Present Makes Perfect

{This "inspirational thought catalog" was given to me as a parting gift from 

ServiceMaster by a very sweet lady who loves office supplies as much as I do. 

It will always be on my desk, no matter where my desk is.}

Lately, I've been feeling like I'm burning the candle at both ends. Between my full-time job as Assistant Editor for MBQ and a Contributing Editor for MM, I've taken on freelance opportunities for the WMU, still doing social media here and there (not a full campaign but something) for Cordova Vision Center, and most recently, sharing Nerium as a side business (a very lucrative one at that! shameless plug that I just got promoted to a Director after only 40 days!). 

All of this still falls under the category of work, too. Then there's my family, my boyfriend, my friends, my social life, and of course, my relationship and walk with the Lord which I've actively been trying to strengthen through reading I Am A Church Member and consistently tithing for the first time in my life. OH, and being a Tone It Up gal, I've newly started making nearly all my own meals (for 5 small meals a day.. hello food-prep time) and working out more consistently. 

By the end of day, and especially the week, I tend to be an exhausted mess. I'm not a perfectionist by any means, but I do have a certain sense of "if I'm going to do it, I'm not going to do it halfway." This leads to the original sentiment of burning the candle at both ends. I've always been ambitious and anyone who knows me, knows that the best way to get me to succeed is to tell me I can't do something. Then my inner diva puffs up and says yells "watch me!"(very much a la Lorrie Morgan).

This morning I was chatting with JT about future opportunities and goals he has, and specific ones I have for my future. Then we always start talking about our future and dreams, hopes, and wants (anything is fair game from ideal houses and neighborhoods to jobs to church life and "extras" such as boats, cars, etc). This morning in particular, we both said wait a second. It's great that we're both so very motivated both individually and together, but we need to take a time out and start recognizing how great our current stage of life is.

This sounds cliche, but we both have very charmed lives and often take them for granted. I get the opportunity to live at home with my parents, something I cherish. I made my mom breakfast this morning before her big meeting because I wanted to, and was able to. Things like that are a rarity and won't always be possible in every stage of my life. I have a fabulous relationship with my sister that has grown tremendously (unfortunately due to JT working 24-hour Sunday shifts) and I tend to spend the whole day Sunday with her. I carpool with my dad to work out in the morning, and I even have a business with my mom now too (shout out Nerium). 

JT has the opportunity to work for Stryker, and pick up shifts at Jason's Deli making bank in tips and working overtime hours, possibly shadow career mentors, and network. He also bowls with friends weekly, comes to some of my Nerium meetings and helps me, makes time for date nights, visits with Granny and Dee before his morning work outs due to his schedule and is the godfather to a precious baby boy. 

Most of these things wouldn't be possible if we had gotten what we originally wanted. If I made more money, I might not live at home and spend the time growing these relationships. If JT worked normal hours, he wouldn't have time to network or make extra money on the side just because he can. 

We made the decision to keep each other accountable to enjoying the present and not always wishing it away for the next stage of life. Because both of us will tell you, the here and now is pretty darn great. Exhaustion and all. (Ironically, Emily Maynard wrote about the same topic today too. God works in mysterious ways, I tell you.)

The Eyes Have It

This time of year, these last few weeks particularly, I've been running in a million different directions. Don't get me wrong, I love fall, but the transition from relaxing summer to busy autumn has always been a tough one to master. 

With no rest for the weary in sight, and my first event for MBQ as project coordinator (and still assistant editor of the publication), I've been tasked with creating a phenomenal breakfast event for Memphis big-wigs in my spare time (which hasn't been much).

My hectic schedule wouldn't bother me so much if the signs of it weren't starting to show up... on my face in the form of dark circles and less-than-sparkling eyes. Not cute; especially when you'll be greeting the equivalent of Memphis dignitaries while making sure table linens are pressed, table arrangements are on mark, and the script and program run smoothly.

Thankfully, I have a few secret weapons to help stave off unwanted puffiness, dark shadows, and lackluster ojos. I give you my magic potions.

 

Save: Roc Retinol Correction Eye Cream $20

*I use this as part of my nightly regimen, but usually only every few nights since it's strong and I have uber sensitive skin. Can be found at you neighborhood Walgreens, Utla and the like. P.S. this stuff will last you for.ev.er. A little goes a long way and I still have a nearly full bottle after a year.

Splurge (on the real deal): La Mer Eye Balm Intense $185

*Thankfully my dearest Merebear got me samples from Nordstrom because the real deal would have beyond broken my piggy bank. Although, I'm running out and considering asking for it for Christmas/my bday. This stuff is that good. It's gentle enough to use day and night even on my sensitive skin, and seriously helps with the puffiness.

These weapons + some gold shimmer shadow (try "half baked" or "snakebite" in this lil lifesaver) + Maybelline Great Lash Mascara + a matte red lip (my new favorite is MAC Retro Matte in Dangerous) = my go to look these days. 

Easy way to look polished, on trend, and best of all...awake.

{case and point: last night's Flyer party with Sara}

  

Cheers to the Amurica Photo Booth and looking rested when there's no rest in sight.

Memphis in May happenings

Soo0oO0o0ooOo much has happened in the month of May that I figured I'd bring everyone up to speed before diving head first into June (and summer in general) Here we go...

This (not so) little (anymore) one graduated from high school and is getting ready to head south to Mississippi State in the Fall. Seriously can't believe she's 18/old enough to graduate/go to college/live alone/need sorority recs/be older than about 4-years-old. Our beautiful wheata woo is growing up!

The Thursday before her graduation I attended my very first Memphis BBQ fest and (was able to check off one of my bucket list items) met my main main Quincy Pondexter/QPon. Life=made.

Over Memorial Day weekend me and my besties took a trip to Pawley's Island, South Carolina. It was fabulous despite the hours of traveling and intensely severe sunburns we all acquired as a result of being overzealous about summer. 

Rounded out the month my celebrating the wonderful birthdays of my Nannie/aunt/wheat woo's mama and my 89-year old Papaw. 

Among other things, JT had sinus surgery (which I affectionately call "schnoz surgery"), we saw The Great Gatsby (wearing my "I Party With Gatsby" tank), watched the Grizzlies make it to the Western Conference Championship (only to be swept by the stupid Spurs, blah), and wrote a handful of articles for work.

June happenings to come on the blog:
-Italian Fest/Randy Houser
-take JT to Bham/ Arab, Ala. for Luke and Barbara Jane's wedding
-Family beach trip

 looks like this summer 

is gonna be one for the books

Perfect Present

Looking for a gift as the holiday season is fast approaching? What about a year subscription for Memphis Magazine/MBQ + Special of "Dining in with Memphis" for $15, I mean, c'mon, it really is the gift that keeps on giving (I've already purchased 4 subscriptions for family members and they were seriously stoked when I told them.. yes, I told them already because I was that excited about it).