Hello Monday! Lets Do This!

 

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Is it just me, or did this weekend just fly by at warp speed? After a few short work weeks, due to the holidays, and then work travel last week, I rolled into the weekend ready for some rest.  

And, this weekend didn't disappoint.  Friday night, I got home from an out-of-town work trip and we decided to have a nice quiet night in.  I cooked a little dinner and caught up with my DVR and catching all the inauguration coverage.

Saturday morning, I woke up after nearly 9 hours of sleep, and spent the morning relaxing, watching a little more TV, and then cleaning the house.  I even squeezed in an afternoon nap, before we got ready and headed out to a late dinner with my brother and sis-in-law. 

Sunday morning was spent at church and then Sunday afternoon lunch at my in-laws.  I always love that time with my family, and it’s nice to catch up on life together.  We then headed to the grocery store and then home for another relaxing afternoon.  I took another nap, and then did a little work-prep for the week, and then relaxed the rest of the night. All and all it was a VERY relaxing weekend.  

So now it's Monday, and we're back in the swing of things.  However, after looking at this week’s schedule, I am excited to only have a few work meetings and only one night out with to volunteer with Junior League.  

So here is to a fun and relaxing week ahead.

Have a good one. 

Thanksgiving Weekend Recap

Thanksgiving 2016 did not disappoint. The past few days have been filled with family, friends, and lots of much needed rest.  We are officially ready for the holidays, and I've even begun picking up a few gifts too. 

Thanksgiving Day 
We kicked off the holiday weekend on Thursday morning by watching my all time favorite TV Show - The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I really love the first 30 minutes, before the floats get to Macy's, to watch all the Broadway show.  My favorite this year was Holiday Inn's Musical.

After the parade, I cooked two casseroles, got ready, and we headed to meet our family for lunch at my In-Laws house.  Thanksgiving lunch didn't disappoint, and we had a great time catching up and eating a delicious meal.

Family Christmas Photo

We made it home in time, to change into lounge clothes and get ready for my best friend Tiffany to come over to watch the first part of the Gilmore Girls Revival.  It was awesome hanging out with her, and her sweet friend Brooke, and we made it until 4:30 a.m. before we had to call it a night.

Friday
I woke up around 9:30 a.m. and relaxed and shopped Black Friday sales until Tiffany and Brooke got up and headed home.  Friday afternoon, mom and I headed out for a little Black Friday shopping and then I came home to relax and take it easy.

Saturday
Saturday morning, I got up and headed over to my parents house to help assist with a little clean up as they go through a major remodel project.  I got home around 4ish, took a shower, and then took a 2 hour nap.  I was back in bed by 11p.m. and slept another 9 hours.  I must have been tired.

Sunday
Sunday brought another day of relaxing.  I did do a little online shopping, and then ran to the store to pick up groceries for the week.  After that, I cooked dinner and relaxed the rest of the night catching up on Hallmark movies. 

All and all this long weekend was perfect and relaxing.  Its exactly what I needed to get me prepared for the Holiday Season.

Looking forward to the next few weeks, and all the fun and excitement that is ahead.

Weekend Must Dos.........

Its Monday, and its back to the craziness of the work week.    Saturdays and Sundays always fly by, and I really work hard to make sure I take time to rest and relax, but I also plan to do some house work and prep for the week ahead.  I find it helps our household run smoother throughout the week.

Here is a short checklist of things I try to accomplish each and EVERY weekend:

My Checklist for EVERY Weekend:

1. CLEAN HOUSE
I don't spring clean or deep clean our home every weekend, but I have developed a cleaning process that helps me get our house picked up and cleaned in an 1 to 2 hours each weekend. 

This process includes: 
 - Picking up the clutter that we have accumulated over the week  and put it back in its place.
 - Vacuum, dust, clean and mop the entire house.
 - Clean out my car, dust and vacuum my car, and run it through the car wash.
 - Laundry and layout clothes for the coming week.

2. MEAL PLAN and PREP

I spend about an hour meal planning every weekend.  I plan out what we are going to eat each day of the week, and make a grocery list.  Next I run to the grocery store and then come home a prep all of our fruit and vegetable snacks for the week.  Then on Sunday, I prep our lunch for Monday and layout food for Monday's dinner.  

This process includes: 

 - Make a meal plan for the week, and run to the store and pick up groceries.
 - Meal prep for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
 - Cook at least one BIG breakfast for Matt and I on the weekend. 

3. EXERCISE 

I really try to workout at least on day on Saturday or Sunday.  Some weekends I am able to work in two workouts.  Right now I am getting ready to kick off the 21 Day Fix Program again, and I can't wait for the great results from this program. 

4. BLOG PREP
 - Review blog calendar, and prep upcoming blog posts.

5. CAREER

- Review our team's Project Management Tool and get organized for the week ahead.

6. RELAX 

In the summer, I usually hit the pool at least one afternoon over the weekend.  I actually spend A LOT of time relaxing on the weekends.  The above tasks only take me a few hours, which means I have a lot of time to swim, hang out with family and friends, catch up on my DVR, read, and really relax. 

7. BIBLE STUDY
Last, but not least, I spend a little extra time in my daily bible study and prayer time.  I review my prayer list from the past week, and start a new list for the coming week.


Taking time to knock out these simple "To-Dos" on the weekend, really helps center me and bring balance to my life.  It also helps me find time to relax and enjoy time with family and friends too. 

What about you?  Is there anything you do to prepare and plan for the week ahead.

The Last 6 Weeks!

Hey Friends!!

Well its obvious that blogging has not been a priority in the past few months, and you know what, that's okay.  I have sat down a few times to write, and my mind has gone blank and I've been unsure on what to share.  However, today has been one of the first quiet days I've had in a really long time.  I have no plans, no where I need to be, and you know what - I am really good with that.

The past 6 weeks have been awesome, and to help me capture all that has been going on, here are a few pictures. 

 So 6 Weeks, we were dealing with our first big snow!!

This is a view from our backyard. 

 And, my car would not get into the driveway! 

Matt was able to get it in later that week!  LOL! 

 Front Yard & Neighborhood! Live'n in the country is tough sometimes.

 

My face after 2 hours of shoveling snow while Matt was at work.  GEEZ! 

 I kicked off this bible study and its AMAZING!!  

 Taking on this workout this year, and its been life changing.  

Love the results.  Down 30lbs. 

 I've been reading a lot this year, and finished this awesome book last month. 

So insightful and helpful. 

 We kicked off a groundhog day promotion at the museum, and I loved these little guys. 

 Do a little TV to promote the groundhogs  and the special promotion.

I also got the opportunity to speak at the Lowes Women Leadership Conference and had an incredible time. 

Love working with this amazing group of women. 

Leah and I headed to Nashville for a few meetings, and we had a little cheat meal at Hattie B's! 

 

I finished the Simplicity Challenge, and if you follow me on Instagram you kept up with these daily posts.  It was a lot of fun and great tips. 

 Lead Bristol is going great!  Here is our class at WCYB TV!

The group also visited the museum, and it was an honor to have them in the museum. 

Winter months are good snuggle nights with the boys.  

Yes, they are laying on top of me.  LOL!

 Its awards season - and that means time for the Advertising Awards. 

First up - NE TN Addys!  I was honored to go with two of my favs - Rob and Rhonda! 

 Our table! 

Took home 3 awards!!

 

Next week, we headed to the SW VA Addys!  

The theme - Pretty in Pink!

Another Saturday Night with these 2!!

 

And, we took home 2 more awards!

 

Finally, in my spare time I binged watched the new Fuller House. 

I really liked it, and so glad there is a Season 2. 

(And, yes its Cheesy.  But so was the original!)

And, this past week I created my own emoji! 

Ha!!  Its the simply things. 

Have a great weekend! 

December...........What a Month!!

This month has been...........CRAZY BUSY!!  I have been going non-stop since Thanksgiving and I simply LOVE IT. I thought it would be fun to do a recap post; however, WARNING....this is picture OVERLOAD! Enjoy!

We kicked off the month hosting a Casting Party for the Orthophonic Joy Film!
This project has been so much fun, and it was great to have many of the cast and our OJ friends at the party.

The next day we revealed the new BCM Display at the Bristol VA Welcome Center. 

Later that week we all posed for the staff picture for the New Year's Card.  

Can you guess our theme??

Later that same day, I headed over to Acuff Chapel to visit the film crew.  

Check out two of my favs Delnora and Carl. 

Group Photo 

Group Photo

After the film shoot I headed home, packed my bags, and headed to NYC to celebrate my B-Day!!

Times Square Selfie at 6:30 a.m. 

Eating at an authentic NYC Diner - The Red Flame

 

Next we headed to Top of the Rock to enjoy an early morning view of NYC!

Perfect way to start the day. 

So excited I got to go to NYC with my sweetie!!

This view is simply amazing!!

The TODAY SHOW!!
Had to get this sign because it had my birth date on it.  LOL! 

THE TREE!!

Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center

 Then we headed across the street to take in the beauty of St. Patrick's Cathedral

The Nativity at St. Patrick's 

 Next we headed to Central Park, and it did not dissapoint.

Skating in Central Park 

After Central Park we hopped on a bus and road downtown!

We stopped at Macy's and the Christmas decorations were spectacular!

Next we headed to lunch and then dessert at Max Brenner's!

After lunch, we visited to 9/11 Memorial, and it was so moving.
Just walking up to the fountains I felt so much emotion.  

This fountain and entire memorial is incredible. 

Then we strolled down to Battery Park to view the Statue of Liberty

We ended our visit with a little Broadway Show, that was AMAZING!

I got back home in time for a BIG presentation to the Community!!

After the presentation I was excited to get home and begin enjoying the holidays. 

Check out the Davis Boys!!

I volunteered at a Benefit Concert!  Check out one of my fav. local bands - Bill and the Belles! 

The next week, I had LEAD BRISTOL! I simply love this program, and my fellow classmates are amazing!

We also got a chance to catch several of our dear friends be in their church Christmas play.
Sometimes I love being back at our old church.  We have so many great memories there. 

And, then Matt and I headed to Speedway in Lights with these two crazy people for a little Christmas fun!

Love celebrating Christmas this my hubby!!
Last year we rushed through Christmas because we were in the midst of a move, so this year we have really soaked it up and really enjoyed the season. 

Of course, what's Christmas without Christmas movies!! We got to watch all of holiday favorites.

And, somehow in the midst of everything we were able to get ADELE Tickets!!! WOOHOO!!

The weekend before Christmas, I was able to get all the presents wrapped and finally got a chance to relax and enjoy the season!

After Christmas, my sweet Sis-In-Law invited me to the Barter to see Miracle on 34th Street!

So blessed by her friendship, and so honored I get to call her family! 

Yes, December has been CRAZY!  And, it just makes me excited for all the fun and excitement that 2016 holds!