Heavy on my Shoulder

Here's what in my heavy purse today:

Wallet: I got this adorable wallet in North Carolina when my cutie cousin graduated from the very prestigious Wake Forest PA Program. It has more card slots than even I could fill up: two zipper pockets; and three different open slots for receipts, cash, and stamps. It's true I carried stamps in my wallet like an 80 year old woman.

Notebook: I carry this around to make lists...that's how my world goes round...lists and lists of lists. There are lists on everything from grocery to blog ideas to possible vacation spots. Also there are notes on great website I read in magazines and recipe ideas...if I don't write it down there will be no way I'll remember.

Sunglasses: I have this problem with buying super cheap sunglasses that always break. So last year for my birthday I splurged on these and love them so much I can't imagine my life without them. I still have the cheapies for the lake and pool - I don't trust myself that much!

Card Holder: I have two jobs and two different business cards to carry around. This also doubles as a ID/credit card holder to slip in my clutch when I go out.

Gum: I'm always in fear of the bad breath monster. It is also here in case I get sleepy in church...just don't tell Father Albert!

Oh and a bunch trash including receipts, gum wrappers and earbuds. Also an awesome Specs gift card that I'm mailing to my dad for his birthday!!!

What are you toting around on your shoulder?

Love & Later -

Allie

Hippie Chic

I'm not talking about the tie-dyed t-shirt you made in 2nd grade. The once 1970's style is coming back in a big way. Move out of the way t-shirt from dad's closet this pattern is taking over everything from swimsuits to dresses. And the colors they are a changing, this once primaries only is now following a more monochromatic tone. Is this something you would be willing to wear?

I recently purchased the above maxi dress that is maroon with a white bulls eye pattern on it...love it! If you're not really into it you could away dress a baby in a tie-dyed onesie because they could get away with it.

Love & Later -

Allie

Muffin Madness

I know a few weeks ago I was talking about the summer garden and how it can get out of control quickly. Some things produce wildly and you can't eat it all before it goes bad. There is always the option of freezing it and using it later which has been done. I like to make things dishes and then freeze them that way all you have to do is thaw and heat up. Here's what I been making with all that zucchini:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 1/4 cups white sugar (you can also use Splenda)
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup chopped pecans

1. Grease muffin tins. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.

3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into muffin tins.

4. Bake for 30 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on rack for 20 minutes.

I store them in freezer bags and just get a few out at a time.

Love & Later -

Allie

Weekend Nothingness

It's true my friends...I have nothing but work on my weekend agenda. I have job three this weekend where I get to be wedding bossy - you know polite but stern. And by nothing you know I mean going to the country to see my boyfriend, grocery shopping, church, mowing the lawn, bathing the dog, cleaning out one more closet and not all in that exact order.

Anyone want to volunteer to help me do nothing?

Have a great weekend friends....wish I was doing this again like last weekend.

Clean Look

Who says you don't decorate your bathroom? I do, don't you. Lately I've really been looking at shower curtains to make my master bathroom look cleaner. About a year ago I painted it this awesome kelly green and added a solid white seersucker shower curtain and chocolate brown towels. I'm really loving it but I need some more color or texture or something. It's reminding me of block color and I'm more into the mix and match. If this is the room I'm spending my first waking hour of the day in I want like it. Also I'm a huge fan of the curved shower rod...feels like I have a garden tub and you know I don't. With a new curtain am I going to have to paint again???

Dillards

Pottery Barn
Bed, Bath, Beyond

Anthropologie

A happy morning is new shower curtain and a diet coke....right?

Words on Paper

Magazines are what I'm thinking about today. There is nothing better than going home from work and checking the mail. It's usually just junk I drop in the recycle been but occasionally there's something worth while to browse through. I have loved getting magazines since I was a kid reading Highlights. I don't think I get any crazy amount but here's my list.

Current list of subscriptions:

Southern Living

Real Simple

Glamour

Texas Monthly

Martha Stewart, Weddings

Cooking Light

I'm always looking for new and interesting things to flip through so give me your suggestions.

*You know the be all, end all of mail is a card or letter....send me something if you have my address. Just don't send me your bills, I'm not paying them.

Love & Later -

Allie

Cover This

I'm that girl...the one that buys all of her makeup at Wal-Mart or Target...with coupons. Over 90% of the items in my adorable oilcloth makeup barrel bag are CoverGirl.

Here's what's in my bag:

Foundation: CoverGirl Smoother Aquacurrent Foundation, Natural Ivory
I only wear this if I have something to do after work like a happy hour or meeting because it keeps my powder on longer.

Powder: CoverGirl Fresh Complextion Pocket Powder, Natural Ivory
I've been wearing this powder for the last 5 years. It's the best.

Blush: CoverGirl Cheekers Blush, Natural Twinkle
The blush and eyeshadow I wear have been in my bag since I was in high school. It's true...over 12 years. Does anyone want to talk to me about loyalty to brands?

Eyeliner: Perfect Point Plus, Espresso
No sharpener needed. I don't always were eyeliner but this is the best I've found.

Eyeshadow: CoverGirl Eye Enhancer, Taupe Tapestry
You may think it's boring but it's never let me down. I use it lightly during the day and then heavier for evenings.

Mascara: Lashblast Volume Blasting Mascara, Black
Until recently I was a brown mascara kind of girl...I've gone to the dark side.

Lips: There is no rhythm or reason to my lips. During the day it's Chapstick or Carmex. In the evening I like Victoria's Secret Lip Rush, Juiced Berry.

Love & Later -

Allie