Kiki La'Rue Giveaway!

What better way to kick off 2013 than with a giveaway!?! And from Kiki La'Rue at that. Just amazing.

I'm so incredibly honored to have Becka from Kiki La'Rue as one of my sponsors. She's such a sweetheart, and of course everything in her store is just fabulous.

I'm sure most of you are already familiar with the store, and own a couple of pieces of your own. Well, how about a chance to win one of the famous Lenore scarves?!

These babies are gorgeous and will be the perfect addition to any outfit you wear!

Be sure and check out Kiki La'Rue!

Store//Facebook//Instagram//Twitter//Pinterest

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will be notified via email.

Thank you and good luck!!!

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2012 - A Year in Pictures

I've been doing this at the end of every year since I started blogging. I recap my year with pictures. It's been a really fun project for me each time as I enjoy reminiscing on the years past. Feel free to check out my other posts too:

My 2010 post

My 2011 post

And now, I recap for you, 2012. Enjoy! :)

January:

I rang 2012 in with Nate. It was our 4th new years together, but it was different this year. We didn't dress up fancy and go out with a bunch of friends and drink champagne until midnight. Instead, we got in our most comfy jeans and t-shirts and headed to an arcade to play pool, shuffleboard, bowl and drink enough beer to have us tipsy enough by midnight. And that? Was perfect! 

• I started accepting sponsors on the blog this month
• I reached 500 followers and had a coffee giveaway
• We hit 100 link-ups on It's OK Thursday for the first time
• I sprained my ankle very badly and was on crutches for two weeks. SUCK.

February:

The second month of the year was the much anticipated Blissdom. I had been looking forward to this trip for months, and I'm so glad I went! It was life changing for sure. I left with much more knowledge than I went with, and had way too much fun with my blog girlfriends. It was just amazing, and definitely a highlight from 2012.

• I wrecked my car at the beginning of the month, so I was driving around a rental while my car was in the shop. Praying and hoping it'd be ready for Blissdom. I picked it up the night before we left for Nashville. Boom.
• I made some really delicious Peanut Butter cookies that you'll fall in love with. Seriously, if you haven't made them yet, you're crazy!
• I shared 25 quirky facts about myself that may or may not leave you wanting to still be my friend.

March:

This month, we were lucky enough to adopt this sweet boy from the Humane society. It's been pure yorkie love ever since! He's definitely part of the family now, and I am beyond happy he was with me the majority of my 2012.

• I read a lot of books this month trying to keep up with my goal. I even got in contact with a media company in which I reviewed a couple of books for them and giveaways.
• I celebrated St. Patty's Day with some friends and had my first ever green beer!
• I shared my most favorite spring time recipe - Mama's Macaroni Salad. You must try this, if you haven't already!

April:

I'm lucky enough that I've made many blog friends during my journey. Two of them, Neely and Kiley, I consider my BEST friends. This month, we celebrated Neely's birthday. Crab mac&jack, Passionfruit Gimlets and Ice cream cake were had by all!

• Found a new pedicure place that I LOVE because they asked if I'd like a glass of wine while I have my pedi. Is that even a question?!
• Met Mark Cuban at the movies. NBD. Actually it was a big deal, he's hot. The end.
• I got to preview The Lucky One as a pre-screener. Thanks to having a boyfriend in the radio biz. Hellooooo Zac Efron. Rawr.
• I also started using Instagram this month, so my picture feeds were outta control, y'all.

May:

My little sister turned 23 this month, and we went all out celebrating for her. Rented a cabin to stay in, made her a cake with her favorite colors, stayed up drinking beer and grilling all night. It was a blast, and definitely one she'll remember. Then, I got SUPER sick. I was down with a severe sinus infection which actually landed me in the ER. Worst sick I've been in a while.

• I started and finished the 50 Shades of Grey Trilogy this month, holla! Yes, I fell into the hype of it all, and I'm oddly excited for the movie to be made.
• I knocked one thing off my 101 in 1001 list by starting the 50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind. I did a segment each week, but began in May. It was an amazing experience, answering those deep questions for myself each week.

June:

Oh the start of summer. Obviously it calls for cool drinks. It's already in the 100s here in Texas come June, so obviously I was stocked up and prepared. ;) Most of these drinks were enjoyed by the pool too. Ahhh, sweet summer time!

• I opened my heart and shared my daily struggle of anxiety with my readers.
• Brunch with Amber turned 2 and I had a week long celebration of giveaways! It was the least I could do to thank my readers. xoxo
• I wore lots of summer maxis, cuddled with Binky, and ate lots of fro-yo.

July:

Nate and I are both July babies. He was turning 30, so I wanted to do something BIG for his birthday. I had never thrown a surprise party before, but I decided to try my hand at it. It was fun, but I'll probably never do it again. I am entirely too high-strung for that. My anxiety was on high drive for the whole month I was planning it!

• I had my golden birthday, and reminisced on my past birthdays from my early 20s.
• I got my 7th tattoo, and am still in love with it. It's nice to have one that is actually meaningful.
• And again this month, I shared more with you guys about me that may have been over-sharing. But you still love me anyway. ;)
• I got an iPhone this month after an unfortunate pool incident with my 'droid. Been lovin' Apple evah since!

August:

August was filled with lots of random things. It was very hot here, so I spent lots of time in tank tops, jean shorts and on patios with drink in hand. No complaining here. ;)

• I was lucky enough to meet Emily Giffin and have her sign my copy of Where We Belong. It was awesome. She was such a doll, and I'd like to become her best friend, thanks!
• I started my love affair with NY&Co, and it's still going strong. This place is my fave, and I go there AT LEAST once a month. 
• I also did my first OOTD post, which was super awkward for me. Because I am not fashionable or trendy or anything a fashion blogger should be. BUT it's fun to take pics of my cute outfits, so I just may continue this. ;)

September:

September I took my mama to celebrate her birthday doing something neither of us had ever done. We painted while drinking wine. Say whaaaa?! I thought it was too good to be true too, but it can be done. We had an absolute blast and have pretty pictures to hang as a result. :)

• I spent some time with my sisters. I also drank plenty of coffee. Some of it for free. ;) Got my first PSL of the season this month too. Yes, Starbucks will make it for you BEFORE October. It's an amazing little treat.
• Football season officially started, so we were keeping our wing stop in business on Saturdays.
• I linked up for Book Club 4 times this month. Must've been by best month. I really kept up with my goals this month.

October:

Nate and I celebrated 4 years together this month. It was a low key night, but we had lots of fun together which we always do and that's what is important to me. 

• Things were getting a little awkward with the impending elections coming up the following month, and I was (un)lucky enough to come across my own weirdness.
• I went back and forth trying to decide on ordering another EC planner for next year, or trying something different. I went with Maybooks this year, and I'm in LOVE.
• Gave my readers a little more of a personal look into my day. What's it like to be BWA? Also, what do I have on my phone there? The secret's are all laid out on the blog. ;)

November:

I'm so lucky to have the same best friend I've had since we were 9 years old. She came to see me this month, and as always we had an amazing girls' weekend. While she was here, she took mine and Nate's Christmas pictures because she's talented like that, yo.

• I had my blog redesigned by the lovely Whitney, and also shared some gems I found while digging in my mom's storage.
• I made a new bloggy friend turned into IRL. God, I love when that happens. I met Helene! And I shared some other bloggers I've met in the past 2.5 years.
• You guys had me in complete and utter shock when I saw that I had hit 1000 followers on this lil' ol' blog of mine. You guys reinstate my decision to blog each and every single day.
• I got real for my thankful Thanksgiving post. None of that mushy mess. 
• I opened an online jewelry boutique, and I still need more customers!

December:

The end of the year is always rush rush rush, go go go trying to get ready and in preparation for the holidays. I enjoyed many a' red cup from Starbucks. Oh, and the most important thing? Nate finally realized No Shave November was OVER and got rid of all that hair on his head.

• Binky scared me half to death when he got a stick lodged in his throat and he had his first ER vet visit.
• I had a disgusting wake-up call and decided it was time to splurge on some good tennis shoes and get my ass back into working out on a regular basis.
• I had Christmas with my family and felt incredibly blessed that I can spend time with them. I know not everyone gets to see their family on the holidays, and I definitely don't want to take that for granted.

There ya have it, my friends. My year in a nutshell, so to speak. Let me just tell you guys - I wrote this post out in a few days. I worked out it a bit here and there, and total? It took me around 4 hours. My God. Am I crazy or what? Not a chance. I love blogging, sharing my memories here for y'all, and making one big lump post at the end of each year to look back on it priceless. I'd spend all day to keep these memories alive!

How was your year? I hope 2013 is the best yet for us all!!

XOXO

It's OK Thursday #74

Hi friends! It's time for another round of It's OK Thursday with Neely and I!   If this is your first time linking up for It's OK Thursday, thank you and WELCOME! All you have to do is type up a post listing what's OK with you, grab the button for your post, and come back to link up.
Let's GO! :)  
It's OK..
..to get annoyed when you're too busy at work to even drink your coffee
..to get annoyed when patients don't show up after they already confirmed
..to kinda be glad Christmas is over because some people were grinches!!
..also glad it's over so patients will stop bringing in so many goodies making us fat ;)
..to have a super fab giveaway lined up for y'all next week!
..to hope 2013 is amazing!
..to get in one last wear of my Christmas scrubs before I have to pack them away again
..to have a hard time coming up with these since I'm writing it so far in advance, haha!
..to think everyone should know how to schedule posts - it is so helpful!
..to be super ready to see Nate tomorrow and exchange gifts with him! :)
..to have the dryest hands EVER right now. Stupid cold weather and constant hand washing.
..to still have not registered for next semester's class
..because I have no idea what I want to take!
..to be in serious need for yet another mani
..to have a hard time not picking off my gel mani once it starts to chip
What's OK with you this week? Come link up and share with us!

Tag, I'm it! Christmas Style :)

I was tagged by Melissa to do a little Christmas survey. It was originally started by the blog Raising Reagan. And it came around to me! :)

It's similar to when you win a blog award and then you nominate new people. When someone tags you, you answer their questions and then tag 5 new people. It’s a great way to learn how other people celebrate Christmas. 

Here goes!!

Here are my questions I was given to answer:

1. What's your favourite Christmas song?

I'm going to go with Santa Baby, the Eartha Kitt version or All I Want For Christmas is You, the Mariah version. I also love White Christmas sung by Michael Buble'.

2. What's your favourite Christmas tradition?

Waking up as early as possible, settling in with some coffee and opening stockings first. And then, we play Santa with each other and pass the gifts around. Then, we get started on the wine ;) while helping Mama in the kitchen.

3. What's your favourite Christmas story?

I love love LOVE Miracle on 34th Street. :)

4. Who's your favourite reindeer?

Rudolph, duh. ;) I like his lil' red nose.

5. What's your favourite gift that you bought for someone this year?

I am super excited for my sister to open the kindle I bought for her! She's gonna die of excitement. That's my goal when I shop for people, I want them to have the most awesome reaction ever when they open the gift from me.

Now, my turn. And I tag:

Helene in Between

Camo Colored Chaos

Pink on the Cheek

Scissors and a Whisk

Call me Mrs.

I'd like for you ladies to answer these questions, please!

1. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve night or on Christmas morning?

2. Do you wrap your gifts all in the same wrapping paper, or is it a bunch of colors under the tree?

3. What's your favorite holiday drink?

4. What's the best gift you received as a child?

5. What's your main dish for Christmas dinner?

YAY! Now, after you've done your post, please link it to me so I can read your answers too! :)

Ad Space Giveaway at Fierce, Fabulous and Fit!

I was beyond thrilled when Cait asked me to help out on her ad space giveaway! Of course, I agreed! And today - it's LIVE! So merry late christmas ;)

Be sure and check out her blog - she's a sweetheart.

So, enter now for your chance to win ad space here at yours truly, and ad space at so many other fabulous blogs! Just check out what you'll be vying for...

You will be disappointed if you miss out! ;)

Use the rafflecopter widget at the end of the post if you'd like to enter here at my blog. Thanks!

Medium Ad Space  from Kait Sawyer

2 Month Ad from The Mrs and the Momma

1 month large ad space from happy wife nola

extra large ad space

small ad space from yours truly

1 month large ad from Country Roots City Living

2 Month Small Ad from Discover Creative

2 month ad space from Eloping Design

Regular Ad Space from Sew Tara

2 Month latte spot from Brunch with Amber

Good luck everyone! 

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Merry Christmas from us to YOU!

Have a very Merry Christmas to your family, from ours. :)

XOXO

Top 5 Favorite 2012 Purchases!

I got to thinking the other day about some purchases I made this year that I don't want to live without ever again. I wanted to share with y'all what I consider my top 5 favorite purchases of 2012. Hopefully you already have these items, if not - get them! ;)

First up:

I am beyond happy that I was able to purchase and use the Bare Minerals collection. The lady at Sephora even helped color match me, and pick out what I needed. I had a pretty awesome experience. And the makeup? It's unlike any other makeup I've used. I feel like I have full coverage that isn't cakey at all on my face. It's very light and airy, actually.

Hands down, best makeup purchase of 2012.

Next:

After years of wearing old tennis shoes that hurt my feet, I decided it was time to invest in a good pair. I'm so picky about tennis shoes though. They have to fit just perfect. I splurged a bit on a pair of runners' shoes from Saucony, and boy am I happy I did. They are so incredibly comfortable and lightweight. They help keep my feet supported and are just all around perfect for any type of shoe.

Holla! Best shoe purchase of 2012.

Also:

For the longest time, I saw people putting their hair in sock buns. I was jealous because I loved the style and simplicity of it. I couldn't do it, and just assumed it was because my hair is so thin. Then, I found what I'd been looking for my hole life at Ulta. The Mia will do what you want to do with your hair! AND? The best part.. is my hair will look like a dirty hot mess, but I throw my Mia bun in there and walah! It looks presentable for any type of situation. It's a dream.

Definitely - best hair care purchase of 2012.

Next:

I had lusted over a Macbook for a while, mainly because I always want what others already have. My Dell was working fine though, so I felt no reason to buy a new computer. Lo and behold, my Dell crashed out on me. It would've cost the amount to get it fixed that I would be able to get a new computer. Luckily, my sweet friend Kiley was selling her older model Macbook. Done and Done. I bought it from her immediately and have kinda sorta fallin' in love with Apple since. It's fun to learn.

Oh yeah - best technology purchase of 2012.

Then:

I've wanted an iPhone for as long as I can remember. However my upgrade never fell in the right spot. Until...... I dropped my lovely android into the pool. The damage was done. It wasn't able to be fixed :( I was sad yes, but then I remembered I could get an iPhone!! Was able to come over to the dark side and be a part of the Apple family this past summer. And I. Love. It. iPhone = Life.

For sure, best smartphone purchase of 2012.

What purchases did you make this year that you just couldn't imagine going into 2013 without?

Cozy Holiday Link-up!

The lovely ladies Neely and Nicholl had the brilliant idea to host a Cozy Holiday Link-up.

I keep cozy by way of scarves, leggings and thick long sleeved cardigans.

Source: euphistic.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

It's my outfit today, actually. ;)   After work, I like to get straight into my PJs, and I always put on a pair of fuzzy socks. They keep my feet so warm and cozy!

Source: bathandbodyworks.com via Amber on Pinterest

These are my FAVES! You can find them at Bath and Body Works.

When it's cold outside (especially in the mornings) all I want is some hot coffee. I have been doing better about making it at home, but I definitely prefer Starbucks. My fave holiday drinks are the Peppermint Mocha and Eggnog Latte.

Source: Uploaded by user via Ann on Pinterest

AND, I'm not a fan of the cold weather (I am a Texas girl!) but when it's cold, I like it if I don't have to be out in it :)

Cozy weather calls for cuddling! Which I love! :)

What are your fave cozy things? Go link up and share!

TGIF, loves!

Secret Santa Reveal!

Back in October, I saw on Kelly's blog that she was a host of a SECRET SANTA swap! I got excited very quickly. I've participated in many swaps, and I'm a bit obsessed. But this, this is a whole 'nother ball game. It's secret! I love secrets, and I'm really good at keeping them. :)

I signed up immediately, duh. Then a little while later, I got my email letting me know who I was to shop for. I stalked her blog for a while, shopped and sent her the goodies. All anonymously. It was SO fun!

So, not only am I revealing what goodies I got from my secret partner, but I'm revealing who I sent presents to! ;)

I played Secret Santa to............

Christine!!!!

SURPRISE! :)

Okay, now check out her blog to see what I got her.

Now - here's the package I scored! It was funny.. when I checked my mail I saw a package from "Miami, FL" and I thought to myself, I'm not expecting anything from Miami. Who knows me there who'd be sending me something?! Then I opened it and remembered I was expecting Secret Santa goodies. :)

She did GOOD stalking my blog and getting me just what I loved. I got a Starbucks gift card, Julep nail polish in "Brit" and a twistband hair tie. Along with an adorable card and a candy cane. :)

This is the box that the nail polish and hair tie came in. I thought it was too adorable not to share. Perfect for a small gift!

Okay, now I'm off to stalk the people who linked up their reveal so I can find out who sent me my gift and thank them! :)

Happy Friday lovers!

At Meg's blog, I'm giving away the Shae necklace! At Neely's blog, I'm giving away the Louisa necklace!

Have you ever participated in a Secret Santa gift swap?

Are you good at keeping secrets?

It's OK Thursday #73

Hiii friends!!!!!!   Welcome to It's OK Thursday!   If this is your first time linking up for It's OK Thursday, thank you and WELCOME!

All you have to do is type up a post listing what's OK with you, grab the button for your post, and come back to link up.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
  It's OK..   ..to feel like a complete failure when I go over my calories   ..to feel like there's no point in counting calories during the holidays   ..to hope my DR can give me some reassurance regarding my ankle today   ..to be totally starving from fasting all day   ..to be super excited to find out who my Secret Santa is today!   ..to be a little annoyed that a week before Christmas I was using the A/C in my car   ..to hope it snows on Christmas! ;)   ..to eat chips and dip and then switch to veggies and dip   ..to wish I could permanently have my nails painted   ..to stalk my post office box   ..to be crazy happy about my dress I got to review - review for the blog coming soon!   ..to know I'm gonna cry a little when I drop Nate off at the airport this AM (this post is scheduled)   ..to have waited too long to get my flu vaccine this year, oops!   ..to wish I could win all of the awesome giveaways going on right now   ..to be shocked that Christmas is already 5 days away. Whoa.   What's OK with you this week? Come link up and share!
At Meg's blog, I'm giving away the Shae necklace! At Neely's blog, I'm giving away the Louisa necklace!

Random is my favorite

Ya know what I wanna do? I just want to sit and write. Write without thinking. Use this blank template and just write whatever is on my heart. Write until I can't anymore.

I have a hard time with that. I put too much thought into my blog posts sometimes. I don't want to sound too this or that. I want to stop thinking and just do.

But, I want to stay on one topic. My mind tends to jump from subject to subject in a matter of seconds. Then, I end up having an incredibly random list of bullet points down.

Take a look for yourself.

• I am seriously obsessed with my dog. I can't help it. I also can't help but feel like I hit the cuteness jackpot when I look at his little face. And to think I was never really much of an animal person before I got him.
• I love when my mama cooks dinner. Everything she makes feels like home. Comfort food is where it's at. Last night she had me over for baked pork chops, scalloped potatoes, corn and microwave chocolate cake. I know, sounds weird right?! I kept asking "Are you sure this is a safe way to make cake?" Clearly it is. And it was effing delicious.
• I am a lazy biotch. I can't count the number of times I've told myself I'm going to start doing things ex: straightening my hair everyday, brushing my hair before bed, moisturizing my face before bed, etc. and then I don't feel like doing any of them. It's much easier on my life if I just get in bed with a messy head after a shower with dry skin on my face and wake up to throw my hair in a messy bun. Walah!
• Remember when I wrote my post after I took an Ambien? Yeah, I kinda liked that post. I didn't care. I just wrote (also, remember when I mentioned that's what I want to do above?) Unfortunately for you guys, I only took half an Ambien tonight. Therefore, I'm coherent enough to know most of what I'm doing. ;)
• I have to take Nate to the airport on Thursday at the ass crack of dawn. And? I have a DR's appointment that afternoon that I will need to be fasting for. That's a long time without anything to eat or drink. I'm gonna go with black coffee that morning and hope it keeps me awake all day.
• Speaking of Nate, last week when I read Tara's post about monograms and she featured her and her husband's married monogram it was then that I realized my monogram NOW would be mine and Nate's married monogram - ya know, if we got married. ;) Nate doesn't really read my blog, but if he did today. Oh the things I'd hear from him. HAHAHA. Operation monogram all of the things begins NOW! ;)
• Am I using too many bullet points? Probably. 
• Looks like this post qualifies to link-up with Shanna for Random Wednesday. Holla!

Happy hump day, doll faces. 
XOXO