Shoe Heartbreak

I cannot begin to tell you how many pairs of shoes I have fallen in love with since I began to look for them back in February. They always seem to be just a little bit out of my reach though.

For example, I found these!

Perfect in almost every single way...except that the heel is 4 inches tall!

Could I walk in them?

You bet your cute butt I could!

Is that the problem?

no.

The problem is that I'm 5'6" - which is average.

Mr. GrapeJuice, however, is 5'11".

The shoes would make me just as tall as him...which he does not like.

Bye Bye, Nearly Perfect Shoes. :(

Then, I met this pair...

It would have been such a great shoe for New Years Eve.

It is supposed to be available through DSW.

Yeeeaaaahhhh. Not so much.

I went to the store in Hendersonville, and they didn't have it.

So, I decided that I would just order them.

Nope. Can't do that either. They're out of my size!

grr.

Now what am I supposed to do?!

Two perfect shoes...gone!

Let me tell you - it's getting a little frustrating.

Not only are there very few shoes that are the color I want them, but most of the ones that are the right are - conveniently - 4 inches or higher!

WHY? WHY? WHY?

Now, I've become consumed with finding the perfect shoes for my wedding day.

Currently, I've got these two pairs of shows on my brain...

This pair, which isn't exactly the right color,

and, this pair, which I would have dyed to be blue.

Who knew the shoe search could be soooooooooooooo exhausting?!

photos : zappos (Nina, rsvp, Coloriffics) and dsw (Paris Hilton)

Wedding Progress

Over the weekend, my mother asked me if I had made any wedding progress. I looked at her and laughed. I just got back from a cruise and was not even ready to think about those things. She gave me the mom talk though. You know, the one that says you need to get on that sooner rather then later; the one that makes you feel like a disappointing child again. =]
Well, she got bored on Saturday and wanted to head over to Hobby Lobby because she had a coupon. She made a copy for me so that I could use one too. 25% goes a long way when you're on a budget and trying to buy a house. (more on the house later) While at Hobby Lobby, I had a planning break through. I picked a centerpiece style, which is perfect for our wedding, and I decided on flowers for the bridesmaids to carry. Later on this week, I will break it down and show you what I am thinking. Plus, I will attempt to show you the DIY step-by-steps that go along with the project. =]

A Signature

I don't know about you, but I think smell is very important. I can remember the smell of my grandmother's house in TX from when I used to visit when I was a child. I love the way my grandmother smells because it reminds of all the fun times we've had; her signature scent has a white gardenia base. Makes me smile just thinking about it right now. :)

I love coming home after a long stay because it smells like home. I also love the smell of my room; air fresheners are the best! I try to pick a signature scent [vanilla] for the year, but definitely change it up for the Christmas season. Mmmm...cinnamon, nutmeg, peppermint, all spice...thinking off them makes me feel all warm inside. You too? Good!

I need to find my signature scent. If you've been following me on Twitter, then you know that this weekend I was asking for perfume recommendations. I all ready have two perfumes in my collection, and I love them dearly because I like to smell good. And, really, what girl doesn't?

The first perfume I got was Dolce and Gabbana's Light Blue as a Christmas gift. It is a great spring and summer seasonal mist, and I definitely break it out on the really nice, sunny days!

The second fragrance I bought for myself while on a cruise in the Caribbean [hello duty-free!]. It is Calvin Klein's Euphoria, and I love it for it's sensual feel. I use it during fall and winter and for the all-important date nights with Mr. GrapeJuice.

These are great seasonal scents, but I want something that is me. One that I feel comfortable wearing for all four seasons. [Go with me on this one.] I know it's out there; something that's delicate but warm. Basically, a little mixture of my two perfumes combined but with a pleasant smell. [Am I making sense?] I got several recommendations from people via Twitter - thanks, ladies! And, I'm kind of stuck on one given to me by Louise {The Thirty-Something Bride Wife} - Marc Jacobs Blush. The description I read says it has hints of honeysuckle, and that pretty much sold me. I've been obsessed with honeysuckle since I first ate it on the playground in Kindergarten!

So, please excuse me while I wait impatiently for a day when I can go search for this beauty in stores and am able to smell it!!

D&G perfume photo : Amazon

CK perfume photo : iVillage

MJ perfume photo : My-Hair-Tools

Golden Birthday on the Way!

Today is October 1st {in case you didn't all ready know that}!
Mr. GrapeJuice's birthday is October 22nd.
That means we currently have 21 more days until we celebrate!!!!!!

Last night, while he was at an interview {which we nicknamed a "winner-view" in hopes that we will get the job}, I slipped out to Opry Mills and headed straight to Fossil.
I picked up a little gift there for a cool $50!
The sales associate there was super helpful too and willing to deal with my picky tastes.

But, now, I'm pondering whether or not to get another gift for him.
He's a sports guy; no doubt!!
Any suggestions?
I do have some time to contemplate and purchase things.

He keeps saying that he wants to eat at Valentino's.
Would that be a sufficient second "gift?"

You're probably curious as to what a "golden" birthday is, too!
It's when you turn the age of your birthday.
For example, Mr. GrapeJuice will be 22 on October 22nd.
Some people call them grand birthdays, lucky birthdays, champagne birthdays, or star birthdays.
I can't wait to celebrate Mr. GrapeJuice's!
{which is why I don't mind spending a decent amount of money}

Silvery Wonders

I went to Belk's tonight with my family and found shoes!!!
I love shoes, as all girls do. :)
I slipped on a pair of shoes and immediately felt comfortable.
Like, my feet and these shoes were destined to meet somewhere along my life journey!
I told Mr. GrapeJuice they would make great wedding shoes.
{{anything to justify a purchase!}}

And...
if I happen to wear them before that...
on...
oh...
say...
the cruise in February...
then so be it!!
:)

Kenneth Cole Shoes
sale: $45.86//original: $79.00

super Duper SAVINGS!!!

I've started a new job {{as you well may know}} and I needed some new clothes. I bought a pair of capris and 2 shirts last weekend at Old Navy on sale. I thought I got them for a good deal...until I ventured to Kohl's this evening. If you didn't know, they were having a HUGE sale this weekend.

Here's a little recap of what I got {{and how much I saved}}:
Decorative Art - Original: $29.99//Sale: $14.99 [saved: $15.00]
Men's Knits - Original: $30.00//Sale: $6.00 [saved: $24.00]
Misses Tee - Original: $24.00//Sale: $4.80 [saved: $19.20]
Misses Knits - Original: $26.00//Sale: $2.60 [saved: $23.40]
Sonoma Sportswear - Original: $24.00//Sale: $4.80 [saved: $19.20]
Updated Separate - Original: $20.00//Sale: $4.00 [saved: $16.00]
Sonoma Sportswear - Original: $18.00//Sale: $3.60 [saved: $14.40]
Related Separate - Original: $42.00//Sale: $12.60 [saved: $29.40]
In total, I spent $53.39 {pre-sales tax}.
I saved $160.60 {pre-sales tax}.
I feel quite proud of myself!
:)

Today was AWESOME!!!!

Not only did I get my beautiful purse that I ordered on Friday during a back to school sale, but I got my teaching license for Tennessee.

I waited a mere 4 days for the purse that I have been coveting for a month, and it was like Christmas morning. I saw the UPS man walking up to the house and I ran for the door!! I wanted that purse...immediately. I tore the box open like my life depended on it and thought it was everything I wanted in a purse. Everything - as of right now - is perfectly organized in it and ::drum roll:: there's even room for a book!! Yes, I know. I'm one of those people who carries a book around with her, but you never know when you'll be waiting for someone and need something to do.

However, I waited two excruciating months to get my teaching license from TN. I sent in the paperwork back in the beginning of June, and every day since I have wondered if they had even gotten the paperwork at all. To make matters worse, I read on FMyLife.com about someone who called to see if their scholarship paperwork had been received. They lady told the person yes, but come to find out she wanted to leave for the day and didn't even take the time to look. In fact, they had not received the paperwork at all. After reading that, I fretted more about the possibility that perhaps the state had not received my paperwork at all. But, today I was pleasantly surprised when I saw an envelope in our mailbox from the state. The wait is over!! I now have a teaching license for TN.

Best day ever...so far this month. :)

Realization

I've come to the realization that I love all things involving bright colors. Why? I do not know. Perhaps because my closet is filled with drab monochromatic colors. But, then, I have to remind myself the black is a slimming color. You know I'm right.

But, at any rate, I've becomes obsessed with any color scheme involving blue, yellow, and green - which just happen to be my wedding colors. Maybe it's stemming from the fact that it's summer, but I love bright colors.

For instance, I'm totally nesting and desiring my own place, which I can't get until I am gainfully employed... But, nonetheless, does that stop me from looking for things for a house/apartment?? Of course not!! And, do the things I look at just happen to be in my wedding coloring scheme? maybe...

(source)

(source)

Should I be concerned? Or, just go with it? I mean, the pale yellow mixing bowl will match my pale yellow stand mixer. And, I think a splash of color in the bedroom is a good thing...

You're right...I'm obsessed. But, that's okay!! :)

Suzie Homemaker Yumminess

So, I just got back from spending some quality time with my best friend and maid of honor, MC, at the GH Mall. She was looking for shoes (boots, actually, if we're being honest) for a birthday gift to herself. I was on a mission to find a new purse. She got lucky and found EXACTLY what she was looking for on the first try. I, on the other hand, had absolutely no luck.

These are the boots that she found and that we both loved. They are brand new and she was the first to buy a pair!! What an awesome birthday present. She got them in Storm Grey (as pictured). When they go on sale in a couple of months, I totally plan on getting them in black.

(source)

Also, while MC was waiting for the sales lady to bring her the boots to try on, she and I found some lovely shoes for me. I would love to own these and will probably also purchase them when they go on sale in a couple of months. I'm so excited. The shoes are navy but don't appear to be in the picture...just so you know! :)

(source)

After purchasing the beautiful boots, MC and I went on a hunt for the perfect purse. About a month ago, I was in PA visiting family for a reunion. We were killing time in a mall and I found the perfect bag. However, it was $99...which happens to be a little out of my budget. Naturally, I thought it'd go on sale and I'd just get it later at another store. Wrong. I have not been able to find it anywhere. Apparently, it's an older style and the only place I can find it for a decent price is ebags.com. (Has anyone bought something from there before?) They have sales on Wednesdays and Sundays that make the price about $80 - including sales tax. Below is a picture of it and I have not been able to find anything remotely similar to it that I love as much as I do this bag. Your thoughts?

(source)

And, now, to tie in my blog title. I bet you were wondering when I was going to do that. Now I am! :D While with MC today, she handed me a recipe I has asked for earlier. It is for Peach Cobbler with Blueberry Muffin Crust. How yummy does that sound? I can't wait to make it. I've just got to do it soon before peaches are out of season. And, for your enjoyment, I am going to give you the recipe in this post. Lucky you! (Plus, this is for my benefit in case I lose the paper the recipe is written on. I'm forgetful like that.)

Peach Cobbler with Blueberry Muffin Crust
by MC the Maid of Honor

4 lbs peaches, peeled and sliced
3/4 c. sugar
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 c. butter

1. Toss together first 3 ingredients in a large bowl
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Add peach mixture to skillet; bring to a boil and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes
4. Spoon hot peach mixture into a lightly greased 13x9" baking dish
5. Spread Blueberry Muffin Batter (recipe below) over hot peach mixture evenly
6. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until crust is golden

Blueberry Muffin Batter
by: MC the Maid of Honor

2 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 c. milk
1/4 c. vegetable oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 c. fresh blueberries

1. Combine first four ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) in a large bowl; make a well in center
2. Stir together milk, vegetable oil, and egg; add to dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. DO NOT OVERMIX - some clumps are okay!
3. Gently fold in blueberries

Notes
- Use a wooden spoon - not an electric mixer - to prepare muffin batter
- A smaller baking dish works too; MC used an 8x8" and the juices spilled out the sides but it's fine if you put a baking sheet on the rack below the dish

My mouth is watering now after just typing the recipe up. I'm so going to store soon to get the ingredients that we don't all ready have in the house! Yum yum yum. :)

*~Sassy Bride~*