Where's Eric???

So, I just so happened to be pinteresting Eric Northman. What can I say, I like a little vamp eye candy every once in awhile on a lazy Sunday before I meet my besties for brunch! Anyway, it made me go to Charlaine Harris's website to find out when the last Sookie book comes out *gasp, cue tears* . Btw, it's May 2013. She  has already posted the cover for the book. Where the heck is Eric? I've always wanted her to end up with Mr. Northman. That's the way I've always pictured it ending in my head. However, there's no Eric on the cover:( I see Sam, Alcide, and Quinn. Hmmmmmmm, I'm hoping for a happy telepath-vampire ending. I guess it'll be another 4 1/2 months til I find out. I hope she tied everything together nicely for the ending of this series because I've really enjoyed it. If you haven't read any of the Sookie Stackhouse books, I highly recommend them. They are easy reads and addictive!!!! Any one else read them, what do you think???
And for your lazy Sunday, I'll leave you with some True Blood eye candy. You're welcome!

Eric Northman played by Alexander Skarsgard. 

Jason Stackhouse played by Ryan Kwanten

Getting Pregnant is a Science!

So, I went to my obgyn yesterday to figure out what's our next step. I swear who knew that all of this was so intricate. I mean really. I grew up thinking you got married, you did the do, and you had a baby. I never knew about hormone surges, ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), measurements of uterine lining, etc. SERIOUSLY!

They ran an ultrasound to see if I had PCOS. My insulin levels are fine, and the look at my ovaries via u/s showed no "string of pearls." All the things I was wanting to hear until...normally about this time you would have a thick, fluffy uterine lining measuring at about a 10; well, your lining is measuring about a 5 which is kind of thin. This is another possible symptom of PCOS. She didn't definitively say I had it, but she didn't say I didn't. Ugh, I'm so frustrated. I just want to have a baby. We are two people who work hard and WANT a baby. Being parents is something we want to do, not something that we just will deal with if it "happens."

I don't know if it's because we're TTC or what, but every time I turn around there's another friend, blogger, twitter friend announcing their pregnant or their pregnant with their 2nd, 3rd, gazillionth child or every time I turn around there's a pregnant person in line in front of me or walking in front of my car while I am waiting to turn into a parking spot. I hate that it pisses me off. I am genuinely happy for people I know. I really am. I just want one of those people to be me. I'm a good person who would be a good mother. It's just frustrating. I am ashamed to admit I get envious, and it makes me mad at myself for feeling this way. I hope you do not judge me. I am only human.

My obgyn decided to put me on metformin. She said this will hopefully help regulate my cycles, and she would like to see me back in 3 months. She'll reevaluate and possibly put me on clomid. Have any of you been on metformin and/or clomid? Just curious to know if it worked for you.

Hope I don't end up a crazy pug lady...

Looovveeeee: Bubble Studs and Paper Straws!

So, if you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know what an obsession I've had with the bubble necklaces. I just so happened to check my emails today --bad girl-- slapping my own wrist now! and guess what groopdealz was having..."bubble studs." Ummm, awesome!!!

These gems are only $2.49 including free shipping. I ordered the pink pair and the coral pair. I didn't want to order more because I wasn't sure if I'd like the size. We'll see:)))) Just wanted to pass along to you all!

Also, if I knew I was throwing some parties soon, I'd definitely be ordering some of these as well. This is such a GREAT deal on these straws. For 50, you pay $2.99 not including shipping but still much cheaper than what I paid. I paid almost 7 to 10 bucks for mine to use at my wedding if I remember correctly.

I'm off to grab some lunch before my OBGYN appointment. Maybe, she'll be able to give us some more suggestions as to what's going on.

Happy Shopping:)))

Christmas 2012

Christmas was so fun. Honestly, I just wasn't into the holiday spirit this year [post to come later on that...maybe], and it seemed like Christmas just snuck up on me. This year, the most important and best thing about Christmas was the time I spent with my family and my husband's family. I think that was THE best present out of all the presents given to me. It feels like time flies by so fast now that I'm getting older, and once you're "grown" we waste half our lives at work. The moments when we're all together seem few and in between. I think that is what made Christmas special to me!

I do have to admit I got some amazing gifts! I'm so blessed that I feel almost liked I'd be bragging if I posted them all! So, I'm just going to post the Christmas presents I got for myself. Ha!

Gap Fair Isle Shawl Cardigan sweater

This is so freaking comfy and warm. I can't wait to wear it:)

no link, sorry!---sadly, it's out of stock

Reversible Winter Infinity scarf

one side is leopard and the other is brown fleece. 

bought this from Jewelry Nut Auctions on fb. if you never heard of them, go ahead and click that like button. jna is probably one of my fave jewelry auction sites on fb. also, they have started carrying clothes/scarves too. 

i was picking up around the house right before i started this post. it's freezing. it snowed today here, and i'm freezing. i spotted this scarf while "cleaning" and while i might not look amazingly awesome in my wool socks, express blinged out jogging pant capris, an old long sleeve basketball tee from high school, last night's makeup and bedhead hair,  i put on this scarf to complete said ensemble, and it is unbelievable warm. not sure if it's coming off today. if you see me at the mailbox in a bit, don't judge;) 

Lilly Pulitzer Boston top in Crown Jewels

I had an ESS credit from that debacle of a sale back in August and this cost me minimal $$

Sadly, I am exchanging this. I had high hopes for this one, but it did not work for me. I thought it would be similar to the elsa, so I ordered an XS. Nope, TOO small up top (i'm a 32 in case that helps). I didn't do my homework either. The sleeves aren't 3/4 like in this pic. They are long; maybe the wardrobe stylist rolled these up? Plus, that seam in the front, I thought it was just the way it fell on the model. Nope, that's how it's made---fyi, there are no buttons down that seam. It's just weirdly shaped to me. The V was too low; I'd have to wear a cami under it. Overall, I just did not like the fit. I'm pretty sure I'm going to exchange it for the top below: 

Lilly Pulitzer Elsa in Shorely Blue Lush

I'd had my eye on this and just should have ordered it to begin with!

Hope you all had the best Christmas ever. While I did not receive the one and only gift, a baby, that I truly wanted this year, this Christmas was still such a great one. Happy Holidays to you and good tidings it brings!

OOTN: Friends' Xmas Party

Hmmmm, actually this was a tacky Christmas sweater party. As you can see I'm sans tacky sweater. I don't own one. Guess I'll need to make sure I hit up the Junior League thrift store next year when I take my fall quota in. I felt not so festive, but regardless, it was fun. We had great food, good laughs, and we played Catch Phrase. I think that's my new fave game. It's hilar the things people come up with to describe their word(s). :)

 OOTN: Christmas Party

top: Lilly Pulitzer Finley in Lil Bit

pants: Gap Skinny jeans

shoes: Steve Madden Intyce boots in cognac

jewelry: bracelets--DY & pearl from market//necklace-J. Crew//earrings-Stella & Dot sparrow

A lady in one of my Lilly groups on FB was wearing this top with skinny jeans, and it inspired me to throw together this outfit. I'd had this top for awhile but had yet to wear it. I love the top because of the "bits." So So cute:))))

OOTN: Company Christmas Party

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas! I'm very blessed to have spent it with family and friends:)))) Christmas fun posts to come later... My bff asked me to be her date to her company Christmas party a couple of weeks ago. It was so much fun, and I was so glad she asked me to go. Good food and good friends are always a great combination!

This wasn't the best pic due to lighting. 

OOTN: Work Christmas Party

top: Lilly Pulitzer Elsa in Starry Blue Drama Queen

pants: Express Editors

shoes: Jessica Simpson patent leather Calie pumps

jewelry: bracelet-DY/earrings-eclat

Here's a slightly better pic. This is one of my fave Lilly prints:)

I opted for pants. I'm just gonna keep it real! A dress depended upon freshly shaven legs. I guess you can tell who won that battle... SB (0) Razor (1)

Baubles make me smile:))))

SOOOOOOOOOOOO, I've been super stressed out making study guides, trying to grade all this late work (don't get me started on my soapbox about this!), current work, nad all the while making exams. Life of a teacher never ends. Actually, instead of typing this post, I really should be working on my exam. Le sigh...

 I got an email from Baublebar about $15 off any order until nye. I *just* so happened to find something I had to have. They offer free ground shipping on any order, so I jumped at the chance to buy this pretty since it would only cost me $17!

Pearl Burst bracelet 

I loved this because I feel it has an art deco feel. If I'm off at the restaurant for NYE, I'd love to pair this with a cute lbd for my bestie's little sister's 30th bday party. I think this bracelet is such a statement piece!

And, I don't know how, but I had Baublebar points. So, with all the points I had, I ended up getting these lovelies for $4. 

Sapphire Cushion Cut studs

For some reason, I have been looking at sapphires more and more lately. Wonder if it sparked from Kate's Middleton's wedding ring. I may or may not have bought a replica. ha! oh yeah, you know because i blogged about it.
 

If you'd like to join Baublebar, here's an invite for you. You get a $10 credit to spend on your first order. Also, I'm not sure if the $15 off is a generic code or not, but you can email me for the promo code to see if it works for you:)
 http://www.baublebar.com/index.php/rewardsref/index/refer/id/41309/

PS-also, ebates was offering 4% cash back on Baublebar. If you're not familiar with Ebates, you should be. Basically, it's free $$ for shopping online. Check it out through my invite below.
 http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=qePLHq%2FgU3MykvoRVMtLQw%3D%3D


I have really been curtailing my shopping lately trying to get out of debt. If you were wondering why there have been less "pretties" posts, that's why.

Had to Share!!!

Ok, sorry I have been MIA!!! This past week has been packed with making exam study guides, exam questions, and catching up on work. This weekend will be spent completing said exams to administer next week. So, I just wanted to pop in and say hello. :)

And, with that being said, I had to share this. Bridier Baubles, who's owned by Monograms and Martinis(a blog i've been following after i started blogging myself), is having a sale. She's about to have her baby so shop will be closed up til February. Tomorrow is the last day get 20% off your order using code MERRY.

I missed out on this the other day on one of the jewelry FB auctions:( Luckily, when Kerry posted about her sale, I popped over to peruse, and there it was the Britta Bead in winter pearl. Can't wait to get it in! Sadly, this isn't listed on her site anymore, but she still has some cute stuff left.

What do you say...

Hmmm, so on the last post I told you the doctors said I didn't ovulate. I had taken a pregnancy test a couple days before and was hoping...it came out negative. The results from the doctor weren't surprising to me.

A week late? nothing abnormal over here. Now, I was two weeks late. That hasn't happened in the past six months. I knew I was just late. Bloated, uncomfortable, breaking out... I knew there was no baby. LC couldn't believe I was two weeks late. One morning, he was like you are never this late. You might be pregnant. I kept telling him no, I'm not. I know I'm not, but the look on his face was one of "you don't know that." So to appease him, I took the other pregnancy test in the drawer. He set the timer on his phone, and well, it went off and still negative. He looked sad. I was sad. This was exactly what I was trying to avoid, but alas, what do you say? What do you say when you and your husband want a baby, but your body betrays you? I don't know. I don't have that answer.

So, I sit here today organizing my Scentsy products in our upstairs room in a child's toy organizer.

Granted, I ordered the organizer specifically for this purpose, but I can't help but think will we be lucky enough one day to be putting one of these together for our own child? I guess I'll just have to keep praying...

Blings Sale!!!

Hey dolls, Jojo Loves You sent me an email today. Starting tomorrow, they are having another fab blings sale. They only do these twice a year...fyi. The sale runs from December 7-9. So, get your blings for cheaper while you can.

As I posted about before and worn in a few OOTD/OOTN's, I love love love my mint party blings. I always get tons of compliments!!! I'm trying to figure out which colors to order. I'm leaning more towards these:

   

Happy Shopping:)))

 

Comfy Cozy, Huckleberry Sage!

Just wanted to let you know the Scentsy warmer and scent of the month. They will be 10% off during the month of December.

Comfy Cozy

There’s something so snuggly about slipping on your favorite sweater when it’s chilly outside. Comfy Cozy warms things up with a cableknit pattern in rustic red that glows from within when lit, while tiny buttons keep things cuddly.

 Scentsy Sale Price: $35 $31.50 ($3.50 off)

 

Huckleberry Sage

Like finding an unexpected winter berry patch — tart ruby cranberries and sweet purple huckleberries dusted with silver sage.  This is a fantastic scentsy bar is light and sweet, but perfectly balanced with the touch of silver sage.

 Scent Circle CC-HBS $3.00 $2.70
Scentsy Bar SB-HBS $5.00 $4.50
Room Spray RS-HBS $8.00 $7.20

 

If you have any questions or are interested in my specials, just email me for more information:) You can click the consultant icon below or just click the envelope social media icon on my sidebar.

 

SB at the Movies: Anna Karenina

Alas, it finally arrived in my theaters this past weekend. Ta da!

Anna Karenina 

SB's rating: 3/5 stars

Honestly, I had high hopes for this one. Being the Anna Karenina enthusiast that I am, I was so anticipating this, but it fell flat for me. I think the tragedy was lost in translation. For someone who's never read the book, it just doesn't seem to me that they will understand the agony that Anna goes through with herself nor the tragedy of it all (won't say more---don't want to spoil it!). 

In my opinion, if you've never read the book, go see the movie before reading it. I have a feeling you will appreciate the film much more that way. If you've read the book, I say rent it or see the matinee. I saw the matinee and feel it was worth that. Full price? Nah, not so much. 

One thing, I thought was neat was that the movie is set on a stage. Literally, the scenes are set on stage like a play and then fall into a movie scene. If you see the movie, you'll understand what I mean by that. I thought it was interesting take.

Casting? I think it was right on point. I think MacFayden portrayed Stiva just as I pictured him in my head. Jude Law played Karenin flawlessly, and Keira, oh Keira, she has that vulnerability that is so enduring. I just felt this Anna's screen write was sold short of the reader's part where they want to kill her but pity her all at the same time. It totally eliminates the torn feeling of debating with yourself if you love her or hate her when you are through. Sad, because I find that is what makes me read it year after year!

The costuming was AH-mazing!!!! Check these out: 

credit: here

credit: here

 

 credit: here

credit: here

I do believe I spy Mary from Downton Abbey, do you??? She plays of one of Anna's friends. 

PS-I stayed through the credits, and they credited Chanel for the jewelry. Beautiful.

This is one of my FAVORITE books, if not my absolute favorite. I read it once every year. Don't get discouraged by the length. It is a wonderful book:))))) 

Black Friday...

I never posted really about BF. This year didn't seem so crazy.I was actually at home in bed by 3am. I really think the stores did it right this year. The mall opened up at midnight as well as Kirkland's and Ulta. Other than the ornaments and tree, here's what I got:

pic borrowed. credit to website on photo

I got to Ulta at about 1am, and it was already picked over. I did manage to find one of these (Urban Decay-face primer and makeup setting spray) that someone had set down somewhere. It was only 9 bucks. Can't beat that. They are actually very decent size for travel size. Plus, this way, I can try them out to see if I like them at minimal cost.  I was sad that I missed out on the Lorac eyeshadows for 12 bucks. It was like a condensed version of the Naked palette. Oh well...

credit is on photo in a watermark. pic borrowed.

I'm a little late to the game on this one...I'm never really consistent with keeping up with skin care trends. I know this was all the rage earlier this year, late last year. Samples of the black mask much smaller than this were going on eBay for like 10 bucks. Never tried, but I did get this whole doorbuster set for 10 bucks. They are like deluxe/travel size samples. Very happy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Body by Victoria                                                                    Sexy Little Things Noir

VS was doing 10 bucks off all their perfumes. So, I got these two pretties! Plus, I had a $10 reward coupon, so all in all, both only cost me $50 bucks. I love Body because it smells just like the VS shampoos and hair spray. SO yummmmmmmmmmm!!! And, I like heavier scents that carry, so SLTN is perfect:)

For once I am on top of the Christmas list this year. I'd already bought many gifts, so this BF was just about spending time with my fam and enjoying the madness. It's a week later, but what did you get???