Friday Favorites [2.20.15]

Hi! I hope you're all doing super well on this Friday! I'm glad it's the end of the week. Also, it's a month til my birthday - plan accordingly.

(I like puppies and cowboy boots.)

1. Amazing Oscar Dates That Time Forgot

Favorite? SJP, always. 

And RDJ? Yes please. (nice green ascot!)

The 87th Annual Academy Awards are Sunday, and catching up on odd couples seems to be an appropriate way to get pumped up for the festivities!

2. This Love Story

By now, you should all know that I love me a good love story..and this one, whew.. :)

Shaylyn Nelson (blogger/photographer at http://www.soshayblog.com) captured this photo session of her grandparents, who have been married for 63 years! And I'm going to share Shaylyn's heart with you guys, because I think it's so important:

 This is simply a reminder to the world from the lens of a granddaughter who adores her grandparents and the love they share. I want to put hope and the true meaning of marriage back into the beating hearts around the globe. We are living, breathing and experiencing a world of instant gratification and noncommittal tendencies. We are so wrapped up in seeing the “instant-polariod pictures”, and not the huge hand-painted masterpiece of marriage that takes time, patience, passion, attention to detail, and hard work. What happened to being together forever? Why does our world look down on marriage so much now? It breaks my heart and even though I am ONE person…I have felt called to somehow, someway make a change. Nobody is perfect, but LOVE…LOVE is why we are here. Love is real, it’s unique for everyone and it has the power to change our world if we let it.

Marriage should be forever. It’s finding that person you pick to love and yet, drive you crazy, day in and day out. It’s more than color schemes, gorgeous gowns, perfectly crafted tables capes, and the perfect shoes. It’s growing old, hand in hand, wrinkle after wrinkle. It’s taking two heartbeats and working together to make one. It’s letting love win, always, no matter what.

Whomever is reading this…This right here is my heart. This right here is the most important thing I have ever been a part of and put together. As you read this, I am over here behind the scenes pouring out blood, sweat and tears into this passion project. I’m calling it Love, The Nelsons Project. I’m ready to show lovers around the world that true love still exists. There are so many love stories that we don’t know of out there waiting to be shared. The hard ones, big ones, small ones, beautiful ones, and stories that can change our lives and the way we view marriage. This is my pledge and my mission to find these stories and to document them over the course of the next year.

I want to put together something truly special…so here it goes! My goal is to compile a book of old love stories and that’s where I am asking for your help. I will travel to these couples, sit down and listen to their stories, interview them, and will photograph them together. Do you know of someone who has a love story that is worth knowing about? One that is worth sharing with the world to inspire, and that will help instill the true value and purpose of marriage back into our lives? The sky is the limit here! If I can impact one…just ONE marriage, ONE woman or man who are seeking their forever…my mission in life will be fulfilled. Help me tell these stories. Please e-mail me at hello@lovethenelsons.com and put “LTN Project- Old Love” in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you!

There is so much more that I want to share here in this space, but please follow along my journey on instagram at @shalynnelson. Our hashtag will be #lovethenelsonsproject #oldlovebook

My grandparents have been married for 63 years. My Papaw planted a rose bush outside of their bedroom window when they built their house. He has always said, “Billie Wanda is the rose of my life…But it does have a few thorns here and there…”, which is the reason he’s holding a bushel of roses in some of the photos… :)

And to end this post, I’ll quote my Papaw…

“Walking through life together, but the trail’s getting short.”

Any information you need on the project? Find it: HERE and HERE!

3. This:

Or nah?

4. Big Bang Theory

I honestly don't think I could get bored of BBT. I remember sitting in "the boys apartment" in college and watching it for HOURS with my friends. And every time Howard opens his mouth, I still think of Garrett. (hi Gare!) 

I miss those times.

And since my lovely friend AB lent me all the seasons, I'm getting to relive those memories - and my favorite scene came on the other night:

Gets me EVERY TIME.

Sheldon Cooper has a direct line to my funny bone.

5. And..date night :)

Boyfriend man and I went to Uno's.

(Uno's is my love language.

And Rodeo Goat. Rodeo Goat is my love language.)

And we saw "Kingsman" - which, I may review in the next few days, so stay tuned!

It was a good night :)

- C

Wednesday Weekday Update. [2-18-15]

THANKFUL FOR: I'm very thankful this week for a job that allows me to work out on the job. I get to add a bit of cross training into my life AND get paid doing it! It's the most wonderful perk.

Me before our Valentine's ride last week! It looks super fun, right?

YOU SHOULD ALL COME.

EATING: I've been eating mac and cheese like it's my job this week. (p.s. if anyone is ever hiring for that job, you have to let me know! I'm super qualified!) And little Cuties oranges. I've always been little obsessed with Cuties oranges (because they're super delicious), but the last week or two I've been buying bag after bag. If I go broke, it'll probably be because I bought too many Cuties. Or mac and cheese.

LISTENING TO: Diana Krall's new album, "Wallflower". My favorite is her cover of the Eagle's hit, "Desperado" - but the whole album is fantastic! If you're looking for something relaxing and beautiful, please listen.

I also have a big ol' girl crush on her hair. I love messy waves. 

FEELING: Sleepy - and my poor little feet hurt. I'm getting used to standing a lot more for work, and my shoes really don't have a lot of cushion, unfortunately. But, thankfully I had some time to stop by Academy after work and picked up (by suggestion of a coworker) a pair of Nike Frees! 

And to my new Frees, I say:

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THINKING ABOUT: Naps. I think I always think about naps. After my update, I'm totally taking a nap. And then Valentine's date with the boy..so I'm thinking about that too :)

WATCHING:  Thanks to my wonderful friend, Amanda - I have been given seasons 1-7 of the Big Bang Theory! It's like being friends with Netflix. Which I'm sure would be the most incredible thing. Can I be best friends with Netflix? Anyone? Get back to me.

And I've been watching Taylor Swift's new video for "Style". 

It's pretty much everything I wanted in a video. And every time, I wonder if that boys eyes are really two colors. 

READING:  I'm still reading "The Age of Miracles". I'm a little behind on my reading, but that's mostly because I want to be best friends with Netflix.

Other noteworthy things to read:

- J.K. Rowling is the classiest.
- Finding out which 2015 Academy Award nominee that you are - and that's totally noteworthy because I got Emma Stone #girlcrush
- 10 Burning NFL Questions that we all wanna know. Okay, maybe just me.
- And Stars at Fashion Week 2015 from Us Weekly.

LOVING: Well, besides my Frees and Cuties, I'm loving the sunshine lately! All of my runs just feel so much better with the colder weather and sunshine. I kind of wish that Texas would never get hot, but stay 60 degrees and all kinds of bright and sunshine-y. 

Hope you're having a great week so far!

C

A Valentine's Post.

I hope you all had a fantastic Valentine's Day! I didn't get the chance to hang with the boy for Valentine's Day (boo work!), but I got to spend the day with some of my favorite people! Lucky me!

The first part of the day started with 14 miles and this girl:

Yes, you heard that right - fourteen! We're currently training for an April marathon, and we did Dara's first fourteen miler. It was a great start to the day (minus being totally worn out), and Dara did a fantastic job! You are so awesome girl!

The second part of the day was seeing "Charlotte's Web" with the three littles and my parents! Every year my parents bring the kiddos up to my neck of the woods, and we see a children's play for the two older ones birthday.

Princess R got a cool light up butterfly! 

Doesn't she look darling? :)

Baby S got a new dress on the way up to my house! 

The kiddos and grandma!

Daddy, baby S and I.

The small goofball and his light up spider!

Baby S did not make it all the way through the play - so sweet!

S Man and Princess R got to meet some of the characters and got autographs.

 S Man and Wilbur! 

S Man  with the sheep. They're both "baaaa"-ing. It was cute!

S Man and Templeton, the rat.

Waiting in line and this is Princess R's "scary" face!

Grandma's "scary" face. Clearly she doesn't think I'm as funny as I really am.

And S Man's "scary face"..waiting in line for autographs made us go crazy - apparently!

And finally - with Charlotte! 

The final part of my Valentine's consisted of a sleepover with one of my favorite people, AB! We've been friends since freshman year when we pledged the same sorority together. 

She's the best.

I didn't get to spend Valentine's Day with the boy, but yesterday I went to check on him (he's sick..booo!) and we exchanged Valentine's gifts.

I've been talking about getting a bulldog puppy for..ever - and we decided it probably isn't a good idea to get a dog right now, but man friend is still the sweetest and bought me a stuffed puppy :) His name is Winston and he has the grumpiest/cutest little face!

It was a great day two days!

There's so much love in my life, and I'm very thankful.

Sending out all kinds of love,

C

Monday's Mixtape [2.16.15] and #SNL40!

It's the start of another week, and I'm sure you all are still on a sugar high..I know I am! I thought I'd do a few songs this morning to get your booty shaken' and your feet moving on this Monday morning!

1. Feel Again - OneRepublic

The chorus of this song just makes me want to jump around!

2. Punch Drunk Recreation - Jesse McCartney

There are many, many songs I could put down for Jesse - but this one caught my eye..ear? 

Jesse sounds a tad bit like JT, so maybe that's the draw? 

Either way, I love me some Jesse McCartney.

3. Sugar - Maroon 5

I love this video - so cute!

4. Damn Girl - Justin Timberlake

Had to go a little old school for this one, but Justin's always classic.

5. I Like It - Enrique Iglesias

Out of left field? Kind of. Go ahead and try not to turn it up though..

Go ahead..try :)

+/+/+

Also: We also HAVE to talk about last nights SNL 40 years celebration! 

If you didn't watch, you totally missed out!

Good thing I'll recap the good parts for you! You're so lucky.

1. Wayne's World = obviously.

Party time. Excellent.

2. Bill Murray sang the "Love Theme from Jaws".

He's the 8th wonder of the world.

[via]

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3. Melissa McCarthy as Matt Foley, motivational speaker - her tribute to the GREAT Chris Farley was on point! 

(I miss Chris Farley..I need a "Tommy Boy" movie night asap!)

4. Maya Rudolph as Beyonce = girl crush.

[via]

5. Peyton looked especially dapper!

6. And it really doesn't get better than these two rapping about the last 40 years!

It was all of my favorite funny people in one room, and

I totally look forward to the next 40 years!

- C

Friday Favorites: Valentine's Edition.

I'm going to share a little bit of love - in the only way I know 

how..by sharing my favorite love songs, movies and quotes. That should get you in the mood 

for all things L-O-V-E, right?

1. More than Anyone - Gavin Degraw

I remember sitting in my room as a freshman in high school, listening to this song on repeat. It holds a very special place in my heart - and I don't think I'll ever get sick of it.

2. The Luckiest - Ben Folds Five

I am totally late in loving this song. I remember people talking about it when it first came out, and it's pretty much a staple wedding song - but it wasn't until the movie "About Time" came out that I really fell for it. It's just too sweet not to love.

3. Your Smiling Face - James Taylor

If I ever compile a list of favorite songs (which I'm sure I will at some point) and James Taylor isn't on the list - you'll know I've gone crazy!

I LOVE JAMES TAYLOR.

And when I finally (after 24 years of living) got to see him last summer, and saw this song live, I pretty much can die a happy girl :)

4. True Companion - Mark Cohn

This song. I don't think I have words to describe this song, but certain people know this song and why I chose it. Love you guys.

5. Run - George Strait

No love song list is complete without the king of country! 

And this song is my absolute favorite.

6. A Drop in the Ocean - Ron Pope

"But I'm holding you closer than most, cause you are my heaven.."

Or favorite movies about love..but love stories sounds better :)

1. You've Got Mail

Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are the quintessential romantic movie couple..and I don't think I'll ever not be in love with this movie!

2. Music and Lyrics

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This is my feel good movie - and I'm 150% sure it did not get the credit it deserved!

 If I'm ever having a terrible day, like nothing is going right kind of day - this is what I turn on. Drew and Hugh will make you laugh, cry and smile throughout the whole thing! It really is just that good!

3. The First Time

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I stumbled upon this movie after falling for Dylan O'Brien's character on "Teen Wolf" (yes. I admitted that publicly. It's a GOOD show!). And it's ever bit a cliche teen love story, but it's every bit as real and wonderful as falling in love for the first time is.

You're welcome in advance for this recommendation. 

4. Titanic

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Yup. I said it. I love it. The end.

5. About Time

I was so incredibly surprised at how much I loved this movie - if you haven't seen it, please go rent/buy/secretly download it off the internet. It's quirky, sad, sweet, and a good time. You'll laugh and you'll cry..which is always the makings of a quality movie!

1. 

"I could start fires with what I feel for you." - David Ramirez

2. 

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And in the movie "Hook" - Julia Roberts (Tinkerbell) 

says it to Robin Williams (Peter Pan), I cry every time. 

"That's where I'll be waiting.."

3.

"I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once." - John Green

4.

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5. 

"Be on guard. 

Stand firm in the faith. 

Be courageous. 

Be strong. 

Do everything in love." 

- 1st Corinthians 16:13-14

And so I hope on this Valentine's Day (and every day for that matter), that you do everything in love. That you always remember that you are loved and you were put on this world to be love.

And you definitely don't have to be in love or in a relationship for that to happen.

<3

C

Wednesday Weekday Update [2.11.15]

THANKFUL FOR: This morning I'm incredibly grateful for the ability to send photos to someone else via Shutterfly! If you haven't used Shutterfly before, I definitely recommend them. My grandma lives in another state, and I was able to send her 10 or so 4x6 prints she's been wanting for under $5! It's fast, easy, and super convenient. 

Just a picture of my cute little grandma, momma and sister! 

So many wonderful women in my life.

EATING: I bought three little things of oatmeal the other day and I'm finally eating one. It's Quaker Real Medleys Summer Berry Oatmeal. I'm usually not a huge fan of oatmeal - even though sometimes I eat it on race day - but this stuff is fairly good. Sweet without being overly sweet. And it should counteract the two Oatmeal Cream Pies I ate last night.. thank you roommate ;)

LISTENING TO: With my job being what it is (a spin gym - so fun!), I hear a lot of different kind of tracks. A lot of them are dance material. But the other night I took a class at work, and she ended on "Fix You" by Coldplay while we were stretching. 

And it reminded me of how much I like that song - it's my favorite Coldplay, but then it also reminded me of a version of Coldplay's song "The Scientist" that Willie Nelson did. And, you're welcome. That's all I have to say about that. You are welcome.

FEELING: I'm still recovering/trying to recover from being sick, so surprisingly - I still feel tired. It's so miserable being sick and tired. I'm hoping a walk outside in the sunshine later will help!

THINKING ABOUT: The walk I'm having later, what kind of house I want to move to (a warm one!), this headache that I have, and about this weekend! I'm ready for a good weekend :) 

WATCHING:  A LOT of Gilmore Girls. But this morning is reserved for catching up on Pretty Little Liars and the Walking Dead! 

[via]

READING:  I started "The Age of Miracles" by Karen Thompson Walker this week. I'm not going to give anything away because I'll definitely be reviewing it - but I'm already hooked!

LOVING: All of the fun pictures from my best friends wedding that were put up this week! Check out some of my favorites:

P.s. I love you best friend!

*all images via Shalista Photography*

The photographer did an amazing job and the snow made the pictures so much more magical..although, I was FREEZING. My thin Texas blood just didn't even wanna. But I definitely want to relive that weekend again! SO much fun.

Hope you're having a great week so far!

C