Dear Sweet, Wonderful Hubby

I have to admit that my hormones definitely showed up this weekend. I mentioned that I wouldn't mind going to 'town' to run some errands on Sunday and Will was fine with it, but come Sunday...no Dothan. I had it in my head that we should go early with things closing early on a Sunday, but he had planned to organize the garage first {for me, I should add} and when the day got away from us and we ended up spending zero time together my hormones came out to play. Luckily, I just got weepy and mainly got in my own way while Will was being so sweet and accommodating, but there was no denying what was going on.

Cue to this morning and on a surprise Tuesday off, he asked me on a day date to go to Dothan for lunch and baby shopping! It was a gorgeous day, he participated in the decision making but didn't complain when I got lost in the clearance racks, and I ended up with the afternoon off, so it even turned into watching movies, napping, putting together baby furniture, and to close out the day I even got to watch him play softball with the gang. I had had a to-do list a mile long, but I'm glad I just let spontaneity take over while we still have the chance. 

Dear Will,

Some people wish they had someone to cook and clean for, take care of, do laundry for, someone to laugh at their jokes that aren't always funny{I'm referring to my jokes because yours are always funny}, and I hope to never take that for granted. Thank you for being on a healthy kick which is helping me make the right choices, for wanting to be healthy to live longer for her, not noticing the big belly in between us when you 'check me out', and simply the patience you have with me including spending hours baby shopping. You have helped more with the nursery than you know, and this creative side I've seen coming out in your ideas for her has been truly sexy inspiring. You keep holding me when I'm emotional, and I'll do my best to be mindful of anymore hormone swings so I don't take it out on you. We haven't had much of a learning curve, but I think we are doing good. About a month left, and WE'VE GOT THIS.

I Feel Like We've Been Here Before...

Chicago, that is!

I'm sure you had enough from the last three recaps, but this weekend was completely different I swear! I thought I had seen most of what Chicago had to offer, but now I realize that one can never really see it all as a tourist. Plus, it's a whole new ballgame when it's on someone else's dime. Have a I mentioned that I love my job?

The first night was all about going to see The Book Of Mormon, so we ate at Rosebud Prime, which was right next door to the theater.

Totally didn't plan these outfits to match. Great minds just think alike.

Good ambiance and decent food, but I'm not going to rave about it. I will, however, rave about The Book Of Mormon, because I now see why it is touted as the most happening show on Broadway. You have to know beforehand that it is from the creators of South Park {per usual, it pushes everyone's buttons}, but if you enjoy Religious Satire, you will LOVE this. It takes me back to my College days studying Chaucer and Voltaire, both of which I think would be fans. It does stir up a ton of controversy, but anything having to do with religion will do that. The head of PR for the LDS Church said it best:  

"... parody isn't reality, and it's the very distortion that makes it appealing and often funny. The danger is not when people laugh but when they take it seriously—"

After that, we took an awesome little Pedicab ride to the House Of Blues to continue the fun. The ride was a new experience, the venue was awesome, and the music made me want to go back to New Orleans asap. I hadn't known it, but Chicago is known for Blues, Soul, Jazz, and Gospel, which I loved getting to experience this time around.

Then it was up early so that we could enjoy our only full day in town. Jess and I were left to our own devices, so we decided that shopping was to be the main dish with a side of sightseeing, and the weather was perfect for it at 65 and sunny.

I was in LOVE with that dress, but it ran SUPER small and they were running out of sizes :( If anyone comes across a size 6 at the H&M where they live, I will PAY YOU A REWARD to send it to me. I'm not kidding...I'm assigning you all this mission.

We lunched at Native Foods, and it was great to get a healthy meal to offset the room service and dinners out. All the protein was soy based and the options were awesome like the Caribbean Jerk Salad and the Twister Wrap that we chose.

I didn't mention this before, but I was super sad that we didn't get good pictures with The Bean last time. The thing has water spots all over it and distorts things at weird angles, so they simply didn't turn out how I thought they did. This time I paid attention to that, and made up for the bad ones. Plus I enlisted the help of other tourists. I just kept my eye on my camera in case they tried to run off.

Did you know that there are Casinos near Chicago? Neither did we.

The Horseshoe Casino was only a 25 minute cab ride away, and it made for a great night. We won money, had a good table for Blackjack, and enjoyed ourselves until the wee hours of the morning. The only bad part was that being 25 minutes from the city, cabs stop coming out there. We had no clue, so at 4AM when we are desperately trying to go home, there was no way to get home! 

We were kind'a freaking out, because we were beginning to feel like we were being held hostage in the Hammond Twilight Zone. Luckily, we kept talking to anyone that would listen, so a random Valet we talked to found us a "taxi", and by "taxi", I mean a guy that had a car. Normally I would not have even entertained the idea, but when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere and need to get some sleep before  a flight, you don't question the lack of licensing and safety standards.

Long story short, we made it back to the hotel and passed out at about 6AM. Getting three hours of sleep sucked, but at least we ended up with a good story to end the trip. Now I think I've had enough of Chicago for awhile. Seriously.

If Blood Makes You Squeamish, Look Away

Yesterday morning I had some time to spare, so I popped into Victoria's Secret. I had some of those coupons they've been sending out and got a $10 GC from work, so I was on a mission. There I was trying on some fabulous braziers and bathing suits, and holy canoli, I felt the needle part of the sensor cut right through my arm.

The poor sales girl had no clue what to do, so I just asked her to put my stuff on hold and said I would come back when the bleeding had stopped. Later I found out this was the best decision, because when I went back the manager was there, and she went above and beyond to make up for my little wound. I didn't even have to complain and she was throwing more coupons and discounts my way. I of course added a few more items to my pile to milk the discount, and by the time I was done, we had taken more than $60 off my bill! A bathing suit, two bras, and six pairs of panties is a freakin' steal at $63 dollars. Way to go Victoria's Secret, you have won my loyalty, and in spite of all the ninnies telling me to sue you, I would never. Discounts will suffice, 'cuz you can totally buy my love ;)

Other than that...I have Apple and iPhones on the brain.

Usually, I'm that person that refuses to go for the "newest" iPhone and chooses the older model to beat the system and not pay those hyped up prices. However, I am totally torn about the next launch. September is fast approaching, and other than Pumpkin Spice Lattes, we know that means a new iPhone is coming out. As a matter of fact, there seems to be two iPhones coming out.

Initially, I could have upgraded in June, but I gave my upgrade to Will. My speaker and software weren't working already, but his phone was having even more issues than mine. He had an upgrade in August, so I resigned myself to waiting until then. I knew that it wouldn't be an iPhone 6 coming out, so I figured I'd just get the 5 and call it a deal. Uuuuuntil I heard that the "5S" or whatever they dub it will have a better processor and therefore better battery life. Oh, and I hear there is a champagne color option...sounds just fab to me. The second, the "5C", will be a cheaper option made of plastic for the first time and come in different fun colors. What is a girl to do?

Why does my Birthday have to be all the way in October? Birthdays are a great excuse for ignoring the guilt one might feel for purchasing materialistic things, right? I guess I could just wait for my Birthday, but living without an alarm is getting really old. It is against my religion to succumb to the desires of our society, but I just don't know what else to do.
Are any of you going to rush out and but the newest iPhones?

Speaking of Pumpkin Spice...Has anyone tried this stuff?

It looks AMAZING.

A First "Blate"

The time has come to recount my Blate with Ashley from wonderlustme or shall I introduce you as Pandora? ;)

By the way Ash, That's ^ my favorite photo of you :)

I happened to have met this lovely and intriguing young woman this past year, and we have lately been growing as blog friends, which led us to a Blate.  Simple progression, right?  So simple that we should have thought about it a while ago....Alas, all is not loss for we have embraced our "Blating" status and can't wait for more!

Not only did we plan on some fabulous activities, we stumbled upon even greater adventures and bonded over deep and insightful conversation.  I feel that she is an old soul like myself, which is evident in our choice of Craft Fairs, exploring and afternoon tea.  We both have a passion for travel and exploration, so we are beginning our journey in Colorado, and who knows after that...There is no limit in our eyes <3

Sand Creek Craft Fair

Our friend Chelsey and her mom like to set up a table every week, and this is the first time that Ashley and I were able to go check it out.  Glad we did, because this fair was awesome!

 Then on to Downtown. 
 I'm always in awe of the urban scene on a background of Mountains....

Ashley then reminded me of this adorable lil' Tea House, that I never thought to go because it's not up the hubby's alley. However, it was the   perfect setting for our first "Blate".

A bit of shopping was also done, but we decided that we will have to set up another Blate for that, as the stores in Old Colorado city are far too fascinating to enjoy in what time we had left.

Needless to say, It was love at first Blate. 

Cafe Press is Convenient AND Entertaining!

Ever heard of  cafepress.com?  Well, if you haven't- lemme tell ya- not only can you find some great gift ideas, you will be thoroughly entertained in the process...For example:

For the farmer in you:

To show off:

If I ever get pregnant with twins- I must have this:

For the teachers out there:

As a public service:

And I FELL in LOVE with this one:

Weiser is only part, but he still is a Weimaraner!  Happy to call myself a Weimaraner Mom <3

I just went through the site again, and I was entertained for HOURS!  Thank goodness they have ways to narrow your search because there is more merchandise than you will know what to do with!  I also bookmarked LOTS of gift possibilities, so my Christmas shopping should be a little easier ;)

Sweet Dreams, y'all!

Sometimes Shopping IS The Answer

And no, I'm absolutely NOT talking about the materialistic aspect!  Yes, it is fun to pick up some new goodies, but not only do I find shopping or "window shopping" to be like a game- finding just what I'm looking for, at just the right price- I also find it to be a great "hangin' with the girls" activity.  There is just something rejuvenating about having girl time, and what better setting than an afternoon shopping excursion!

I'm so happy my girlfriend Jaycee wanted some help shopping for some winter attire, since she's from Vegas and doesn't know what "winter" really is.  I feel like we didn't get enough accomplished of that particular task, but we had a blast in the process and we can't wait to hang out again!  It's so nice to connect with people in Colorado Springs...It's hard to meet new people and then it's even harder to form relationships when you are married.  Not that I'm complaining, since I LOVE being married (specifically to my husband), but I don't like making plans without him.  That means that unless he's out training, girl time is limited.  Obviously, he is away right now, so girl time was ON!

I got this cute top at Express on SALE!  It looks great on and I already have several plans for it...

I love this necklace!  It will work great with this top and I'm sure I will work it into a few other outfits, as well.
The little rosettes appeal to my soul...

Jaycee and I brought matching bracelets!! How cute??

Best deal of the day: 

 His and hers shoes from Famous Footwear's Buy One Get One Half Off sale!! I am proud to say that mine were the cheaper of the two.

I think that it's funny that his shoes look small in this picture.  He wears a size 12 and I only wear a 7.5!!

I need to do this more often...but I'm hoping my hubby will be home today, so he gets all my attention for a little while ;)  I can't explain how much I want to plant a BIG OL' KISS ON HIM!!