This past Saturday was abso-freaking-lutely amazing. Seriously, one of the most fun days of my whole life! On Saturday, my amazing bridesmaids threw me a bachelorette party that I'll never forget! I've been joking this week that I think the idea of the bachelorette party changes when you're 31. No longer is the idea to go out until 5 a.m. to dance the night away and take shots with strangers while wearing parts of male anatomy (that light up!) on your person. Instead, the focus becomes being with your friends. Period. In that case, my girls knocked it out of the PARK! On Sunday at noon, everyone gathered at my house for lunch (read: sustenance for the afternoon). And at 1 p.m., our bus and bus driver named Bill showed up to chauffeur us around for the day!
Oh HI bus!
Everybody had to lean in!
We went to four amazing wineries: Tabor Hill, Lemon Creek, Gravity, and Round Barn. Each of them offered awesome sips, great conversations, and a TON of laughter!
My amazing bridesmaids and I at Tabor Hill!
My beautiful coworkers at Lemon Creek!
Favorite photo of the day at Round Barn!
The evening ended with a fantastic dinner at Cafe Navarre in downtown South Bend and a lot of girl time back at my house. It was the most perfect day ever. I honestly don't think I stopped smiling the entire day, and by the end of it, I was sad it was over. The fact that my friends took time out to spend a whole day with me, celebrating and smiling and laughing just makes it that much more special. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by the most loving, generous people in the whole world. Thank you for being a part of that!
I am SO excited for today! Even though it's a Saturday, and I could have slept in, my body was WIDE awake at 6:18 a.m. After a morning run and strength training workout, a few loads of laundry, cleaning the house, grading Huck Finn essay tests, and making breakfast, it's only 10:26! Why am I so excited? Because today is my Bachelorette Party! I've been waiting for forever to celebrate our upcoming marriage (two more weeks!!!) with my friends. And my bridesmaids have gone ABOVE and BEYOND for today, planning a lunch, a full day of winery tours in Southwest Michigan, and an amazing dinner tonight in downtown South Bend! I can't wait to spend a day with the ladies I love! There are so many thoughts swimming in my head all the time lately, and more often than not, I can feel all the anxiety of this time in my life in my stomach. I'm constantly on the go! And it all gets a little bit overwhelming! I've seen many of my friends on Facebook starting to get involved in the 100 Happy Days Challenge which you can read about here. The premise is super simple: Can you be happy for 100 days in a row? And because I have fourteen seconds to stop moving this morning, I've decided to take the challenge too! There is just FAR too much negativity out there, and since I want this to be the happiest time in my life, I'm embarking on the challenge (as of today!)! I would love it if you would join me. My #100HappyDays pictures will be posted to Twitter, and I'm also going to attempt to post them on the blog weekly. Today's picture actually comes from two days ago. But, since I'm marrying the man in two weeks, I decided it gets to count today too!
Thank you, Janet, for our new favorite shirts! #100HappyDays
If you've ever personally met me, you probably know that I have an addiction to Diet Coke. And peanut butter. And coffee. And anything salted caramel flavored. And naps. But I digress. Today's discussion is just about the Diet Coke. For as long as I can remember, I have LOVED that carbonated aspartame-y flavor. It has served well as part of my afternoon routine -- a Diet Coke after lunch to get me to the end of the school day. Sweet, delicious, glorious Diet Coke!
See! Glorious!
So when Lent rolled around this year, I wanted to give up something that would actually make me feel a sacrifice. In years past, I've done the same (a few years ago, I gave up peanut butter and then BINGE ATE an ENTIRE BAG of peanut butter M&M's on Easter. Mistake.), but I knew Diet Coke would be a toughy this year, especially since I've been lacking on sleep due to all the planning going on lately. And so I gave it up. March 5 to April 20 Diet Coke free. I could practically hear the sound of my afternoon exhaustion wiping me out the first week. My students may have noticed a new brand of grumpy passing through my system. I wish I could say it got easier after the first week. Friends, it did not. In fact, it didn't really feel easy until, oh, this past Monday when I knew that my sweet reward was only a few short days away. Did I feel the sacrifice? Oh yes. Did I end up replacing my afternoon Diet Coke with other things, like afternoon coffee? Oh yes. But overall, it was a good experience for me. As an aside, at my last bridal gown fitting, the seamstress and store owner both asked me if I'd lost weight (the dress seemed larger than it had at my previous fitting). I assured both of them that, no, I am the same weight now as when I bought the dress and the same weight I was when we started the fitting process. But they swear I seemed slimmer. The only change I've really made is cutting out the Diet Coke (if anything, I've probably been eating more calories lately (example: cake every day this past week)), so perhaps there is truth to the notion that diet soda can be bloating. Food for thought. We had the good fortune of having my bestie Teresa spend the first part of the weekend with us, and she had mentioned that she was trying to watch less TV so that she had time to do more reading. It made me think about how I'm always complaining that there is SO much to do and yet so little time to do it. And then I remembered how much TV watching I've been doing lately. It's about... a lot. So, for the next few weeks, I'm hoping to tune out a bit more so that I can be more productive at home, with wedding planning, and with catching up on some zzzzz's. Heck, I might even be able to find the time to read the GIANT stack of magazines piling up near the coffee table that I haven't had time to slug through yet. Maybe there's something to be said for letting go of the addictions after all.
Well, it's about that time that spring break comes to a close. Let's review, shall we? 1. I did a TON of wedding planning. 2. When I felt like I could do no more, I did even more wedding planning. 3. No matter how on top of things you might feel, the last month of wedding planning seems to be pretty friggin' stressful. 4. I think I've cried every single day. Not because I'm sad. Not because I'm angry. But because I'm stressed.
Do I have a mullet in this stressed out cartoon picture?
Case in point... today I was in the middle of crying when my tissue fell out of my hand and off my bed. That made me cry even more! To be fair, we'd literally spent almost five hours trying to figure out the wedding seating assignments. And, I hadn't eaten in, like, six hours. And I'd really only eaten donuts today, so... so much for that healthy eating before the wedding plan. It's seriously incredible how many emotions run through me every minute. I'm hyper-sensitive and overly emotional (lucky Dan! lucky everyone who has to deal with me!). I'm tired and excited and overwhelmed all at the same time. The to-do list is getting longer, not shorter, and I can't tell you how many times I've Googled "wedding etiquette for..." in the past three days. But what I DO know is that four weeks from now, I'll be dancing with my husband at our wedding reception. And that thought alone makes all the insanity, stress, tears, and tissue dropping totally worth it.
TWO fashion posts back to back?! Yes, it's true! Spring Break kicked off on Friday at 2:39 p.m. CST, and I for one couldn't be happier! It's not that I don't love my job and my time with my kiddos (because I DO!), but I am desperately in need of some down time to recharge my batteries. Furthermore, I'm in need of some down time to GET OUR WEDDING PLANNED. So, there will be lots of wedding related goodnessy things happening this week (five weeks and counting!)! When I got home from school on Friday, my latest Stitch Fix was waiting for me on the porch (a day before it was scheduled to get here!)! I was so excited to see it, and I rushed into the house to get it open. I'd peeked online and knew I was getting a pair of jeans, a top, a sweater, a dress, and a handbag! If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix yet, let me explain a little! Basically, Stitch Fixis a subscription service that will send you five clothing or accessory pieces for you to try on in the comfort of your own home and with your own clothing to pair with it. Each Fix costs $20, but that fee is credited toward whatever you decide to keep. When you've decided what you don't want, you drop it in the prepaid mailing envelope, stick it in any mailbox, and mail it back to the company. You only get charged for what you keep, and you can get Fixes as often or as infrequently as you'd like. Shipping is free both ways. AND, if someone signs up through your referral link (mine is linked above!), you get a $25 credit to use toward your next purchase. Not a bad deal, huh? I love this service because it pushes me outside my comfort zone! You can check out my other Stitch Fix Reviews here: Stitch Fix #1 Stitch Fix #2 Stitch Fix #3
All sorts of yummy spring colors!
I waited until today to try everything on (on Friday, I was too tired, and Saturday I was covered in paint from helping our friends!). This service is so great because I ended up loving items that I never would have probably picked up in a store! I think that's my favorite part of Stitch Fix -- getting outside my comfort zone and trying new things! 1. Under Skies Abrial Floral Print Sleeveless Blouse ($54) 2. Kensie Jeans Kaleigh Ankle Biter Skinny Jeans ($88)
Right away, I was excited about these pieces because they're not items I would normally try. I really loved the pop of hot pink in the top, and the button details on the front were gold (love gold accents), but the fiance/photographer commented that he thought it was borderline mu-muish, and that was about it for me. I liked it, but I didn't love it, and for that price, I really want to love anything I'm buying. I really want to get a fun spring colored pant (i.e. light pink, mint green), and I've seen these pants on other Stitch Fix blogs, so I was excited they were being sent my way! The color I think is a little too close to my skin tone, but rationalized that since I'd be wearing them on my lower half, I could wear something more skin tone flattering on top. The pants fit very nice in the waist... but, for lack of a classier way to say this... they're about an inch and a half too long in the groin area. If I pulled them up so that they fit in that area, they then become too short. Conundrum. But, maybe it's okay that I don't love them since they're a little more than I'd like to pay! 3. THML Myrinda Cap Sleeve Cotton Striped Dress ($58)
Officially a believer in Stitch Fix because of this dress! When I pulled it out of the box, I didn't think I was going to like it. It seemed a little country-ish in the material, and I thought cap sleeves wouldn't be flattering on me. Then I put it on, and I friggin' love it! The dress is totally figure flattering and can easily be dressed up or dressed down! It's work appropriate, but I could also see myself wearing it to other events too. I think I had it on all of two seconds before I knew I'd be getting this dress! 4. Under Skies Aries Airy Kint Drape Front Cardigan ($58)
Ehhh. This just doesn't do a whole lot for me. While I love a good cardigan, I'm not a huge fan of the handkerchief hemline (the darts are in the back and around the front). It's cute, but it's a lot of material and seems to overwhelm me a bit. Plus, as the queen of cardigans, I have a few (read: eight) of these in different colors that I could substitute for it. 5. Urban Expressions Booker Fold Over Crossbody Bag with Zip Detail ($54)
I am so picky when it comes to purses, it's not even funny. I'm pretty much a Coach girl through and through, so when I saw there was a handbag in this order, I didn't know if I would like it. But then it came. And it's a beautiful Teal Green. And it has gold hardware. And it has a beautiful lining. And it feels super luxurious. And there's an extra strap that can make it a shoulder bag OR a crossbody bag (ideal for European travel!)! And there really wasn't much more I could say about it after that. I had to keep checking my invoice because I couldn't believe a purse THIS nice and THIS well made would go for only $54! And what do you know? It goes perfectly with this new dress!
So, I kept two of my five items this time! Every single time I use this service, I like it more and more! If you've been thinking about trying it, spring is a GREAT time to update your wardrobe (out with the old, in with the new!)! I would be forever grateful if you used this referral linkso that we can both benefit from your awesome decision to try this service!
Last week, my coworker and I were looking at new photos that Flourish had added to Facebook. Another coworker pointed out (correctly, I might add) that we are obsessed with Flourish. Umm, YES. And now, there's even more to be obsessed about! On Thursday, Flourish held their Grand Opening in their brand new location. I was bummed to miss the event (because Flourish throws a fantastic party!), but they had a fashion show highlighting their new styles, a DJ, and Gigi's cupcakes! I've only been there once and I fell. In. Love! The space is larger, the selection is wider, and everything screamed "Get in my closet!" They even have a new gift section that is adorable! Outfits for baby and little girl fashionistas, wall hangings for Brides-to-be (my mom couldn't resist and bought Dan and me one that says "Mr. and Mrs."), and unique Saint Mary's and Notre Dame items are just a few of the things you can find there. Since I'm doing the whole Bride-on-a-Budget thing these days, I'm glad I was able to hit them up during a sale! Their Grand Opening sale is still on through Wednesday at midnight (just enter GRAND25 during your online checkout!). When I went to Flourish, I went with a very specific goal in mind: Find a dress for my daytime winery bachelorette party. I knew I wanted it to be white and have some fun details to it. I might have gotten distracted by a few other pieces in the store... but the dress I chose is below under the other Flourish things I'm loving right now! 1. Keeping in Contrast Maxi Dress ($79.50) -- I can already picture myself walking through our honeymoon in Greece in this little number. So in love!
Keeping in Contrast Maxi Dress
2. Sparkles Wherever She Goes Flats in Gold ($21.50) -- Perfect for kicking around this spring and summer (and a total steal at that price!). These shoes will most definitely be working their way in to my closet.
Sparkles Wherever She Goes Flats
3. Midas Touch Sandals ($39.50) -- Hi, my name is Angela, and I have a shoe problem. But these sandals are so great! The touch of gold elevates these from just being a flat t-strap sandal to sandals that are elegant fun!
Midas Touch Sandals
4. Key necklace ($14.50) -- I can't find a link to this on the Flourish web page, but this is easily my favorite necklace I've picked up this year. The little key has such delicate pearls on it, and since we're doing a lot of lock and key items at our wedding, this just had to come home with me!
Love the delicate key!
5. Petal Perfection Dress ($59.50) -- I fell in LOVE with this dress the second I put it on! The delicate rosettes on the skirt are gorgeous, and the dress is SO flattering on! And the best part? The open back is beautiful! I seriously can't wait to wear this to my bachelorette party (I just hope it's warm enough by then!)!
Petal Perfection Dress (it really is perfection!)
Check out that awesome back!
So, there's my brief recap of the new Flourish. I recommend you check them out. Like now. And you can do it by going here. And one more thing. Remember the Saint Mary's and Notre Dame section I mentioned? Check out all this cuteness Flourish posted on their Facebook page! These items aren't available online (yet!), but you can order them by calling the store (or, stopping by there, say, this week, while you're on spring break...)!
This month marks so many milestones for me. I turn 31 (how the hell am I 31?), Dan and I get our marriage license (!!!), and it's my last full month as a Saoud. I'm overwhelmed with anxiety and emotions (for instance, I started tearing up on my way to work today just thinking about marrying Dan next month), but it's mostly in a good way.
I've been doing a lot of thinking back lately about how amazing my 31 unmarried years were. Don't get me wrong... I am over the moon excited to marry Dan. But, there's so much I take away from my time as a single lady, and I wouldn't change a single moment of these years for anything. Here's what I learned in my 31 unmarried years: 1. I knew myself as a single person. Not only did I know myself as a single person, I liked myself as a single person. I knew who I was and what was important to me. And now that I'm no longer a single person, I feel like I've taken the best of those things and brought them into coupledom. 2. Living alone is kind of awesome. I distinctly remember a few nights after my roommate Krissi moved out, I was alone in the house and I heard a noise. At first, I was scared. And then I realized that if something bad was going to happen, it was going to happen, and I couldn't be scared every time I heard a bump in the night. These were formative years as I learned to live alone and love it. I'm grateful I had that chance. 3. Veering from the life plan is okay. I didn't follow the life plan I thought I would. For a long time, I lived under the assumption that I was going to marry my high school boyfriend as soon as we graduated from college. For me, that wasn't the right choice. Many people can get married at 18 or 20 or 22 or 25 and be blissfully happy forever, but for me, I think it was important that I had the chance to grow in to myself first. If I'd gotten married at 22, I never would have had 80% of the experiences I had in my 20s... experiences that live in my fondest memories. 4. Trips with only girlfriends will lead to tons of adoration and said fondest memories (see #3). Except the hungover memories. Those I did not love. But traveling with four girlfriends to Las Vegas (and again, later, with three girlfriends) and two girlfriends on a cruise to Key West and Cozumel were some of my most favorite vacations. If anyone says you can't have friends who are also soulmates, that person is dead wrong. My girlfriends are the other pieces of me. 5. Dating the wrong people is okay. I dated the wrong people. The WAY wrong people. But I took something away from every single person who wasn't right for me. Sometimes, I learned about the way I wanted to be treated. Sometimes, I learned about the way I definitely did NOT want to be treated. I learned what was really important in a partner, and what things I could let go. And I also learned that there are a lot of idiots out there. :) 6. Making a mistake is okay too. I made mistakes. Quite a few mistakes. I don't regret a single one of them. 7. Heartbreak doesn't equal destruction. I got really hurt by someone I really thought I was going to have a future life with. At the time, I was devastated. But it made me come back a far stronger person. The Angela I became after that breakup is so much better than the Angela I was before. I am stronger, smarter, and more loving because of it. 8. Our parents are always right. We are born and grow up thinking our parents know EVERYTHING. Then we become teenagers, and there we believe our parents know almost nothing. But as I've grown into an adult, I've learned more and more, my parents really do know everything. My mom always told me someone wonderful was out there waiting for me. She was SO right (and, by default, my dad is always right too!)! 9. I crave alone time. Don't get me wrong -- I love being with Dan, my family, my friends, talking on the phone, being in public, etc. But I'm just as happy at home, by myself, doing things I like to do. In fact, I need it for my sanity. 10. I fell in love with exercise: running, Jazzercise, and barre classes. I started Jazzercise the summer after I graduated from college and knew immediately that I was in love. It was the first exercise program I'd ever been able to stick to. And nine years later (eight as an instructor!), I'm still totally in love with the program! Running fell into my lap five years ago. I put one foot in front of the other and never looked back! But if I'd had a family, I don't think I would have found the time and energy to train for the two half marathons I've run. Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying it's impossible to run halfs and have a family, but I feel like my priorities wouldn't have been focused on me. These exercises are necessary for my sanity, my creativity, my energy, and my happiness. 11. Everything happens for a reason. I know that phrase is cliche. But I don't care. Every single moment in my life has led me to a life I've always dreamed of. Every single moment led me right here. And I am incredibly blessed to be on this journey.
Welcome to Run Baby Run where I blog about running my world. It's a journey in living, laughing, and loving, with some fitness and style thrown in for fun. Thanks for joining me on the journey!
