Change

I can't express enough how much I love the month of October.
I would be lying to you if I said it was the crisp Fall air and watching the
leaves change color because... well, let's be honest y'all I live in Florida.
YES it's still 90 degrees and YES I am already flooding Instagram
with Pumpkin Spice Latte and "scarf weather!" posts.
Let it be known that by "scarf weather" I actually mean sitting in
my air conditioned vehicle with the AC blasting.
But baaacckkk to October..
October is ALWAYS full of change I feel.
And I love me some change.

After almost 8 years of living in Orlando, Bryan and I recently
made the decision to move back to our little ol' hometown.
Where we grew up. Where we went to school. Where we both met. Where our families live.
I can't help but notice the expression on peoples' faces when we say
we made the move back. I'm not sure if it's shock or excitement and I'm
willing to place a bet that it isn't exactly the latter of the two.

Don't get me wrong. I.. WE.. have both learned so much in Orlando.
We got our degrees, we started businesses, we met some amazing friends.

We were given the opportunity to work with some truly amazing individuals.

I've gained valuable life lessons.

I've met a lot of great contacts and I truly would NOT trade my experience for anything.

It was just time to go. 

Time for change.

So! Here we are. New house. New town. New jobs.
Some big changes are happening around these parts.
I am beyond ecstatic for our future endeavors and can't wait for a fresh start.

But let me tell y'all, I will MISS THE HECK out of that town and its people.

BYYEEEEE ORLANDOOOOO!

Christmas: The Week in Review

To say that I have been a taaaaad absent

lately is the biggest understatement in the history of.... ever.

Lemme catch yall up to date hererightquicckkk..

(my high school English teacher would punch me in the face

for actually going through with that statement- sorry Ms. Johnson!)

1. Hosted a super successful cookie exchange party. Clearly my Jewish friend
decided to represent.. Star of David anyone?? 

Sorry for the lack of pictures, the "Girl's Christmas Party/Cookie Exchange"
ultimately turned into a Miss Universe drinking game. 

2. Had possibly the most stressful work week in months. 

3. Watched my UCF Knights snag the Beef O'Brady title at their bowl

game in St. Petersburg. Stayed at my parents' condo in Treasure Island and woke up...
and the World was still there. Stupid Mayans.

4. Went home. For like a week. Needed that :)

Where do they have roads like this in Orlando, hmmmm??

5. Mingled with frans and did some interesting outdoorsy things- ie.
Biking the Santos Trailhead (hellooooo out of shape!) and foregoing
the typical skeet ranch and making our own in the forest (semi-illegal). 

6. Had an unforgettable Christmas Eve dinner with my family.
First time ever making Turducken, which is..
Vegetarians stop reading now
Turkey stuffed with duck stuffed with chicken.
Kind of exhausting sounding right?? 

7. Gave my niece and nephew the best gifts EVVEEERRRR.

Totally almost cried when Claire's face lit up once she saw her

 spiffy PINK CAR!

 

8. Spended QT with my man and plotted for our return to Ocala...

which won't be for years from now but, being proactive here people.

9. GOT PROMOTED AT WORK. Cheeeerrsss!

 

Now we're finally home and getting everything unpacked and situated.
New Year's Eve is right around the corner and 1-no idea what we're doing and 2-
no idea what I'm wearing. BUT! I did just purchase a 4-pack of mini
champagnessssss OHHH THE POSSIBILITIES!

via

Currently looking forward to Lyndsey's bachelorette party tonight (EEEE!)

and naturally I'm excited to be celebrating New Year's Eve

a la Charlie Sheen.

Ok that was a bit drastic.



More Tailgating & a BEAUTIFUL Lake Baby Shower!

Hello Sugars! =)

Hope everyone else's weekend was FAB- miiiine waaass.

I'm in Ocala for meetings today and although it's a cram packed day-
it's still good to be home. 
I still had time to stop at Starbucks and by 8AM this morning, I had seen it all.
Let me elaborate...
First I witnessed a normal looking man
(and when I say normal I actually mean not homeless)
be woken up by a police officer and then given a trespass warning
BECAUSE HE FELL ASLEEP.
Next! I eavesdropped overheard the person to my left
calling in regards to an apartment listed for rent to check on the animal policy.
They had 8 cats. Gross.
Thennnnnn (I'm not done yet...) I'm quite positive
the couple to my right has a "daily affirmation" routine.
They were both in their 40's and must have just gotten married.
For about 20 minutes I had to listen to
"I love you because...." Okay we get it.

So lemme me just throw a few pictures out there to wrap the weekend up:

1. 7:30 AM: Bryan, being a team player per usual.

2. 8:00 AM: Tailgate set up and I'm ready for some breakfast, please and thank you.

3. 8:30 AM: It appears that the boys are also ready for breakfast.

4. 8:45 AM: Couple Mimosas in & keeping it classy :):)

Also, did I mention I hate noon games?
It was hotter than ALL HELL and the boys were forced to
double fist while walking into the game:

We played Missouri (newly an SEC team) and it was a little

embarassing how empty the game was.

Perhaps the heat index and 110 degree weather had something to do with that?

Despite the ridiculous temperate- Love Love LOVE this Man! ;)

Note to self: Refrain from wearing bib necklaces
while sitting in the sun. Sincerely, your Tan-Lined Chest

Sunday I headed back to Ocala for April's Baby Shower!

And... You know you're in Ocala when you pass this:

(April has done my hair since I was in high school and my Mom

still gets her hair done at her salon)

Mom & I bought a play mat and I made this little beaut, which I anticipate being hung

on baby Sayde Grace's door:

Oh and then I got a little carried away with the wrapping. :)

So April's shower was hosted at Sandy's house, a family friend,

who lives on beautiful Lake Weir.

Are you ready to be blown away by pink cuteness?

Oookkaayy then!

1. ADORABLE garden flag and you all know how much I love tissue balls.

2. Cannolis!!!! I need to learn how to make these stat before I disappointing my

nationality :/

3. Loved this little dessert setup.

4. The "Betty Cake" Cake :) Most delicious cakes in the World

but Mom refuses to go back after ordering my UCF cake for graduation- which

came out Brown and Orange rather than Black and Gold.

Ohhhhh yes that happened.

1. It's not a party unless you have mason jars and Etsy straws. No, really.

2. Cutest favor idea! Bath & Body Works Mini Handy Sanis

3. Outside table setup on the beautiful back porch.

4. Diaper cakes are always a hit at a Baby Shower... but

there's just something about GIRL diaper cakes. :) Adorable..

Wrapped up the shower with our toes in the sand...

Then I spent the rest of the afternoon with my favorite Baby :)
My sweet, little niece Claire

Read Claire's story Here

Before we left my brother and sister-in-law's house,
Ashley had Claire model her Halloween costume on for us.
I won't share a pic of her full costume yet, but here's a sneak
peek of the little peanut:

Enjoy y'all's week!