There's something about coming home to a freshly made bed.  I have been trying to make my bed before I leave for work every morning.  I know, MOM, I am 24 years old.  I should be in the habit of making my bed everyday, but I am not a morning person, and I have a 20- minute commute to work.  Most days, I barely get out the door with dry hair.   

 

For some reason, when my bed is made, I am more apt to stay more organized.  Since I have been on this kick, my apartment has been much cleaner.  After looking at some inspiring photos and reading this and this, I was ready to try for myself.  

Ta-Da!  I still need some colorful pillows and a bedskirt, but the bed looks better than ever.  The best part is, since I tucked my comforter under my mattress, making the bed was a piece of cake the next morning.  Now, if only I shared the same enthusiasm for washing the dishes...

.....Must Have.....

If you're a girl frequenting the wedding circuit (which is practically every girl in her 20s and 30s), you know how many occasions call for a new cocktail dress.  Whether an engagement party, a wedding, a bridal shower, a bachelorette party, you always seem to be looking for new dress.  On the same token, if you're a girl in her 20s like me, you're not on a "buy a dress a month" budget.  A few months ago I wore this dress to my friend Hanna's wedding.  

To date, this dress is one of my all time favorite purchases.  For those of you who have never heard of a convertible dress, it's 12 dresses in one.   Thanks to the extra few yards of built in fabric, you can wear the dress a ton of different ways.  My particular dress is by Von Vonni, but several designers offer them.

Mossimo for Target

Twist

Two Birds

So, the next time a friend announces her engagement, save time and money by snagging a convertible dress.  Who says you can't wear the same dress two times, even twelve times?  You can have your wedding cake and eat it too!

.....Must Hear.....


"Mango Tree" Angus & Julia Stone

I spent this past weekend with family in upstate New York.  My Aunt Connie finally married her longtime beau, Mike (Uncle Mike, now)!  We stayed in log cabins overlooking beautiful Lake George.  The autumn colors were breathtaking. Pictures do not do them justice. 

Aunt Connie and Uncle Mike's relationship is a true testament to the power of healing, hope, and happily ever after.  The paths that led them to one another were by no means easy ones, but they were given a second chance at love.  Connie and Mike have extremely huge hearts, and they are deserving of all the happiness in the world.  I am so glad they found each other.  With the blessings and support of their children and family, Connie and Mike tied the knot at noon in a quaint stone chapel.

 My mother is one of six, so as you can imagine, it is very rare that all children, grandchildren and grandparents can be together at the same time.  That being said, after the ceremony, we had a photographer take family photos.  

That night, all of Connie and Mike's friends celebrated the newlyweds' nuptials at the Glens Falls Country Club.  From the jazz band to the mini wedding cakes, it was quite a memorable evening.  

I have considered Mike and his two daughters, Stephanie and Danielle, family for quite some time, but now it is official!  I am thrilled to have a new uncle and 2 more cousins. They really are wonderful additions to the family.  Congratulations Aunt Connie and Uncle Mike!  We love you!

Happy Birthday, Jessica

Wishing a very Happy 23rd Birthday to Jessica.  I love you!

From Capital to Capital

What a weekend! Will and I headed from North Carolina's capital to Virginia's capital to visit Jessica.  Jessica turns 23 on Thursday so it was important to me to be able to celebrate with her in Richmond, albeit a few days early.  On Saturday, we woke up and had brunch in the sun at The Water Grill.  Everything sounded so delicious, I changed my order twice!

It was a gorgeous day and I was so excited for the next activity on our itinerary: a trip to the zoo!  One of the highlights of the Richmond Zoo is that patrons get to feed the giraffes.  We spent nearly half of our time with the giraffes and it was such a memorable experience!

Giraffes weren't the only attraction this zoo had to offer.  There were chimpanzees, rhinos, penguins, and 500 pound Galapagos Tortoises.   A smaller petting area offered llamas, goats and sheep.  One llama in particular loved visitors and when I bent down to pet him, he started kissing my cheek.  I posed for a picture and, as you can see, not all animals were as friendly as the llama.  The billy goat in the picture is quite literally pulling my hair out.  Ouch!

On Saturday night we went out for dinner then headed to Sine for drinks.  There was a live band and it was the perfect sendoff.  Thank you Jon and Jessica for hosting us.  Can't wait to visit again soon!

PurpleStride 2011

Last night, I was saddened to hear that Steve Jobs lost his battle to pancreatic cancer.  To say Jobs was an influencial man would be an understatement.  He was a genius, a visionary, an accomplished businessman, a husband and a father.   Last October, my father lost his battle to this horrible disease, and like Jobs, it was a life cut short.

Since 2009, my friends and family have competed in PurpleStride, a 5k race aimed at raising funds and awareness for this awful disease.  I am asking you to please make a donation to our team, Team Pauli's Girls.  No amount is too small!  Thank you in advance for your support.

Donate here

Columbia Weekend

I had a great time visiting my college roommates, Bethany and Lauren, in Columbia, SC this weekend.   If our fourth roommate were in town this weekend (we missed you Blanche!), it would have been a replica of our senior year in Apartment 110B at Wofford!  It was the first "fall" day, the perfect weather for a tailgate.  A large percentage of Wofford grads live in Columbia, so it was practically a Mini-Homecoming.  Despite the upset for Carolina,  I had a wonderful time, and I can't wait to visit again.

 

.....Must Have..... 

 I remember buying a bottle of Van Cleef & Arpels perfume when I was 16 only to keep it on my vanity for 2 years.  The bottle was so pretty, and the scent was so exquisite.  I knew once I ran out, I most likely would need to reevaluate my financial priorities in order to afford another bottle. Thankfully, Mor Cosmetics has found a way to capture those fabulous scents in their line of elegantly crafted lotions, soaps and candles.  What's best, no more buyer's remorse!   

 

 

 

After you have applied the last layer of your Peach Nectar lip balm, you can throw a few dollars in the stylish canister and head to the department store.  Finally, fragrance that is affordable and adorable.  Can a girl ask for anything Mor?  

.....Must Hear.....

"Walking on a Dream" Empire of the Sun