Abercrombie & Fitch Bribes The Situation To Stop Wearing Their Clothes

Sad Situation...situation meaning predicament, not The Situation himself.

Abercrombie & Fitch Bribes The Situation To Stop Wearing Their Clothes: "


Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino isn't exactly a role model, but we feel that it's safe to say that he's the opposite of one—the "Do Anything But What He's Doing" Model. Consequently, we don't blame Abercrombie & Fitch for trying to bribe The Situation to stop wearing their clothes. "We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino’s association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image. We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans.” A quick look at Abercrombie's recent campaign gets us confused though: Juiced, shirtless, tan dudes three-way kissing girls? Yeah—yeah, no relation to The Jersey Shore at all. (WWD)"

exciting weekend ahead

I am uber duber pumped for 5 o'clock to grace me with it's presence.  At 5 o'clock I plan to storm out of this building, fight the rush hour traffic with my sneaky back ways, and get home in time to greet my baby niece who will be staying with us all weekend!  I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!!!  I feel like I have be waiting for Santa Claus - she just can't get here soon enough.

It's hard to believe she will be year old next month - the time has really flown by!  It seems just the other day I could hardly contain myself waiting for her to enter this world.  Let's take a minute to track the-most-popular-girl-in-my-world's presence...

FINALLY  HERE!!!

It was a cold, rainy day...but Aunt Jeanie (yes that would be me) is happy to get her hands on her!

Great Grandmama and Uncle Buffy have a turn.

She's finally home here in the hands of her "Mar".

Ready for her first Gameday!

Finally filling out her outfit after a few weeks have passed.

All ready for Santa Claus!

Trying on one of Aunt Jeanie's outfits.

I love my Bumbo (aka my recliner).

Love my new mobile!  You can't tell but I kick my feet all over the place!

Pretty in Pink on Mother's Day

9 month old photo shoot on Father's Day.

Aint I precious?

I'm sure I'll have tons of stories and pictures to share from this weekend.  Hope you all safe and blessed weekend as well!

concealer melt down

I have another little dirty confession to make.  This may be too dirty for some, reader discretion is advised.  I'm almost too embarrassed to admit this out loud.  Are you ready for it?  ...
I've had the same tube of special concealer for 10 years!  Yes...10!  Gross right?  I can't believe I actually admitted that to ya'll.  It sounds gross, but to be completely honest, it hasn't gotten nasty or moldy and has continued to work its wonders all these years.

I'm sad to say that my little tube that is barely the size of a pinkie has finally seen its days.  In concealer years, she is 20 years old (assuming most concealers last 6 months) and its time for her fly the coop.  This magic concealer was made by Mary Kay but I am disappointed to find out that they don't make it any longer.  I actually found that out like 5 years ago which is why I held on to it for 5 more years.  Gah this sounds disgusting to say it out loud.  In my defense, the tiniest amount this magic paste could cover the nastiest blemish and darkest circles.  Hence, I saved it for emergencies only and used a more disposable concealer for everyday use.

Since I have been aware that my beautiful bond would soon end I have been on the search, for about a year, for a concealer equally equivalent.  I hate to say that I have failed.  Until last week.  I have tried everything...top name brands, drug store name brands, you name it, I've tried it.  This was not a cheap task either.  I've forgone many a lip gloss in the hopes of unveiling a new magic paste.  All these so-called concealers I tried turned out to be too thin and rubbed away when base was applied over it or went on too dark and brought more attention to what I was attempting to hide.  That really irks me because the point of concealer is to be thick and mask our imperfections - not slide off at the sight of a foreign object coming its way.  I need a concealer that can stand up to any job and hide the darkest of circles.

OK, OK...I am getting to it...drum roll please...{I'm not sure how to sound out a drum roll, so please use your best imagination here.}

Physicians Formula - Physicians Strength Concealer



Photo Source



I am super satisfied with this item and over the moon with the fact that it cost less than $10!  $10 is probably cheaper than the other stuff you've been using, so when you run out (hopefully not 10 years from now) I definitely recommend trying this baby out.  If you don't like it, sell it your sister for $5, or stick it in your mom's Christmas stocking.  I love this stuff because it is thick but not quite as thick as caulking.  {Also not quite as thick as it's prececessor, but some things are irreplaceable.}  It doesn't settle into the fine lines you [don't] have and it doesn't wipe off when applying base.  I have finally found my go-to replacement and can use it all I want until they decide to discontinue it (which I cross my fingers never happens - I'd hate to ration a tube of concealer again).  If you decide to try this product, and I hope you will, let me know what you think.  Oh, and a tip, a little tiny bit goes a long way so squeeze in small bits until you are accustomed to it.

If anyone has somethinge even better, please leave a comment and let me know!  I'd love to try it out - I can't live without my concealer.  Some say mascara, but concealer would be my one essential make up item to have if ever stranded on an island.

P.S. I know you are supposed to throw make up out after 6 months, a year max.  But I don't have any fungus growing on my face (that I know of) or suffered any ridiculous break out, so I'm going to ignore those makeup gurus and keep doing me.

a girl named Kourtni

I have some exciting news to share!  No, I am not pregnant.  Just going ahead and putting that out there for those of "yous" with high hopes.  My news is that my old college roomie, Kourtni, has finally started blogging.

The news of this random girl named Kourtni starting a blog may not be quite the excitement to some of you.  But it will.  Just give time.

Reading Kourtni's blog takes me back to 2002 when we first met.  Wow, that is nearly 10 years ago.  Holy time for botox!  And holy eye opener.  I just realized I am one of "those people" that still talks about college like it was yesterday.  You know the type, "Oh I did that in college" or "Oh yeah I remember learning that in college".  I need to get some new, more honest friends.  Some of you aren't cutting it and should have pointed out that I have Letter Jacket Syndrome.  Note taken!

Anyways, I guess I can have one more time to bask in that glory.  I can remember the first time I met this Kourtni character.  We were all excited about the new girl moving onto our floor.  I heard from some girls that she was "soo pretty", so I was a bit jealous of that and a bit jealous that she was moving into the room with my best friend on the hall, Holly P.  Kourtni and Holly couldn't have been more of polar opposites, but they were exactly what each other needed.  Kourtni need a touch of refinement & Holly needed someone to not baby her and give her her way.  And I needed them both.

I remember my first impression of Kourtni.  She came off the elevator wearing a red spaghetti strap tank top and black sofee shorts.  But what I remember most was not her beauty but these horrendous bun pigtails situated at the top of each side of her head.  Kourtni entered our lives with 3 cute guys moving her stuff while she only held onto her old blankey that she wouldn't take away from her nose.  "How does this girl get those guys with that awful hairdo?" was my first thought that will stick with me forever.

The pigtail buns were not my only first impression.  I was so excited to meet her and introduce her to Thursday nights at Banana Joe's and teach her how to use a fake ID that I couldn't contain it and attacked her with an introduction before she could even settle into her new room.  My second impression?  What a b-word to the nth degree!!  Coming from a small town I have never encountered people to just completely blow you off.  Kourtni did just that and never thought twice about it.

Third impression?  I am so blessed that this girl has entered my life.  She was the first person to tell me that it was ok to cry and talk about your emotions.  I was for the first time telling people not from my circle about my parents separation.  Freshman year is such an awkward time for young people (hear that?  I'm getting better with my letter jacket syndrome).  To say it out loud and try to explain it to someone was so hard for me.  I used to have walls stronger than Fort Knox guarding me and my emotions.  I started to crack.  As I went to stop myself and excuse myself from the room (thinking I had made a mistake and burdened these people with my nonsense), Kourtni looked at me and calmly said, "Jean, its ok to get upset.  You really need to learn to talk about things."  Mind you, this was only like the 2nd week I knew this girl and wasn't quite sold on her - in my then opinion she was lucky to be in the company of Holly and me.  Boy was I foolish.

As time passed (which included several fights, a trip to jail, lots of laughs, boyfriends and break ups) I knew Kourtni was someone that would always have a positive impact in my laugh.  Never have I ever encountered another human being quite like her.  She will always be one of my best friends, whether we talk once a year or once every 2 years.  Kourtni is the yen to my yang and its a shame we can't live closer. But this whole social media thing is making it much easier to interact with one another.

What I wanted to let everyone know is that you should take a visit to Kourtni's blog, Confused on Cloud 9.  She is just getting started, so make sure to keep checking back. You will find that she has some of the funniest, yet factual, outlooks on things most would never notice.  She has a unique perspective on the most minute facts of life that will have you laughing and thinking.

P.S. Sorry for my M.I.A-ness.  Again.  Ya'll are the best and I'm glad you always come back for more!
P.S.S. (Remember those on your notes you passed to friends in the classroom?)  I'm not proof reading again because it is late.

furniture revamp: Lady in Red

Guess what everybody? After all my complaining I was able to spend some time at home this weekend.  WOOHOO!  Yes...I am a happy camper to say the least.  I spent most of my weekend working away from home, but when I got back I was footloose and fancy free for the remainder of my time off.

What did we do?  Absolutely nothing but piddle and fidget.  My oh my was that overdue.  I started to work on re-purposing some furniture but it was so blasted hot that I couldn't stand to be outside for long.  Then I tried to do it at night when it cooled down, but that was an epic fail.  It is so dry and dusty out due to the drought, which meant every time I painted dust stuck to the wet paint.  First I thought I bought textured paint.  Then I used my head and realized what was going on.  Talk about a mess and a pain in my neck.  Actually, a pain in my left shoulder blade now that I will have to strip the pieces and start over and paint with a brush indoors.  You live, you learn, and pray for rain...lots and lots of rain.

Aside from that, I also learned another lesson when I went to painting this thrift store beauty. 


Vintage Cosco Step Ladder Chair...Likey?

I thought I was genius for coming up with the idea to paint inside the screen porch.  We haven't had the time to redecorate the porch like we have planned, so I figured I couldn't really hurt anything and the spray doesn't typically go too far.  Well...the spray paint doesn't spray all over...IF you don't have the ceiling fan on!!!  Yes I am serious.  Biggest mistake EVER!  There was red paint everywhere - on the green astroturf, on the futon, on the leg of my wicker chair, etc.  Worst place to find the paint?  In my nose!!!  Yes...my nostrils were full of it, as was the bottom of the shower.  It was quite the humorous disaster.  But in the end I love how the chair turned out...take a look.


and After - Lady in Red

 What do ya'll think?  I love it and hated to part with it - it is a one-of-a-kind accent piece that would be great in a kitchen or lounge room.  In doing some research I found these babies are going for $75 - $200 a pop - and that's before a little TLC.  This one won't cost so much & can be found in our antique booth in Mullins at the Golden Leaf Antique Market beginning in August if you are interested.  I do hope that the Lady in Red will find a happy home; she certainly deserves it after what I put her through on that red smoky porch.  As for the astroturf?  Now John Eric says we can get new flooring out there.  If I knew that is all I had to do, I would have done it the day I moved in!  Guess I'll have to do my next spray paint project in the den.  Just Kidding!  I wouldn't chance that.  Well, I wouldn't exactly put it past me. 

Anyways, thanks for stopping by and hopefully I'll have more pieces to share sooner than later!

facebook official

No, I'm not making a relationship facebook official.  But I have finally made an "official" facebook page for this here blog of mine.  There's not much to see now, but moving forward I will be posting blog updates there instead of through my personal page.  This way anyone interested can keep up and those who aren't won't be flooded with my blog updates.  When you have a chance, please go there and "like" the page to get the updates.  Thanks everyone!!!  I appreciate it.

so-called housewife facebook page

what's more important?

Man oh man, I am ready for a break!  Not a break from work...a break from weekend excursions.  We haven't been home in over a month and it is definitely starting to show.  Ugh, I feel like I look like an old worn out hag with a lack of moisturizer.  I'm sure the travels aren't all to blame for that, but when I'm not in my own little bathroom I tend to slack on my skin care routines.  I mean...three packed bags are enough for one weekend, right?  No need to add another one full of this or that.

But not only has it taken a toll on me, it has taken a toll on me and John Eric.  Don't freak out.  We are fine.  Nobody is in the dog house...not even Brice.  Well...we were both in the dog house but have dug our way out of it.  A sweet card seems to get your everywhere in life.  It can mend friendships, tell someone you are thinking about them, say sorry & I love you, make you laugh, etc.  Note to self: send cards more often...actually, just send the cards you have already purchased but never sent.  I have 3 cards for 3 different reasons that I have been meaning to send to my one friend, Lindsey...ummm...yeah...they are still in my desk drawer.  I even wrote in 2 of them.  Yes, I suck, and I'm sure Lindsey will call me as soon as she reads this to tell me so.  Not in a mean way...she is one of my most uplifting friends that I am so thankful for.  However, I am not thankful that she lives nearly 700 miles away.

Alright, back to the subject matter.  Now where was I?  I was going to tell you how I have realized that all of this going and going is just not healthy...individually & as a couple.  Should I reiterate that we are OK...and normal?  I just want to make sure none of you ladies think this is an invitation to make a move on my man. I will still punch you if you do. ;)  All of this bouncing around just makes us so impatient with each other and makes me so sensitive and drained.  I think he isn't paying me enough of attention - he doesn't know why I think that - I don't understand why he doesn't know and that must mean he doesn't care - he thinks I'm crazy & blames it on PMS when PMS was 2 weeks ago - I tell him mydol isn't the solution - etc, etc.  If you were around us Saturday night then you probably witnessed some of this.  And if you don't see us for a while, it's because I am ready to be at home to spend some QT with my husband and my little dog too!!

The point I am trying to get at is when events and speding time with family and friends stop being fun and start becoming a chore?  I can't decide if it is my age or my generation...or just me.  Am I the only tool bag out there that just wants to be at home in an XL t-shirt and boxers and just slum around, piddle, and have the biggest dilemma be who gets to control the remote?  But why is there so much going on?  Or have I just forgotten how to say no?  Does everyone else enjoy "being on the go" every weekend?  Or are we all just scared to miss something?

I have to be completely honest with you...I'm not scared of missing anything.  I don't care if I wasn't there;  I don't care if I wasn't invited; I don't care if I missed the touch down;  I. DON'T. CARE.  What I do care about?  I care if my husband or I feel neglected.  I care if my husband has to work late every week night because he couldn't work the weekend because we went to another party.  I care if my dog is anxious because he doesn't know where he is going to sleep 2 out of 7 nights.  I care if my house gets broken into because we weren't there. I care that we haven't been able to regularly attend a church in OUR hometown because we are never here on a Sunday.  I care that we don't have a church family like I grew up with because we aren't here to have that.  Get my drift? 

I think the majority of America, including me, has lost sight of what is truly important.  Someone once told me, "The most important people live under your roof".  That is so true.  That includes God because he certainly lives in my house.  If the most important people to you don't live under your roof, then you need to re-evaluate because that isn't fair to the loved ones living with you.  No offense...I love my family and friends so dearly...but if a major emergency or disaster were to arise, you better believe my first thought is my husband.  And when I mess up, I'm not worried about what the gossip mongers think, I'm worried about how I have disappointed my God. 

I know that the majority of us feel this way, but we forget that we feel this way.  We forget that losing sight of what is important to us is what the real problem is.  What is more important: Missing an event or getting a divorce?  Having the next best thing or losing your home to foreclosure?  Living according to The Bible or living according People magazine?  Kind of puts things in perspective, doesn't it? 

I'm not preaching.  Well, I am, but I am preaching to myself.  I will be the first person to raise my hand (or blog for that matter) and say I am guilty of every single one of these things.  And I'm not saying to give up your social life and your friends.  But when our social life starts to rule our life and determine all of our free time, then we have a problem and we need to get back on track.  I am so glad I have realized this and can start getting back on track.  I hope I haven't offended anyone or given anyone the wrong idea.  I have been blessed with many wonderful friends and family.  But they may start seeing me only once a month instead of every weekend.   Then I'll have more home improvement stories to share.

dear bloggy, i know you missed me

Are you there blog?  It's me, Jean Marie.  I know its been a while and I should have written you before now.  I could have at least had the decency to send a text.  You knew better than to wait on my call.  After much demand, I have decided to rekindle our flame.  But with some stipulations.

Stipulation #1: No weekly minimum posting requirements
Stipulation #2: No more Window Shopping Wednesday...unless I am really feeling frisky
Stipulation #3: Well, I don't really have a third stipulation.  Oh yes I do.  No more design changes.
For now.

Before I go on being a bully with my stipulations, allow to me to explain my mysterious disappearance.  I blame it on work.  And summer fever.  But it is really really hot now, so plan for me to stay indoors more often and poke away at some keys.  Wedding season is coming to an end too, so that should free up some weekends for special bonding activities.  Just me and you bloggy.  I will, however, miss the open bars and frequent get togethers with the friends.  Not to say you can't fill that void, so chill out before you get your panties in a wad.

Back to the work excuse.  I started a new position and, not to my surprise, it really consumed a larger part of my brain capacity.  I still feel like I don't know what I am doing, but my colleagues say that is normal.  Sounds scary, right?  Its been a fun challenge though.  I have gone on summer vacation and returned with a clear, open mind, and I returned feeling much more settled in than before.  I think I psyched myself out, which in turn psyched out my ability to write freely and openly.  No one wants to read a bunch of forced hodge podge.  People want to read the thoughts of a complete attention deficit scatter brain.  No, I am not talking about you.  This is about me.  Gosh you have gotten so sensitive lately.

I think you will be happy to know that you have been GREATLY missed by some special followers.  People ask about you often and I see that you still get daily visitors.  That makes me feel are warm and fuzzy inside. Aww...you feel warm and fuzzy too?  You'll be excited to hear my next bit of news then. You've been getting hit with lots of Google & Bing searches!  YEAH!  Your most searched topic? 'Housewife Girdle'  Real proud...really, really proud.  But everyone needs a claim to fame, right?  I'll let you have that one, but let's work something a bit more successful this go round.  Like 'Husband Nose Whistle' or 'How To Remove Azaelas'.  Deal?

Now a word to you lovelies reading this silly love letter.  I am back for an indefinite time period.  I really did get consumed by work, but now feel refreshed and ready to ramble!  I honestly didn't have the time to even open a computer when I got home at night and I felt as though my mind was too boggled to think about anything that might be the slightest bit of fun.  I did miss you guys though!  I really really did!  I love getting the comments and hearing that I am not the only person that "thinks that" or "does that"...it makes me laugh to hear your feedback...I love it and obviously can't live without it.  This time around I am going to write whatever pops in this frizzy head of mine and not put any pressure on myself.  Not that I really put any pressure on myself the first time.  I wrote what came to mind then too, but I think I was starting to lose that side of myself.  That wasn't any fun.  I hope you all will be happy to know that I am back in full blunt force!  Please feel free to leave a little cheer.  I know you are sitting in front of your computer screen giving me your best "Rah Rah Rah".  And we (as in me and bloggy) want to say thanks for being such devoted readers!!!

where did the azaleas go & why is that stump there?

We've been married for just over a year now and I still haven't quite gotten the house to where I want it.  I've finally convinced myself that there will always be a project.  If I could just hit a small jackpot, I could buy what I want, hire "help", and get it done.  But that will never happen.  This is life, and I don't play the lottery.  And if it did happen, I would still need another project in a month or so. 

Call me crazy?  Yes, I know.  But I also know that most of ya'll are the same way.  My Aunt Pam consistently makes yearly (possibly bi-yearly) adjustments to her home, and I have flashbacks of my mom updating a bedroom, dining room, living room, or kitchen on a regular (regular = all the time - the madness never ends) basis.  Those flashbacks could be a result of too much paint inhalation as a child from her never ending "projects".  You know, I may have had a legit argument all those times I threatened to call DSS.  Mama would just say, "call them, they'll take you, not me."  {Don't worry, I had a "normal" (non-abusive) childhood.  All children threaten to call DSS when they get in trouble or don't get their way, right?  Please say yes.}  And for the record, she is still always changing something!  Every time I come home she gives me the "let me show you what I did" tour which leads to "let me show you what I want to do next and I want you to help" deal.  Can a girl catch a break?  Just kidding - I love it (and wish I lived closer so we could do our projects all the time, but then we would both be DIY broke)!

Anyways, for now I do feel like I have a good grip on the inside of our house and can put some things on hold.  Now we plan to shift our project focus to updating the outdoor components of our home, landscaping in particular.  Our first plan of action is to work on the front flower beds.  We have casually talked about what we want to do, but we haven't actually had a sit down discussion to really map out a plan.  The sit down discussions are key in a relationship, but it seems John Eric did not get that memo.

Yesterday evening after work, John Eric let me know he was going to mow the grass and do some yard work.  I don't speak man language well so I assumed this meant mowing the grass and putting the lawn mower away, because like I said, we haven't mapped out a plan for the yard which is was supposed to get started next weekend.  The sun was starting to set, signaling he had been out there for much longer than a lawn mowing, but he was out of my hair so I certainly wasn't going to interrupt.  I heard the buzzing of what I assumed to be electrical trimmers so I knew he was fine and just piddling as usual.  When he came back in he went straight for the shower, but when he came strutting out of the bathroom I knew I was in for a treat.

John Eric entered the living room with his chest poked out and big grin on his face when he told me to go look at the yard.  I thought he just wanted me to see how he trimmed the shrubs or something - it isn't like the yard is a disaster or anything, so what could be so great that I needed to see?  I went out there, and this is what I found...

click here if you can't view picture

along with three other stumps in our FRONT, NOW BARE, flower bed!!!  Yes, Mr. Wonderful took the liberty of removing the azaleas that lined the front porch.  We discussed mentioned removing them from there, but this is not exactly how I envisioned it.  I'm not mad...I actually couldn't help but laugh...but here are the problems I have with this:

1. I didn't want them there, but I didn't want them moved removed until we drew out exactly what we wanted to do.
2. I thought we were saving the azaleas to put somewhere in a side bed.
3. They have to be dug up.  They don't magically go away because you sawed them off. 
4. Nothing can be planted there until the roots and all have been removed.  Duh.
5. We won't have time this weekend to do anything and what if rains next weekend?  I guess we are stuck indefinitely with azalea stumps for curb appeal. 
6. Again...this wasn't discussed yet!!!

Really, all I can do is laugh.  He was so proud of himself.  He says he knows they have to be surgically removed, but he just decided he wanted them gone now.  So...if you needed a bone spur taken off are you just going to saw it off when you feel like it?? No, you would discuss it with your doctor and have a plan.  Why am I so stuck on this discuss and plan thing?  Because that is what couples do!  Even if it is as minor as changing out a flower bed.  You don't rob a bank because you want the money now...you set out a plan and save! 

Well, you can imagine how shocked I am by this.  Honestly, I don't really care about those shrubs; I only cared about them because I care about him.  The week before The Masters he gets so excited because his azaleas start blooming.  He walks around the house waving his Masters golf towel and makes me go outside to "look at the azaleas" at least once a day for a 2 week period.  We even have to stop in the driveway to take a minute (or three) to admire their hot pink blooms.  I didn't want that taken away from him.  It gets him so excited and pumped up for his favorite event and that makes me happy.  But I guess as the saying goes, he will learn the hard way.  We will have azaleas somewhere in that yard and we will continue our Masters routine each year.  So, get to work on figuring out that plan, my love.

I hope all you newly weds can also learn a lesson from this.  Don't do anything without consulting your wife, unless you want to do it twice.

painted pots

I forgot to show ya'll the mother's day gifts I made.  Remember me telling you I would reveal them once mother's day passed?  Umm...it has obviously passed...I'm just scattered brain as usual and forgot.  Check them out.

The blue one went to my mom and the black and white one went to my Grandmama.

Here is a picture of the one I made for another friend, in case ya'll forgot.

a refreshing summer kick-off

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone (and with lightening speed).  It was a beautiful weekend along the South Carolina beaches so I hope everyone was able to get out there and soak up some sun.  We went spent the weekend with family and friends down at DeBordieu Colony in Georgetown, SC.  

As I mentioned last week, we kicked off the weekend with a pre-nuptial party for some dear family friends of ours.  The party could not have turned out any better.  It was hot, but there seemed to be just the right amount of heat to give you that funny feeling.  Oh, I just love it.  I know we, being humans, tend to complain about the heat, but I think its something we take for granted.  Its just not summer without breaking a little sweat.  There's something about standing around with friends in the summer heat with a cold drink in your hand that can't be beat.  Its a feeling I think only true Southerners understand and appreciate.

The party this weekend was true Southern casualness at its best.  Hosted by the coast, there was just enough breeze to cut the thick heat.  The gardens were full of all beautiful plants and huge hydrangea blooms all over.  Larger plants and oak trees provided a cool, shady retreat for everyone to gather under while beach music played in the background.  Everyone in their newly tanned skin and brightly colored outfits painted such a picture that I wish I could capture.  The bride and groom to-be were as pleasant as always and went above and beyond to express their gratitude to the hosts and to their friends for coming out.  The happiness and gratefulness beaming from them set the tone and made for a great evening.

Besides great company and beautiful surroundings, the menu really topped the night off.  Light hors d’oeuvres and desserts were served, but the biggest hit was the signature drink.  Beer and wine were served in addition to the Firefly Lemonade.  Since you all have been such supportive readers, I will bless you with the recipe of the yummy cocktail.  It is the perfect drink to add to any summer party and it was enjoyed by all.

Firefly Lemonade

Ingredients: Firefly Sweet Tea flavored Vodka, Lemonade, fresh lemons, lots of ice

Directions: Mix one part Firefly with 3 parts lemonade in a pitcher.  Add ice and freshly sliced lemons.  Allow the mixture to sit until the ice melts halfway.  The ice melting is the key step - it waters the concoction down just enough so that it doesn't taste so much like tea nor lemonade.  If you skip this step, it will taste like lipton ice tea with lemon, and who really wants to drink that all night?

We couldn't keep the Firefly Lemonade replenished fast enough.  I and several others there don't typically care for sweet tea vodka - with or without lemonade.  But, if done as directed above, it will be your favorite summer drink.  I hope you get to try it out soon and let me know what you thought!  I would also love to get the recipe for your favorite summer drink, so please leave a comment.

Thanks for reading and here's to Jebb & Jamie!  May ya'll have many years of happiness together!

budget friendly finds reviewed

I kind of feel like doing some cosmetic reviews.  I am slightly obsessed with finding reviews on anything and everything before I buy it.  And I don't mean just a "like" or "dislike" review, I want the details and I want the details from real people, not the professionals who get paid to say they "just love it". 

Recently I think I have had some really good finds (and I'm uber excited about that by the way).  Nothing upsets me more than buying something, whether $5 or $40, and then finding it to be a total flop and disappointment.  Know what I mean?  Below are reviews on a few budget friendly items.

1. Pond's Cold Cream: I can't believe I haven't listened to my mother sooner on this.  I just finished my first jar of it and I am obsessed and simply cannot live without it now.  It gets a lot of negative reviews for being too gloppy and greasy, and it is.  But that is what is good about it.  I use it as a make up remover and it will remove anything.  I also rinse it off with a wet washcloth which takes care of the gloppy greasiness - water alone doesn't really take this stuff off.  You don't have to be rough and scrub your skin to death to get off eyeliner and mascara - it just slips right off like silk and there is no make up left behind.  After using it a few nights in a row, my skin was really glowing and much more even.  Oh, and extremely soft and silky.  I have dry skin so I rub in a tiny dab on my chest before bed and leave it on until I shower in the morning.  It seems to make that skin area look healthier too.  It can be used as a cleanser alone, but I only do that if my skin is feeling dry or irritated.

2. Rimmel Match Perfect Foundation (SPF 15): I would say this is a happy medium between tinted moisturizer and full on major coverage foundation.  I have been very satisfied with this foundation and very satisfied with the sale price of under $5.  This is the first liquid foundation I have actually loved and will actually buy again.  I haven't needed a true foundation up until this past year, so trying to find one has been discouraging at times.  Over the counter or behind the counter, they've all been too thick, cakey, greasy, yellow, pink, etc.  The Rimmel Match Perfect provides great coverage without masking your natural skin tones.  It seems to cover the unevenness while allowing your natural pink cheeks shine through.  Other foundations have made me look like a yellow brown blob of a face.  I've even been using this without concealer.  It truly does provide lightweight coverage that doesn't cake up, sink into wrinkles, rub off, and it matches my skin tone nicely.  Its is not greasy but surprisingly leaves skin feeling very soft.  I fully recommend.

3. Clean & Clear Finishes Mattifying Moisturizer: I'd have to give this 2 stars at best.  I wouldn't exactly call it a moisturizer.  However, it does do work when it comes to the "mattifying" part.  This is a good product to use maybe once a week if you plan to be in a hot, humid environment and worry your make up may melt off.  It dries your face up real tight and keeps it oil free for most of the day.  But using it more than once a week really dries out the skin and makes wrinkles more obvious.  You can live without this one & spend your 7 dollars at Starbucks.

4. Boots No 7 Time-Resist Night Cream and Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum: Boots No 7 skin care products have to be THE BEST KEPT SECRET.  These items are inexpensive for the quality of the product.  The night cream and serum have both lived up to their promises and have done amazing job on my skin.  It must be used every night (like any item of choice), but the results will show within a week.  It does help diminish fine lines and gives you a brighter skin tone.  The cream amount is generous and will go a long way.

If you are constantly looking for quality inexpensive items, I hope this post will help.  If you aren't, thanks for reading anyways.  I hope everyone has a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend & God Bless our troops!

window shopping wednesday

Well hello strangers!  I know, I have been slack again.  But at least I warned you this time!!  Like I said, we were enjoying our 1 year anniversary as a married couple this weekend, so I left the computer behind to spend some quality time with "my man".  It was wonderful and full of surprises!

Today's post won't be much of a surprise.  It is Wednesday after all.  I'm slipping in just in time again to drop a post.  I promise to be on point next week.  This week has been short and packed to say the least.  I promise to set aside some lounge time with the Mac Book soon to share some stories and tid-bits.  Oh, and some of the new Bachelorette!  EEK!  Ya'll know how much I love The Bachelor seasons.

Ok...so this weekend we have another pre-nuptial party.  This one is a Bon Voyage party to send the couple on their merry way as they will be getting married in Cancun and we all can't make it.  We'll be outside share some toasts and well wishes for the happy couple.  Its going to be hot, so any summer dress will do.  But, I am obsessed with these pants and refuse to let the spring/early summer slip by without featuring them.  So, to spice things up and get away from the dress (which I am probably wearing anyways), here goes nothing...

Forever21 top, Tory Burch jeans (*love*), simple gold earrings, neutral wedge

Bon Voyage, mi amor!  (not sure if that is right or not, but I like the way it sounds.)

my purse hoarding confession

I seriously need to go on that hoarding show (you know, the intervention show for hoarders - I think it comes on AETV or TLC - one of those channels in the 40's).  Actually I should probably create my own show called Purse Hoarders and then patent it.  No, it wouldn't be about the massive amount of purses we women have stuffed away.  It would be about all the ridiculous stuff we have in our purses and WHY in the hell we have it.

Earlier this week John Eric and I decided to go out and have a nice quiet dinner.  As I grabbed my purse to run out the door I realized that it was super heavy.  For a second I thought I may have smuggled a small child home from the grocery store.  Don't worry, that wasn't the case.  If it was, I certainly wouldn't be telling you.  I would be freaking out and trying to find that child's parents!  I'm not ready to feed anything but myself and Brice.  Anyways, when we got back home I had to figure out what in the heck was in there causing it to be so heavy.  Curiosity killed the cat, so of course I dumped it out and this is what I found...

If you look at this and think, "What's the big deal?", you should probably join me in therapy.  Maybe we could get a group discount.  Do I seriously have 3 lip glosses, an ink pen, a Clinique travel brush,  a gift box of earrings, my Bernardo's, a loose Bi-Lo card, trash, Marc Jacobs sunglasses, 3 coozies, Trident gum, D&B wallet, 3 different meds (why is everything in 3's?), a Ray-Ban aviator case, 1 hair clip, nude lip liner, carmex, other lip stuff, keys, and a some kind of pocket knife!??  I don't even know where the knife came from, but I am glad I wasn't hopping on a plane this week.  That is also the second time I have found an unexplainable knife in my bag...so weird.  There must be a little leprechaun following me around.  Oh, I forgot that my cell phone and camera (that obviously wasn't in the picture because I had to use it for the picture) were in there too.

Is this not complete ludicrous?  I think so.  No wonder I can never find my keys and I often find myself leaning to the left.  To think, all this time I self diagnosed myself with scoliosis it was just my overloaded purse.  There should be a weight limit law on those things.  Hmm...I should patent that too.  

I'm sure some of you are cracking up at the purse stories playing out in your head!  If you have a good one, please leave a comment to share!  I would love to hear it.  Or, if you feel like emptying your purse, please send me a good pic of that too!  If I get enough, I'll post them later!  Wouldn't that be fun?  We could call it Purse Stories!!  Ya'll come on and play along, it will be fun!

surprise part deux

Where were we?  I believe we ended with John Eric and the pillow (and I’ll just leave it at that).  Nothing more really happened at the house.  Anna and I continued in getting the food ready and eventually getting ourselves ready.  John Eric continued on with his antics.  Then Anna continued playing the buffer between us since I didn’t have my wine. 

We were finally able to get ready and get out of the house.  But a day of cooking isn’t successful without a couple of accidents thrown in.  I forgot to tell you that I nearly burnt my eyebrows off when I turned on the stove top.  We called John Hanna (it was his guest house we were staying in) to laugh about the story and to make sure we weren’t about to burn down the house.  No remorse from him.  His response?  “At least Jean won’t have to pluck her eyebrows for tonight.”  I have to admit, that made me laugh.  I still had to pluck them though.  We didn’t have enough grape jelly & ketchup for the meatballs and we didn’t have any sour cream for my dip.  We are pretty smart gals and we were able to make it work, but those secrets will be left unsaid.  The last appetizer we had to make were Totino’s Pizza Rolls (which are always a hit and the easiest thing you could possibly do).  We made the mistake of letting John Eric finish that task so we would be ready on time.  Lets just say we were blessed that only one pizza roll ended up charred on the bottom of the oven (oops…sorry John Hanna).

After a long ride of listening to Jimmy and John Eric “sing” Willy & Waylon we finally arrived at The Game Changer to get the party started.  John Eric did not have a clue and was completely surprised!  See the look of surprise on his face below?  Or are you wondering what is in the crock pot?

isn't his outfit cute?

The night was filled lots of smiles and laughs...

Kelly & Anna

Michaux, Whitney, and Me

Kris & Chaux acting frisky!

Chasity & Rivers

Jimmy (aka Waylon) & Kelly

Anderson Girls: Me, Ashleigh, Michaux, Whitney

Mama & Carol (Carol is a big fan of this picture.)

The night went on with some PG shagging...

Michaux & Mr. Bubba

then PG-13...

then John Eric took it to a whole new level...Here is a little preview...

Yes, he is taking his shirt off.  Let's just say he put on a very special routine & pulled out some signature moves for everyone.  The rest is history.  "What happens at The Game Changer, stays at The Game Changer."

But he better hope this shoe wasn't left at The Game Changer.

surprise party escapades

I have a confession to make and I hope you won’t be too upset with me.  Remember my last post featuring an outfit for John Eric to wear to an engagement party this past weekend?  You know, the one with the hunky boxer bod?  Yeah...I thought that would jar your memory.  I have to come clean and tell you that we weren’t really going to an engagement party.  We were actually going to JOHN ERIC’S 30^TH SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY!  And I must say it was a success!

I’m sure you’ve already figured out by now that I couldn’t tell ya’ll the truth last week because John Eric does his husbandly duty of supporting my blog and reading each and every post.  Actually, I usually read them out loud to him first to make sure he laughs.  Either way, I had to be sure to play up the engagement party and not give away the slightest hint! 

I must say that I’m not sure why people stress so when trying to give a surprise party.  This weekend I found that as long as you have great friends it's no trouble at all.  We are so blessed with amazing friends and family that pulling this off was a breeze!  They are so amazing that I didn't have to ask for their help, they immediately volunteered it.  The wonderful ladies helped tremendously by bringing a dish (dish is the Southern term for Hors d'œuvre) and arriving early enough to set up and choreograph the surprise.  Now the men on the other hand did not quite hold up their end of the bargain. 

You see, that same day the Rowdy River Club was having their 3rd annual Poker Run on The Little Pee Dee River.  Everyone was planning to participate, so all the men were responsible for was keeping John Eric occupied and making sure he didn't drink too much.  (Don't get the wrong idea.  He's not some crazy drunk, but I knew it would be a long day and it's hard to resist a cold beer out on the river on a beautiful day such as Saturday.)  I wasn't born yesterday.  I knew he would come back a little tipsy.  But what I arrived to find at the house later that day was a surprise for me.

Before I go any further, let me make sure I give these men some credit.  They are some the finest men who have been family friends for a very long time and have welcomed John Eric into the group with arms wide open.  They’re marvelous and a whole lotta’ fun, but I have to give them a hard time every now and then.

Back to my arrival (from mine and Anna’s grocery trip – she came to spend the day with me, help me get ready, and play a pawn in the surprise preparation)...as we returned from the grocery store, we pulled into the drive to find every door in the house (that was supposed to be unoccupied) wide open, a dining chair pulled out on the front stoop (still not sure why because John Eric doesn’t smoke), and John Eric’s shoes tossed in the front yard.  Not really a big deal that he was there, but it definitely caught me off guard.  We walked in, with hands full of groceries, to find the birthday boy lounging on the couch, feet propped up on the coffee table, reading his new Archibald Rutledge book.  I’m sure Anna and I both thought, “oh good, he is relaxing”, but before we could convince ourselves of that he turns his head to look at us, stares for a second, rolls his eyes like a woman, then says, “don’t worry about me – nope, don’t worry about ole’ Buffy – I can’t believe ya’ll just left me”.  We couldn't help but laugh.  Either at the fact that he just referred to himself in the third person as "Buffy" or at the whole routine he had just put on.  But it was at that moment that I knew he had a little too much fun today.  (Later he told me that everyone was giving him drinks and telling him it was for his birthday.)

He continued on with similar antics for a little while, and then decided he wanted me to draw him a bath, get him a drink, and fix him a pizza.  His argument for all of this was that it was his birthday.  Could you imagine what it could have been like had he known this entire weekend really was all about him?  I played sweet wifey and did as he asked…only because I thought I would be able to enjoy a glass solo cup of wine while he soaked in the tub.  I was wrong.  As it would turn out, there wasn’t a wine opener!!!  Figures, right?  And before we could finish searching every drawer in the house, John Eric came prancing down the hall leaving little to the imagination, if you know what I mean.  By little I mean the size of a throw pillow to be exact.

Dying to know what happens next?  Stay tuned for the rest of the story to be posted later this week (hopefully tomorrow & hopefully with pictures).

window wednesday for mr. wonderful

For starters, if you haven't heard, my family likes to call John Eric Mr. Wonderful.  We also like to sing the song whenever anyone says "Mr. Wonderful".  Its just your typical on-going joke.  He is pretty wonderful though.  Don't worry, that is my one moment of sappiness.  You know me better than that.

This Window Shopping Wednesday will be dedicated to him and all his glory.  Why?  Because he has a birthday coming up...and it is quite the milestone.  The Big 3-0.  For some reason, when he shops he refuses to purchase any weekend wear.  He loves to shop for work wear, but the weekend gear?  Not so much.  And after last night's shopping spree, I know why.  I also know why they freak out when we go shopping and come home with an entire outfit.  Their clothes are freaking expensive!!! Only the ugly stuff in ugly colors go on sale and their trends don't change.  Well, they change for the guys into skinny jeans, but I'm sure you have figured out that I am not married to a man wearing skinny jeans.  A shirt, shorts, boxers, and shoes cost more than $200!  Say what!?  Why yes, I would like to apply for that credit card, Mr. Cashier.  Sersioulsy fellas, we can buy a full outfit for under $100.  Easy.  And we usually have really good sales.  See if I let my clothes ride around in the trunk for a week before sneaking them in again.

Well, I wanted to buy him some cute outfits to wear this summer.  I love summer clothes for men.  I love the brightly colored, seer sucker, gingham, and plaids.  They just look so cute in them.  Agree?  So, I went to get him a new outfit to wear to another engagement party this weekend.  I wanted him to feel special since we couldn't do anything special for his birthday this weekend.

Here is the special outfit for the birthday boy...

Above pictured are Ralph Lauren shirt, shorts, and boxers and Sperry Top-Siders.  His shirt is the same blue but with a red Polo Man.  He has lost 3 pairs of Sperry's.  This is his last chance of redemption.  I'm sure he'll choose to wear his loafers though.  He never leaves home without his tassels.  No, the hunky bod in the boxers does not belong to John Eric, but I did leave him so you ladies could have a little eye candy.   (Really I just couldn't bring myself to crop all that hotness for fear of karma.)

So...do you all agree that he will be the cutest thing there?  I do.  Or did I go over board with the matching boxers?  Probably over board, but he loves it!  I asked him to put it on and let me get a picture for the blog.  He showed up in no shirt and an apron.  Hence, no photo of John Eric.

this week

Hello friends and family.  I wanted to drop in real quick and explain why you haven't seen much action from this week.  I am super super busy this week.  Work (aka my "day job") has been really demanding I'm trying to be a dedicated "housewife" once I get home.  So, I either have a lack of time or lack of insight to share.  Ya'll know the drill.  If I could do this full time, I would write you love letters everyday!!!  But I must work...until we sell at least one house.  Who am I kidding?  I'll have to work regardless.  I wouldn't have anything to write about if I didn't interact with people all day.  Ya'll are my inspiration!!

I do, however, want to take a minute to thank everyone for the awesome support and sweet notes I have received since I started this.  Ya'll have been wonderful, and I can't tell you how much I truly appreciate it.  I love getting your feed back; keep it coming!

Anyways, I'm going to fold some laundry and vacuum and hopefully find a little inspiration in between!

Want to know something specific?  email me!  socalledhousewife [at] gmail [dot] com.  I have to put it in this way to avoid spammers.

where do you get it from?

Do you ever wonder where in the world you came from?  Lately people have been asking where my creativity and writing ability came from.  For those of you who don't know me, I have never portrayed the slightest bit of creativity.  I mean I used to make a Snoopy out of the number 25 & draw bunnies for my Grandmama when I was little, but that was about as far as it got.  Truth be told I really don't know.  Well, I guess I sort of know.

Here's the scoop.  I literally made straight 100's in my math classes - not A's - 100's.  Russell Smith would call me "curve buster" and oh how I hated that!  I didn't mean to do it, it just happened.  Don't close the window yet, I am not bragging, just explaining.  English and Creative Writing were another story.  I literally never made anything but a C in those classes.  Every semester - no matter what.  ERGH!  Naturally, I loathed the subject.  I always wonder how in the hell I came out of my mother's womb, who finished college with an English degree and was once pursuing a career as a journalist (that is before she had 4 screaming children on a mission to kill each other with hair brushes), yet I couldn't even swing a B in my English classes.  I've now found that we have much more in common than I would have ever imagined.  However, she is much more censored than I.  Much more.

I grew up believing my father had spit me out.  I have his same attitude, temper, wit, brains, math ability, and I think I look just like him.  I never thought he had a creative bone in his body - fragile bones, but no creative ones.  I knew that he was funny and could crack a good joke under pressure.  And well, I have heard he used to be creative on the dance floor back in his day...something like "The Gator" king.  [I must have married my father because lately John Eric seems to think donkey kicks on the dance floor are the hottest moves out there.]  Then my Aunt Pam pointed out that there is a lot more creativeness on The Anderson (dad) side of the family than I thought.  So maybe I am still his spitting image in the female form and 27 years younger.  [Gah, 27 years doesn't really seem so far apart when you say it out loud.  But I'm glad its 27 and not 16.]  Aunt Pam's daughter, Alex, is amazingly talented.  She makes these hilarious videos and at least one has even been featured on national television.   Yeah, talk about wowzers.  Here is her link and I think you all should go see it. The Katy Perry contest entry one is a must see!

So it seems that I have been blessed from both of my families, and I'm not the only one.  Michaux has a knack for advertising and catch phrases and a really good eye for vintage pieces; she is also great at drawing which she obviously got from my Grandmama, Margaret White.  (She and Alex should get together and make commercials.  Then they should give me 10% for suggesting it.)  Whitney is amazing with interior design and decorating.  And Rivers...well he's really into his career.  Don't get me wrong, we have our down falls.  Boy do we have our downfalls.  Have you ever seen us dance or crossed us the wrong way?  If not, count your blessings. : )   But that's ok, I work on mine everyday.  And to think...all this time I thought I only got the bad genes: dry skin, frizzy hair, sharp tongue, need for waxing, and the "occasional" rotten attitude.  I sure was wrong and I'm so thankful to my parents for making me who I am today...by lesson, genetics, discipline, and unconditional love and support.  So Happy Mother's Day and soon to be Father's Day!