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!

Recycled dresses. Help!

OK. I'm not talking about that kind of recycling.

I have a slight problem. It comes in the form of not wanting to wear an outfit twice for "big" events. But this dress I borrowed from my sister for a bachelorette party this summer is so cute. I think it would be perfect for NYE. I actually think my sister wore it last NYE.

 

Sequins seem to be popular right now, and I love the dress. I would probably add tights since it will be FREEZING in Chicago. It's the right style for my body type. But I've already worn it (meaning I'm afraid I won't get that feeling you get when you're wearing something new that you love). Oh, the decisions to make! Should I wear it with tights or try to find something new?

Tempted.

via

I've been trying not to shop much (at all) for the past six months.

But it's hard when the holiday season approaches and you're bombarded with e-mails offering fabulous (in my eyes) coupons.

Like the Give and Get that starts tomorrow at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. 30 percent off everything.

Or New York and Company has everything buy one get one half off right now.

Or everything at Macy's is 15% off right night.

I got a coupon in the mail (it had a BAD typo, too) for JCPenney. I don't shop there often, but I want to because now I have 15 percent off! Use the promo code MEAL15 if you're shopping online.

I guess this is why coupons exist.

Let's hope I can restrain myself so I'm able to buy Christmas presents.

Birthdays, houses, cupcakes and boots.

I helped Sarah celebrate her birthday Friday. Fun.

Birthday at Buster's.

I'm squating big time in this picture so I'm not a giant.

I saw my sister’s new house Saturday. Jealous.


I love the house. Especially the orange paint choice.

I ate a delicious cupcake from Kupcakes at my Junior League committee meeting last night. Yum. 

The most delicious strawberry cupcake ever.
And I have new nail polish. Essie Chinchilly. I love it.



I think I want these boots. I'm liking the wedge this fall. Cute?

Do I belong in Allison's closet?

Yummie Tummie.

On this Thursday, I’m going to reveal a secret about myself.

Here goes: 97 percent of the time you see me, I’m wearing one of these. The only time I’m really not wearing one is when I wear a dress. That’s what Spanx are for.

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This is it; except I usually tuck mine in. :)

When it comes to my “undershirt,” I stick to the Yummie Tummie. Now, I know there are all kinds of other brands, but this is the first one I tried, and I’m a loyal customer.

I have four. Two black and two white. Sometimes, Rue La La has them for WAY cheaper than other places.

I buy the long ones (yes, finally someone showed some love to us long-torsoed girls), but I usually tuck it in to my pants. Man, if you could see me getting dressed with my tank top tucked into my jeans, you would definitely laugh.

I would call these tank tops my security blanket, and without one on, well I feel like I’m naked. Almost.

And if you're curious, you can go here and see all the different versions. There are even t-shirts.

I love September. And this watch.

September brings a very important day. Without this day, many things in this world (well, at least this blog) wouldn’t exist.

My birthday!

I can’t believe I will be 26. Seriously?

It seems like yesterday I was staying up all night studying for a test before I celebrated my 21st birthday. I never imagined I would dread getting older. I will never dread birthdays because I love all things related to holidays and celebrating.

This brings me to what I want for my birthday. As fall approaches, it’s so fun to look at all the new clothes, boots, purses, etc.

I need this huge watch.

But what I really want for my birthday is a Garmin watch. The Garmin Forerunner 305. It’s here and cheaper here.

Maybe I should just save up and buy it? Everyone in the running world seems to love this watch. And I NEED it so I can know how far I’m running…

However, the best birthday gift is always celebrating with my fabulous family and friends. Wouldn’t you agree?

Boy, I think that I'm in love with you.

Yes, those are the lyrics from the Jessica Simpson song. I popped in an old college dance team warm up CD on my way to work this morning, and that song was on the CD. What’s not to love about some JS and Holla’ back girl (mixed with a little Janet Jackson)?

I spent the weekend with my wonderful grandparents, and on Sunday, I even got to see my parents, sister and her bf. I was having such a great time, I didn’t think to take photos.

Saturday: My grandmother and I went to Gene Lockwood's and Dick's Sporting Goods. I got some Chaco’s. Not so glamorous, but I need them! And I got a couple new running outfits. I seriously love workout clothes. I'm lucky to have grandparents who do so much for me! I seriously have the best fam. We spent the afternoon baking some delicious banana nut bread and just hanging out. I might have taken a two-hour nap.  

I'm a dork because I'm
actually excited about my new shoes.
Hey, you can't
wear heels with EVERYTHING.

I tested this one out. We
kicked shorts to the curb.

Sunday: After a run in my new gear and a quick swim, I was very sad to leave my grandparents' house. But I will see them again in about a month! In Branson, actually. Maybe I could wear my Chaco's in Branson and win the super cool award. But hey, I will be the first to say I love Branson. And the shoes are comfortable. It's not like I'm going to wear them with a dress to dinner. At least not for the next 10 years. 

I always hate to leave their house. But I was happy about seeing my parents/sister/Paul (the sister's British bf). I would like him even if he wasn't British, but you know everyone loves to hear the lovely accent!

He's building a house (very close to my parents), and I got to go with them to hear about all the fun things they get to pick out. I'm slightly jealous.

We had a great dinner and watched a little TV. Totally not exciting, but sometimes it’s great to have a weekend like this. It was perfect.

Sidenote: Have you ever watched Southern Belles: Louisville? If not, go to Hulu and watch it. My roomie, Liz, told  me about it, and I'm addicted.

Now, after driving the three hours from parents’ house to work, I’m ready to tackle this week so I can go on vacay! (Thanks for waking me up, Dad. When I'm in NWA, I don't have a personal alarm clock to get me up when I subconsciously turn off my alarm!)

I heart running skirts.

Things I learned this weekend:

• It’s much easier to peel a banana from the bottom. My grandmother (Mamaw) taught me this. Who knew?
• How to make banana nut bread like a pro.
• It’s so much easier for me to run in a skirt than in shorts. Shorts make me run awkwardly because they ride up in the middle. I even attribute shorts to a foot injury in May. If you have this problem, you know how AWFUL it is.

I got this tank in orange, too. It's the
Under Armour Victory tank, and it's
perfect for hot weather.

Countdown: Four days ☺

Summer bag.

I need a nice summer/fall bag. One that can go to work, JL meetings...you know all the good stuff. I want it to be tan, but not so light that it gets dirty. It has to be big enough for my planner, but not too big. This is the one I want. The color is "sand." It's not too expensive ($255). But since my budget for purses this summer is...well...$0, I think I will just dream about it. Even though Macy's has free shipping right now...you can buy it here. If I can't have it, you should!

Happy Tuesday!

Pink dress.

I left my camera at home, so I’m saving my weekend recap for tomorrow. Plus, I need more time to write about how fantastic my weekend was!

I did find a dress to wear to the boy’s sister’s wedding, which is this weekend. It’s a raspberry Calvin Klein square neck sheath dress. And it's exactly what I was looking for. The only problem is that it’s too big. I’m going to have it altered today. I’ve had a few things altered, but never a dress. I hope the tailor is able to make it fit perfectly!

This is not my dress—it’s pink! But this is what it looks like.

Salads and necklaces.

Do you ever get bored of your lunch? I used to eat a Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice, Smart Ones, etc. for lunch every day.

Now I eat a salad. Every day. And I find myself really only putting one thing on top because I run out of time. Spinach leaves: check. Broccoli, carrot, cauliflower mix: check. And then I top with spray dressing to cut calories. I see people buying delicious food in the cafeteria...and I'm not going to lie: I'm jealous. Sometimes I don't even want to eat my lunch. Or it will take me an hour to finish.

Today, however, after an hour of yoga and pilates, I'm looking forward to my salad.

P.S. I saw this necklace in People Style, and I love it. You can get the gem put on any date, obviously. I think everyone needs one. And it comes in silver, gold, etc.

Happy Wednesday!

Thursday Thoughts.

Two things.

1. I want all these things for my Vegas trip. Yes, I'm only going for three nights/four days. And all these are night outfits. But I want them all. No, I won't be buying any of them. But perhaps I can find something in my closet(s) that is similar. Except for the feather shoes. Can't say I own anything similar to that.

Vegas, baby! by alliwalker78 featuring Valentino

Items in this set:
Strapless dress, 295 GBP
Upiększać Colorblock Babydoll Dress - Odzież damska i Odzież - Chic..., $79
Red VIP Strapless Dress**, 50 GBP
VALENTINO, 7.900 EUR
Coco silk-chiffon dress, $715

2. I did Body Step for the first time last night. I've been going to a gym since high school, but I've never tried this class. I seriously thought I was going to pass out. I was the girl in the back of the class that is struggling to keep up. That was me. And one of my friends was teaching the class. But I loved it, and I felt like I was getting a serious workout. Note to self: Eat something before Body Step. Tonight, it's Body Pump.