2013...already?

Here it is…upon us already! 2013 is knocking at our door. Has Christmas already come and gone? I always feel a little empty after everything is done and over with…not to mention un-decorating my tree and putting it out to the curb. It makes me downright sad! I did that yesterday. I did leave up my wreath though… It’s too pretty and smells awesome when you walk up the steps to the front door.

2012 has been filled to the brim with excitement and changes. Let’s see. I moved from Charleston (gasp!) to Greenville to take on a new job and move in with my then boyfriend. I left everything I knew and was comfortable with to take a leap of faith. I am so glad I did.

Then, boyfriend and I decided we wanted a pup. We adopted a black lab rescue named Gopher. I can’t tell you how good of a decision he was. At first, I was all for it and then I got cold feet. But that sweet face wrapped me around his paw. He has brought so much fun and laughter to us. He is literally our child. He is so happy and I think that’s what makes us so happy to have him.

July 26^th, 2012 we celebrated our 3 year anniversary. I don’t know how in the world B kept up with me, but he did. Boy am I glad he did. He is a wonderful wonderful man and truly my best friend (sorry for the sappiness!) He is weird and quirky like me making our relationship even more fun!

August 21^st, 2012 I was surprised with candles and cards and a RING! He did it. Ladies, he finally jumped and asked me to marry him. I was so excited and still am. I can NOT wait for our wedding day and to finally call him my hubby. And honestly, I think Momma & Daddy are more excited to make him a part of our family. I think Daddy likes finally having another guy around the house. And Momma, she just LOVES B. I can’t wait to become Mrs. Brian Marozas on October 26, 2013.

Then we decided we were sick of our apartment and wanted to buy a house. So we started that journey. We learned A LOT! It didn’t take us long to find our home. It came with a fenced in backyard for our love. He is very happy too. We celebrated our first Christmas in that house. It has been fun and expensive!

Lastly, we spent Christmas in Charleston with my family. It was wonderful and went by way too quick. This was the first time Brian and I spent actual Christmas Eve and day together. It was great. We opened presents with my family and had Christmas lunch. It was fabulous.

And tonight, we ring in 2013. I can NOT wait to see what is in store for us. Getting married is just one of many I am sure! J

Happy New Year’s everyone!

xoxo,
H

Hi there!

Hello! It has been a while since I last posted. So sorry about that!! We have been going non-stop. Seriously.

I mean we bought a house, we moved, we unpacked & the list goes ON!

We are headed to Charleston today to spend Christmas with my family! Saying that I am excited is an understatement.

If I don't write before Christmas, then I am wishing y'all a wonderful Christmas with your family & friends. I hope y'all get to spend lots of time with everyone and eat lots of good food. And maybe Santa will bring you a sursie. :)

xoxo,

H

Christmas, Parties, Sugar Plums dancing in my head

I don't know about y'all but I am getting into the holiday spirit!! I don't like to skip Thanksgiving but I do get so excited for Christmas trees, pretty wrapping paper, time with family and friends, Christmas goodies, and the entire season all together.

I was perusing pinterest and saw this....I mean who wouldn't want to wear this to a Christmas party or NYE?! Love it.

I LOVE THIS LIVING ROOM. I think the twigs at the top of the tree are too cool and give it a rustic feel.
There are so many patterns! And those red berry wreathes....

And yum... sweet & salty...

So what do y'all look forward to each Christmas season?

xoxo,

H

Looking at these on Saturday...

Hoping I find the one & say yes to the dress! 

xoxo,

H

This is how I think everyone feels about me right now...

I am currently sneezing my fool head off. UGH! Where did this come from?!

Happy Friday Eve!

Can't wait to watch my girl tonight on the CMA's!

xoxo,

H

Wishing I was here...

With all this crazy weather going on, I would LOVE to be here!

And probably wearing this fur vest! I love fur for winter time. Fake that is...

And probably these... I mean who doesn't covet a Frye boot?!

Happy Tuesday y'all!

xoxo!

Being a grown up...

...means you buy a house right?

Well that's what B & I have been up to lately. Searching, looking, and finally finding one we like. We have been in the crazy process of getting contracts together and gathering our entire financial lives. CRAZY. It is a full time job preparing yourself to buy a house.

All the while, I am also planning a wedding. We are hoping to close on our house November 30th. We will be in it before Christmas and long before we get married. It will be nice to already be settled with that and not have to worry about that after the wedding. Searching for a home is stressful.

Anyways, today is Thursday and tomorrow is Friday! I am READY for the weekend.

We have a wedding on Saturday and then we are going to attempt taking on Bed Bath & Beyond to register.  I am most excited about registering.

Hope y'all are doing fab and have a great ending to your week.

xoxo,
H

Too Funny Not to Share

I need this.

In my closet.

Pronto.

Friday Letters

So a lot of my bloggers that I follow do a post on Fridays called "Friday Letters." I like the idea and think I will inaugurate that weekly post today.

Dear Work Week,
You have drug by so slowly especially the second halves of my day. Can you please make sure the hours of the work day pass a bit more quickly? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

Dear Gopher,
You are the best dog ever, and I love you in spite of your nightly toots. Why have you all of a sudden started tooting so much? PRAISE THE LORD that they don't stink.  But like I said, I love you and you make my day everyday. Thanks for being awesome. I'm not quite sure who rescued who. :)

Dear Weather,
Can you please make up your mind? Is it Fall or Spring? Don't get me wrong. I do love the break from the furnace. However, you can't be 50 one day and 73 the next. I would prefer you stay cool. I have fall clothes I need to transition. Please and thanks.

Dear Gamecocks,
Please make me proud tomorrow as you take on those pesky LSU Tigers. Let's show the nation just was being a Gamecock is all about. They already know the SEC rules.

Dear Brian,
There are no words to describe just how much you rock. You are amazing beyond words. Thanks for putting up with me each and every day and for the rest of our lives.

Dear Metabolism,
You can jump start ANY DAY NOW. I have wedding dresses to try on in less than a month and there are some, err a lot of areas, that need to shrink. Please & thanks!

Dear UltraSonic Cleaner,
YOU SUCK! Thank you for being super strong and knocking out 3 of my accent diamonds on my ring. You are going to the back of the cabinet and you will never see the likes of my ring again. Betch.

Dear Whit Ash jeweler,
Thank you for being SO UNDERSTANDING and willing to reset my diamonds for FREE! Y'all rock!!!

I think that's about it for me today. I hope y'all all have a wonderful weekend. We are headed to Fall for Greenville tomorrow afternoon. FOOD FEST! Yum.

xoxoxo,
H

Wedding Planning Update

So Brian and I have been engaged for a little over a month. It really seems like yesterday but at the same time a while ago that it happened. Since then, we have decided on a date, venue, and photographer.

We will be getting married on October 26, 2013 at The Storybook Barn in Charleston, SC. It is a new venue. We will be married outside in front of the barn and then our reception inside the barn. I think it's going to be awesome. The lady who runs the venue also offers decor packages. She will be doing all of our linens/tables/chairs/etc. That takes a lot off of us (my mom, me, and day of coordinator).

Our photographer is Sally Freshour Photography. She has fabulous pictures and from Charleston as well. I know she is going to do a great job. She is creative and really knows how to capture the emotion through her shots.

I am excited and nervous all at once. I know I have lots more decisions to make and lots more money to put down. AGH! It will all work out. I still have a little over a year.

I am going shopping for my dress the first weekend of November. I know that will make it all come full circle. I can't wait to see what I pick!!

Hope y'all have a great weekend!

xoxo,
H

Let's talk bras...

Hi ladies! I hope y'all are doing well. This weekend has been pretty good. I have been fighting a 3 day headache. My Ibprofen hasn't touched it. And unfortunately, they recalled Excedrin Migraine which is THE ONLY THING that helps. I didn't know this. Hopefully they get everything squared away and back on the shelves. I can't be without it.

So I have a bit of a rant/dilemma/call it what you may. All my girlfriends who know me, know that the Lord has blessed (if that's what you want to call it) me to be with the girls. I am not on the scale of Dolly Parton (GOOD LORD)... but my girlfriends refer to my bras as "boulder holders." Yes, I kid you not. I laugh because it's true.

The other night I was in Target. I was in dire need of some bras so I started perusing the bra section. As I went down each aisle, I became for irritated.

Let me ask you something...

IF A GIRL HAS BIG BOOBS, DOES THAT MEAN I AM PLAGUED TO WEAR GRANDMA BRAS?!?!

Last time I remember, big boobs are no where near "grandma." I'm 25 years old. I refuse to wear these grandma looking bras. I do like full coverage because these girls can spill over. I mean really? But a little lace or something doesn't hurt. 

I finally found some "push-up" bras with a bit of lace on them, but it was like finding a needle in a hay stack. I know what you are thinking, "Why doesn't she go to Victoria's Secret?" Well because I am not paying $60 or more for a bra that doesn't last. 

So for all you girls who want big boobs.... it comes with its drawbacks with EVERYTHING. Those little backless dresses, forget it. You think they make bras like that for girls like me? Heck no. I'd be better off duck taping these girls up. Cute strapless bathing suits... forget it. You get my drift. 

I really should go into the business of making bras for us girls who have the "boulders" and bathing suits while I'm at it. I guess they think that girls stop growing boobs once they hit a "C." WRONG.

Anyways, I had to get that out. I know my girlfriends who are reading this are probably dying laughing. They know my strife. 

So if anyone knows a place to get non-grandma bras at a reasonable price for girls like me... holler at your girl! 

Hope y'all have a great week! 

xoxo,

H

Bridesmaids!

Who will it be??

I can't wait for my girls to find out. 

xoxo,

H

We will never forget!

We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.

-George W. Bush

The city is going to survive, we are going to get through it, it’s going to be very, very difficult time. I don't think we yet know the pain that we're going to feel when we find out who we lost, but the thing we have to focus on now is getting this city through this, and surviving and being stronger for it. 

--Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani

Need this!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Children are a gift from above!

Everyone say a prayer as one of my best friends is going to be induced any second now!

This will be her second baby but her FIRST girl! 

We are very excited!

Hurry Cecilia!!

Think Pink!

xoxo,

H

It happened!

Well girls, I can finally say it. The beau proposed and I said ...

YES!

It happened on Tuesday, August 21st. I was definitely NOT expecting it at all. 

Brian and I had been emailing & calling each other all day just about some stuff that was going on. The last time I called him, he sounded really irritated. He told me he got slammed with some work stuff and was just really busy. I thought nothing of it because his work can get extremely busy a lot of times. 

5 o'clock rolls around and I book it out of work. I was just ready to hurry up and get home and get some stuff done. I get home and am rushing to get in the apartment so I can let Gopher out. I do this everyday without fail. So I unlock and open the door and it is dark in our apartment. There are candles EVERYWHERE. Then I notice that there are glow in the dark stars in like a path on the ceiling to my room. I walk into the hall way and all the love notes/cards I had ever written B are on the walls and doors. I knew exactly what was happening and was FREAKING OUT in my head.

I opened my door and he was there with Gopher (who helped him out with moral support -- he was nervous). He gave me his shpeal and got down on one knee. I started crying of course and freaked out!! 

It was a whirlwind that night. We had lots of calls to make and lots of texts to answer. 

To say that I am excited is an understatement. 

I will be sure to keep y'all as updated as possible with everything. I am already freaking out trying to figure everything out. I may or may not do things out of order sometimes. Oops!

So I know y'all are dying for pictures so here are two. The camera phone does not do my ring justice. I may be biased, but I have never ever seen something sparkle so much. 

That's all for today, ladies!

We are off to a wedding in Clemson tonight. Lord help us with all those Clemmie's! J/K

Can you tell we're both Gamecocks??

xoxo,

H

One week from tomorrow...

I will be turning....

.....

I think 25 is going to be a great year!

I hope to be indulging in some of these.

I already told the Beau that I wanted cupcakes instead of a cake.

YUM!

Hope y'all have a wonderful week!

xoxo,

H

Ready!

I am patiently waiting for B to get home. His flight leaves at 8 from Cincinatti. He should be home by about 9:45!! It was only a night, but I miss that man something fierce.

xoxo

H

Catch Up Time

Hello everyone! Hope you all have been doing well. It has been an interesting few weeks. We have had a lot going on and have been BUSY!

A few weeks ago, I went to my sweet friend's baby shower for her little princess who is due practically any day now! We are all very excited and anxious as this is the first little baby girl of our group. I know I can't wait. Girls are just so much fun to buy for. I mean, who doesn't LOVE PINK!?

Doesn't she look just AWESOME? I hope I look half as good as she does when I get to that point in my life one day? {Sidenote: this is baby #2! Does it make you even more envious???}

YUMMY cake & cute to boot!

Some of you who keep up with me on here (as much as you can) or know me personally, might know that B & I have added an addition to our family. That addition is black, has four legs, and a long tail. His name is Gopher! It has been a long process for us starting in May. We rescued this baby from Lowcountry Lab Rescue. We (me) had a lapse in judgement and thought "I can't do it!" so we decided we would be his foster and help him find his home. He went and saw one family and then another family fell through. It was at that point I decided I could NOT give him up. It also didn't help that Brian was IN LOVE with him. He told me that if we had adopted him out that he would have cried. My boyfriend doesn't cry. And ladies, he was dead serious. With that being said, we have a sweet black labby who we LOVE. He is our fur baby. We are still learning his in's and out's. I grew up with labs so I am pretty knowledgeable on the breed. We are very happy with him, and we think he is pretty in love with us too. 

Last week, we headed to Charleston on Wednesday about 4. I hadn't been home since Father's Day so I was really looking forward to going home and seeing my family and friends. I also had surprised Brian with PGA tickets for our 3 year anniversary back in July. We went out to the PGA Championship on Thursday for the first round of play. We had a great time. Brian was SO excited and was smiling from ear to ear. We got to see everyone we wanted to see: Jason Dufner, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Rickie Fowler (one of Brian's FAVORITES), Jim Furyk, and many more! It was VERY hot & humid out there at The Ocean Course, but it was great! I did not take any pictures with myself in them because it wasn't long before I was a sweaty mess. The hair went up in zero time. 

The beau!

Ricki Fowler teeing off at hole 1. 

We spent the rest of the weekend seeing friends and just hanging out. It was nice to actually be able to spend some time in Charleston instead of packing everything into one day and leaving the next. I am not sure when I will be back to Charleston. Hopefully soon! 

B is out of town for the night in Cincinatti for work. Me and Gopher are missing him something fierce and are ready to have him back already! I don't know how I thought I could ever live by myself. Crazy talk. 

I think I filled y'all in on everything. It seemed like a lot. I just have to make myself sit down and compile a blog post for y'all! Hope y'all have a great week! I am already ready for the weekend!

xoxo

H

Pleased to introduce...

Mr. Gopher!

Details to follow.

Love.

Hope y'all had a fab weekend!

xoxo,

H

If you REALLY knew me...

Lately I have seen a lot of bloggers posting, "If you really knew me...". I figured I'd give it a shot a let you readers get a little insight on me. Some things you may know; some you may not. 

If you really knew me you would know that I am EXTREMELY impatient. I don't like to wait on anything. When I want it, I want it right then. I don't like having to wait on someone else.

If you really knew me you would know that in 8th grade I got all over BLONDE highlites. Girls, hideous. Just hideous. Never. Again. 

If you really knew me you would know that I have an unhealthy obsession with dogs. I LOVE dogs. I talk to them like they understand me (because I know they do). Even though I love dogs, it doesn't mean I love ALL dogs. I am partial to big dogs/non-sissy dogs. 

{my babies}

If you really knew me you would know that I am OBSESSED with honey mustard. I put it mainly on my fries. However, I have been known to dip a McDonald's late night double cheeseburger in some honey mustard. 

If you really knew me you would know that I have been dating my beau for 3 years tomorrow/today (depending on when you are reading this, July 26th). He is my best friend and is totally my soulmate. There is no one like him. 

{our 1 year anniversary}

If you really knew me you would know that I have to have at least 8 hours of sleep. If not, my alter ego, Harry, comes out. She also comes out when I get too hot. Hot = Cranky Harry. You do not want to meet Harry.

If you really knew me you would know that I really don't know how to do my hair. I am very plain when it comes to hair. Plus my hair doesn't like to do anything. 

If you really knew me you would know that I LOVE babies. I love to love on my bff's babies all the time whenever I get to see them. You would also know that I love FAT babies like rolly polly. Does that sound bad? In my head, it doesn't. I don't care.

If you really knew me you would know that I keep up with other's blogs more than I do my own. My life is just really not all that exciting. I'm okay with it. I live vicariously through y'all.

If you really knew me you would know that I am a DIEHARD Gamecock. In my early high school years, I WAS a Clemson fan. Then I decided I didn't like them. I have been a Gamecock ever since. There is nothing quite like Williams Brice Stadium come a 7pm kickoff in October. LOVE IT. And yes, I KNOW what's going on. 

{Williams Brice in the background}

If you really knew me you would know that I am a Daddy's girl through and through. We look a lot alike, and he is the most genuine/funny man I know. We also have a lot of the same mannerisms -- like sticking out our tongues when we are really concentrating hard.

I think that is all for now. I hope y'all got some insight on me that you didn't already know. Let me know if you have any posts like this. I would love to read what I don't know. :) 

xoxo,

H*

The Bachelorette

So... what did y'all think? 

I really thought Sean was the one. He was great. He was super sweet. And my goodness, he was sooo good lookin'. 

BUT, I did like Jef... with one F.

He seemed so genuine. He just seemed like a good soul to me.

I think Emily and him are such a good fit. 

He is different though with his hair... and "edge" as Emily puts it. 

I really think Emily needs to LOSE the extensions. Her hair is gorgeous and when she puts it in, it does NOT look pretty. It just looks stringy to me. 

Homegirl, could take some lessons from Pink Lou Lou. 

If you don't know, you should. The girl can rock some hair & makeup! 

She's adorable & will keep you laughing. 

But as I was saying, I am very happy for Emily and Jef and Little Ricki!

And her ring ain't half bad either.... I mean c'mooooon!

 {A reported $150k ring, 2.5 carat emerald cut center stone, 87 round cut diamonds set in a platinum band, for a total carat weight of 3.5 carats. HOLY MOLY! Home girl better start doing some finger exercises.}

Anyways, hope y'all have a fabulous week. 

xoxo,

H*

Rant: Making the effort

Hi readers (if I still have any)! Sorry I have been bad about posting. Oops!

So lately I have been struggling with the fact that some people who I am friends with just do NOT put forth any effort to keep in touch. So in March, I moved to Greenville from Charleston. I left some of my best girlfriends there. I knew that leaving Charleston would be hard but that it would be the best thing for me. I do not regret moving whatsoever. It has been an awesome experience especially since I am finally in the same city as my boyfriend. 

Well, most of my girlfriends have been awesome about keeping in touch. Honestly, we don't get to talk on the phone as much just because we are all on different schedules and are busy so we mass text and email a lot. However, one of my friends has been super slack about it. I have always had to initiate the first text or email. Well to be frank, I'm sick. of. it. 

I emailed her almost two weeks ago and have yet to hear back. It was a personal email (not a mass one) asking about how everything was going on in her life with her job, family, etc. Now, I did email her at work. I understand work gets busy. BUT, if you get the email and read it and don't have time to write at length how everything is going, wouldn't you at least acknowledge that you got the email? And maybe perhaps that you were busy, but would text/call sometime when you weren't busy?

Did I get that? 

No. Nothing. Nada.

I had to find out from one of my OTHER girlfriends about this friend and how she is doing. 

This girl is a newlywed as of a few months ago. BUT, my girlfriends that do make an effort to keep in touch are both married and HAVE CHILDREN!!! You can't tell me that you are so busy that you don't have enough time to even acknowledge my efforts. 

So with all that being said, I have decided that I am not going to make any more efforts. I am going to sit back and let that person make the effort. I told my girlfriends about how I was feeling about this situation, and they all agreed. They also felt the same way about how it is very one-sided.  

I am not going to chase you around to be my friend. I am not going to force you to be my friend. If you want to be my friend, make the effort. SHOW me that you want me as your friend. 

Until then, the ball is in YOUR court. I've made enough effort. 

I mean do y'all agree or am I crazy??

Okay, rant over. 

Sorry for such a depressing, mad post after so long. I had to get that out. I promise I'll be happy posting from now on.

Anyways, hope y'all are all doing well. I hope to get back to posting regularly...if once a week is regular. I am going to try to do better! Promise.

xoxo,

Haley

Happy 4th of July

I hope all of you remember what today is about. Many thanks to our men and women serving or have served in our armed forces. Thank you for letting us live in this great country, the USA, home of the FREE and land of the BRAVE.

Looking forward to...

WEDNESDAY!

We don't have big plans since the 4th falls in the middle of the week and neither of us took off. 

But I am looking foward to cooking out, getting some sun, and having a few cocktails.

Y'all have a great short week! 

xoxo,

H

Weekend in pictures!

Here is my weekend in pictures. Hope y'all had a fabulous weekend & a great Monday... as great as a Monday can be. 

OOTD: Saturday errands & fun with the beau.

Our new flag. ;)

Rex Goliath Pinot Grigio... pure love, y'all!

Our front door! Picked up that wreath on sale @ Michael's. 

DIY flower arrangement

cylinder vase + moss + fake white hydrangeas that will last forever.

xoxo,

*H