Clueless Decor

Let me just take a moment and brag on my best guy friend, David Trump. David is an amazing interior consultant based in West Virginia. His work at the Greenbrier Resort was featured in West Virginia Living magazine last winter. He is my rock -- I love him to bits. We talk everyday, several times a day. He pretty much leaves me rolling on the floor in laughter on a daily basis, as well! 

I am so excited about purchasing my first townhome. I mean, I feel like I am so young to be taking such a huge step. David, even in the midst of his busy schedule, was so sweet to offer to help me with several rooms in my home. Particularly, the living room, dining area, master bedroom & bathroom and lastly, my office where I will be doing most of my writing. 

He recently featured a post called "Britt"spiration and I  was tickled pink, literally, at some of his ideas! I am not a very good decorator. Well, I take that back. I am not a very creative decorator. Everyone decorates their kitchens in red. Everyone decorates their home in mocha and tan colors. I told him I did not want any of that and really wanted something different. 

Now whether or not I will go all out hot pink is yet to be determined, but just seeing his sense of direction is so exciting to me! I will keep you updated every step of the way. I know that it will be a bit-by-bit process. Decorating not only takes time, but it takes money. A good chunk of it. I will have to focus room-to-room until it is complete. 

Did I mention my master bedroom upstairs has a balcony off the side of it?! I am seeing 2 rocking chairs out there, some coffee, my Bible..... Bliss. Can't wait! 

I won!

A huge Thank You to Pink Preppy Lilly Lover! I found out last night that I am the winner of her giveaway!! Seriously have wanted this watch for a while and I am so excited to bring in the Fall season with this on my wrist. I think it's a nice accent to my Pumpkin Spice Latte! 

Y'all have a great week!! 

VW Car Madness

Let me tell you about my morning. Please, just let me vent. 

You all know my issue with my VW bug that I have been driving all year. I have put almost 20,000 miles on it with all the interview trips, trips to Alabama, my daily commute with my Virginia job, etc. It's got a ton of miles on it - 140,000 to be exact. I drove it this year for two reasons: no car payment and it only costs $30 to fill up. 

This year, the VW has been through thick and thin. Flat tires, replaced oil plug, replaced oil pan, replaced all headlights and then the big doozie -- I was hit one week before I moved down here, remember? $1500 worth of  repairs later, I drove my VW down to Georgia! 

This morning was a rainy day in Atlanta. I began my commute to work and passed many car accidents along the way. Why is it that when it rains, people drive extra crazy? Anyway, my oil light came on so I called my dad. My car was sputtering. I knew something was not right. As I was on the phone with my dad, I was hit from behind. "?!Unbelievable?!" I screamed into the phone. There I was on the side of I-20 in the pouring rain finding that my rear light was busted. Not to mention my car is still sputtering. 

I have to insert something funny here -- in the midst of all this, a lady drives by and rolls down her window. She asked me where I got my cute shoes. "J.Crew," I yelled! 

So, then I pull off into a QT gas station and pop my hood to deal with my other issue. At this point, I know I am going to be late late late for work. Very good start to my 2nd week, right? Right. Thankfully, a nice man helped me fill my car with oil. It was smoking. Something smelled like burnt rubber. I take it to a lube down the road where they tell me I need to have another part replaced. Lovely. 

All this to say is that I am giving the VW back to my mom this weekend. It is a free car and good on mileage, but heavens me, I cannot be chancing things anymore with a car that is not reliable. 

I am actually excited to get my SUV back! 

Wedding Day

The day finally has come -- it would have been today. All I can say and all that I am going to say is that I am thankful the Lord removed me from that relationship. Though the toughest season of my life as of yet, I wouldn't trade it for anything. The lessons I have learned, the faith I have gained and the independence I have shown is something I am so grateful for. 

I have emerged from this situation just fine. Not only did I land a fantastic job this week, but I also have other exciting news to share. I am buying my first home! A beautiful, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome. I am closing on Halloween weekend. More info to come on that later.

I got a job at a national marketing firm and contracted to buy a home in the same week of what would have been my wedding. Funny how timing works. God knew all along. All I had to do was hold on through that valley and trust in Him. Romans 8:28 -- He worked it out in His timing. All I had to do was trust.

Any final words for him?

Yep.

Maybe the 3rd time will be charm. 

Peace Out.

Fall Corporate Shopping: Featuring The Limited

On Tuesday, I posted a casual look for work during this fall season. Skinny jeans, ponchos, chunky sweaters, turtlenecks, flats, Aviator shades.... you're good to go.

However, I do not pull off the casual look too well. I have to try to look casual chic. It does not come natural for me. I tend to migrate toward the more classic office look. All the time. Sometimes, I have friends help me dress casual because dressing up is my comfort zone. 

I recently stumbled into The Limited at Lenox Square in Buckhead. I fell in love with their Fall stock! It is so classic and their prices are very reasonable for an office look. 

Back to Work Shopping

Most people go "Back to School" shopping around this time of year. For me, it's "Back to Work" shopping.

I've been in the professional world for just a young three years, but each position I held required me to dress in suits. You could open my closet and find about ten suits and a lot of button-downs and cardigans.

I am turning a 180.

I would describe my new office dress code as trendy/chic/business casual. Imagine my embarrassment when I showed up to my first interview in a pin-stripe suit and girls were there in leggings and tunics. Not to say that you shouldn't always show up to your interview in a suit, because you should, but it was a nice surprise to see that the dresscode was .... cute and comfortable!

All this to say that my typical fall shopping has changed. I haven't bought the first pair of trouser slacks. Not the first blazer. I definitely haven't bought any button-down shirts with collars. Instead, I am having a ball purchasing skinny jeans, tunics, fun dresses, chunky poncho sweaters, and slouchy boots! I tore up Old Navy yesterday! Here is one of new fall outfits -- at a great price!! Jeans: $20, Henley: $10, and Poncho sweater: $35

Career Move

Today is September 20. It would have been the wedding week. Pretty much the week that every girl looks forward to her whole life. Throughout this process "since February", I always wondered how I would feel when this week came. Would I be upset? Would I cry? Or, would I not even care? Today... I feel peaceful.

Six months ago, I stated a journey of having a fresh start. I found a company in Atlanta that I really wanted to work for and began pursuing employment there. Several interviews and several trips down to Atlanta occurred over the six month period. My grandfather would always send me a "PPP" text or email which meant, "Patience, Persistence & Prayer." Boy, was I ever patient -- Not just for a job here, but a complete life change altogether. 

As you read this post this morning, I am probably battling Atlanta traffic on my way to my new job! My first day is today, and I am beyond excited that I landed another dream job in my field of work -- marketing/communications.  

It is so important to me to thrive professionally, and I am so thankful for the opportunities I have been given this year at the age that I am. 

God is good and has showed such grace and mercy in my life this year. I feel so undeserving at times, yet His grace is so sufficient.

Do I find the timing of all this a little funny? Sure. It just goes to show us that God is never early or late -- He is right on time. We must trust in that fact, even when we can't see the rainbow through the clouds.

Giveaway

I don't post about many giveaways because I feel that they can cause unwanted clutter, but I came across this one and just had to share! PinkPreppyLillyLover is giving away a Michael Kors Tortoise Shell Chronograph Watch! The winner will be announced next Friday, September 24. 

 

Low-Lites

I have puppy fever. I want one, badly. Cookie is my grandfather's poodle, but she sleeps with me. We have a little bond! I love her small cuddly size, but I still cannot help but venture towards a big ol' lab!! 

I also got some low-lites last night and I. Love. Them! They make me wanna go Ba-Na-Nas. 

Kindle Love

My grandfather gave me his Kindle a few weeks ago and I have really enjoyed using it! Life has been really busy, so I haven't had as much time as I would like to use it, but it sure is convenient when I do have time to sit down and read. They used to be pretty expensive when they first debuted, but now they are great price! Definitely worth looking into if you read lot or travel!  

This is my reading list for Fall! 

Essie

Fall is here and I am so excited to try some of these new Essie colors! I like Little Brown Dress & Limited Addiction!

Wedding Sneak Peek

Photo by Jon Ryan Creative

Starbucks Gold Card

I am writing this post today because I love Starbucks and I go several times per week! I know it probably isn't the best addiction, but to each his own. At least I don't blow loads of money on alcohol every weekend.

Back in "February", (which by the way, from here on out, if I have to refer to the broken engagement for whatever reason, I am going to just say, "back in February", ok? ok!), we shared the Starbucks Gold Card. I actually carried it with me in my wallet. Funny story -- like two days after stuff hit the fan, I went to my local Starbucks and handed them the gold card to get my discount. They told me that the card had been cancelled and that a new one had been sent to the account's address. I could not help my DIE laughing. Glad the priorities were straight and all! So, I had to get my own little card, which I gladly use all the time!

Many friends have asked me how to get to gold level. You start out getting one of those adorable gift cards for yourself and loading money on it. Say.... $20. Be sure to go online to www.Starbucks.com and register your card. That will start your point tracking. Eventually, and many coffees later, you will reach gold level and receive a gold shiny card in the mail with your name on it! After that, you get a free drink after every 15 purchases plus other perks like free drip refills while in the store, free flavored syrups, etc.

Go Starbucks Gold!

Fashion Post

This post is a ramble jamble of some new fashion finds plus what I did on Saturday! I honestly feel like I have the most boring blog titles. Seriously... "fashion post" .... I can't come up with anything better than that?! I guess not.

I had a great Saturday this weekend. I drove into Buckhead to drop by my new friend, V's apartment. She just moved in about two weeks ago and I wanted to see it! We were both dressed in casual shorts/tees (my hair was in an awful, ratty, root-stained bun), and V recommended we head to Lenox Square mall because she needed to pick up an item at Sephora. We got to the mall around 2:00 and left at ..... 9:00! We had a great time and went in to almost every store for fun! We ate at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner -- it was my first time there and I will definitely be back. Next time around, I will be sure to actually wear nice clothes and apply makeup. I may even do my hair.

Sephora

Two of the hours at Lenox were spent inside Sephora. I was in Heaven! Being only my second time in a Sephora, it was so great to try on all the makeup! I specifically fell in love with High Beam by Benefit pink liquid highlighter for your cheeks and brow bone. While there, we both were pampered with a trial of the Clarisonic brush. Because that obviously took off our makeup, we were then able to get our makeup airbrushed back on -- all for free. We laughed because they all seemed shocked when we didn't purchase either product. It sure was fun to try it, though.

I rarely buy a product or service my first time using it anyway. Maybe it is just the marketing in me, but I have to be hit with a product approximately three times before I feel any emotional connection to ward a possible purchase. So, keep on trying to sell, Sephora reps.

Northface

Where have I been? I have always wanted one, but just never deemed it a necessity. It's the typical look of people in Alabama and Georgia in the fall. Jeans, Northface jackets (black being the common color) and Wallabees. If you don't know what Wallabees are, Google them! Being the deal-finder that I am, I got mine brand new, tags attached on Ebay for half price off the regular retail ticket. BOOM

7 for All Mankind

My friends, Natalie and Ellie, always have raved about 7 jeans. I always wanted to know what was so special about them. These jeans fit beautifully!

Target

I found myself at Target today just to pick up some lotion. Yep, two hours later I left with this dress which I adore and a lot of new workout/running apparel. Apparently, that particular store is ridding their stock from the summer months and about to bring out new fall workout gear. So, I got all kinds of running skirts and sport bra tanks for $6.95 a pop (regularly running $20-$25). I would visit your local Target tomorrow if I were you.

Happy Birthday Ashlyn

Today, September 11, my little sister turned 19 years old! I cannot believe my little buddy is one year away from being twenty -- how crazy is that. I love you Ash and the wonderful, Godly woman you are. I admire your heart for missions and hope to join you and Dad June 2011 in Nicaragua. You are a talented photographer and you will only get better. You have a heart of gold -- and anyone who ever comes in contact with you experiences a blessing. You are my best friend.

I love you.

Apartment Shopping

I am apartment shopping this weekend!! On my list:

1 bedroom (possibly with loft)

hard-wood floors

fireplace

desk nook

stainless steel appliances

cherry wood kitchen

crown molding

built-in shelving

I want to find the mac-daddy of apartments in my budget and I know it is out there. Somewhere. I am so overwhelmed by all the apartment communities in the Atlanta area. I have no idea where to live! Most likely in either Buckhead, Dunwoody or Vinings.

Anyone who has some 411 of Atlanta residencies, please feel free to let me know!

We Shut It Down

This was by far, the funnest weekend I have had all year long. Not only did some of my best friends get married, this weekend was seriously a big college reunion. It was so great seeing people whom I have not seen in a while. The wedding was absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait until the professional shots are ready and I will post them!

My camera battery died the day I arrived, so I have relied on the pictures of others, but I did get some on my phone. I look forward to posting other pictures from the shower, rehearsal and actual wedding day in the next few weeks when they are ready!

I have slept a total of nine hours in three days -- we are all exhausted! So, I am off to bed after this post. Heading home to Hotlanta tomorrow for a busy work week!

More Brittney Exposed

Thanks for your questions from the Q&A! I enjoyed letting you know a little bit more about me.

What is your favorite accessory -- the thing you wish you could wear with every outfit?

My favorite and signature accessory is my 4-strand, chunky pearl necklace. I absolutely love it!

Do you think you will ever go back to DC to visit, etc?

Most definitely! It is one of my favorite cities that taught me so much! One of my great friends, Natalie, lives there too and we like to plan a girls get-together about twice a year.

What is your favorite place you've been?

I have been to Alaska seven times. It is beautiful and peaceful.

What is your favorite workout?

Tonight, I warmed up with a 3-mile run on the treadmill and then took the Body Chisel Bootcamp class at Golds Gym. I was so sweaty, that I took my shirt off and finished the class in shorts and my sports bra. I would say that's my kind of workout -- anything that combines high cardio with weight training and loads of sweat!

What do you do to keep motivated, fitness-wise?

The feeling I have when I know I look good & people start to notice my hard work. When you have that feeling, you will do everything you can to stay in shape. Also, I try on my tightest jeans on a weekly basis to make sure they still look the way they are supposed to. Great question!

What celebrity do you dress most like?

Kristin Davis (Charlotte) off Sex & the City -- tailored and not trendy. Just classic pieces that last for years.

What is your favorite workout DVD?

I don't prefer them, but if it's all that is available, then something by Jillian Michaels. The Shred is a good quickie, but I don't think it burns enough calories for weight loss. I also enjoy Billy Blanks kickboxing DVDs.

What is your dream vacation destination?

Europe. I will be going, mark my word.

What is your junk food weakness?

Pizza, skittles & doughnut holes! I do partake of these, but on a limited basis.

How did you first react when your engagement ended?

Wow, what a question. I will try to sum it up as best as possible. I was dumbfounded, helplessly pleading for him not to do it, shaking as I placed my ring on the coffee table and walked through the house to collect my belongings...I thought I was in a dream. Who was this cold, emotionless man standing before me?! I had a two hour drive home through the mountains afterwards and had to pull over multiple times to weep. I had no cell service so I couldn't call anyone. I didn't eat for days, lost 10 pounds within a week and became severely depressed. Then, the cycle of healing began and I got mad. Real mad. Mad at all the lies I believed. Mad at the money my sweet daddy lost. Mad that there was never a sincere apology. Mad that I never really got an answer to my question, "Why?"

Then, one day I woke up and I was .... fine. I forgave him in my heart. Yes, it was the lowest season of my life, but God is so good and brought me out of it. Today, I am flying high as a kite for a new beginning.

Do you feel you've recovered or is it still a work in progress?

Being that I never have heard from him again, it made it easy to move along with life. I learned that this was not the first time, and I actually had the amazing opportunity to meet someone who was hurt by him as well. Her selfless encouragement helped me tremendously to see past my current pain. I am forever thankful to her for reaching out to me.

I am 100% fine and recovered. I have learned more about myself in the last six months, than the last six years combined. I get the opportunity to love again, which is such a gift. I will be excited when that opportunity arrives, but trust me, I am in no hurry. I am having a blast exploring me, Brittney, and learning more about myself. My professional life has flourished. I am living in a new, amazing city! Life is good!

I know I am rare and not the 'norm'. I realize that there are many girls reading this who have been through a broken engagement or breakup and it may have taken or may be taking much longer than six months to heal. That is okay -- everyone is different. I encourage you to keep pressing forward and praying to our sweet Heavenly Father, Jesus, for continual healing and comfort. He can and will do a mighty work through you, if you just ask!

As always, I am available to anyone with questions or if you need further support in your personal life. The Lord helped heal my heart and make me new and I owe everything that I am to Him.

Jen & Dustin Wedding Weekend

While this posts today, I am probably in my car driving up to Virginia, my home away from home. This weekend, one of my best friends from college gets married. I met Jen during college about five years ago. We lived in the same dorm apartment and connected not only on a social level, but on a spiritual level as well. We have had many ups and downs in our lives the past five years, and I am very blessed to have her in my life. Many memories have been made, that is for sure! I am so excited for this wedding weekend and to stand as a bridesmaid as Jen and Dustin get married. David is in the wedding, too! Also, I absolutely adore Dustin -- he is the nicest, funniest guy you could ever meet. So thankful to have these friends.

Engagement photos shot by Jon Ryan Creative.