Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Happy Birthday Katie!

This past weekend I was able to celebrate my friend Katie's birthday with her. We have been friends since we were 14 as freshman at LHS and have been friends since. She recently moved to Austin (well like 2 years ago) to experience life outside of LA and all of our friends sure do miss her! Saturday night she was in town so we went to dinner at my favorite restaurant, ZEA, and then went downtown for a couple of drinks! It was a fun night and am looking forward to her next visit back! I love you Kitty and am blessed to have a friend like you in my life!

Me and the birthday girl

Always laughing!

P.S. For those of you who have never heard of the restaurant ZEA... it is the best restaurant ever! They started off in Louisiana and are now starting to franchise all over the U.S.. Their corn grits, a southern staple, are to die for! I just so happened to get the recipe from a friend so I'll post it on my recipe blog here. I've never tried making them myself so if you try them let me know how they turn out! 

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

It's a want, not a need.

With the economy the way it is, still being unemployed, and many bills to be paid... I find myself constantly asking this question, "Is it a want or need?" Ughhhhhh, I WANT a job and the economy to be booming again so I can buy all the "wants" that I WANT! I desperately WANT this dress and pair of shoes! How perfect is this outfit!? ::Tear::

Both the dress and shoes are on sale at JCrew


I'm going curl up on the couch and cry now...  =(

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Giveaway from MRM

Check out this cute Vera Bradley bag that MRM is giving away! How cute would this be with a casual summer dress? Definitely add some fun to it! Go here to enter and make sure you do so before this Thurday, April 16th! Thanks MRM!



Magic Bunny Paw Prints

I forgot to add this in and I think you guys would get a kick out of it! Every year for Easter, for as long as I can remember, I wake up to a trail of Easter Bunny paw prints leading to my basket. My Mom started this tradition when I was one and has done it every Easter since. She cut out a stencil of three circles and pours baby powder or carpet smell good stuff over it. After we finished looking at all of our goodies we would stomp the paw prints out and they'd just disappear. We thought it was magic and thus coined the term Magic Bunny Paw Prints. It's a tradition that is continued every year and I will pass it on when I have kids of my own! 

Rex had fun stomping some of the prints out himself. =P

Easter Weekend

Sorry that I'm just getting around to posting. This weekend was super busy, I barely had time to breathe (as I'm sure it was for all of you). I PROMISE I'll be more prompt with my post (Mom!). Regardless of how busy I was... this weekend was one of the best I've had in a while. I spent the entire weekend with my family. Exactly how Easter weekend should be spent!

On Friday I went over to my sister's house and helped her clean and get her house ready for a crawfish boil she was throwing the next day for the family. We baked two batches of cupcakes and I must say they came out pretty darn cute! (Thanks Bakerella for the cute Easter basket cupcake idea!) Everyone at the crawfish boil didn't want to eat them because they were so cute. Here's some pics...


 

Saturday was the big day! It turned out to be a beautiful Louisiana day. Not too humid and not too hot. We played some really fun games and boy do we have some competitive genes in our family! While some played the others cheered them on and it even went as far as the "audience" doing the wave. It was hilarious and will definitely be the story that we reminisce about at the next event. I ate so much crawfish I was about to pop and then of course, I couldn't go without trying one of my cupcakes! Let's just say my diet was a little altered this weekend. It was so great getting to see everyone all together. Our family is a blast and we are already planning our next get-together! 

On Sunday I went over to my parents and hung out with them. My dad bar-b-qued and it was nice to be able to just sit down and relax. We watched the Disney movie Bedtime Stories and it was very cute! 

It was a fabulous weekend. I didn't want it to end! Family, tasty food and great times... can't ask for much more than that! 

Hope you are having a great Tuesday ya'll!
XOXO,
Lauren

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Lingerie Shower

This past weekend I threw my friend Jennifer a lingerie shower. We have been friends since Kindergarten and I'm so excited that she asked me to be a bridesmaid for her special day. The lingerie shower was tons of fun and then after we went out and celebrated one her last nights out as a single gal. We had a blast! I can't wait for the wedding! Here's a few pics from the shower.  

Jennifer and I


How cute is this cake? It was delicious too!

The table with pictures of her and the bridesmaids!

Decorations on the mantle.

It's almost Friday! Hope ya'll are having a good week!


XOXO,
Lauren

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

I Heart Nola!

Yesterday was a great day! Not only did I get to spend some QT with my sister... I got to see Regis and Kelly! Besides the freezing cold weather ( it was a mere 54 degrees), it couldn't have been a better day! The Regis and Kelly show was a blast and I still can't believe we got to see them! After the show, we went eat beignets at Cafe du Monde and then went to the coolest bakery/sweet shoppe ever! It's called Sucre, A Sweet Boutique. ( You can order sweets off their website) They have the most amazing desserts and chocolates that you could imagine. And they offer champagne and wine paired with the desserts. It's right up my alley and I can't wait to go back! I couldn't have asked for a better Monday! What a perfect way to start my week!



An assortment of macaroons from Sucre. Absolutely delicious!
(The pecan and almond are my fav)


Me and Linz at Regis and Kelly!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Today is my best friend's birthday... my Mom. Every year on April 7th I'm reminded of how blessed I am to not only have a mother like her but a best friend, confident and supporter, all in one! She is the best Mom a girl could ask for and I hope today she realizes just how special she is to me. I love you Mom more than the whole wide world! You are MY sunshine!


I had so much fun at lunch with you today!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Easter Dress

Is this not the perfect Easter Dress? Modcloth carries reasonable priced vintage inspired clothes and accessories. They even have one of a kind items that they find in vintage shops and flea markets. This dress is perfect for Easter Sunday and love the name!

Pralines and Cream
$129.99


Just My Luck

For the first time during this whole season that I DIDN'T want chicken dance contestant Megan Joy to get kicked off of Idol... she gets kicked off. Go figure! (Though I am glad I don't have to see her on the show anymore) Now I'll have to hear her fake accent in person on the LIVE with Regis and Kelly show on Monday. Ugh! I can't stand her and was hoping someone that I liked would get kicked off so I could see them in person! Why couldn't it have been my boy Kris Allen? (Then we could have met, fallen madly in love, and then lived happily ever after) Ugh, just my luck!


The "Original" Frosted Animal Cookies

I don't know if you guys were as big a fan of these cookies as I was, but they are discontinued and don't make them anymore! I was craving them yesterday and couldn't find them anywhere. Ugh! I remember as a kid opening my lunch box hoping I'd see a ziploc bag full of these little sprinkled treats! I guess now I'll just have to make due with the Keebler brand. ::Tear::




Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Dinner Time

Tonight I invited my parents over for dinner. I dug in my pantry and pulled together a very delicious dish. My Dad said it was one of his favorite things I've cooked. So I thought I'd share the recipe on my recipe blog. It's very easy and quick! Pair it with my favorite wine, Smoking Loon (Pinot Noir) and you're set!




YAY!!!

I almost forgot to tell you... Guess where I will be on Monday?!?!?

NEW ORLEANS for the LIVE W/REGIS and KELLY SHOW!!!
Woooohoooooooooo!!!!!!!

My sister got two tickets from a friend that couldn't go anymore so she invited me! I'm so excited I can't even contain myself! Ya'll be sure to look for me in the audience! And I'll take tons of pictures (if I'm allowed), don't you worry! 



Summer Must-Haves

I've been dreaming of big sunglasses, sun dresses, dark tan skin, and bikinis. I cannot wait to sink my toes into the sand and take naps on the beach. I look forward to summer not only because of the cute clothes and tan skin but because of my annual Florida trip. I've already started my summer "want" list and it just keeps growing. Here's a few things I covet for the upcoming season!

  • Although this bathing suit is a little pricey, I can't help but go back to it everytime I'm looking around for a suit. Plus polka dots will never go out of style so I can wear it for a while. And the style of the top is very flattering on.  I'm thinking the chocolate brown color because I've never had a bathing suit in that color???
  • How cool is this? I just gave this Boombucket to my sister for her birthday and she loves it. It's portable, water and sand proof. Perfect for the beach! Brookstone isn't selling it on their website anymore but there is plenty being sold on ebay for more than half off! It's a pretty reasonable price considering how much I'll use it!
  • I want these two dresses so bad! Not sure if they are beach worthy but are perfect for dinner with friends and a night out on the town! I'll be ordering these soon and will wear the polka-dot one to my friend's rehearsal dinner. Look at the back of the dresses. So cute!
  • I've never really been into one piece bathing suits, but this one is a must have for the summer! It is so feminine and cute and I love the style of top! They have it in black too but the yellow is so different and would look awesome on tan skin! And the price isn't too shabby either!
  • Ummm... seriously?! $7.80 for a pair of shoes! Can't beat that! Plus they come in plenty of different colors to match all your summer dresses. Love it!
  • And last but not least... the perfect casual sundress! Only $20 and comes in four different colors. Look how cute the back is on this one too! Um, one in every color please!
That's just a few things that I covet for the summer. If I listed everything it'd take up 20 pages! Don't worry, I'll keep updating! =) Happy Tuesday guys!

XOXO,
Lauren

Monday, March 30, 2009

25 Random Things

Hello Hello! Hope your Monday was as productive as mine! I did a lot of chores today and it felt good to check them off my list! I don't really have much to blog about today so I'm going to attach a 25 Random Things note about me that I did on Facebook. Sleep tight!

1. After seeing Twilight, I ran to the bookstore to buy the whole book series. I'm obsessed and think the books put into words exactly the way you feel when your in love.
2. I recently moved back to LA and it wasn't until I was far away that I realized just how blessed I was to be raised in the South. Our culture, people and especially the food make it literally one of a kind.
3. With that being said, it also made me realize how much more there is out there that I have yet to experience. I want to see more places and experience different cultures now more than ever. 
4. I was born on All Saints Day and I like to joke that I'm a saint. Especially since my middle name is that of a Saint. (Elizabeth) If anything it's an easy reminder for all you Catholics out there to remember my birthday! =)
5. I used to dream of a huge fairy tale wedding with all my family and friends, but recently I've been dreaming of a very small and intimate wedding. We'll see how that turns out...
6. Within the last year I have grown up more than I think I ever will again in a year's time. Moving away, heartache and just the lessons that go with that can never be duplicated. That's a fact.
7. I'm a FIRM believer in everything happens for a reason. It wasn't until I put total faith in that, that I began to see things clearer. I live much more comfortably knowing and living it.
8. Even though I've seen every Sex and the City episode at least 10 times, I could watch them a 100 more times and still laugh. I love that show! (much to the dismay of my dad)
9. I took piano lessons when I was younger, but since then have forgotten everything I learned. I want to get back into and will hopefully start lessons sooner rather than later.
10. After going through a hard time once, a wise friend gave me some unforgettable advice. "Name it, claim it, then tame it." Anytime I realize an issue with myself I always think back to that advice and feel 10 times better knowing that I already got through the first step.
11. There is only one thing that I can think of that no matter how horrible I feel, no matter how upset I am or ever if I'm in indescribable pain, "it'll" cheer me up...... Rexton Prince. Period.
12. Living in PA, I was obviously introduced to extremely COLD temps. I adapted to the freezing cold weather. Now when it's 30 degrees outside I know of think it's warm. Weird eh?
13. I used to want to go on a road trip across the country. I thought it would be a brilliant time to gather my thoughts and explore new places. After driving home from PA I NEVER want to do it again. 24 hour drive + me alone = TERRIBLE. Needless to say I wouldn't recommend it. I'm really lucky I didn't get a speeding ticket. 
14. I always wonder why it is that I got screwed in the creativity section of the brain. I look at my sister's amazing EVERYTHING and am left diligently working at my poor stick figures in hopes of it coming close to resembling her detailed caricatures that she scribbles on the phonebook before she even places the call. UGH. Total left brained.
15. As much as I love cupcakes, I'd rather eat cinnamon rolls.
16. I love boiled crawfish! It's a south Louisiana delicacy. I used to hate crawfish and just started eating them like 4 years ago. Man I missed out on some crawfish boils! What was I thinking?
17. Hopefully within the next 2 years I will be able to get a new car. I already know what I want and that would be an Acura RDX, if I hit the jackpot I'd upgrade to the MDX. And then also get a Range Rover. =)
18. I probably shouldn't say this, but about 4 years ago was when I really found out what nuclear weapons were. I thought they were bombs that would get sent over to the U.S. let's say and just blow us up. Poof, dead. I was absolutely devastated when I found out what they really are and didn't sleep alone for like 2 weeks. And yes yes I know what you're thinking... I was in college when I stumbled upon this info. =P
19. If I could go to the Oprah show, I'd be happier than Rex getting his belly rubbed.
20. Geez.. how many more do I have to come up with? I'm only on #20?!? Oh yeah, I'm a pretty impatient person. 
21. When I was 21 years old I had the pleasure of traveling to California. I took surfing lessons and it was the funnest thing I have ever done. Hopefully I will get to do it again before I'm too old and fat to fit in a wet suit.
22. I have OCD tendencies just like my mother. I cannot stand when there is particles of food or even water droplets in the the kitchen sink. I will literally wipe the drops with a towel... Sad I know.
23. I took cake decorating and petite four classes before and can decorate a mean cake. My petite fours are awesome as well but come at a high cost. They are very time consuming to make. Enquirers can email me for details and pricing. =)
24. I hate odd numbers so I'm going to close with this- Life's too short, eat dessert first!

Oh and I forgot to tell you that tonight I made Chicken Fried Rice. I was sick of looking at the 20lbs of chicken breast I have in the freezer and wanted to try something that I never tried before. It was pretty easy and tasty I must say. I'm going to post the recipe on my Recipe Blog here- weesrecipes.blogspot.com

AND this afternoon I baked some Fiber One Apple Cinnamon Muffins to eat for breakfast during the week. They are pretty tasty and only 2 points per muffin for Weight Watchers! Yumm...

(Thanks for the awesome cupcake pan Uncle D and G! I love it!)

Have a great Tuesday ya'll!

XOXO,
Lauren

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Movie Madness!

I bet I'd win the contest of who watched the most movies this weekend! I think I viewed more movies this weekend then I have in the past 3 months combined! Friday was a very lazy day for me. The weather was terrible not to mention my allergies were (and still are) driving me nuts! So my roommate and I thought it'd be a perfect night to stay in and watch movies. Since I wasn't feeling well she told me she'd pick up some movies and snacks on her way home from work. Little did I know she'd show up with a whole store worth of snacks! 
Check out all the junk food she bought!

So much for my diet!
I really didn't eat that much! =)


Healthy Drinks and fruit she bought me to "boost my immune system"


On Saturday, Brandy and I went run a few errands around town and then went to see another movie! Brandy is a big fan of scary movies... Me, not so much. But I had seen the previews for The Haunting in Connecticut and thought it looked pretty good. I'm all about movies that are based on true stories! If you're into scary movies, you'll like this movie. It definitely was a nail-biter.  Next Saturday on the discovery channel at 12:00 p.m. there will be a show all about The Haunting in Connecticut (the real one). Brandy and I plan to record it on DVR! 
Today was a beautiful day in Lafayette! The sun was out and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I was excited to get to share this gorgeous day with my favorite little boy! This morning I went to see the movie Monsters vs Aliens 3D with my godchild Ellis and my two cousins Taylor and Allie. It was such a cute movie and it was really funny watching the little ones enjoy the 3D graphics. I always love getting to spend time with Ellis. He gets bigger and cuter each time I see him. 

Me and Ellis!

Me, Taylor, Allie and Ellis

After the movie I went eat lunch with my parents and then ran a few more errands. Now I'm home relaxing and watching the tube before the new week begins! Hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable weekend too!

XOXO,
Lauren

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Just a Glance...

Hi Ya'll!! I'm so excited to get started blogging but to be honest I'm a little nervous! I've been reading different blogs for a while now and they are so fabulous and creative that I'm scared mine won't even compare! I'm going to try my best at it and hopefully my post will get better as I learn the ropes!

Here's just a little glance into my world...
I'm 24 years old and live with one of my best friends, Brandy in our cute little townhouse. I recently moved back to Louisiana after living in Pennsylvania. I moved for a job and lived there for almost a year before deciding to move back to the south. It was one of the greatest things I've ever done and miss all the friends and co-workers I met while living there. But I can tell you from experience now, there is no place like home! I missed my family and friends so much... I couldn't wait to come back! I especially missed the love of my life, Rex. My miniature yorkie. =) He's is the cutest thing I've ever laid eyes on and he makes me smile more than anything in the whole world!
I've been back from PA for a couple of months now and am just starting to look for a job. ( I'll let ya'll know how that turns out.) But for now I'm just enjoying time with my family and friends and catching up on all the fun things I missed out on while in PA!

Here's a few pics of me and my dog Rex.
( My sister is a photographer and took these photos for me!
Check out her photo blog throughthelinz.com)



Is he not the cutest thing in the world?!

I can see how blogging is addictive! I already want to post some more! 
Hope ya'll have a good weekend! 


P.S. Don't forget to turn off your lights for one hour tonight 
at 8:30 (your local time)! 
Let's help save our world one hour at a time!



XOXO,
Lauren