My taste in TV has certainly changed over the past few years. I no longer like the crime and mystery shows (CSI used to be a favorite of mine) and have moved on the the dramas and comedies. This week has been a wonderful week of premiers . A few of my favorites have been....

Modern Family: Season 3
I do not watch this regularly but I do enjoy it when I do. Our neighbors invited me to come over and watch the premiere with them seeing as I had nothing to do, I happily obliged! It was so funny, this premiere was definitely a crowd pleaser!



Grey's Anatomy: Season 8
Grey's was awesome! It was full of surprises and I was really pleased with the way it turned out! I have heard it rumored that this is the final season... is this true, does anyone know???? I sure hope not! This is definitely one of my favorite shows and overall the best premiere this week!



Desperate Housewives: Season 8, final
I was very disappointed with the premiere of Desperate! A lot of surprises came to light and we were left hanging. I am looking forward to next week when hopefully the show will redeem itself! I am really going to miss this show, I recently found out via twitter (@peoplemag) that it would soon be ending and I was really upset! I have been following this show for the past few seasons and it's great!



Pan Am: First premier ever!!
I was really excited to watch this show, there has been so much hype about it! Now that I have seen it, I think that I will see how it progresses. It looks like one of those shows that you can't miss or you will be lost. I don't think I will be much of an avid watcher, sad to say...

I am looking forward to:

Suburgatory!
I know that this looks like a super cheesy show but I think that it looks like it is going to be funny. I guess we will have to wait until Wednesday night and find out!


Private Practice!
This is another of my favorites!! I have been following it since the beginning and I am so excited to see what is going to happen next!! The finale was definitely a cliff hanger! Those are always the worst... but in a good way! haha

What are your favorite shows?

"Since You've Been Gone..."

(1)

I started my junior year!
This is my 'first week of school' OOTD picture
I know its a terrible picture but I had to snap it real quick of myself before I ran to class!
I am VV seersucker patchwork shorts, and yes I did pop my collar because it has matching seersucker underneath :)

(2)
We had a toga mixer to celebrate the beginning of school with DX
Our homemade and very colorful togas!


(3)
App had it's first home game!!
My OOT(game)D very simple!

Black & yellow!
I've been to two tailgates and still havent made it to a game yet...


(4)
RECRUITMENT
Totally took over our lives for 2 weeks but totally worth it when we got our newest pledge class!

That about sums up my life for the past 3 weeks! I have really missed yall!
-mTa

I am sorry that I have been a little MIA for the past week. I have been dealing with some pretty heavy things in my personal life and haven't really felt up to writing something. But don't worry, I have been keeping up with you girls! I will be back soon, I am just learning to rely extra hard on God and keep in mind that He has a plan for me. I know this is true, and always have; but advice is a lot easier given than received!

Have a blessed day,
mTa

Thought for the Day

flowers courtesy mBa


"Don't compromise and don't worry. You will be loved. In fact, I promise, you already are.”

- @BowsAndPearls

lots & lots of glitter

Everyone has heard of them, or seen the recent trend of feathers in the hair. I personally am not a fan. BUT... I am a fan of anything with glitter! So when I saw a friend with tinsel in her hair I immediately wanted to get it! I am sure everyone has a lot of opinions about it but I am really pleased with the way that it turned out! It is very subtle and hardly noticeable but it adds a little sass! So a few sisters and I showed up to Haircut 101 on Thursday, before recruitment practice and had a blast having these tinsel extensions put in!

Here is how they turned out:

I got 2 gold and 2 pink.
I was messing with the pink this morning and accidentally
pulled them out. I can't wait to go back and get more put back in next week.

Brittany got 2 pink and 2 gold as well.

Rebecca's eyes are a vibrant blue so she got a blue piece of tinsel to accent them

Jordan got 4 gold and they looked great. she shows them off by pinning back her hair!

What makes you different?

What a Show!

Wow... that is about all I can possibly murmur after watching the Video Music Awards! After dinner tonight the neighbors (baseball boys with a HUGE TV) had us over to watch the VMA's and boy were there some spectacles on there!

First of all, Lady Gaga was not looking like much a a lady tonight! She dressed in drag for the entire show. I was absolutely appalled by everything she did! I mean I will admit, she has some catchy songs but as a person... I do not like her. She just looked so dirty and animated. She was really acting it seemed like, it was just extremely odd.
This was the awkward moment when everyone thought they were going to kiss but they didn't...
followed up by a Britney tribute done by 12 year old girls (what?!)



Beyonce, on the other hand, had a great performance! She is so beautiful and I think she did so great! One of my favorite parts of the entire night was after her song she opened her jacket to reveal her baby bump; then the camera panned out in the audience to show hubby, Jay-Z, jumping around in excitement! This was such a cute way to end!



And last, but not least... what I waited for all night
Lil Wayne, aka Lil Tunechi. He was... well I don't know quite how to describe his performance. Maybe interesting is appropriate. I will always have an unexplainable love for Weezy, I don't know why... people criticize me for it every day but I just can't help it!

What were your thoughts on this crazy show ?

WILW

Today I am loving the Endless Summer Sale! It was an amazing sale, I must say it was a thousand times better than last year! Mom and I were on the phone for hours today deciding what we wanted! We even snagged a few Christmas gifts, but I cant spill the beans on that just yet!
I am thankful for the greatest deals ever and that my mother is so sweet to buy me these items!

Charmed Bracelet
$29


Seamus Dress
Silk Crepe de Chine Cocktail Dress
$89

Katia Knit Wrap
Hotty Pink Cherry Begonias
$44

Mom got...

Roslyn Skirt
Classic White Fallin In Love Placed Novelty
$54
Roslyn Skirt
Bright Navy Look Lady
$59


The sale went great today, there were no site crashes and I feel like there was a lot more merchandise than previously. It was almost overwhelming! One complaint I must note is that I had one dress in my tote and it was taken out but I quickly found another to make up for it :)
What are you thankful for on this wonderful Wednesday?
mTa

I am a Junior!

Today marked my first day of Junior year. As if that doesn't make me feel old enough, I had 2 different people in 2 different classes ask me in surprise "Why are you in this class?" after mentioning what year I was. I am on track to graduate in the allotted 4 years so I don't understand what is so shocking that I am in a General Education class but oh well... They will live!
Today I wore my Lilly Callahan shorts with a white linen shirt, paired with my white Jack Rogers. I had 5 straight classes from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm with no more than a 10- 15 minute break in between each. Because I had no time to go to lunch, I packed mine in my new lunch box and some cold water in my monogrammed Tervis. It was kind of weird having to eat in class but I wasn't the only one! In my navy North Face backpack, I also packed my favorite Lilly notebooks that always brighten my mood, no matter how bad a class is going. To finish off my outfit I wore a stack of silver bracelets, my Pandora, and my white watch.
Classes went well, I went in with an open mind despite the negative things some people had to say about my professors and I have nothing to complain about. I can't wait to see how this semester progresses! How was everybody else's first day? Can't wait to hear all about it!

Product Review: Sally Hansen Nail Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

This week I used Sally Hansen Salon Effects and I LOVED it!! I put these on Wednesday and today is Sunday. I have not had one single chip in my nails. This is huge for me! I have never had a polish last this long on my nails and look this perfect! It is truly amazing! The only negative thing I have to say is that it took me about an hour to put on. I think this may be because it was my first time but I didn't mind. One box costs about $9, more than a bottle of polish, but less than a manicure! The stickers were nothing like I thought they would be.They are very thin and stretchy. They even smelled like real nail polish! I will certainly use this again and I would recommend it to anyone!

This is how mine turned out...
I used Glitz Blitz.

The directions are clearly defined in the box and to remove you simply use normal polish remover when you are ready to take them off!

Movin' on Up!

My freshman year I lived on campus in the dorms and last year I lived in the residence that houses all sororities (ASU's form of Greek Row). So this year it was time for a change! As I mentioned, I moved in to my very first apartment this week!


This is the view standing from the back of the room looking out towards the door.


This is the view as seen by standing in the doorway .
Dresser and Mirror. Goodwill $50 total
Bed Frame. Ikea. $90
Duvet. Pottery Barn
Curtains. Ikea. $25
Small Game table. roadside find!

* The dresser, mirror and game table were all painted by me and my Mama to match my room! we love re- vamping old furniture!


Another angle of my room. I am in love with these new colors! They are much more subdued than my previous colors but I think they are still youthful.


This is our lovely living room. I am sorry for the dark picture. We love this spacious area! We have a love-seat coming as well for additional seating but we are happy with how it looks!

Overall, I am very pleased with the way that everything came together! I was a little homesick at first, I will admit, but I love my new apartment. Let me know what you think!

#Sorryforthewait

wow, I can't believe it has been a week since I blogged last! I am sorry!! I moved in to my apartment earlier this week and I have not had any internet. I have come to realize that it is pretty sad how bored I get at night without any TV or internet to entertain myself with! But I promise I have lots to blog about and I will be back in to my normal routine tomorrow... or maybe even tonight :)

Sorry For The Wait,
mTa

Last Week's Dinner

Look at this delicious pizza Mom & I made while Dad was out of town last week! Doesn't it look yummy?! We used basil and tomatoes, both fresh from our garden! I know I am probably boring you with all of this cooking that I am doing so if you'd like the recipe, leave a comment and I will share!
From my kitchen to yours, mTa

New Uses for Old Objects

I am moving in to my FIRST apartment!! And I couldn't be more excited!!! I have had such a great time looking for different ways to decorate, all summer! Mom and I went to about every antique store and thrift shop imaginable, in North Carolina! I finally found some great items that I fell in love with! We always buy solid wood pieces and fix them up, so this summer we have had a few projects. I will show you my bedroom some time next week because it is still a work in progress!

Today I did a small project that I am thrilled to share with you! I was so excited about this because I had always wanted to do something with old windows; so when Emma Loo found some in the trash I quickly asked for one to get crafty with! This is what she did with hers...

This one she covered with beer bottle caps and used as a magnetic board in her kitchen! Isn't this a funky and fresh new twist?!

This was a HUGE window! Emma Loo decided to paint the frame with chalkboard paint and covered the back with some fabric. She uses this window as a calendar that helps her keep track of all the clients that she has and how far along she is with them. Check her out here.


Today I began my project...

I started by taping off the glass so that I wouldn't get paint on it.

Then I decided to use a blend of lime green paint and a few shades darker. I left this a little sloppy looking, for effect. I also sanded and wiped it down with a wet paper towel before I began but I left it looking a bit weathered. I really like this look!

After I finished painting the window it looked a little dull so I decided to seal it with some Modge- Podge to give it a nice gloss. Then I used some of mBa's left- over fabric and hot glued it to the back. This is how it turned out...
Notice I left the lock on the top of the window to give it a authentic look! I also attached 4 hooks at the bottom to hang keys on and because the glass is still intact, this can serve as a message board as well! I plan on hanging this by the front door for convenience and I think the colors should coordinate perfectly with the living room (pictures to come)!

This was a very simply DIY project that truly turns 'one man's trash into another {wo}man's treasure'.

A New {baking} Recipe

Well I hate to admit it but I am that girl that bakes for everybody at work.... I just love baking and I certainly don't need the baked goods sitting around in my house! Last week was one of my manager's birthday so I decided to do something different and make Funfetti Cookies! I had never made these before, I typically make the cake but since they were going to be at sitting at work for everyone to eat, cookies would be more convenient.

First: mix 1/3 cup oil and 2 eggs with the cake mix. Then scoop dough in to balls and place them 2 inches apart on the ungreased baking sheet.




Next: Wet the bottom of a cup with water and coat in flour. Press the cookies down to about 1/2 inch high. After all of the cookies have been flattened, cook them on 350 degrees for about 8- 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

When the cookies are finished, let them cool on the rack for 2 minutes and quickly ice them. I decorated with some bright and colorful sprinkles. He was very surprised with this special birthday treat. Everyone surely enjoyed them. I can't wait to make them again because I only got one!

What are some of you favorite things to bake? I would love to try something new!

mTa

OOTD

Outfit of the Day

I wore this to church last week. The skirt was hand made by mBa's mother. I love it and because I received it in the winter, I haven't been able to wear it so when I put it on this particular morning it made me super excited! I love the cobalt blue color and the over-sized bow on the front. After church, the roomie and I went and met some of our sisters for lunch and a day at the mall! It was so good to see everyone and catch up after being so disconnected this summer!

cardigan: Lilly Pulitzer, Paley Cardigan
shirt: Jcrew, perfect fit tank
necklace: Jcrew
pumps: Nine West

Fresh From my Garden!

Every year Mom and I plant a garden. It is typically full of zinnias, daisies, and other cutting flowers for arrangements. In the past, we have planted tomatoes, peppers and a few other select fruits/ veggies; but nothing ever extremely successful. Well this year we mistakenly picked up a cucumber plant at Home Depot and didn't realize it until we got home. I decided that it was just too much trouble to take it back to the store and return it so instead, I decided to plant it. Well come to find out, one small plant produces A BUNCH of cucumbers! So many that my family was getting sick of eating them in salads and we didn't know what else to do with them! I started looking for recipes and made some homemade Tzatziki sauce, otherwise known as Greek Cucumber dip. It turned out very yummy and lots of people enjoyed it. I made the tzatziki sauce twice and the plant was STILL producing so mom and I decided to pickle the cucumbers. I love pickles so I was willing to try this. First, you pick the cucumbers before they get too ripe and produce seeds. The best are green and have lots of warts on them. So pick them, clean them, and slice them. Next, you must sterilize the mason jars you are going to make and pack the jars full of the spears. make sure to cut off the ends if necessary. You have to buy pickling spices to do this and they are pretty hard to locate! We found them at a local hardware store. You can easily follow the directions on the back of the packet, you mix vinegar and water and spices, bring it to a boil until everything is dissolved and then fill all of the jars with the liquid. After you have filled the jars with cucumbers and the liquid solution, then you put the lid and the ring on the mason jars. Bring a giant pot of water to boil and place the full mason jars fully submerged into the water in an upright position. Let them boil for 10 minutes until the seal themselves. The pickles will be ready to eat in 24 hours but if the seal is broken, they should be eaten in the within 2 weeks. These pickles were delicious! I kept them in the fridge so that they were extra crispy! We made 3lbs worth so Mom has been giving these as gifts after putting some burlap on the top, a little ribbon around the lid, and a cute label on the jar!

Hope you had a great weekend! mTa