Bridesmaid dresses and a veil.

My lovely sister came to visit this weekend so we could go pick out a bridesmaid dress. You see, I need to pick one in the next few days or the dresses won’t be here in time. I can’t believe it’s getting that close!

Who knew picking out a bridesmaid dress would be harder than my wedding dress? It’s hard choosing a dress that will look good on eight different body types and also isn’t outrageously expensive. I found some great dresses but they were either too expensive or didn’t come in the right color.


Doesn't come in gray.



Neither does this one.

I’m waiting to get prices on a couple of dresses today, so hopefully one will work out. I know I want the dress to be long and gray. And probably one shoulder.

I can’t believe I didn’t take a single picture of my sister and I. It’s probably because my camera still isn’t fixed.

One thing I did purchase this weekend was my veil! I got this veil without beading. It will be here in four to six weeks.

My biggest wedding concern right now is getting out ALL the save the dates. I sent a few last week and some more today, but it takes forever to address them all (in case you were wondering). My advice: start doing everything about a month before you think you need to.

Random wedding fact of the day: My wedding stone is blue topaz.

Happy Monday! I hope this week is fabulous.

Pups and guacamole martinis.

This weekend, my mom and sister hosted a bridal shower for my childhood friend, Rachel. We grew up next door to each other, so you can imagine how much time we spent together—lots!

I would love to post some wonderful photos … but I can’t.

My camera is sick.

My more than $300 Canon camera that I’ve had for less than six months. No, I didn’t drop it. I’ve taken better care of this camera than any camera I’ve ever had. Go figure.

My mom has lots of pictures, but I don’t have them yet. The shower was fun, and I can't wait for her May 28 wedding! I'll be the one in this number:

I'm a bridesmaid/coordinator. It's been fun!
We have lots of work to do in the next three weeks,
but I know it's going to turn out beautiful.

We had the cutest guacamole martinis. I think I had four (OK, probably five).

Ours weren’t quite this fancy, but you get the idea.

The big news this weekend was that my sister and her beau found eight puppies. Yes, someone dropped off eight puppies in the middle of the road, and they were the lucky ones to find them.

My family members (myself included) are a bunch of bleeding hearts, so we of course took them in and they are now trying to find homes for the adorable pups.

I REALLY wanted to take one home. If the boy weren’t traveling so much for work over the next year, I definitely would have taken this little lady with me.

Tonight is my final Junior League meeting until August. I'm sad to leave my committee because I'm going to miss those ladies so much. But I know working with provisional members in the next league year is going to be fabulous!

Five year college reunion and Mr. A's birthday.

This weekend, I had my five-year college reunion. What?

Not the best quality, but this is Megan and me.

Nikki and Katie, two of my bridesmaids.

Nikki and her wonderful husband, Paul. He also went to Hendrix, but he graduated before us.

Nikki and Alli.

I love this picture. Who knows what we were talking about.

You might be asking yourself what college has a five year reunion. Hendrix College! It’s a small liberal arts school in central Arkansas (affiliated with the Methodist Church—much like SMU in Texas).

Honestly, I really only saw the people I always see when I go “home.” But that’s OK because I love them!

Before the reunion, my Saturday started by working at the Northwest Arkansas Junior League's Touch a Truck fundraiser. Even though it was FREEZING at 7:30 a.m., it was fun to work with the girls on a fun event that supports such a great organization. I had to leave and immediately drive to Little Rock.

I shouldn't be dressed like this in mid-April!

The sun decided not to come out until after we finished setting up. At least it made an appearance!

When we got to Little Rock, we had a couple hours before the reunion, so I searched for an outfit to wear for this Saturday's engagement photo session. Unsuccessful. This is HARD! I bought this shirt, which is listed online as a cardigan (really?), but I don't think it is what I'm going for. And I don't know about a dress because I don't know if I want my legs to show. Also, it's supposed to rain Saturday. Great.

It looks completely different on me.

This weekend was also Adam’s 28th birthday! I didn’t do a special blog post for him because I’m 99 percent he doesn’t read my blog anymore. That’s OK. I love you, and I hope you had the best birthday ever!

The boy and I at the reunion Saturday night.

We had a great lunch with my family (so good to see them) at On the Border in Little Rock before we headed back to NWA. Then, it was time for Adam’s dinner choice—sushi! It’s pretty funny because before we dated, he thought he didn’t like sushi. Now he LOVES it. Dinner also included a huge cookie cake that I’ve successfully managed to make myself sick off eating way too much.

Since I’ve been eating so much cookie cake, I decided to really push myself during my lunch workout. We did our cardio/strength class outside, and I don’t know if it is because it’s the first time we’ve been outside this year or because I pushed a little too hard, but it killed me.

I was done after we did sets of stairs. And that was the first thing we did …

Happy Tuesday!

October 29.

I've been such a terrible blogger this week.

I apologize.

My head has been spinning.

I'm so excited!

But still overwhelmed.

I thought I would be better at this!

Things you need to know about the proposal:

• It was so sweet.
• He definitely got down on one knee. :)
• I didn't cry, which is nuts because I cry all the time. I was just shocked and soooo excited!
• It happened at my grandparents' lake house, which is the house we've all gathered at for years for holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, etc.). It has great memories. It's where Adam's gotten to know and spend time with my family. He said he knew how special the place is for me.



I love my fam!

• It happened Friday, Feb. 25. He said he planned to wait until Saturday, but he was nervous and when an opportunity came up, he went for it!



Totally posed.



I got to spend time celebrating with my grandparents and family (over the phone). Saturday was perfect, but Sunday was better because I got to spend time with my family. Sadly, I didn't get any photos Sunday. I think I was exhausted. I was so excited, I didn't sleep much that weekend.

Saturday at the horse races. Making bets.

Leave me alone. I'm trying to text.

Seriously, I'm on the phone.

OK, I will take a picture with a weird photo setting.

Saturday night at Smyly's. There was a song about sunglasses on, obviously.

Sara, Adam's sister, demonstrating Adam's favorite hairstyle.

We're pretty sure Oct. 29 is the date. Eeek! It's about 8 months away. Woah! I always thought I would wait longer, but I don't want to get married in the spring, and summer 2012 is too far away!

OMG, there's so much to do!

Happy Friday, ya'll!

ABCs of Alli

I saw this on pbfingers.com, so I decided to copy!

A. Age: 26

B. Bed size: I personally own a queen-size bed, and the boy has a king.

C. Chore you hate: Sweeping. I prefer to vacuum it all up!

D. Dogs: I love them! I can’t wait until I am able to get one, but as busy as I am now, it would be mean to the poor dog.

E. Essential start to your day: Coffee and The Today Show!

I started my 26th birthday back in September with a nonfat pumpkin spice latte.

I even drink coffee while washing windows in Chicago.

F. Favorite color: To wear—black and red; that makes me happy—pink

Celebrating Colleen's 26th birthday back in December in red.

 Razorback folks love red!

G. Gold or silver: I wear more silver, but I like gold accessories. I remember being in junior high and high school and thinking I would NEVER wear gold jewelry.

Barely noticeable, but I'm wearing gold earrings. And my belt has gold on it.

H. Height: 5’8”

I. Instruments you can play: I can play “Lean on Me” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on the piano. That’s all, folks.

J. Job title: Assistant manager of corporate communication

K. Kids: None, but I would love to have two one day (a boy and a girl or two girls … but my mom and sister joke that I’m definitely going to only have boys) .

L. Live: Fayetteville/Springdale, Arkansas—basically northwest Arkansas. Di d you know this is where Walmart headquarters are located? Guess what tons of people around here do? I’m not one of them. We have two other GIANT companies as well.

M. Mom’s name: LouAnn

N. Nicknames: Butthead (thanks, Dad!), Alli

O. Overnight hospital stays: None that I can recall. Although, I’ve had to go to the ER in the middle of the night before.

P. Pet peeve: I have two that stand out. When people use “loose” but really mean to use “lose.” When people in the break room take their food from the microwave and leave cooking time remaining. Just clear it, people!

Q. Quote from a movie: “Do you ever put your arms out and just spin and spin and spin? Well, that’s what love is like. Everything inside of you tells you to stop before you fall, but you just keep going.” Practical Magic

R. Righty or Lefty: Righty. But in gymnastics and dance, I was always better at left things: left turns, left leaps, left cartwheels, etc.

S. Siblings: Younger sister, Kristin.

T. Time you wake up: Depends. Usually around 6:30 a.m.

U. Underwear: As long as it stays in place while I work out, I’m sold.

V. Vegetables you dislike: I’m a huge veggie fan. But I don’t really like canned peas. I love peas on salad, though.

W. What makes you run late: I don’t like to leave things in a mess (thanks, Mom!), so I spend time organizing, hanging up, etc. in the morning. Not smart.

X. X-rays you’ve had: Don’t you get them on your mouth at the dentist? Other than that, none I can think of. I’ve never broken a bone (and toes and fingers don’t count).

Y. Yummy food you make: I am a great recipe follower. Adam loves my chili. And I like to bake cookies.

This was a great recipe I made for Kitchen Queens. Paula Deen's ooey gooey butter cake.

Z. Zoo animal favorite: The monkeys!

OK, this isn't at the zoo. But pigs are cute, too!

I'm curious. How tall are you???

My private cabana.

I’ve finally dug myself out of the two feet of snow and am ready to face the world again! It’s in the 60s here this week. Crazy? Yes.

I feel bulleted updates are the best way to share what’s been going on.

•  My bruised nail (from an August vacation incident) finally grew out enough for me to get my nails painted something besides You Don’t Know Jacque or Chinchilly. Don’t get me wrong—I love gray. But hello, My Private Cabana! You’re a sight for sore eyes. If you’re looking for a great spring color, I highly recommend any of the Essie pinks. I heart them. 

Essie: My Private Cabana and a V-Day gift from my fantastic parents! It's a beautiful pink ring.

• I got some lovely Valentine’s gifts from my parents and the boy. I heart them, too.

They were supposed to be hot pink. Maybe next time.

• Friday night, I got to spend some time with two fabulous ladies that I don’t see enough! I promptly got a spray tan Saturday after taking photos this night.

Katie, Scarlet, Allison.

• We went to see Mamma Mia Saturday night. So good.

I totally cut off the bottom because it was bad.
I made Mr. A take a picture like this, too. I will spare him this time.

• I’m still doing the weight loss challenge at work. The two weeks of BAD weather was … um …. a slight set back. I weighed today (the last time I weighed in was Jan. 26), and I only lost .2 pounds. So my total percentage is 3.56.
• I'm going to back to blogging every day. I promise.

Happy Wednesday!

'Tis the season.

Christmas is my favorite. I love the smell. The decorations. The sounds. And the spirit.

It means time of joy and celebration with your friends and family. I love Christmas because it brings people together.

Last night, the boy and I celebrated Christmas because he’s going back to Wisconsin today for work. He won’t get back until Dec. 23, which is when I’m heading to central Arkansas for Christmas with my family. So, we won’t see each other until Dec. 28. And I prefer not to celebrate events after they happen. Call me crazy.



We stopped at Starbucks before opening gifts.
Nonfat white chocolate peppermint mocha with no whip please.
Longestcoffeenameever. 



Yes, those are all gummy things. Except for the Pez. I love all things gummy. Obviously.

Playing with new Ipod.

Yes, it's Lauren Conrad's book on style.
Adam informed me this book is in the "Tween" section. Hmm...

We had a wonderful time eating, laughing and exchanging gifts. He’s a great gift giver, and got me something at the top of my list: a new camera. I LOVE IT. I can’t wait to take pictures in Chicago.

Guess what we did after opening presents? Played Super Mario on the Wii for hours. Yes, hours.

Funny story: We got each other the same card. I knew as soon as I saw the envelope to the card he got me because it just fit for us. I’ll show you the card tomorrow!

Saturday night, the boy got back from his work travels and we headed straight to his sister’s for a Christmas party. We spent the night playing Apples to Apples, which made for a fun evening. And the food was delicious.

Delicious, and not even half of the food.



Candy canes have been a theme this year.
I found them hanging from the stocking holders
 after "Santa" came to visit.



I could eat 50 of these peppermint pops.

Merry Christmas!

Homeward bound.

Whew. I’m glad I got yesterday’s post out of the way. The sweet comments (and phone calls from my friends) really made my day.

Moving on.

Let’s talk about Thanksgiving.

Homeward bound.
Did you love that movie as much as my sister and I loved that movie?

My grandparents were wonderful hosts, and the food was delicious. As we get older, I’ve noticed my sister and I are more involved in the kitchen. And it’s fun! The food was definitely a collaborative effort.

Turkey time!

Cranberry delight.

Around the table: My grandparents, parents, aunt and uncle, sister, sister’s bf, my bf and me!

Last year, I participated in the Cold Duck tradition with Adam. It's too good not to carry on.

This guy was at the table, too.

Surprise! My grandmother is a great cook!



Smile! So are you, Mom!



We had a merry ole' time.



I participated in the merriness. Totally posed picture.

We also spent time Friday night watching a northwest Arkansas friend play at a local bar.

Hello!

Awkward hand placement.

The rest of the weekend was full of shopping, family time, movies, and more food, of course.

He went SHOPPING with me Saturday. Just not at 5 a.m. with the rest of my fam (except Dad).

Saturday night, my mom and I went to see Love and Other Drugs. Go see it. It was especially touching for my mom (and me) because Anne Hathaway’s character had early-onset Parkinson’s disease, which is what took her dad (my grandfather’s) life when I was just a pre-schooler. It was also a touching, funny love story that is VERY different from your average romantic comedy. I give it 4.5 out 5 stars. Plus, Jake Gyllenhaal is pretty dreamy in the movie.

Tomorrow, I’m going to tell you all about my New Year’s Eve plans. Hint: I’m going north.