Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Favorite US Cities

1. ST. AUGUSTINE, FL

Suprise, suprise. If you know me, you know my heart is in this city. I adore everything about it. I even have plans to reitre there, ha. Its beautiful. The architecture, the history, the bayfront, the beach, the shopping, Nights of Lights, the Lighthouse, Bed & Breakfast Inns., Flagler College, St. George Street....

2. BOONE, NC

I love the state of North Carolina. I wish I traveled there more often. I have only been to Boone once, but fell in love immediately. Florida is so flat that I forget how absolutely beautiful mountains are! Appalachian State is gorgeous. Cute little towns near by. Southern hospitality. Picnic at Blowing Rock. Love, love, love.

What about you?

Miscellany Monday

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Happy Monday! Despite my lack of sleep, I am in a great mood.

1. I think I am in a great mood because I realized I am the happiest I have ever been. Seriously. I am so blessed. (minus issues with my car, ugh)

2. Has anyone of you ever done Crown Ministries? Do you have any tips? Positive feedback?? My church is getting together a few young couples (seriously dating/married). My boyfriend and I are going to do it together.

3. Here is a picture of Kylee! And a mistake was made on how much she actually weighed at birth... She was 4lbs 1.2oz, not 4lbs 12oz. So stinkin' tiny, but so precious! She is doing great! The prayers are so appreciated but keep them coming! She still has a ways to go.

4. Yesterday was Kylee's big brother's birthday party (my godson)! He was a character to watch open presents. He kept saying "Wow Dude!" "Awesome!"

5. For all you mommies out there, I stumbled upon an awesome mommy blog, BUGGIE & JELLYBEAN! I am pretty sure she is an old friend of mine's older sister! It's so fun, you should check it out.

6. If you have a Publix grocery store & love Key Lime Pie....then you MUST try the Publix brand Key Lime Pie frozen yogurt! IT'S HEAVENLY!

7. If you love Salmon, then you should try this Tasty Kitchen marinade. It was a big hit this weekend.

8. My friend Casie, of Rebel Belle Photography (we did a photo session and her pictures on my header and in About Me) completely re-did her blog and logo. I LOVE IT! You should go check it out and leave her a sweet comment! It'd make her day!

YOU have a GREAT Monday!

She's Here!!

THE PRINCESS HAS ARRIVED!

(she decided she wanted her own birthday)

Kylee Jetonne graced us with her presence around 5:30 this morning, weighing 4lbs 12oz 17in long. She is in NICU and will be there for a month. She is breathing on her own! A huge blessing! She is at one of the best hospitals. God is so good!

Her momma is doing great! I ask a favor of you... please continue to pray for Kylee throughout this month!

Blessed

Today is my Godson's THIRD Birthday! I can't believe he is THREE!

I vividly remember this day... (excuse the hair...I attempted to do my hair on my own...it's now why my godson's mommy does it)

He is the sweetest thing. He is hilarious. I am so honored to be his Godmother. I seriously hope my kids turn out like him. He is the most outgoing little boy! LOVE HIM!

His birthday present today?? Becoming a big brother!

**His momma has been induced and it's just a matter of time til his little sister comes to share his birthday with him! Isn't that crazy...2 siblings with the same birthday?!**

Please pray she & baby have a safe delivery! Can't wait to share pictures!

Oh my...

I must apologize dear friends for my absence. Unfortunately, I do not have a good excuse. Just been tired and unmotivated.


Isn't that awesome!? (via)

Awesomely enough, I have been on track with my workout schedule. Yay! But last night's run was so rough. I got a side cramp 10 minutes into my run! Ew. I was determined to have a good run so I ran through the pain. Wasn't fun but I did it.

Later that night I decided to look up how to get rid of a cramp, because if that happens during one of my 5k's I need to know if there is a solution.

Well.... there really isn't one. All I read was to stretch your sides before and after you run; drink more water (probably the cause of my cramp); & run through it.


I hope you all have had a wonderful week so far!

Polyvore Friday

TOMS style!

(these first two are my faves!)

... by ИԾ -Ɗɬƥ-ىђҿЯԼԾʗʞ featuring Superdry tops

Untitled by ShiranFashion featuring TOMS shoes

Happy Feelings by heygailee! featuring TOMS shoes

(love these new TOMS)

summertime by DayDreamDarling featuring TopShop bags

Oh how I adore TOMS. Gah!

Have a great weekend friends!!!

TOMS GIVEAWAY WINNER!

EEEEEKKK!!! I am so excited to announce the winner!

I seriously wish I could buy ALL of you a pair...If I win the lottery I promise I will....deal?

(DRUM ROLL PLEASE)


MICHELE from STORIES AT MY FINGERTIPS!!!!

How Michele spreads love:
"In my eyes, love is so simple to share with others. The easiest way that I can share my love is by smiling genuinely to each and every person that I meet. Reason is? Love is really just like a great big smile that you can not wipe off your face."

Thanks to all who participated and to all my followers! Love ya'll!

Oh Wednesday.

Today I woke up feeling extremely tired and sick. LAME.

I had an absolute great run at the gym last night. I haven't been to the gym in about 4 months because on the weekends I have been cycling with Trek (for my new followers, that is my road bike). It's an intense cardio workout so I skip doing anything during the week. BUT it's the time of year where I enjoy doing at least 1 5k a month so I have to get my running butt in gear.

My Current Work Out Schedule:
Monday: REST
Tuesday: RUN
Wednesday: REST
Thursday: RUN
Friday: REST
Saturday: CYCLE
Sunday: CYCLE

*If you have any 5k running tips they would be much appreciated!"


FEW MORE THINGS:
1. Don't forget today is the last day for the TOMS giveaway! Ends at midnight!
2. My blog friend Vivs has a new online art journal class, Float On! I did her previous online art journal class and LOVED it so check it out because you might love it too!


I love her glitter TOMS!

3. I am thinking of doing this 30 Days of Me thing. It's pretty neat! You should play along too!

Sorry for the lack of a fun entry.

Top 2 Tuesday

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Top 2 Characters You Would Want To Play on a TV Show or Movie

1. Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and The City!
I will make this simple: fabulous wardrobe/closet; 3 amazing best friends; living in a quaint apartment in NY.

2. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride & Prejudice.
Who wouldn't want to be incandescently in love with Mr. Darcy?

ps- don't forget about my TOMS giveaway!

Miscellany Monday

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OH MY. Let's start with today and then rewind the weekend...

UNO-

I got Tboned on the driver side while driving to work this morning. What a pain! I left early so that I could go to the grocery store before work...well that never happened. I am obviously fine (Praise God!). My car door isn't, but it's operable. It was almost a year since the last time my car was in an accident (I got hit in the rear which pushed me forward into the car in front of me). My car looks pretty....NOT. The lady motocop was so very nice, I am so thankful.

(Thank you nice police woman!!)

DOS-

The boyfriend and I played a game of putt putt golf. It was so fun, minus the heat, and the butt whoppin' he gave me. The heat threw my game off.

TRES-

I got my hair did this weekend. I decided to go darker and I love it!

CUATRO-

Saturday had been planned to recover and relax from the previous night, but I bought last minute tickets to Sean Hannity's Freedom Tour with Charlie Daniels Band, Michael W. Smith, and Lynyrd Skynyrd! It was a good time! I have a new appreciation for southern rock/country. I love the fiddle in CDB! My boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed it because he absolutely LOVES Lynyrd Skynyrd. They had an amazing performance to the last song they did...FREE BIRD! Also, you must listen to their single GOD AND GUNS. It's bees knees.

(Charlie Daniels Band)

(Getting my world rocked by Lynyrd Skynyrd!)

CINCO-

Friday I got to see Brad Paisley with Darius Rucker!!! IT WAS AWESOME! I sooo very much am in love with Brad Paisley. It was at an amphitheatre and therefore I was drenched in sweat but it was all worth it. Nothing like country music, a beer in hand, and my (metro) redneck boyfriend by my side!

(BP performed in the crowd for the "cheap seats")

SEIS-

Do you love TOMS shoes? Then make sure you have entered my giveaway!

Hope you all had a great weekend! And a lovely HELLO to my new followers!

Polyvore Friday

Polyvore's Gone Country...

I am heading to Tampa tonight to go see Brad Paisley's H20 Concert with the boyfriend (my first country concert EVER and yes...2 concerts in one week!), I figured I would dedicate todays polyvore's to country.

*side note- I actually use to hate country music...until I met the boyfriend...somehow I fell in love with it!?*

(via)

Makes me want some cowboy boots!

Two quick things:

1. Clinique.com is having free shipping on all orders this weekend only. Interested? Use the offer code: WEEKEND.

2. Have you checked out my TOMS Giveaway??

Ya'll have a great weekend now, ya hear?!

TOMS Giveaway!

I feel so honored to have 100+ followers! You all are the best!

Do you love TOMS? I absolutely love TOMS and the ONE FOR ONE Movement. I love my TOMS but I have a slight problem...the boyfriend absolutely hates them! I am always wanting to get another pair but can't ever go through with it since he isn't a fan.

SO, I want to buy a pair for YOU, because by buying a pair, a child in need will recieve a pair too! One for One!

GIVEAWAY:
ONE PAIR OF TOM's CLASSIC SHOES (solid colors only)

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Leave a comment telling me how you share love with others.
2. Be a follower! And if you already are, leave a comment telling me so!
3. Tweet (@michabella4), Facebook, and/or blog about this giveaway and leave a comment and link for each one.

Giveaway ends one week from today. Winner will be announced Thursday, Aug. 19th!

Good Luck!!!

Norah Jones

I saw this gorgeous and amazingly talented lady in concert last night!

She has an absolute beautiful voice. My mother and I both agree...She is even better live. It was so soothing. She played her new songs and then her classic ones. I really like the Chasing Pirates remix that just came out. Oh, it was so great and worth every penny, minus the very annoying drunk girl in front of us.

Here are some pictures I snapped with my camera phone, so excuse the quality!

Have a wonderful Wednesday! I will be posting the giveaway this afternoon! It's a good one, I am so excited!!

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Tips-BEAUTY
(money saving tips, beauty tips, DIY tips, cooking tips, cleaning tips, blogging tips, shopping tips etc)

ONE

Do you hate buying liquid foundation for each season (summer/winter)? You don't need to anymore! When I worked at Clinique, we always had ladies complaining about this. Solution: Add a teeny drop of liquid bronzer to your current foundation-mix together-put on face! *Also, if you use liquid foundation, make sure you are using a foundation brush and NOT a sponge. It is much more sanitary AND you save foundation this way!*

TWO

Are you ever uncertain about your skin type? What products to use on your face, that match your skin type? The best colors(eyeshadow, lipstick, blush) for your skin? Don't fret! Head to the nearest Clinique counter and meet with a Consultant! Clinique Consultants are there to serve you, to help you and the best part is that you are absolutely not required to buy something from Clinique. Clinique will provide you with pamphlets about your skin type and the best colors for your skin type. This was one of my favorite parts about the job!

Miscellany Monday

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ONE-

I have 100 followers!!!! OH EM GEE! Wow. I am humbled! Thank you all and big special HELLO to my new followers! I will be putting together a giveaway to celebrate this, here shortly!

TWO-

I am really needing the beach. I need to hear the sound of the ocean. My heart is missing it especially after reading this post.

THREE-

The Home Ec class starts this week...thank goodness it's a class you can do at your own pace because I feel another stressful week is approaching.

FOUR-

Oh hello massive headache, so happy you have kept me company the past two days. Just let me make it through today, please, it's all I ask.

FIVE-

Yesterday was my best friend's baby shower (thank you for the prayers, btw!) and it was so fun! It is dangerous how cute baby girl's clothes are! AH! Baby Kylee is going to be so spoiled.

SIX-

Exciting things I get to look forward to this week: Norah Jones concert tomorrow night and Brad Paisley concert Saturday night! Yay!

Have a FAB Monday!

Polyvore Friday

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Here are some lovely polyvore's for your pretty eyes (I am totally in love with that leather satchel!):

Vegetable colors by Jelena M S featuring Miss Selfridge dresses

Su. by Ssevilay(No more tag please) featuring Marc Jacobs tops

(Love Leighton Meester!)

Story by Original Doll ♥ featuring Collette Dinnigan dresses

My best friend's baby shower is this weekend! I am super excited! Please continue to keep her and baby Kylee in your prayers. She was diagnosed with Preclampsia yesterday. Thanks...love ya'll! Have a wonderful and safe weekend!

Nothing short of random

I have so many random thoughts flowing through my mind! AH! Where to begin??

* I feel refreshed today, surprisingly. I attempted to wake up before work, 5:30am, to go for a run. FAIL. It's still dark out and so I can't find it in me to get out of bed. I reallllly need to get my butt running because mid September is the start of the end of the year 5k's I love to do. Tips would be oh so greatly appreciated!

* I have recently been loving finding new things to cook for the boyfriend and I! It's fun. I also found a new frosting recipe that I am dying to try. Maybe this weekend I will make some red velvets.

* My heart breaks and I get angry when a guy breaks my friend's heart. Heart breaks suck, but it's a part of life for some of us. We go through trials and pain. But in the end God gives us something/someone amazing, something we might have never thought possible. You just gotta keep the faith. I never thought possible that God would put the man of my dreams in my life the way he did. The timing was perfect. That's God. He is SO good. Don't give up hope, Jenny.

* Four Easy Up-Do's to Beat the Heat. I love these! And I adore Olivia Palermo's style.

Wee Bit Wednesday

Hey ya'll! I am joining Leigh Ashley's Wee Bit of Me Wednesday!

{one} what website do you spend the most time on?
Facebook & Blogger!

{two} what's the furthest you've ever travelled?
Mexico! I have also been to British Victoria in Canada...Idk which one is the farthest from Florida.

{three} what's your guilty pleasure tv show?
True Blood!

{four} if you had to give up one favorite food, what would be the hardest?
Oh man. I love food. Um...the hardest would probably be Italian, Mexican, or FroYo!

{five} if you could become any fictional character, who would you be?
I would probably want to be Hermione Granger from Harry Potter!

{six} what's your favorite season of the year?
Def Fall. I love everything about that time of year. It finally starts to cool down here in Fl and then come all the holidays that I adore!

{seven} what's your biggest phobia?
Um idk...being alone? I have no major ones.

{eight} would you rather swim in a pool or the ocean?
Most def the pool! I refuse to go in the ocean past my thighs. I mean...it's shark week..have you been watching it??

{nine} what did you eat for breakfast today?
DanActive and a protein bar. I am too lazy in the morning to make myself breakfast.

{ten} if you could only listen to one song for the next month, which song would it be?
Revelation Song by Phillips, Craig and Dean. LOVE it.

Head on over to Leigh Ashley's blog to link up!

Top 2 Tuesday

Top 2 Simple Pleasures

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[ONE]

YOGURTOPIA. Even sweeter when the boyfriend & I go together. It's pure bliss in every bite. Taro is my favorite fro-yo flavor! What's yours?

[TWO] Lazy Sundays/Rainy Afternoons. ((sigh)) Aren't those the best?

On another note... Bachelorette fans: I can't believe Ali chose Roberto...I shocked. Poor Chris.

Both sweet guys but I think Chris would have been a better choice.

Another side note... you all need to check out this company: ARKS OUTDOORS. They have great sandals and boat shoes. Many camoflauge ones to choose from. NECOprene sandals just arrived and you should go take a look.

Have a love Tuesday!

IM BACK!

FRIENDS!!! IM BACK!

I meant to post this morning but things have been sooo ridiculously hectic today. Trying to get back into the swing of things. The cruise was AMAZING! REFRESHING! & SO NEEDED! Thank you to all who sent love. Grand Caymen & Cozumel were beautiful! We had perfect weather. Good food. Great shopping. I seriously need to cruise more often. I mean...how amazing would it to take a year off and cruise! HA. I am very much in the laid back, cater-to-me mode. It was actually quite nice to not have my phone attached to me all week (though I dearly missed texting the boyfriend; it's our main way of communication through the day).

Here are some pictures...I wish I could share them all with you!

So how have you been? I seriously missed ya'll!

OH AND HAPPY SHARK WEEK! Rawr!