Blonde, Sweat & Wine

"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time."- Leo Tolstoy Today I received news that made my head spin and spit fire! It was the opposite of what I was expecting and frustrating as all get out! I wanted things my way, done as soon as possible, and I did not want to wait. As I steamed, I realized that things could always be worse. It may not be in the way I wanted, but at least things are still progressing the way the good Lord intended. I interviewed with a medical mega-giant at the beginning of last month. I was told I had to take a certification in order to obtain the position but once I get the go ahead from the testing agency I was done and hired! Well, this was exciting but nerve racking news. In an instant, that day I failed the last nursing exam I ever took and all the emotions associated came flooding back. Could I actually pass? I haven't taken a test since, not one that actually mattered anyway. With a lot of angst and support from Brad, I started...

We didn't know we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun In the last two weeks, I've gone back to my hometown for appointments and family events. It is always interesting going back. When I'm at home in O-town, I always feel like I'm missing "back home" and want to return. Then I return and am reminded why we left; there is nothing wrong with where I am from, I just love where I am going! Centennial Park in Downtown Fort Myers My sister arranged with her photographer friend to have some family photos taken. My mom has been dying for them so we appeased her. After all, you never know when you'll have the chance again! We color-coordinated our crazy bunch and they will hopefully be great! The photog sent over some sneak peeks after and they look great so we are looking forward to seeing the rest! My sister and I My mama and her girls Since we live in the theme park capital of the world, we have annual passes to most of the par...

Sometimes all you need is a little sparkle and a whole lotta Jesus! Every summer and spring, I get a tad mani obsessed! Glitter, pastels, and accent nails take over from the matte, jewel tones, and dark colors of winter and fall! I love doing my own nails, mainly because I'm a control freak and I hate bubbles, smudges, creases, and any possibility that would cause me to tell the manicurist to redo each flaw. I think they would kill me, haha! I absolutely love sparkles and accent nails! I know this isn't a new trend and people have since moved on to nail ombrees but I'm still doing the accent, surprise surprise I'm not up on the new trends! Why change if I still love it?! One polish that is my summer go-to is this sparkle from Sephora by OPI, "Meet Me at the Disco". It is the perfect pairing to almost every spring/summer shade. Since I am a true Florida girl, spring and summer tend to be one in the same, as are the shades! We only really have three seasons:...

Blessed are the curious for they have small adventures! Since we started dating, we have been lovers of nature and exploring new places. While B was living in Jupiter, we discovered Jonathon Dickinson State Park. We love the quiet (yes, I can be quiet), the animals we see, the feeling of being away from the hustle of life, and the relaxing feeling you have after you leave. We both love to hunt during season, but we also just enjoy hiking and being in nature's home. This park was divided by roads then led off into the woods with palmettos and lakes. We climbed the lookout tower and looked down to discover a very large snake on the ground. Thankfully, he was back in his home before we got down. We ended up seeing gators in this park more than anything else. I am a proud Florida Gator fan (CHOMP CHOMP!!!) so I was stoked! It's easy to lead, when I follow a great example He's the best adventure partner After we moved to Orlando, we realized we were...

The best project you'll ever work on is you! What a week! In my last post, I confessed to some not-so-desirable qualities that I possessed and am happy to see go! That was a vulnerable post for me, as it would be for most people.One of my goals that I listed was that I wanted to hit a couple fitness goals that I had set for myself. This week, I got a tad bit closer to achieving where I want to be! I usually attempt to plan out the week in my Erin Condren planner, which is the absolute best planner ever!! I will try to write out a workout, meal and to do plan for the week and usually by day two, all is lost. I get lazy, slack a bit, and give up, resorting to sleeping in and going to Chipotle. This week I got a little sidetracked but pulled myself together and finished the week out strong!  My workout goal was to go to the gym at least 5 days, done! I was so happy and much more relaxed after it too! Proving that I want it to become a permanent fixture, so obsessed! Making mysel...

"Some days, I can conquer the world. Other days, it takes me three hours to convince myself to shower"- the perfect Pinterest quote! This 27th year has been one of growth and reflection. I truly thought looking at 27 year-old people then that by the time I had reached this point that I would be an independent, sexy, confident woman with this spectacular job and a hardworking stud by my side! Some of this came true, but not much! I've got the stud, that's about it! That being said, I came into this year thinking that I knew who I was, where I was heading and that I had a great man to share it all with. One thing that people normally won't tell you is that when your relationship becomes committed and you're around the other person practically 24/7, they begin to see your flaws and, if you're as lucky as I am, they begin to help you become a better person. One thing that anyone who knows us will tell you is that when you meet the beau and I for the first ti...

This post is for a special gal who just needs a little makeup guidance! Being a girl definitely has its ups and downs but the best part, in my opinion, is getting all glammed up and feeling gorgeous! A sweet friend of mine wanted to know what essentials are needed to achieve a basic everyday look that is simple and won't break the bank but leaves you looking like a million bucks! I got ya girl!! My face essentials are also posted in this post but here's the nitty gritty! First off, get yourself a beauty blender! These things are definitely worth the buzz! To use, wet (yes, I said wet as in water!) the blender. This provides a smooth look, so get that thing under the water and squeeze! Then apply your foundation on the largest end for an all over face application and, if needed, apply to the narrow end to get in the smallest spaces like inner eye and around your nose. e.l.f Beauty Blender $5.00 Gives you a smoother look Another girl must have is a really good pa...