It's My Birthday!!

Now, I've never been the kind to announce/demand my birthday week of celebration...said no one ever.

Just ask Chris, I'm the worst at demanding an entire week of celebration for my birthday. 

Regardless, I thought I'd share a glimpse into how I plan to spend my birthday--the same as I do any other day. So here's what I do daily. Get to know my "oh-so-exciting" life.

6:00-6:35 am:   Set three alarms, all of which get turned off and remain in bed for an additional 20 minutes longer.

6:35-7:59 am:  Sweat like a mo-fo while trying to get ready (menopause is killer at 23) and then FaceTime my mom to talk about nothing in particular, every day.

Yes, I do look like this when she calls--food around the mouth included.

7:59-8:00 am: Drive the half mile around the corner to work.

8:00-11:00 am: Respond to emails about why customers aren't paying their bills, sign off on every piece of paper known to mankind, look at people's credit and decide whether to give them more or say "enough is enough compadre".

11:00- Noon: Lunch, Target runs, and/or Hulu tv watching time.

Noon- 5:00 pm- Call and email people about past due invoices and request that they pay their bills. Pull my hair out. Keep a diary of excuses people use to why they aren't paying--this might help if I ever decide not to pay my own bills. Send out mass emails that contain the following:

5:00- 5:45 pm- Go for a run. Run as fast as I can and talk to Chris on the phone while running. "run lil' guy, run". #truelove #peptalk

5:45- 6:00 pm- Sit on the floor and try to decide which box of mac and cheese to cook for dinner. Gourmet baked mac and cheese or Kraft mac and cheese?

6:00- 9:30 pm- Cook dinner, promptly park my rear in my already indented sofa, watch the Netflix or Hulu show of the week, and pet the cats.

9:30- 10:00 pm: Shower and go to bed like the grandma that I am.

Happy birthday to me! A day in the life.
Special thanks to my parents for deciding to do the deed that brought me here. Y'all are awesome!

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The Gift That Just Keeps Giving

Poo-Pourri was kind enough to respond to my tweet and send me a box full of goodies to try out!
I sincerely considered taking "in action" pictures but Chris told me that was severely inappropriate so I decided to spare you the pictures and you will just have to take my word on it!

These were a God-send for the little stinkies at work that decide to do the "do-do" in our shared bathroom. Pee-yew! So, in an effort to reduce the stench, I placed some of the Royal Flush in the bathroom. Needless to say, there is no longer a smell when I go in there after someone and our bathroom doesn't have to smell like Febreze all day long.

Can't deny that I've used both the Deja Poo and the Poo-Pourri at home. It's literally a breath of fresh air afterwards. I don't have to warn Chris before he enters, and he doesn't have to warn me after using the Heavy Doody. I mean, seriously you guys, this stuff works and I think we all know how stinky a guy can be on his morning poo...let's get real, it was like Toby diarrhea-ing all over the walls sometimes. Thank God for Heavy-Doody Poo-Pourri! (Sorry, Chris).

If you're looking for that perfect gift-that just keeps giving- for Father's Day, look no further, you want  need to get him some Heavy Doody Poo-Pourri, and possibly some of their Shoe-Pourri. Chris used it on his Sperry's he mowed the lawn in and you couldn't smell the sweat or lawn smell anymore. Heck, while you're at it, why not give them something for both ends, some Heavy-Doody and some Potty Mouth.

Using the code "TOBYS15" you can save 15% on your purchase through July 31st! Make sure to visit their website here, and check out some of their other products, including those for your stinky pets!

Don't forget to enter to win some of this fabulous jewelry here and also, there's a nail polish giveaway going on here.

<div align="center"><a href="http://tobystailsblog.com" title="Toby's Tails"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rCTM00Caf5jYePCix-2bG-aI067Mg8xwC6mceCmXMxx9AS2MD3pZjcBCkrkY_yl-qedeXcoXVSF6pNXrza_FVe7eQDx55kU1zPlZEiKqg9my_BqqbPTBkOcuX8PnHX5WFdOtLWbPx5iv/w497-h373/2013-02-26" alt="Toby's Tails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Florals Under $40

Literally everything except the pants (Target) are from Riffraff, a local boutique in Fayetteville, AR.

Currently, I'm crushing on florals and for under $40, you really can't get much better than that.

Out of all of these, I think my all time favorite would have to be the jacket with the $30 bubble necklace. What do you think?? Do you have a favorite? Do you even like floral? <--Ask Chris and he will say no, but he also only wears Polo button ups and Sperry's so he doesn't really have a say. ;)

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In other news, feel free to stop by Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance to see my featured outfit on Three-fer Thursday!

Don't know what that is??? Good, you should check it out and link up your most recent outfit post because I know that I have some of the most fashionable readers and bloggy friends so you will probably win the feature next week!

In addition---last tooting of the horn I will do, promise--- please check out Striving Onward, aimed at empowering women! My outfit from yesterday was featured as well.

<div align="center"><a href="http://tobystailsblog.com" title="Toby's Tails"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rCTM00Caf5jYePCix-2bG-aI067Mg8xwC6mceCmXMxx9AS2MD3pZjcBCkrkY_yl-qedeXcoXVSF6pNXrza_FVe7eQDx55kU1zPlZEiKqg9my_BqqbPTBkOcuX8PnHX5WFdOtLWbPx5iv/w497-h373/2013-02-26" alt="Toby's Tails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 

Work that Updo, Own that Ponytail!

source: me creepily snapping a pic of the VS girl because I liked her hairstyle and color.

Alright ladies, help me out here! I'm going in to get my hair done on Saturday and I can't decide what to do.

Should I continue to put the blonde highlights in my hair or should I go back to an all-over brunette like my girl, Jessica Alba?! Closer to my natural color.--------------------^

Next, I've thought about growing out my hair for the wedding (one year from now), but it's at that weird length just below my collar bone. So, should I just get a trim and continue to grow it, or should I get it cut in a cute shorter style, just above the shoulder?

Decisions, decisions.

I've also thought about some straight-across bangs. Thoughts???

Thanks for your input lovelies!

 

<div align="center"><a href="http://tobystailsblog.com" title="Toby's Tails"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rCTM00Caf5jYePCix-2bG-aI067Mg8xwC6mceCmXMxx9AS2MD3pZjcBCkrkY_yl-qedeXcoXVSF6pNXrza_FVe7eQDx55kU1zPlZEiKqg9my_BqqbPTBkOcuX8PnHX5WFdOtLWbPx5iv/w497-h373/2013-02-26" alt="Toby's Tails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 

 

Linking up with Lisette and Just Because Thursdays!

 

Kate Spade Sale Goodies

 Did you make it to the Kate Spade sale the past two days?

I did, and now that it's over I can proudly say that I refrained from buying anything. Yeah, you heard me right. It was definitely an extremely challenging personal struggle, but I came out ahead- monetarily, that is.
 

 Had I given in and purchased something from the sale, it would have been the items above. They were all ridiculously cheap compared to what they are normally marked at.

Did you wind up purchasing any treasures from the sale? What were they or what would you have bought?

<div align="center"><a href="http://tobystailsblog.blogspot.com" title="Toby's Tails"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rCTM00Caf5jYePCix-2bG-aI067Mg8xwC6mceCmXMxx9AS2MD3pZjcBCkrkY_yl-qedeXcoXVSF6pNXrza_FVe7eQDx55kU1zPlZEiKqg9my_BqqbPTBkOcuX8PnHX5WFdOtLWbPx5iv/w497-h373/2013-02-26" alt="Toby's Tails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 

Chris.

In light of Chris finishing his finals yesterday and driving up today, I thought I'd write a quick post about him. He always finds a way to make me smile, even when I'm having the worst day.
 

 So, I just thought I'd give you a little sneak peak into our relationship. This is how the majority of our conversations go.

 

Yes, you did read that right...he does call me "lil guy". I will be the future Mrs. Lil' Guy.

 

 

I plan to allow him to guest post again while he is visiting. If you missed his first post, you can read it here. Hopefully we can give you a little more insight into our lives and our ridic' relationship.

 

Chris is taking requests/suggestions for post topics so please feel free to leave a comment and let him know.

 

<div align="center"><a href="http://tobystailsblog.blogspot.com" title="Toby's Tails"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rCTM00Caf5jYePCix-2bG-aI067Mg8xwC6mceCmXMxx9AS2MD3pZjcBCkrkY_yl-qedeXcoXVSF6pNXrza_FVe7eQDx55kU1zPlZEiKqg9my_BqqbPTBkOcuX8PnHX5WFdOtLWbPx5iv/w497-h373/2013-02-26" alt="Toby's Tails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 

 

Vegas Bound

 

Vegas Bound by jaimeleadillon

So, this month I am going to Las Vegas for my first time ever! Before we all get too excited, you should know that it's for a work conference.

In order to pack light--a carry-on size--I'm going to try to pack several accessories that would change an outfit from a day to night outfit. A simple change in shoes, for instance, would class it up. Blazers are always a perfect go-to for dressing up any outfit. You don't have to change purses, but I always like a little bit of color and a smaller purse when I go out.

What would you pack for a trip to Vegas? Which outfit do you tend to lean towards? Day or night?

<div align="center"><a href="http://tobystailsblog.blogspot.com" title="Toby's Tails"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rCTM00Caf5jYePCix-2bG-aI067Mg8xwC6mceCmXMxx9AS2MD3pZjcBCkrkY_yl-qedeXcoXVSF6pNXrza_FVe7eQDx55kU1zPlZEiKqg9my_BqqbPTBkOcuX8PnHX5WFdOtLWbPx5iv/w497-h373/2013-02-26" alt="Toby's Tails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 

To Rent or To Buy...Giveaway!

<div align="center"><a href="http://tobystailsblog.blogspot.com" title="Toby's Tails"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rCTM00Caf5jYePCix-2bG-aI067Mg8xwC6mceCmXMxx9AS2MD3pZjcBCkrkY_yl-qedeXcoXVSF6pNXrza_FVe7eQDx55kU1zPlZEiKqg9my_BqqbPTBkOcuX8PnHX5WFdOtLWbPx5iv/w497-h373/2013-02-26" alt="Toby's Tails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 Meet my siblings. To sum them up, they are awesome. You are all welcome to be jealous.
Anyway, this post isn't entirely about them. These two crazy kids are in/going to be in college.

 What's my point you ask? Well, I thought I'd share a money saving tip with all of my college/soon to be college readers.

When starting college, every new student should know about the perks of renting versus buying their textbooks:

-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices
-free shipping both ways
-can highlight in the textbooks
-flexible renting periods
-they donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented
-etc...you can find more incentives at their website.

In addition, and they didn't have this option when I was in school, they have a new RentBack option.

RentBack is new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks you own - to other students... which is awesome because it makes you 2-4x more money compared to what you'd make through buyback options! (selling your books back at the end of the semester) Isn't that awesome?!

Check out this video on how Campus Book Rentals works:

Have I convinced you yet? I know my brother already rents textbooks and my sister will be renting this year.

If these perks weren't enough to convince you, how about a giveaway for a $25 coupon code to Campus Book Rentals.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 *winner will be verified*

Don't forget to enter the Kendra Scott and Boutique Sui Numeris giveaways! 

Your Cat Does What?!

 

 

 

 

 

I thought I'd share Tillie's most prized skill...fetching. That's right, be jealous.

 

 

Side note #1: Chris spent an entire day teaching her how to fetch and now she will fetch for everyone BUT him.

 

Side note #2: I thought this would be an easy/cool video post and I spent over 2 hours trying to figure out how to compress this video and still had to put it on YouTube first. Any ideas/suggestions on how to do this better/quicker in the future???

 

 

 

 

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Sponsor Spotlight!

 

Meet Rebecca at Caravan Sonnet! Her blog is adorable and she is even lovelier! 

 

Hi y’all! My name is Rebecca and I blog over at Caravan Sonnet! I am thrilled to be here today sharing a little bit about my blog because I love finding others in bloggy world and would love to meet you! I am a thirty-something single gal who loves Jesus, life, and all things pretty! I spend life for half of the year in the sweet south and spend the other half of the year in upstate New York. I love to write about creating a pretty, inspired, lovely, and intentional life. I am a former High School teacher so there are lots of storiesabout things I learned in the classroom because I truly learned more than I ever taught. I was recently given a diagnosis and it has reminded to celebrate the joy and promise of hope in everyday. My goal is to inspire and encourage readers through beauty, nature, life, love, health & wellness, teaching, fashion, and food. I love using my little corner of the bloggy world to document the things I love most in life! I would love to meet y’all! To me the best thing about blogging is meeting others! I look forward to meeting y’all! Have a wonderful day!

 

 

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Blog Design GIVEAWAY!

 

<div align="center"><a href="http://tobystailsblog.blogspot.com" title="Toby's Tails"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rCTM00Caf5jYePCix-2bG-aI067Mg8xwC6mceCmXMxx9AS2MD3pZjcBCkrkY_yl-qedeXcoXVSF6pNXrza_FVe7eQDx55kU1zPlZEiKqg9my_BqqbPTBkOcuX8PnHX5WFdOtLWbPx5iv/w497-h373/2013-02-26" alt="Toby's Tails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 

Breaking News:

There's a new and final design on Blop today! Isn't she a beaut'! I'm in LOVE and I can't quit looking it!

Guess what???

You're in luck because my old roomie, Beth (designer of this blog) has decided to giveaway a custom blog design to one lucky reader!

Beth and I go wayyyy back! She's a graphic designer and has a ton of experience with website design. Although she's new to the blogging world, I asked her to make me a custom blog layout and it took her two days to figure out how to install and create everything for it. She's a pro! She does this for a living!

If you're new to the blogging world and don't want to pay for a custom layout quite yet, she makes and sells premade designs at a decent rate. Say you want a custom design, she works with you to achieve your dream design. I am NOT the easiest person to work with, but she pushed through it and produced this awesome design.

To enter to win a free custom blog design from Beth, use the giveaway tool below. In the meantime, check out her portfolio (which is still in progress) here.

Please note that you can earn an automatic $10 credit to use on any of Beth's services for just blogging about this! (And you earn 10 entries on top of that).

The winner will be verified and emailed the day after the end of the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Also linking up with Bloglovin' Collective.

DIY State Coffee Mugs

 

<div align="center"><a href="http://tobystailsblog.blogspot.com" title="Toby's Tails"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7rCTM00Caf5jYePCix-2bG-aI067Mg8xwC6mceCmXMxx9AS2MD3pZjcBCkrkY_yl-qedeXcoXVSF6pNXrza_FVe7eQDx55kU1zPlZEiKqg9my_BqqbPTBkOcuX8PnHX5WFdOtLWbPx5iv/w497-h373/2013-02-26" alt="Toby's Tails" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 

Long overdue, but here it finally is..an easy, cute coffee mug DIY.

 

Supplies:

 

Red fine point oil based sharpie

Black fine point oil based sharpie

Two matching porcelain coffee mugs (Target/TJ Maxx)

Paper, double-sided tape, scissors

 

1. This is optional, but Lenae and I found it was easier to do this than free-hand. We printed outlines of our respective states, cut them out, and taped them to our mugs.

 

2. Draw around the paper outline with the black sharpie to create your state outlines. Pull the paper state outline off the mug.

 

3. Using the red sharpie, draw a heart in the area where you live and where the receiver of the other mug lives.

 

4. Draw little red or black dots in the form of a line from one heart to the other.

 

5. Write "Miss" and "You!" on the inside of the mugs.

 

6. Optional: turn the mugs around and draw the opposite state on the other side of each mug, connecting the dotted lines to the back side of the mug. Now the mugs don't have to be together to get the full effect.

 **Note: if you mess up drawing with the sharpie, simply wipe off with nail polish remover.**

 

7. Put mugs in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

 

Voila! You're done! I would handwash your mugs for the first couple washes just in case the sharpies don't stay.

 

 

 

 Linking up with Saw It, Pinned It, Did It and Grow Your Blog Blog Hop.