Once you are Real you can't be ugly...

Real isn't how you are made, it's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real. It doesn't happen all at once, you become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.

- The Velveteen Rabbit

NYE Dress...Should I?

I haven't even decided if I'll stay in Kentucky or head back to Tennessee yet for New Years Eve.  But I'm in looooove with this dress and was thinking it could double as a Rehearsal Dinner Dress for one of my best friends.

Thoughts? Yes, No?  It's $250.  Free shipping if I spend $300.

Hm!

How to get in the Christmas Spirit!

I have been a little "Eboneezer Scroog-ish"this Christmas season.  It has just been unusually warm.  And with the news headlines recently and a busy, busy past few months at work.  I've been in a unable to get into the holiday spirit.  Normally I am jamming Christmas tunes and John Tesh's MixMas before Thanksgiving (until I made my "No Christmas before Thanksgiving rule.)  Shopping for Christmas gifts has even made me more grouchy.  Long lines, crowded boutiques, zero parking.  Just yesterday I made a list of my favorite songs and made myself listen to them and they put me in the best mood - and now I am finally home and with family and getting into the holidays spirit.  Below are my favorite holiday tunes, Play these throughout the house and get into that Christmas spirit friends!

Merry Christmas, I hope you have a lovely, safe, and blessed holiday!

1. The Drifters - White Christmas
2. The Ronettes - Sleigh Ride
3. Bing Crosby - Mele Kalikimaka
4. 98 degrees - This Gift (Yup! ;) ) 
5. Sister Act II - Joyful, Joyful 
6. Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas is You
7. The Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick
8. Diana Ross & The Supremes - Silver Bells
9. Zooey Deschannel & Leon Redbone - Baby, It's Cold Outside
10.  Dean Martin - Baby, It's Cold Outside
11. Dean Martin - Let It Snow
12. Frank Sinatra - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
13. Brenda Lee - Rockin Around the Christmas Tree
14. Frank Sinatra & Bing Crosby - Happy Holidays
15. Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby
16. Eagles - Please Come Home for Christmas
17. Bell B. Sox - Bells of St. Mary
18. Gayla Peevey - I want a Hippopotomus for Christmas

What is your all-time favorite Christmas song? Sometimes I forget the good ones!

"me" day, NeuLash update, & yurman earrings...oh my!

I was able to finish all tasks and clean out my email for once without interruption.  It was lovely, after finishing up the work from home today, I went to Shine Salon in the green hills area (right down the street). and saw Jana.  She was the only one that offered online booking (yeah!) and after doing web research and reading rave reviews, I booked my appt.  You all may remember my struggle finding a stylist that won't mutilate my hair.  She was fantastic.  I can't wait for her to cut my hair.  She acknowledged the mess that the prior stylist did to my hair.  I got the "Express Keratin Treatment."  It is far less expensive than the Keratin treatment, faster and you can was your hair after 24 hours (not 3 days...) So far it looks very straight and not frizzy.

I then went over to Brow Gal, who polished up my eyebrows.  I'm so happy they look thicker again.  Also just a small update on NeuLash, you may remember my post, here is working wonderfully.  Please let me preface with the fact, I've had long-ish lashes, but I barely put on mascara now and they're out of control long.  The main reason I've been using the Neulash is to get thick, full eyebrows back, but I always put on my lashes before popping into bed.  I'm really happy with both the results of my brows and lashes. (Sorry for the creepy pic haha)

I am heading over to my friend Caroline's End of the World Party, Just in Case to celebrate Christmas and the holidays with friends!  I just finished fixing up my roommates hair before her big Christmas date with her almost-fiance (any day now) and she just text this over! Yes, he got her yurman earrings!!! Which reminds me, why haven't I met Mr. Right down here yet? I keep meeting the wrongs :)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Safe travels my friends. 

Picking your battles.

Do you ever just get tired of constantly unloading the dishwasher? Cleaning up those crumbs.  Picking up someones glass of water they left behind.  Trash they've left in your.  As I get older, I've kind of learned to just be done with the petty arguments and clean up after others.  I guess what I feel most angry with as of lately is the lack of appreciation for these small acts.  Constantly getting the mail, consistently cleaning up after someone.  Do you all ever deal with this?  Its so petty, but is so frustrating at times, and I find myself getting aggravated at everything, anything.

How do you fix this? :)

Express Keratin Treatment.

I'm finally home and back in the swing of things after a week in New York for work.  It was glorious.  The city sparkled with Christmas delight, but I was more than content to finally sleep in my own bed, and go about my normal weekend routine, and not work.  I have a Rusk hair dryer (that didn't make the cut, mostly due to not fitting into my luggage), when I was drying my hair with the normal hotel hair dryer, I realized how desperately I need to get a Brazilian Blowout...Since moving to Nashville, I've discovered that most salons offer a "Keratin Treatment" as opposed to the BB due to the controversial formaldehyde that forms when the chemicals meet the heat of the dryer and iron.  I prefer the Brazilian Blowout, it isn't as intense or heavy on my hair and I just like the results better, but I don't like having to wear a face mask nor do I appreciate the dirty looks from the other salon guests... I've researched a few salons here in Nashville and I've made several calls (after getting 2 keratin treatments, that were far less than exceptional, and add up to a month's rent in Nashville.  I've been looking into the....

Keratin Express Treatment.  This is only $100, lasts for 6 weeks, and is lighter and more mild than the typical Keratin treatment. SO, my question to you lovely ladies with curls is...Have you had this done? Do you like it?  Is it worth it?  I don't want to waste more time or more money on another hair thing that I don't love, but I'm really bored with my hair, I like the color and length, I just want something that will make my curls more tame and look healthier.  Do you have any recommendations?

Nashville ladies, any salons that are TDF? Stylists that you love. That is another thing, I have yet to meet someone here that just loves their stylist..and I've heard horror stories of $400 haircuts, WTH!! I am looking for a nice salon, nice stylist, willing to pay a tab more for someone that makes me love my hair.

you. are. the. best. thing.

I get to see this guy Wednesday at the historic Ryman.  I am so excited. 

Nashville, 

You are. the. best. thing. 

iPhone Weather App.

I just downloaded this beautiful weather app. on my iPhone and absolutely love it.  It's called Wthr and is so elegant :)

NeuLASH, I'm trying this out...

I've been going to Brow Gal, since moving to Nashville.  She wants to help me make my eyebrows and lashes much fuller.  She has a salon in Memphis and Oxford, but makes travels to Nashville for her clients here and I was lucky enough to find her!

 I invested in NeuLASH to really help my eyebrows grow fuller in one month, over the years, I've tweezed and waxed them too thin (on accident, we've all been here a time or two), I'm trying my best to let them be natural so we can re-shape, even if it means looking a bit un-manicured for a few weeks. SO, I'm using this for my eyelashes and eyebrows for time being, I have a before photo and in the next 30 days, I'll keep you posted on how they look, and show you the before and after...

Have a great weekend! (some changes coming)

I am headed to Rupp Arena tonight to watch this guy play basketball.......

Little brother, Bo, and I are driving up this afternoon to get an early dinner and park! I'll be wearing my latest investment :) I love these - they are foldable.  At first, I was not too sure about the idea of them folding, but they are super neat and fit my face better than the traditional wayfarer.  When I moved to Nashville in June, my wayfarers somehow got lost in the move....I found my ray ban aviators a few months ago while cleaning out old purses and bags. I'm excited about these and plan to take care of them...I had the last pair for 3 years, which is good for me:)

ALSO - I will be changing my blog NAME and design too.  I just feel as though the name and what I post about has changed over the last year and I want to refresh it up a bit. The lovely Jessica at Diamond Doll Design has been bearing with my many requests and changes!! Can't wait to get it all changed and up!

xoxo, 

Chelsea 

Hair Tutorial

Have you seen this hair tutorial? I tried this, but was in a hurry and didn't have enough time to devote to my entire head full of hair.  I have naturally curly hair, and its a bit wild.  This worked perfect for perfecting my curls and also keeping that extra natural look...I can't wait to try this again and spend time on all sections of my curls!

Cozy weekend update

I've been so busy at week, and I realized that I haven't introduced you all to my cozy little work space.  I have a lot of work to do to make it extra "me" but I love it for right now.  In my new photo you will see my love Lilly Pulitzer planner that I am obsessed with, that I received from the love Just Lovely, when she asked me to be in her wedding.

I also have my most recent purchase, my anthropologie mug that I just adore, seriously how cute is she?

And Last, please notice my adorable new calendar there also.  I got this from Karen's Kreations etsy shop.  It is perfect for seeing the dates at a glance, and I've already got so many complements.  See how cute?! 

Even Karen's caligraphy is perfect, see how pretty my little thank you note she sent is...And that is what I love most about etsy.  

Saturday I got my much anticipated Save The Date, for the Junior League of Nashville for the Spring Gala.  I am so excited and cannot wait to get my formal invitation, it is black tie!!!!! Must. find. dress. now.

Last, I had the entire Sunday to clean.  I scrubbed the entire house and it smells lovely.  There is nothing better than cozy, fresh, warm sheets.  And that is why I love Sunday's. 

Please note my bare wall in the background.  I was envisioning some kind of antler abstract art thing for the wall, but haven't found anything I love.  Do you ladies have any recommendations, my style is pretty classic and traditional but sometimes I like to throw something modern in the mix. Let me know if you've seen any good art :) 

Have a great week and talk soon!!

food, wine & some things that sparkle (Nashville) :)

Today is such a beautiful day in Nashville, I went shopping with le roomie after a fun evening out at Kayne Prime and Whiskey Kitchen.  I really  love Nashville.  It has something for everyone, and the people here are what make this city.  Whether you're old money, new money, up-and-coming professional, a polished professional, a hipster,  an artist, a football player, or ex-football player.  The people here are amazing - the nicest and most easy going.  We made some friends while waiting on our table last night, and I also received some love and hate while watching the Kentucky basketball game in the bar area....all in fun of course....We also got this amazing appetizer. Cotton candy and peppercorn slow-roasted bacon.  It literally made my mouth water is was so good, the bacon was extremely thick, but so so good.  I've never had it like this before, my new goal is attempt this and post about the outcome ;)

What else do I love here? Well.  I met that has changed my brows:)  I call her, Brow Gal.  After moving down here, and not having my normal esthetician my brows were not in the best shape.  She is committed to getting your brows looking full and shaping them to be perfect for you face.  My goal is to have my eyebrows looking as good as Hayden Panettiere's, le Lovely star of NASHVILLE abc of course.  Girl has some killer brows and they look awesome. Brow gal constantly has to remind me "Your eyebrows are sisters, not twins" :) 

Tonight I'm headed to F. Scott's for dinner and some jazz.  I'm really excited I've heard it has amazing gourmet food and a great wine list.  I finally got my j.crew dress this week and am wearing this lovely lady tonight :) except with a cardi of course - its getting a little cooler in the evenings now...

And Last, I wanted to post a little moto that I think we all need to remember and live by.  I'm guilty of having some negative thoughts from time to time and I just love this quote and image :) makes me happy and is so true! 

New Blog Design Help Needed.

Hi lovers,

I am looking for a new, inexpensive blog design.

Send suggestions my way, please! xoxo.

God Wink ;)

Yep, God definitely has been winking about me quite a bit lately. I love this quote and Oprah. :) 

Off to Texas this week for work, was given an exciting opportunity after being sent to TX last minute too! Send me luck and prayers! 

a cool, crisp weekend and hot cider:)

This weekend started with a text at around 2:00 PM that said:

"Make sure to eat a snack before dinner tonight, I'm taking you somewhere before we eat, I have a surprise for you!" 

Hmmm, no clues were given until we arrived. And this is where we ended up. . .

I was actually scared to death if you can't tell.  This is me, shooting a 22. I so excited - I was on target my first 2 shots...

We then headed to dinner and drinks at Holland House. 

My date got an interesting whiskey drink, with a odd, oversized ice cube.  I got a lemon, champagne mixed cocktail that was very refreshing! The atmosphere and service were amazing and it was a nice change of scene, just had a lovely ambiance. We then headed downtown to celebrate his friend's birthday, then we stopped at one of my favorite honkey tonk's and listened to some Luke Bryan before heading home.  

Saturday, I made some homemade Hot Cider. 

1 Gallon of Apple Juice (Whole Foods)

2 Cinnamon Sticks

2 Tablespoons of Allspice (**or to your tasting)

1 Large Orange (just need the orange peel/zest) 

I cut the orange peel into vertical strips and dropped those and all the spices into the crock-pot and cooked on high for about an hour and a half.  The house smelt amazing and it just felt like fall.  My girlfriends and I all watched Rock of Ages musical and I just fell in love with Julianne Hough's voice.  I want to see this musical in person now. It also made me miss Los Angeles and my friends that live there. I love the city at night:)

AND I am also currently loving ABC's new show Nashville.  I love the music and the story.  So proud of my new city!! :) 

What I'm up to.

This weekend! I'm just enjoying some. of this.

OH and this.

It takes me a couple of listens to a song or album before I can really come to like the music...the group I'm going to see is growing on me.  I'm so excited though, le date sure did do his homework :) and is an OKAY listener. Bonus Points!  

Passionately Curious.

Hi, it me!  So, I know it's been a while if you don't remember me, this is me. Chelsea! hey!

my mantra.

my coach.

and now my Passion.

No.  I'm not speaking of some very handsome man:) I've finally landed my dream job. Marketing professional! I confess.  There is nothing more difficult than forced creativity.  At the same time.  Having an intelligent boss that challenges you daily is a blessing! I truly never get bored, or have a moment where I wish I was elsewhere.  After some thinking and brainstorming and unsuccessful sessions of working on my own -  I had a phone call with someone I support, and the call was AH-mazing. We just thought out loud today and so many great ideas came from our meeting.  I've had the luck to produce some pretty cool marketing pieces, but this is the most exciting yet! I love these people, especially when they get as excited as I do about bring amazing new products into this world :) 

Never underestimate the power of a good Conversation

My daily routine.  It involves a hot shower.  coffee. breakfast.  and the today show.  in that order.  but I saw a commercial earlier (for wells fargo for that matter) that reminded me we should always be there for our friends.  I guess its been a while for me.   I've been so focused on the job I haven't focused (as much as I should) on family or friends.  I had such a great convo with a good friend tonight.  We laughed and it brought me back into balance and perspective.  In moving away these last few months, I've noticed something.  You  notice the change, but it's difficult to see the change or impact where you leave from.  And it is really hard to keep in touch.  All you can do is reach out and try to be the same friends as you were before.  I guess this is the first time I'm dealing with long-distance friendship.  How do you all manage to keep in touch when it seems busy and impossible?

Fate & A Dress. I need your help!

When I was sailing the Exumas Islands a couple months ago, my friend Abby had this fabulous dress, borrowed from her roommate that she got in Puerto Rico on holiday.  I loved it SO much.  We didn't know its origin and the tag was gone.

Side Note:  Abby is from London and has the most killer accent.  Not only is she stunning inside and out, but I could listen to her talk for-ev-errrr. LOVE THIS GIRL!

But, whilst browsing "boho" maxi dresses online today.  I found THIS. 

Yup. You're looking at the Angie Strapless Printed Maxi Dress available at Swell.com in a size LARGE... I could scream.

I've e-bayed, I google searched using the shopping application. Do you girls have any suggestions? Anyone connected to Possessionista?  Please. I must. have. this. dress! I just feel like it's fate. 

Preppy vs. Sexy

Wedding season is not too far away now, and I've been struggling to find that perfect dress for the special occasions.  I usually go with something classy and preppy.  But the more comfortable I've become in my own skin, the more I think it's okay to bare a little more, so long as it's done tastefully.  Which direction do you all go? The more I look at photos I've wished I've gone a little more on the sexy side, as opposed to preppy.

So I am torn.

Preppy. Kate Spade. 

Or Sexy. Brand unknown. Found at Macy's. 

If you can't tell, it's strapless and longer in the back than in the front.

I need your opinion.  Which one would you go with? And not just pertaining to these also.  Preppy or sexy?

Go Big Blue!!

Kentucky Wildcats take on the Baylor Bears today!! It's a gorgeous spring day, you can find me on a friend's patio with my favorite people and mimosa in hand, wearing this J.Crew Maritime dress.

An Organized Office

I've been so consumed apartment searching, packing, getting "golf ball sized hail" dents in my car estimated ($5,000 worth of damage!), and transferring data (yes my old computer crashed right before my last interview) that I have not had the time to tell you what a nerd I have been.  I kind of already have my office desk planned out.  Thanks to the lovely MIMI + MEG blog, it was pretty much all laid out for me, she posted this photo and instantly I knew this is what I want my future desk to look like. 

Thanks to a little digging and  researching, I found the push pins and colored pencils at Seltzer Studios.  The organizer is from poppin.  The eraser and sharpener are from Kate Spade New York.

When work gets busy, I know its difficult to keep a crisp, clean desk, but I try my best, because I can think most clearly when I'm not bombarded by ugly office supplies and papers flying everywhere. 

I am also going to invest in a Reverse Trellis Mousepad once I get settled, I want one that says "I'm sophisticated and smart, not just preppy and fun" ;)  I found the cutest website called Decorate Your Desk. 

Happy Spring and Office Decorating! 

An IFFY "If, Then" Statement

Did you all take logic? I loved this class.  I loved the very essence of it.  The reason.  The purpose of logic.  It existence to enable you to logically construct *valid* arguments to satisfy basic principles.   Ok.  It was a tough class that required you to be sharp.  I miss that.  Professor Goldberg keeping me on my toes. And I'm about to make a totally illogical IF, THEN statement, but it could be soooo TRUE.  


IF MY DREAM HAPPENS (you know what I've not been able to inform y'all about for some time that I"m hoping I'm able to soon!!!!!!!!) 




THEN, this blouse will be mine.  Simple enough. And trust me, this is valid in a completely illogical kind of way statement;)

I'm Under Constuction!

Hey loves, just undergoing a little face lift at the moment.  

Please excuse the mess :) 

Prayers.

I do not have much to blog on today.  But I do ask for your continued prayers as I embark on some new adventures and journeys.  I hope to be able to share soon. Thank you for your wonderful, thoughtful, kind messages and prayers already.  I have no doubt I've already gotten to where I am at because of you amazing people. 

For what it's worth: it's never too late or too early

For what it's worth: it's never too late or too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."

                                            -Benjamin Button

Life without Diet Coke, Diet Dr. Pepper, etc. & Lent Cheat Days

For lent, I gave all forms of soda, pop, diet coke (referring to all types of carbonated bevvie's), soft drinks, fizzy drink, ETC.  I've done this before and always devised small ways to cheat, for example, I drank way too much and too often, Coca-Cola, so I gave up regular coke.  I then became addicted to Diet Coke (actual drink).  I've finally deduced that I must give up all forms of carbonated to be fair.  I mean, Jesus died for our sins, the least I can do is stop drinking something, that is a.) unhealthy b.) could possibly cause cancer.  The only thing is I get these major headaches, and unbearable cravings.  It's kind of scary.  Before I go on the tell you what a wonderful angel I have been, I want to let you know that I am a firm believer in the fact that Sunday does not count during lent.  Sunday is my "cheat" day.  I don't go crazy on Sundays.  In fact, I had one Diet Coke fountain drink only on Sunday.  What is your belief on this? I know lots of Catholics that do not believe in this.  And other that do.  I've really never met someone who is blase' about the subject.   If you do not believe this or me, please count the days from Ash Wednesday until East Sunday.  I will do the math for you.  It is exactly 47 days.  Lent is 40 days, therefore Sundays are a day of "rest."  To get down to the nitty gritty, during Christ's Resurrection, all Sundays (not only Easter) were days set aside celebrate Christ's Resurrection.  Christian's were forbidden from fasting and other forms of "penance" on these days. To mirror this, for Lent, Sunday's are not included, and thus why there are 47 days to be exact. Beyond just giving up something, I've decided to make an addition to my Lenten sacrifice:  pray the rosary at least once a week. 

This is what I've learned growing up.  My mom flips on me, and doesn't believe this at all....yet she still sneaks those cheat days sometimes! hehe. What is your belief?  I'd enjoy some open dialogue.  For the most part, the people who disagree with me have never given me a solid argument. Give me something to think about people! :) 

What Would I Do Without You Wednesday.

As you all know, or maybe not (see here.) I am pretty brand loyal, esp to my lip gloss, but I recently switched (and cut my lip gloss cost in HALF! HOLLA!) I feel that this color is very J.Crew and perfect for spring, I also love that it is the perfect amount of smoothness and stick that my lips crave (stick is extremely minimal).

Cargo Lip Gloss in Rio. Available here. Or at any ULTA. 

I also have been in love with It's a 10 styling serum for a long time now.  It does everything it promises. And smells unbelievable. I highly recommend.  It's worth the $25 you'll spend. As for their shampoo and conditioner, I can't say so much!

It's a 10 Miracle Styling Serum. Available here. 

And finally, the one product. I. Do. Not. Know what I would do without.  The Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat.  This thing is amazing.  Erases any sign of that little amount of sleep you got last night and brightens your eyes up when those 3 cups of coffee won't do the job. 

Go into your local Sephora, they're super helpful at matching your complexion flawlessly. A little bit of a splurger. But I promise.  Totally worth it. 

And last, but certainly not least. I have a confession to make.  I cancelled my Birchbox a few months ago because I wasn't impressed, but now I miss my month surprises.  How do you all feel about Birchbox?  I know it's only ten bucks, but in the grand scheme of trying to become a saver, $10 over 12 months is worth saving if you aren't entirely thrilled with what you're getting. That is money I can spend on a lip gloss, I know I'll like for certain, or a Diet Coke at the movies. hahah. What are you alls thoughts?