Straight Curvy Lines

I'm teaching myself how to sew! And I don't sew straight lines - I make straight curvy lines! (Not purposely, of course.)

I'm not going to be too hard on myself about it. I've had no formal training, except in my middle school home economics class - which I believe goes by family and consumer sciences now and isn't offered in many (if at all) schools anymore. Shame. They probably stopped offering it once I completed the course - I was so bad, I'm sure they felt there was no hope and gave up. Seriously. No amount of classes could have helped me sew a straight line. It's pitiful. Hahaa!

Regardless, I'm going for it! Many of our friends have announced they're recent pregnancies and I see so many adorable baby things that look sort of easy to make. Although, I suppose if you know how to sew it would probably make it much easier.

My first project has been burp cloths! I used the tutorial from two websites I found on Pinterest. (View them here and here.) They seemed simple - two rectangles sewn to each other. I also got suckered into trying these first because of the adorable fabric the tutorials used.

I gave it a shot and got better each time I made one! I even surprised myself a little. Sure, they're not perfect. Practice will hopefully make perfect. So, to all my preggo friends, look out! You're about to get lots of obviously made-with-love burp cloths!

Check 'em out! Not bad! Maybe after I master burp cloths, I'll try bibs that match. Oh the possibilities! ;) I did try to get fancy with the photos like the tutorials. Hehee! It's all track lighting in the apartment - not the best light for picture taking, but it will do.

They're all different sizes and the one at the top is the first one I did...yikes! 

Lady of Leisure

I (again) am a lady of leisure. That's right, I'm unemployed. Again.  Womp. Womp.

I was with the organization for a little over 2 months, but knew almost immediately it just wasn't a good fit. I know you're thinking I'm crazy. With so many people out there looking for work, I know how incredibly lucky and fortunate I was to have the opportunity, but I just couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't where I was "supposed" to be.

It really is so hard to explain. I've always had a go get 'em - you're not a quitter work ethic and really struggled with my decision to leave. It's always been my belief that you just work hard and make it work. So, it was an odd feeling knowing that no matter how hard I worked, I just never felt like I fit in.

After returning from our recent trip home, I knew (in my gut) that this was the best decision. I worked through my notice and the search for the perfect fit is now on!

I've really found that I'm out of place in Pittsburgh in general. So, I do think that probably played a huge part in my unsettled feeling. I will say that our move to the city has really helped. We are venturing out more and feeling a real sense of community. The move has rejuvenated my spirit and given me the drive to find my place here. I'm excited and hopeful for new opportunities!

If you squint you're eyes, substitute a green couch and the fake fox for two weenie dogs and a gray hairy cat - you could get a glimpse of life for me! Hahahaa!! Ok, too soon for a bad joke?! This is NOT how I want to end up!  

It is a daily battle to remember that all things happen for a reason and that this is a true life lesson in the making. I'm really grateful to have a supportive husband who would agree with you that I'm crazy, but understands me. I am learning to enjoy this journey that we're on, as challenging as it may be, at least we're together. The day will come that we'll look back on this year and laugh. 

LOVE this quote - it obviously applies to so many aspects of life. I thought I would share with you! XO

Year No. 3

Josh & I celebrate our 3 year anniversary today! It will never cease to amaze me how fast the years go by. And I swear this date sneaks up on me every year!

It seems like we always have something going on right around this time. Our first year we were in NYC for a little vacation that we stretched to call our anniversary trip. Last year we were just getting settled in our first home (that is no longer ours because of our move to Pittsburgh) and this year we had a whirlwind weekend with a trip back to South Carolina.

We drove down and made our first stop in Greenville. We had such a fun night with amazing friends and we miss them so much!

We hit the road early the next morning, heading to Beaufort for a gorgeous wedding! We were thrilled to see so many wonderful family & friends!

Congratulations Nic & Logan!! 

Our hearts hurt when we had to leave. We didn't get a chance to say hello to everyone we wanted to and we didn't want to leave those we were fortunate to see. Without a doubt, we miss everyone! Lucky for us, we have another beautiful Beaufort wedding in November and are planning to travel the same route for another awesome weekend!

Our New Place in the City

We just got the keys to our new place in the city! Moving day isn't until Tuesday, but I had to give you a sneak peak! 

Vacation Hangover

Ok, so what's new?? I'm WAAAAAAY behind with posting. So, I'll skip the apology and get straight to the point - life is good, but Pittsburgh is brutal! We are super homesick and we're not sure when it will go away...or if it will.

For now, we just look forward to the fun, light hearted moments with friends here in the Burgh and especially with our family and friends from home!

We just returned from our 2nd annual Whiteside vacation to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We made this year's trip into a family vacation and were so happy to be accompanied by my MIL, BIL, SIL, and our adorable one year old nephew (seriously, he's precious!). We spent a week beachin' it and eating like there was no tomorrow. Needless to say, I've greeted Pittsburgh with a tan and at least 5 (scratch that)10 pounds heavier than when we left. BUT we had an absolute blast! 

Since Josh and I literally just dropped our bags at the door, I'll keep the blogging short and end it now with a few pictures from our holiday. ENJOY! 

Finley builds awesome sandcastles! 

Lifeguard Lola - keeping an eye on Jess & Carter

Carter drove our boat and was captain for the day! 

The Ocracoke Lighthouse

We drove up to Hatteras to see the Hatteras Lighthouse

We went on a full moon kayak tour - don't mind our lovely vacation hair! 

Eager to get out there! 

Our view from the kayak - stunning!! 

We rode bicycles all over the island

The sunsets were amazing! 

 

And so were the sunrises! 

Carter-man tried on a Gamecock hat...just to test it out. His parents are Clemson fans - we'll see how it turns out. 

The boys caught big fish! 

And even bigger fish! 

Seriously, I hate when great vacations are over! We are sure to have a classic vacation hangover tomorrow!

Retail Therapy in the Cheapest Way

I'm so not shy to say that I'm money conscious. Working in the non-profit community will definitely do that to you & so will a frugal husband! ;) I absolutely cannot stand to pay full price for anything. I always use coupons when I grocery shop or when I'm in need of a little retail therapy. I get a thrill out of stretching my dollar. No, I'm not one of those extreme couponers you see on TV, but I do save A LOT of money.

I've not always been so great at using coupons while shopping in retail stores. However, I have always been patient to wait for things to go on sale - unless I absolutely "had to have it".

Ladies, you know what I'm talking about - you see that one thing you cannot stop thinking about. So, the ONLY obvious option that could possibly give you peace & ease your pain is just buy it out right. It happens to us all.

But this time, I had to have AND I had coupons. My latest obsession is The Limited 678 Colorful Skinny Jeans. The first pair I bought were in popsicle. (See them here.) The fit is amazing! I went back and bought them in white. (All on sale, of course!) I desperately wanted the mint colored pair, but they only sent them out to certain store locations & they were sold out online - so I missed out. Bummer!

I couldn't miss out on the latest colors - red, cobalt, and jadite. (See them here.)

I know I'm a little late to the colored (and skinny) jean trend, but it looked a little challenging. With the help of Pinterest, it's been a little easier & a lot less scary to try out these new (for me) trends.

So, I grabbed my coupons & hit the stores last night. And this is what I got!

I've got to get better at taking pictures! My apologies! The striped shirt on your left, white jeans, and printed shorts are from the Loft and everything else is from The Limited. 

Regular Retail: $524.60 

After Coupons and/or Sale Price: $155.67

Love, love, love coupons!! Hubbs, on the other hand, wishes I would stop "saving" him so much money. ;) 

Recovered. Thank Goodness!

I survived the wisdom teeth extraction! (Thank goodness!!) And my fear of saying something ridiculous while coming out of anesthesia didn't come true! In fact, I'm a little disappointed in myself for being so blahzay - I've always fancied myself as a little funny and thought Josh would at least have one humorous drugged-up Leslie story to share. Sorry to let so many of you who were rooting for a hilarious photo or video down. I'll do better next time.

With already naturally thick cheeks, the procedure seemed to cause my jowls to practically quadruple in size. So, I spent the past six days looking a lot like this (minus the fur):

It was somewhat miserable and I was in a tad bit of discomfort, but overall I had a pretty good experience. I'm roughly 90% back to feeling human again and am ready to get out in the fresh air! The dogs have been cooped up with me and I know we're all ready to venture out. The weather has been everything but awesome, so I definitely haven't missed much. I'm hoping for a little nice weather this weekend - I'd really like to make a trip to the park! Enjoy the amazing weather, you lucky South Carolinians! :)