Friday, August 31, 2012

Happy Birthday to my little fur ball!

 This is Tucker! He is my Yorkie/Chihuahua mix. And it's his 3rd Birthday today!

Here are a few pictures of his life thus far....
 

He loves to snuggle, give kisses and for you to scratch his ears. He is a pretty darn good puppy and I love him. I think I will take him to Petsmart to pick out some new toys & treats. He deserves it!

Happy Birthday bug! Momma loves you :)

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Extended River Weekend-SOLD!

Today is my Friday. 
And it's a holiday weekend. 
And I am going to spend the entire 4 days at the river.

CAN.
NOT.
WAIT.

Well I guess I will have to wait until the clock strikes 5 and I can get outta here. But I am super pumped. My longest known bestie is getting married in October and for her & her husband's combined bachelor/ette parties, we are headed to the river for the weekend. A house full of crazy, fun people is what I am in store for.

For those of you who have never floated the river, shame on you. Here is a glimpse into what one might experience while floating:

 
Fun, friends booze. Just the way I like it!

So we rented out a house, are floating the river and taking a trip to Gruene Hall (Texas' oldest dance hall) to see a concert and do a little two-stepping. 
Talk about a great Texas weekend get-a-way. 

Anyone else have some really great plans for the holiday weekend?

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

How to be a princess {a guide to Prince Harry's heart}

Happy Happy Tuesday. What an uneventful day. The only thing I find wonderful about Tuesday is that it is not Monday. 
But never the less, we all have to get through it. Like my friend Shelly here:
Somehow this lucky gal has to try and get through this week knowing that it ends with 7 days in London.
LONDON people!
Can we say super jealous?

Well we wanted to make sure she was prepared for a run in with Prince Harry. She could meet him, fall in love with that spicy ginger and snap, just like that, become a princess.

Crazier things have happened, right?

So how does one come up with the guide to be a princess. GOOGLE of course. Well here is what we found out should you as well come in contact with Prince Harry.

How to be a Princess in 10 Easy Steps

1) Be gracious, polite and patient. You always want to hear what everyone you meet has to say. Your manners and innate sense of refinement are what separate you from 'new money'

2) Dress elegantly and with refinement. Quite self-evident. Nothing tacky, overly revealing or inappropriate. Hats, pastels and family jewels are all good. Pick a local designer and champion them. Shop ethically.

3) Be well groomed. Daily hygiene is a must, but there is no need to be a little madam and deal damage to your credit card like a bull in a china shop. Just find some great handmade cosmetics and let nature make you as beautiful as you are.

4) Act like a lady. Always be a lady. This means sitting up straight and walking tall. It means using decorum and respecting yourself.

5) Hold elegant dinner parties. Everybody likes a well-hosted dinner party with a kind and gracious host. Besides, you'll probably get flowers and gifts and every princess likes that.

6) Refrain from raising your voice and yelling at people.

7) Be kind to people and animals around you at all times.

8) Don't laugh loudly and a lot. If you laugh a lot they'll think that you're dumb. Also make sure your laugh fits into the "dainty" category and not the "disgusting" one.

9) Don't be very excited about a certain thing. This makes you seem immature and stupid. A princess must always stay calm in any situation.

10) Keep food or drink, briefcases or files in your left hand. Keep your right hand free for handshakes while circulating at a party or social gathering -- whether hostess or guest, the people, not the food or drink, should be your main focus.

So that's it. That's the list. What do you think? Could you be a princess? I think we have a little more refinement to do with Shelly before she heads out, but I cannot wait to say I know royalty :)

~Cheerio ~

Monday, August 27, 2012

Weekend Update

Hello love muffins!
I hope you all had a great weekend. I know I did! And you are about to hear alllll about it, so I hope you are ready :)
It was just a really great, fun, friend filled, laughs & smiles kinda weekend. Exactly what I needed.
Friday:
Happy Hour has not been in my life for a while. We have just been on a stand still. So when my friend Nicole came in town, it was the perfect time to reunite again :)
Saturday:
Remember when I went to DC to visit my friend Coleman?
If not read here, here & here.
Well he also was in town this weekend and we decided to live it up in Fort Worth.
We started at the Rahr & Son's Brewery which I fell in love with. It was a steal of a deal. $10 for a Rahr Brewery Pint Glass and 3 pints of different beers of your choosing. There was also a food truck, live music and the atmosphere was so relax & chill I could have sat there all day but they close at 3 PM and we had to leave :(

After that we went to the Fort Worth Stock Yards where we walked around, grabbed a drink or two at The Love Shack and saw a cattle drive!
After a little time in the Stockyards, we left to meet up with our friends at Chimy's where we spent the rest of the night. It was super fun!
That was a loooong day, 12 straight hours fun was had. Party pants had to be on to keep up all day & night!

Sunday:
I felt like death the next morning and the only cure? BRUNCH! We tried this new place called Bonnie Ruth's and it is my new favorite place! It was so cute & fancy feeling. Just up my ally, haha. But the food was amazing and the company was even better :)

Well that's all folks! Have a great week. Any good plans for the Holiday Weekend?

Toodles!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Lets play a little game I like to call "Catch Up!"

So I have been totally MIA recently. But ya tend to get busy when you are out for a week and everything gets put on hold. 

As in MY LIFE!

So as I traveled all last week for work, there was a lot to come back to. Lots of loose ends to pick back up on and then there is the whole getting back into my daily routine. Don't get me wrong, it is one of my favorite things to do when I get the chance to stay in beautiful hotels for free, but I am a little OCD so I was happy to come back to my daily routine.

So lets play catch up shall we! Because I know you all really care what happens in my life, ha!

Since you have last seen heard from me I have.....

1) Work Travel
Stayed in 5 different hotels, 25+ hotel tours, probably walked a million 20+ miles over 5 days. Flats were on fo sho.

2) Cleared out my closet.
Story for another day, but it's all gone. Like 85% put in a trash bag :( But the goodbyes needed to happen

3) The rents came in town
This made my heart happy. I sure did miss them a whole lot. Me and mama went shopping. Little did we know it was tax free weekend which was kinda a buzz kill considering we were not excited to hustle through a bunch of crazy mama's and their back to school clothes shopping kiddos. But luckily it was not as bad as we thought it would be. We researched store hours to make it out early and it worked out great.
Doll Hairs Saved between no tax, coups & discounts: $400+
LIKE WOAH.
They were really good deals people, plus I really didn't have many clothes left after the above number 2 happened, so it was necessary :)

4) Played TopGolf
Ever since I introduced my parents to this place, this is a staple for things to do whilst in the Big-D. We even had some friends join us and it was a blast! In addition you will see below the fried chicken & waffles with jalapeno gravy & syrup we just had to tried. I just about died when I took a bite. Amazeballs.
The night may or may not have ended by my mother demanding ice cream...Late night Wally World stop had to be made!

5) Attended Dallas' Restaurant Week
Here's the scoop: You get a 3 course meal at restaurants you wouldn't normally be able to afford for $35!
It was amazing. We dined at Chamberlain's Steak & Chop House. Here were my menu options and that shizzz did not disappoint!
Drink: Bubbles & Pearls - Pearl Pomegranate Vodka, Champagne & a splash of Pomegranate Juice
1st Course: Strube Ranch Kobe Beef and Texas Jalapeno Cheddar Empanada w/ Roasted Chili Salsa
2nd Course: Gruyere Crusted Pork Chop w/ Shiner Bock Red Eye Gravy and Spicy Sweet Potato Mashed Potatoes
Dessert: Chocolate And Peanut Butter Turnover w/ Marshmallow Cream
It was all soooo amazing, as I am a picky eater, I could not have asked for a better selection & amazing food. And I didn't have to modify ANYTHING. That never happens :)

6) Broke the sunnies
Sad day.

Anyways, now you know why I have been so busy. But I am back people. No need to worry!
Hope you have a great weekend
 Toodles ;)

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Needing a little inspiration this week....

uhhhh, I don't know what it is about this week, but I have been super unmotivated to do much of anything.
I mean I have not blogged since last week, I really am having a hard time getting off my mass of my ass and run. And on top of it all I was traveling for work all last week and it totally threw me off healthy eating. 
BIG.FAT.FAIL.
I mean I work for hotel's here people, which means they want to wine & dine you. So it's hard when they are feeding you breakfast, lunch & dinner to stay focused. I did run a little once while I was out, but traveling   = routine out the window.
And now that I am back to reality, I don't know if it is the heat, or the fact that I have my nose planted in a really great book (Where We Belong, Emily Giffin), but I'll tell ya one thing, I don't want to wake up early, I haven't been going to bed on time, and I certainly have seen less sweat this week.
So how do I fix this funk? PINTEREST BABY!






Seriously!
 
Although I have been unmotivated, I still am making an effort. I did boot camp on Monday & Wednesday and plan to on Saturday as well. I am back on the 'ol healthy eating kick now that I am not traveling. Now I just have to fit my running schedule back in there. Baby steps. Just gotta keep my goal in mind!
Alright, running tonight. No excuses!
All In My Twenties

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Sweet Nomination {Liebster Award}

Hellooooo! It has been quite the week for me as I have been traveling for work. I work for a Hotel Company, so traveling for work consists of walking many miles touring multiple hotels and eating a lot of really great food. Kinda evens out in the calories, right? NOT. But I love staying in hotel rooms. There is just something about a big plush king size bed that you can roll around in and not have to worry about making the next morning.

Lets be honest, I don't worry about that at home either!
But while I have been away, my dear, sweet sorority sista nominated for me for an award! First let me introduce you to Selena.
 The most positive, out going, down for any kind of adventure and sweetest thing I've ever me. It's always a good time with her and I am so lucky that we are friends. Go check out Selena here! You won't regret it, promise...

Thank you so much dear friend for nominating me for the Liebster Award.
The award is for up and coming bloggers with less then 200 followers.

Here are the rules:
1) Each person must post 11 facts about themselves
2) Answer the 11 questions that are tagged for them
3) List the 11 bloggers you nominate
4) Make up your own 11 questions to ask your nominees
So here we go....

Facts About Silly Little Me
1) I am a graduate of the University of Houston - GO COOGS!
2) I don't eat any vegetables, like none.
3) I love frozen treats, especially Popsicles
4) I have a little puppy named Tucker (Yorkie/Chihuahua mix)
5) I love getting mail & packages. It truly brightens my day.
6) I love traveling and can't wait to get to Italy some day.
7) I am an Aquarius in every way
8) I created a book club (drinking included)
9) I played 3 sports growing up. Softball, Volleyball, Basketball.
10) I love meeting people with great stories.
11) I wish I made more money because I love giving gifts to people.

Questions For Me To Answer
1. What let you to start blogging?
I really enjoy social media & sharing things that I do for my friends & family to keep up with. I just moved away from Houston to Dallas and thought this would be the perfect way to document my journey.

2. Any pets?
Just my little Tucker!
3. What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas, hands down. I love the music, the smells, the food, the family, the decorations but most importantly I love how it makes everyone around me so happy as well.
4. Favorite type of music?
My music selection is so eclectic. I can transform to just about any venue set. I love it all and I love finding new music!
5. Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook 100%. I have a twitter (@sammiepayne) but don't really keep up with it too much. I mainly use it to post my instagram photos to.
6. What are some of your hobbies?
I love sports, out door activities, running, reading, anything fun with friends that makes me laugh, shopping fo sho.
7. What is your favorite thing about the summer?
SUN. Which makes it easy for swimming & tanning.
8. What do you love most about where you live?
My home is really cute & modern. I really should do more entertaining at my town home. As far as the city, its suburbia which I love. Very clean, lots to do in the area and you don't have to travel more than 4 miles for what you need.
9. If you could jump on a plane today where would you go?
ITALY
10. What is your dream job?
Retired. Haha, but something that allowed me to travel easily but only to fun places. I don't really know what I want to do when I grow up just yet...
11. Who do you look up to and why?
My mother. She is just the best person I know inside and out. I don't know what I would do without her.
Bloggers I Nominate
My Q&A Sesh for the Nominees
1) What is your favorite thing about blogging?
2) Most embarrassing moment?
3) Best concert you have been too?
4) Favorite vacay spot?
5) First thing you notice on the opposite sex?
6) What is one goal you want to accomplish this year?
7) Best childhood memory?
8) What is your favorite meal of the day?
9) Worst habit you want to drop?
10) Favorite book you've read/are reading?
11) Celebrity crush?
That was a lot, but so fun and a great way to get to know other bloggers :) Now I'm off to tour some more hotels. I feel like I am walking about 10 miles a day! Maybe I should set my run tracker to see how far it really is......