Getting crafty

Well, Saturday marks the 10-week mark until our wedding and two weeks until my first dress fitting!

I just really can't believe how fast time is flying by! I still have tons to do. We have yet to take out engagement photos and plan on doing those soon. I'm struggling though, because I'm picky and like simple things. I can't think of any other outfits I want to wear other than jeans and black shirts. Suggestions? I will do my own makeup for our pictures, but will more than likely get my hair done. I want big, Southern girl hair. The higher the hair, the closer to God and I need all of the heavenly guidance I can get right now.

Our venue is beautiful by itself, but there are some personal touches I want to add. Pinterest has some adorable signs and I plan on getting crafty this weekend! It's been awhile since I've made anything. I like doing crafts, but if I can buy something already made, I will. But, in the case of the signs I want, I figure I will have fun making those myself.

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I absolutely love this one! Two of Chase's nephews are ring bearers and I want one of them to carry this sign. I think it's so adorable.

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I really like something like this to set near the beginning of the aisle.

 

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And this!

 

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And, in Oklahoma, country music lyrics are always good!

 

I'm also looking at making a few other things, including my bouquet. We also haven't figured out the catering situation. We're having an afternoon wedding, so we just want something light. And, I also need to finalize what I'm wearing and bridesmaids' accessories...and flower girl dress and invitations...and my hair...

 

So much to do! I never realized there was so much involved with weddings. Luckily, our venue supplies a lot of things, so that helps! I'm also not much of a flower girl, so there won't be very many flowers in my wedding. 

 

Any tips or tricks for plannng the big day? 

  

Makeup Monday: Surprises and wedding countdown

So, I did it.

I completed another semester of graduate school and *humble brag* I did it with straight A's. Not quite sure how I did it, but I'm not going to argue with my professors either. I've already been done with school for almost two weeks and I can't believe how fast time has flown by. There's only a little over 10 weeks left until my wedding and to say I'm freaking out would be an understatement! I've been looking at wedding stuff today, making lists, and got back on the clean eating train after a weekend full of indulgences. I paid for them by feeling gross and bloated; after a day of clean, paleo eats, I am feeling like myself again. I wasn't really very hungry today, so I just had some coffee, bacon, an egg, and chicken and veggies. Nothing exciting, but I have to strut my stuff in a wedding dress in 10 weeks. Boring = effective.

Chase and I picked up some more of our shower gifts this weekend and it is killing me that we agreed not to use anything until after we're married and all moved in. So for now, all of our gifts are stacked up in my apartment and tempting me daily. One of the gifts we picked up is our Kitchen Aid mixer and I absolutely love the color. It took us forever to decide on it, but the matte black is perfect.

I think I'm going to gain 20 pounds after we get married, because we received a lot of neat things for the kitchen and I'm going to be cooking, baking, and eating up a storm. Good thing there's a gym at our apartment I guess!


I received my first assignment today for a new writing job I have and am excited to get started, even if the type of writing is not my forte. But, I get to do it while sitting at home in my pajamas drinking coffee, so I can't complain too much I guess.

I've decided I'm going to devote an entire day of the week to one of my favorite topics: MAKEUP. I talked to my mom on the phone for an hour and a half last night, and over the duration of the call, I instructed her on nutrition, healthy snacks, and which foundation she should buy. She also tells me that I should have been a nutritionist and a makeup artist, but I chose the path of a writer. Sigh. I guess I will have to settle for writing about nutrition and makeup.

Anyways, today will be the inaugural posting of Makeup Monday. Basically, I will discuss a few of my current faves. Feel free to leave your own in the comment section!

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 I. love. this. foundation. I usually wear L'Oreal True Match, but I wanted to try something new. I went to Makeup Alley, one of my fave sites, and read some reviews about foundations. This little gem of a foundation scored very high, but I was still skeptical, as I am a makeup snob and this is Covergirl. I did a little more digging and makeup gurus were raving about it, so I decided to try it. I usually wear the first or second lightest shades, but since the ones for this foundation were very pink and I have golden undertones, I went with the third. Covergirl boasts that this foundation is "All-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step! The 3-in-1 formula provides a flawless look that lasts all day long." I would have to agree! I've been using this foundation for about a month and I love how easily it slides on my skin, how it covers without looking cakey, and how it really does last all day. I tend to have very dry skin, so I do use a bit of BB cream underneath and I don't use any powder on top. I'm interested to see how this foundation holds up in Oklahoma's notorious smoldering, humid summer heat. 

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This moisturizer was a bit of a splurge that was purchased shortly after Christmas (Christmas money is the best). When I was a teen, I had that annoying skin that was broke out, yet still dry. It was a vicious cycle of using drying products to clear up breakouts, then over-moisturizing to clear up dryness. Thankfully, I've learned the virtues of drinking water and a healthy diet (when I slack on water consumption or consume too much gluten or sugar, my skin shows it!), along with getting older and I only have to deal with the occasional breakout. My skin has, however, become drier, which means that all of those fun fine lines that show I'm a living, breathing human being, i.e. laugh lines and expression lines, show up more. Maybe it's all in my head, but I swear that this moisturizer has helped make the lines less noticeable. It's not as creamy as my usual nighttime moisturizer (L'Oreal Youth Code), but leaves my skin looking smooth and fresh when I wake up. I haven't tried the original Hope in a Jar, but I highly recommend this one!

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OK, so I just realized I said I would be writing about makeup and technically, my last item wasn't makeup. Neither is this one. Forgive me. Just let me say, I despise facial cleansers. I'm not sure why. I guess I feel as though they really dry skin out, or they burn my eyes. Even though I usually use coconut oil to remove my eye makeup, sometimes I'm just tired and want my cleanser to do the job. The term "cold cream" usually evokes images of old women in rollers and housecoats with a face covered in white gunk. I was hesitant to try this product due to those horrific images, but Internet reviews convinced me to give this cult fave a try. I'm so happy I did! Like I've mentioned, my skin is dry, so this may not be best for you oily-skinned gals, but I love it. My eye makeup slides right off and the cleanser leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized. It does leave a slight film on your skin, but the instructions say that you don't have to use water when washing the cold cream off, so I just liken it to extra moisturizing power! Pond's also makes a Cucumber Cleanser that is in a container like this one and it claims to be light and non-greasy. I have yet to try that one though. 

I could talk about makeup all day! I'm afraid I'm going to be an old lady wearing bright blue eyeshadow and shockingly pink lipstick. 

What are some of your makeup favorites? 

Summer time!

Wednesday was the last day of the first year of my graduate school education. To say I'm excited would be an understatement...I'm halfway done, whoooo!

It's always exactly 12 weeks from today that I become Mrs. Scott.

                                                                     Future Mrs. and Mr.


Even though it's 47 degrees outside (what the heck is up with that?), I still consider it to be summer even though the first day of summer isn't until June 21. School is over, therefore it's summer. Although, I've been wearing my pea coat for the past couple of days outside. It's very strange weather for this time of year, considering it was nearly 100 this time last year. But, chill, doomsday theorists; the record low was 37 degrees in 1954, so I think we're all safe.

I've spent the past few days job hunting, going to interviews, and enjoying not worrying about literature reviews and case studies. I have tons to do this summer, including taking teacher certification tests and um, GETTING MARRIED!

Twelve weeks???? Um, wow. I have my first dress fitting next week and everything is becoming so insanely real. I have a ton of stuff to get done and I would be lying if I said I was super motivated about it. Not that I'm not excited to get married....I can't wait. This past semester has been one of the most stressful times in my life. So much has gone on these past few months and my mind has been on overdrive. It's nice to not worry about things at the moment.

And about my Whole30...wellll, I've been eating mostly paleo, but it's been difficult with finals and everything. Yes, I'm making excuses, but oh well. I fell off of the paleo wagon after finals (hello, celebratory tacos!) and I feel the effects of it. I was feeling awesome abstaining from sugar and grains...now I feel gross and lethargic. I've noticed that when I don't eat gluten for awhile and then I eat it, my skin gets itchy and my heart starts racing. I plan on getting back on the paleo wagon....ummm, now! I'm also planning on dropping coffee, but that wasn't going to happen during finals. I have managed to give up soda, however. Baby steps!

As far as the next few months, I plan on working, working out, soaking up some sun, wedding planning, writing and (maybe) working on the literature review for my master's thesis.

Right now, with everything that's going on, my mantra is "pray about everything, worry about nothing." Easier said than done, for sure.

Whole30 Day 3

I have been doing the Whole30 now for three days and so far, I am loving it! I naughtily stepped on the scale this morning (you're not supposed to until the end of the 30 days) and I've lost almost five pounds already. Yikes! I know a lot of it is water weight, but hey...to me, a pound is a pound!

Even after three days of ditching the junk, I already feel more energetic. Yesterday, Chase and I went on a 6-mile walk and I did some body weight exercises. I felt a little light-headed, but was fine after eating some healthy fats (yum!). I'm sure in a few days I will be feeling like this...

Cooking every meal has been surprisingly easy. For breakfast, I've been having eggs, some kind of meat, sauteed spinach, and strawberries. Lunch (if I eat it) has been a salad with olive oil as the dressing. Dinner has been some kind of meat with veggies and avocado. I've also been snacking (not allowed on the Whole30, but I'm working on it!) on pistachios, apples and almond butter.

Here is a pic of tonight's dinner: burger topped with tomato, sauteed onions and mushrooms, and avocado wrapped in butter lettuce (I called them paleo sliders). I had a few sweet potatoes on the side. Chase had a burger, sweet potato fries, a couple of eggs and avocado. My meat and potatoes man has been doing surprisingly well!

Next weekend is our wedding shower, and although our Whole30 might be interrupted, we're going to make the best choices that we can since we will be staying with his family all weekend.

Much to my delight, kombucha is allowed during the Whole30 and I had to stop myself from drinking the entire bottle of this new-to-me flavor.

I bought some coconut milk today and cannot wait to try it in my coffee and smoothies. Smoothies aren't technically allowed either, but the thought of strawberries and coconut milk blended together sounds amazing!!!

And, I cannot believe I am three weeks away from being down with half of my master's degree! I have spent the entire semester stressed, but surprisingly, I am feeling much better now. I guess since the bulk of my work is done, I feel as though I can chill out a bit. 

I have been pinning paleo and primal recipes like crazy! (my paleo board) I am already dying for the Whole30 to be over so I can start experimenting with almond flour and coconut flour to make some baked goods! I have a feeling that if I can find a yummy paleo chocolate chip cookie recipe, then maintaining this diet would definitely be easy! 

Are you doing anything special to get ready for summer? Have you tried cutting our grains and dairy?

Spring things

Wednesday was officially the first day of spring and even though I welcome warmer temperatures with open arms, the ubiquitous posts on Facebook announcing spring's arrival remind me of how much time I have not spent on the treadmill. But oh well, I really don't celebrate the warm Oklahoma weather until the semester is over, so I have a little time. :)

But, oh well, regardless, if I'm ready or not, spring has sprung, so might as well start looking at the fun stuff!

How fun is mint this spring? As someone whose closet is filled with 99% black clothing, I am surprisingly drawn to mint and coral this spring/ summer. I'm also using the heck out of my shimmery things...I love layering MAC Mineralize Skinfinish over Nars The Multiple in Copacabana for a shimmery look that lasts all day.

A few things things I'm pining for as the days get longer...

Tory Burch mint bag

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Coral nails!

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Colorful wedges!

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MAC lipstick in Vegas Volt (coral!!!)

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Ombre hair (should I???)
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Tan skin! (self-tanner, of course)
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Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
(Love this stuff! Especially in nasty, hot, and humid OK weather)
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Tory Burch flip flops (adorable!)
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Those are just a few of the many things I'm wanting! I'm trying to stay focused on finishing this semester strong — only five more weeks — and then rewarding myself with a shopping trip! No easy feat, since school is really the last thing I want on my mind.

Sigh. 

Oh well, gotta do what you gotta do, right?

What are some of the things you're wanting for spring '13?

I said "yes" to the dress!

It's the Thursday of spring break and I cannot believe the past four weeks have flown by so quickly! I only hope the next five weeks go by just as quickly so I can enjoy my summer....HA! I mean, put the finishing touches on my wedding, of course.

On Monday, I met my mom, sister, future mother-in-law, and Chase's favorite aunt in Oklahoma City to look for my wedding dress!!! It was a day I had literally looked forward to my entire life and I was determined to squeeze myself into as many dresses as the day permitted. Also, being picky and hating how everything looks on me, I was also worried that I would not find anything. My mom and fiancé also shared my sentiments as they later told me, respectively, "I requested in my prayer group for them to pray that you find a dress," and "I just knew you were going to come back after trying on 50 dresses, crying because you didn't find anything that you liked."

I barely slept the night before and woke up bright and early to make the hour drive. I had a cup of coffee while getting ready and grabbed a vent iced skinny latte from Starbucks on the way to the city. I momentarily considered grabbing a muffin with my coffee, but remembered my muffin top and decided against it. Needless to say, I arrived at the first bridal shop excited, jumpy, shaky, and nervous. I also wore extensions, which I later received heck for from the two moms (thanks, guys!).

I thought I looked great, but apparently not. Oh well, we all have our days! :)

Anyways, I arrived at the bridal shop all wired and my nerves all twisted. When I walked in, the sea of white dresses brought me a moment of brief terror, but I adjusted my Spanx and sucked it up. I met my consultant and she briefly discussed what I was looking for with me before handing me some undergarments to put on while she went and pulled dresses.

One undergarment was a longline bra and the other was a slip. The bra had corset-like closures and, even though the consultant said I should have someone help me, decided I could do it myself. I hooked up everything in the front (on the smallest hook) and when I attempted to turn it around, it wouldn't budge. I ripped it off and yelled for my sister, also my maid of honor. After explaining to her that she had to start at the bottom and to hook it as tight as possible, and sucked in my breath while insisting she pull harder when she said she couldn't do it on the smallest one. I had a flashback of Mammy lacing up Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind.

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Just hold on, and suck it in!

Oh man, now I really want to watch Gone with the Wind...hmm, if only I had four hours of free time...

Anyways, once I had the bra and slip on, it was time to try on dresses! It was so much fun to see myself in those pretty white dresses. The third dress I tried on was a beautiful Vera Wang dress...and even though it wasn't a cathartic, emotional, dramatic scene like on Say Yes to the Dress (damn you reality TV), I didn't want to take the dress off. I felt silly saying yes after the third dress, so I tried on a couple more. Not impressed, I put the dress on again. I danced around in front of the mirror and debated with my audience what I should do.

Of course, they told me it was up to me, even though they all know I can't make a decision to save my life. They all said I should look at other dresses to make sure...I agreed and felt an overwhelming sense of sadness walking away from the fabulous dress. When we got in the car, I kept talking about the dress and looked at the websites of the other places I was supposed to visit. Suddenly, all of the dresses I previously loved were all ugly and I only wanted the dress I had left behind.

I made the decision to end the dress shopping and we decided to go to lunch and come back and get the dress. All during lunch, I couldn't sit still and kept telling everyone how excited I was about the dress. We went back and got the dress...my mom started crying...not sure if it was because she was buying my dress or because how much the dress cost, but I started crying too. The rest of the day, we went shopping and just enjoyed each other's company. It was perfect! I cannot wait to put it on again.

It's been such a challenge to keep the details of the dress from Chase, but so far I've done a pretty good job! I can't wait to see his face when I walk down the aisle. :)

Good Intentions

Well, I started this blog with the best intentions to start blogging regularly. Then, the semester from hell began. Last semester was my first semester of grad school and while some parts of it were stressful, my sanity remained intact and it ended with a 4.0 average.

I thought grad school was gonna be a piece of cake.

HA!

This semester, it feels as though I cannot get caught up! It may be that I'm also planning a wedding, but I'm constantly stressing, making lists, and since I'm a stress eater, searching for my next piece of chocolate — which is not good for a bride. Trying to diet already makes things ten times harder. Oh, and I'm trying to give up Diet Coke too! I'm probably not the most pleasant person to be around right now. :)

I was supposed to try on dresses this upcoming Saturday in Dallas, but I'm also going to a bridal show in Oklahoma City on Sunday, and I have some things due the next week. Needless to say, I've been stressing about it. Add on some other personal issues and let's just say I may or may have not lost it when I called my mother yesterday. Anyways, we're sticking to the plan and I'm not trying on dresses until spring break in March, which lowered my stress levels tremendously. And, I was also freaking out about trying dresses on in a week because I haven't really lost any weight. I've been indulging a little too much since, well, October. I know he loves me how I am, blah, blah, but I don't want to feel like Shamu maneuvering my way down the aisle on my wedding day.

I think maybe I just need to chill out, but I'm not sure I remember how to do that! Oh well. I now have four more weeks of classes to get through before I get to have a little bit of fun...then after that, it will only be five weeks until the end of the semester! Whoo.

This week has also been stressful because I'm trying to become more involved with Native American organizations (I'm Choctaw). Yes, I'm fully aware that I'm whiter than Casper the Friendly Ghost's rear end.

Anyways, Thursday was Valentine's Day and was also a meeting of Oklahoma State's Native American Student Association (NASA). I lost track of time and had to practically sprint across campus; I was still about three minutes late.

I walked in and everyone turned to look at me. I was the whitest person in the room, which is not uncommon at gatherings of the red man, but I quietly took a seat and realized I had walked in during the middle of introductions.

First of all, I hate that kind of stuff. If I want to tell everyone about myself, then I will. If I want to know about someone, I will ask.

Anyways, it was my turn and they explained that I needed to state my name, my tribe, my major, and my favorite pair of shoes.

Of course, I proudly stated that my favorite pair of shoes are my black stilettos. I smiled, but no approving looks were to be found. Instead, the other girls in the room just kind of looked at me, probably wondering who this white girl was that had infiltrated their powwow.

Every other girl said things such as, "Nikes," and "Keds," as their favorite shoes. Don't get me wrong; I freakin' love my Nikes, but favorite pair of shoes? Oh well. I left after I had swiped a bottle of water and a cookie with red and white sprinkles with a resolve to put on self-tanner before the next meeting.

I also met two girls from a Native American sorority the next night. They have a graduate chapter and I am strongly considering joining. When I met them though, one eyed me warily and asked, "What tribe are you?"

"Choctaw!" I replied with a big smile and whipped my high ponytail in an attempt to look more sorority-ish.

"Oh," she said. "Me too!"

Anyways, I'm on my way to joining a sorority, but my exfoliant and self-tanning lotion are on the counter, ready for use.