Thank you! Enjoy!
Customer: Thanks. Have a great day. Don't get too wet!

Moral of situation one: If you make me bring your order out in a monsoon, then at least tip me. If you don't want to tip, then just come inside and pick up your own order. Save me from getting sick. Thanks. But mostly, if you're going to be that person to make me come out in a monsoon and aren't going to tip, at least spare me the acknowledgement of the worst parts of my job i.e. bringing food out in the rain.


Situation 2:
[Customer places order over phone and wants curbside. Car is champagne lexus. Lexus arrives. Belle goes outside to greet customer and give receipt]

Belle: Good evening, sir! Your total is $X. (Man is talking on bluetooth not acknowledging my presence. Finally, he acknowledges my presence.)
Man: How much is it?
Belle: Your total is $X.
Lexus Man: Okay. (Pulls a HUGE bank roll out of his pocket and proceeds to pull each bill out in the most flashy, I'm a baller kinda way. Belle notices the man is wearing a sheriff's hat. Except, this Lexus driving officer doesn't even own a money clip instead just a rubber band. Real classy Mr. Lexus I'm a baller. Man gives Belle the money. She goes back in to get change which equals $1.16 [yes, I still remember the exact amount] and bring order out to customer)
Belle: Here ya go sir. (Belle hands change to customer) Hope you enjoy! (Lexus man still talking on bluetooth.) ENJOY!!!
Mr. I'm a Lexus driving, rubber banded bank roll carrier, so important bluetooth talker, big baller: Thanks!

Moral of situation two: I guess you can't be an officer who protects the citizens of our city, a baller with a bank roll held together by a rubber band, a Lexus driver, talk on your bluetooth to make you seem soooooooo important, or be a baller if you tip your to-go girl. Nuff said.
and for that matter it should say Tennessee as well

So, that's my rant for today. If you've gotten this far, thank you for letting me vent=)

don't hit send before proofreading your message...

I'm still learning how to use my iphone. Yes, I feel as if I'm turning into my mother and am totally unknowledgeable about technology and how to use it. I'm not sure if I told y'all or not, but LC was hired on full time and is in his orientation today at his employer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay, now we can really get a house. Sorry, sorry, back to the point of this post.

Text conversation between LC and I just minutes ago
Setting: Belle at her desk hearing her iphone beep

LC: Do you have HMO or PPO insurance

Belle: I think I have poo

Belle: Oops, it changed to poo when I hit the space bar. I meant PPO.

Yes, ladies if you ever get an iphone beware of the spellcheck which when you hit space will automatically change the word. Moral of the story, don't hit send until you look over your message.

Lilly Pulitzer Dress for sale

I have a Lilly Pulitzer Clooney dress size 6 hanging in my closet. It's only been worn once. It's just not my cup of tea, but it may be yours. As much as I'd love to hang on to a piece of Jubilee, I'd rather have someone who really wanted the dress to have it and wear it proudly!!!! Right now it is listed at thesaleshack.com for $124.00 brand new. BIN price of $85.00 OBO + 5$ shipping (priority mail). Please email me your bid at southernbellejm@gmail.com. Please blog/post/put it in your side bar, tell your friends, you get the gist.

credit for picture and description below to lillypulitzer.com

Clooney Dress Printed Jacquard $248.00

Style #: 70476
This dress has a delightfully soft hand. It's as if it was your grandmother's prized Lilly that she passed down to your mother, and now it's your own. Oh wait, we did that on purpose! This Jubilee dress has our gorgeous vintage wash. Who needs the old? We have the new, feeling soft and comfortable. JUST RIGHT.

JS 19" Skort shift dress with drop waist & bow closure at neck