What I'm Loving Wednesday...

1. I am loving the fact that I am done with Summer Session 1! Summer Session 2 is going to be a breeze, so I'm pumped about it :) I get to enjoy more of my summer!

2. I am looooooving Pinnterest. I know, I know...I'm very far behind, but I can't help myself. I have already found so many ideas I want to try...And how beautiful are these pictures??

3. I am loving my radio set to K Love this week. There is nothing better than driving to your destination and listening to God's word...




4. We watched the movie Hall Pass last night and I am loving it!!!!! It was sooooo funny!!!!

5. Most of all, I am loving that my Daddy is on vacation this week!!!! :) 

BLOG SALE!!! :)

Free People Knit Dress. NEVER WORN!

Tags are still attached. Runs a bit small, so

a size 8 or 10 could wear this..

Size 12

Retails: 108.00

Asking: 50.00

Around the Worl Boutique Maxi Dress

Retails: 49.50

Asking: 20.00

Size L/XL

Target Purple Maxi Dress

Size Large

Retails: 30.00

Asking: 15.00

Target Black Linen Pants

Worn once! Bought in Florida, but

they are too big now.

Size Large

Retails: 34.00

Asking: 15.00

Speechless Black/White Striped Dress

Size XL, but will fit a Large..Worn Once!!1

Retails: 49.50

Asking : 25.00

Every item will be paid through Pay Pal within 24 hours, or the next person will get it.

Email brittneyhanks@hotmail.com if you have any questions or what not. Also, feel free to leave

comments, too. I will check those as well! Thanks, guys!!!

OOTD's and OOTN's....

I have taken a few pictures lately of some "Outfits of the Day" and "Outfits of the Night." Hope you all are having a great Tuesday! I was planning on laying out today, but of course, it is raining cats and dogs. GO FIGURE.....

Dinner with friends last Friday night

Dress: TJ Maxx

Belt: TJ Maxx

Sandals: Tory Burch Millers

Handbag: Louis Vuitton

"Saturday for Running Errands"

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Pink/White Striped Tee

Jeans: J.Crew ToothPick White Jeans

"A day of Babysitting, Class, Running Errands"

Romper: Kensie

Wrap: BCBG

Dinner at Flight with Sam

Dress: Target

Sandals: Tory Burch White Thoras

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Spinning Thoughts..

As I stroke the keys on my laptop, I think of all the wonderful things my Lord has blessed me with...Of course, the"things" are not the materialistic items, but the pure, wholesome blessings...I am not worthy of this wonderful life my Lord has blessed me with, but I am forever grateful. There are many things in our lives that we wish to change, undo, fix, etc. I sometimes catch myself falling into a deep,black,dark hole and feeling a bit overwhelmed of the many things that I need to "fix" in my life...Friendships, my realtionship with Christ, understanding my "Earthly love" for Sam, my weight, etc. I know it is a bit quirky, but I get so caught up in the "everyday life," I forget to remind myself to stop and take time for Brittney. It is okay if the condo is not sold, it is okay if I'm not planning a wedding just yet, no big deal if it is taking me five years to finish school instead of four, quit worrying about my weight so much, and no reason to fret over finances....These are all things that constantly consume my mind and just when I've had enough, I simply whisper, " Stop...Breathe...Pray..." This crazy place we call "home" is often a hard place to grow, make mistakes, fall in love, find true friendships, etc. Just the other day, I was babysitting my favorite children: Wils, Brantley, and Joseph...I stopped, looked at them, and smiled...It was simply amazing to me of all the joy, love, and compassion these three,little boys have for eachother. If only I could go back to the time my brother and I were playing in the Toy box, singing karoke, etc. I have more love for my brother everyday and I'm so proud of him. It only brought tears to my eyes, and made me long for this feeling someday, that is, to have children of my own...I am beyond excited to see what the Lord has planned for me and for Sam...I pray, he will bless us with beautiful, healthy children. I pray, he will give us the strength, compassion, and understanding we will need to make our marriage wholesome. But most of all, I pray he will grant us with the knowledge, patience, and endurance to succeed life as parents, as husband and wife, as friends, and most of all, as followers of Jesus.   I often ask myself," Why would he ever pick me to be a wife, mother, or friend? I'm not worthy enough!" But then I realize, "He loves me more than I could ever imagine or understand."  I know this has been an interesting post today, but my heart was heavy, so I felt I needed to write about it. It feels good to write...As I stroke the keys on the keyboard, I remind myself, " this is only the beginning..."

Simply Sugar and Gluten Free..

Most of you have probably heard of this website, Simply Sugar and Gluten Free,  but I stumbled upon it the other day and loved it! I have started eliminating sugars and carbs from my diet, so I wanted to find several recipes I can try! The other night, I made the Fudge brownies...They were wonnnnderful! She has anything from breakfast foods to desserts to drink recipes on there...SS+GF is written by Amy Green. She was able to maintain a 60+ weight loss, by just eliminating sugars and gluten from her diet!!! Her website is wonderful, but you can also purchase her book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. I wanted to share a few recipes with you....

Fudgy Brownies
makes 12 brownies

1/4 cup (56 g.) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (50 g.) grapeseed oil
3 ounces (86 g.) unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup (117 g.) palm sugar or you can use Splenda.
2 large (105 g.) eggs
1 tablespoon (12 g.) vanilla
1/2 teaspoon instant decaf coffee
2/3 cup (61 g.) Pamela’s Baking and Pancake Mix
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Prepare an 8″x8″ pan with oil.

Put butter, oil, and chopped chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds and stir. Heat for another 30 seconds and stir until chocolate is melted. Mix together palm sugar, eggs, vanilla, and instant decaf. Once chocolate has cooled slightly, stir egg mix into chocolate. Sift Pamela’s Baking & Pancake Mix on top of chocolate mix. Dump any of the flour mix left in the sifter into the bowl. Fold into chocolate mix. Turn into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and tap a few times on the counter. Bake for 15 – 18 minutes or until brownies are set in the middle. Brownies are fudgier when slightly underbaked.

 

 

Whole Grain Belgain Waffle

 

 

Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake

 

 

Buckwheat Pumpkin Muffins

 

 

Chorizo Potato-Frittata

I'll Be Seeing You Soon....

Yesterday, I had a moment...I had a Fall moment....Fall is my favorite season...I love the clothes, shoes, handbags, etc....Do not get me wrong, I am enjoying Summer time and all the flip flops, sun glasses, being out of school, but I am some what ready to start wearing my dark nail polish again. I'm ready to wear my scarves again, and pull out the boots. I have exciting stuff planned this Fall, so I'm ready for all of that stuff, too! I know many of you are thinking, " Fall!? It is only July!!!" I know, I know...;)

I miss my "You Don't Know Jacques" by OPI

I miss my boots with dresses, leggings, etc.

I miss throwing on a scarf and going! They complete

any outfit you throw together!!!

Most of all, I miss Ole Miss football season...:(

Obsessions..

I have not blogged about my recent Obessessions in awhile, so I thought I would share with you! I have a few items that I CAN'T live without at this current moment in my life...Check it out!

Nike DriFit Tank Top for Women.

I love these! I have bought sevvvveral pairs

over the last few months. I play Tennis in them!

It is SO hot out right now, these keep me from

sweating too much!

Gatorade Fruit Punch Flavor....

I think I have had one of these every night

in the past two weeks. LOVE, LOVE ,LOVE!

I need to start buying them by the case. I am working

out a lot now, so I feel like all the extra electrolytes from

the Gatorade are helping more than just regular water.

Chickfila has a salad called, Southwest Chargrilled Salad.

I have had FOUR of them in the last week! I lovvvvve it!

They are low in calories, full of veggies, and taste wonderful!!

Um..Yes, I know...Kids usually eat these, but

I'm here to tell you, I LOVE THEM. We bought

a box several weeks ago and I think I've eaten almost

the entire box! ( Not really, but close...hehe ) I grew

up eating these and forgot just how tasty they really are!

They are a wonderful "happy" on a hot Summer day!

Because I have been peeling some from laying out,

I purchased Jergens Ultra Healing lotion. I love it!

It is great for my arms, legs, etc. Definitely a great

lotion to have around for the Summer time.

Long Time No See..

I should be ashamed of myself...It has been a WEEK since I last wrote a Blog post....I have been SO busy with School work and Babysitting...I feel like I don't have time for anything lately! Butttttt...Summer Session One is almost over, so it should lighten up a lot! I sure hope so ;) Anyway, my birthday is in 2 1/2 months! I can't believe I am going to be 23 years old....I remember being in high school and thinking, " 23 is SO OLD!" Well, I'm here to tell you, "I'M NOT OLD AND DO NOT FEEL OLD!" HAHA...I am just beyond thankful the Lord has allowed me to celebrate another year, another day, and another moment with my family and friends. Speaking of birthdays, of course I have a Birthday Wish List.....Wanna know what is on it?? ;) Of COURSE you do! ;)

1. Tory Burch Celinah Flat

2. Ipad 3

3. Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 with Shoulder Strap

Life Lately....

I have taken several pictures over the last few weeks, so I wanted to share with you what I have been doing! Several were from Father's Day and a  couple were from Sam's Business Dinner thing we went to last week at The Butcher Shop...It has been an amazing summer so far! I cannot wait to enjoy the next couple months before school starts back in the Fall! ughhhhh! :(

Me and Sam at Central BBQ on Father's Day

My cousin Mallory and me at Central BBQ

My brother, Dad, and me, at Central BBQ

Sam's Business dinner last week at Butcher Shop

Outside the Butcher Shop.

I curled my hair for a change! ;)

OOTN: Business Casual was the attire for this event.

I borrowed a dress from Mom. ha! I wanted to make

sure it was long enough and approriate for Business setting :)

The Game of Tennis...

I hope this is me someday...;) ha! S and I have been playing tennis for the past several weeks and I am officially hooked. I LOVE IT! It is a wonderful workout, I love the constant moving, but most importantly, the cute outfits! ha! No, I'm joking, but I do love the Tennis skirts....I have noticed a drastic difference in my Energy level and mood. I feel better, my  clothes are starting to fit loose, and my attitude is all around better! I lost about 25 pounds from Weight Watchers, but wanted to get a little bit more off, so playing Tennis every night has helped tremendously! I am starting to see some difference on the scale, so that makes me a happy girl!!!!! I purchased a new set of Tennis shoes this past weekend, so hopefully it will help some! I cannot wait to start playing in tournaments and doubles with others. S is loving it just as much as me! He has lost about 13 pounds, too! If you are looking for a social sport, but want a great workout, I HIGHLY suggest take up Tennis. You will definitely not be disappointed!

Tennis Shoe Dilemma..

If you are my friend in real life, you know I never wear Tennis shoes. Of course if I am working out or playing tennis I do, but NEVER at any other time....I must say, it is time to buy a new pair of Tennis shoes. I have had mine for a billion years. I HATE spending money on Tennis shoes....Many of you might think, " Why? That's one of the most important shoes to have." Well, I don't care! Some of my friends will spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of tennis shoes...NOT THIS CHICK! I'd rather spend it on a new handbag. I think $50.00 is a lot for a pair, but I know I will neverrrr find a pair I like for that. Bummer...I have been searching and browsing different websites. I have given up running, I just cannot seem to get into it. Maybe I will like it in the future, maybe I won't, but at this point in my life, I need a workout and I need to enjoy it, so I have given up for the time being.  I have been playing Tennis with S and I LOVE it. I have always enjoyed playing a game of Tennis. It is such a great workout and I really feel good afterwards. We also ride our bikes to the Tennis courts, so we get an extra 4 mile Bike ride in there as well. I am not looking for an excellent Running shoe or anything, but just a good Tennis shoe that I can play tennis in and ride my bike...Here is what I found:

Nike Women's Lunarfly Tennis Shoe.

I found this shoe at Finish Line for 49.98!

Definitely a good price for my liking ;)

Nike Women's Cardio Training Shoe

$59.99

Women's Running Shoe

$67.99

Weekend Recap..

I had, once again, a WONDERFUL weekend. It was very,very low key, but I needed it so much. Friday night, my entire family had dinner at one of our local Mexican restaurants and just "hung out." It was nice to not have any plans, anywhere to be, etc. Afterwards, my cousin, Mr. S, my brother and his girlfriend, headed to buy bikes and a swimming pool. You're thinking, "what?" HAHA! Yes, we bought a blow-up swimming pool to enjoy for the weekend ;) Also, my family has gotten excited about the bike riding we have been doing, so my cousin bought a bike! :) Mr. S is such a trooper, because we ended up in Collierville, Tennessee before we found the pool we were looking for. Collierville, Tennessee is an hour or so from my parents house....We were quite tired when we finally got home at 2:30 a.m...oops ;) Saturday, Mr. S and I put the pool up, and just enjoyed being outside. It was very hot, but all the family was over, so why not?? :) Mr. S and I played a game of tennis on Saturday night for a bit after the rain stopped. It was nice to get a work out in this weekend, because usually it NEVER happens ;) Sunday, we headed to T.J. Maxx to pick up a few things. I bought several Nike Dri Fit tank tops, etc. to play tennis in. Afterwards, we stopped by Bass Pro Shop to see if they carried my Teva sandals I have been wanting. Of course they did, so I am quite excited about wearing them! :) ( Will post pictures soon...) We had a small cookout with the family and enjoyed the pool for a bit after we got home. Sunday evening, Mr. S and I rode our bikes 4 miles to the Tennis court and played for quite sometime. We got a huge workout in today. I'm very, very proud of myself, because it usually neverrrrrrrr happens on the weekend. ha!  I was very sad to see the weekend in...I am beyond thankful for the amazing family the Lord has blessed me with.

Wednesday Wishes...

I have not blogged about my Wish list in awhile. I have been spending money in other areas lately. I am an interesting bird, because I will go in spurts. There are times where I am constantly shopping and spending money, but then there are other times where I am not...I sometimes go through phases where I want to SAVE money. My boyfriend will probably laugh when he reads this post.....Here are a few things I have on the Wish list and plan on buying very soon....;)

1. I know many of you are probably thinking, "What in the world?"

I love these! We spend our Summer at the lake and outside

SO MUCH, I need a great pair of outdoor sandals.

I have the slip on Teva sandals now, but I want something

that I can wear like a shoe. We plan on hiking some, too, so

I want something that will stay on my foot.

2. I have been playing Tennis so much lately!

I absoutely love everything about the game of tennis.

It is a great workout, it's super competitive, and I love

the outfits. Which reminds me, I need some tennis skirts!

I ordered a few of these Nike Tennis skirts. I'm anxious

to see if I like them and they are comfortable while playing.

3. You are probably thinking, " Another bike?"

Yes, I fixed my bike up, but it was only for an

inner self thing. I love my Old bike, don't get me wrong,

but I am ready for a new bike, because S and I plan

on going long distances. My poor,old bike just won't

do the trick. I have been eye-balling this Women's Schwinn

700c Hybrid bike for awhile now. I will eventually buy this pretty

in the next few weeks, so I can get started riding. My other bike will

 still be used, but only for  shorter distances and just to cruise on.

Hope you all have a fantastic Wednesday! :)

Headboard Project...

I don't know if you guys read my previous posts, but I blogged about all the fun and exciting projects I had planned for the summer. I was in the process of working on my bike, but it is NOW FINISHED! I am so very excited! It feels so good to start something and finish it. I am now moving on to the next project on my list....A headboard....I have wanted to create my very own headboard for quite sometime now, but being in school and taking 18 hours a semester, does not always allow me to do so ;) I am planning on making the headboard from scratch with the help of my wonderful,wonderful boyfriend! S also helped me with my bike ;)  Here are some ideas that I am thinking about:

I love the idea of shutters for a headboard! It is such a creative and vintage idea! I have a black and white damask comforter now, but I plan to update with a white duvet cover, etc. My accent colors are turquoise and green, but will probably change a few things up as well. I will post pictures of my room very soon, so you can all get an idea about what I am thinking! I'm too excited! :)

Random Thoughts...

I am so sorry I have been lacking this week on blogging. I have been MIA from the computer or shall I say, "Blogging World." I have had a lot go on since this past weekend! I hope you all are having a great week. This is definitely a Random post....First, I guess I shall tell you,  MY BIKE IS FINISHED! I cannot believe I have not taken a picture of it yet. Boo! It turned out great! S and I have been riding the past several nights to our Tennis court and we are loving every second of it! Speaking of excercise, working out, and sports...I started back hard and heavy on my Weight Watchers and counting points. I want to get the last bit of weight off and I know it'll come off with the eating right and working out. I already feel SO much better and I just started Sunday. It is amazing what a healthy diet and a great workout will do for your body! Speaking of which, I want to share an easy,yummy recipe I came up with yesterday afternoon.....

Tomato and Cucumber Feta Salad

Ingredients:

Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Feta Cheese

Onion Salt, Parsley, Oregano, Olive Oil, Vinigreitte, Salt and Pepper

Directions:

1. Cut the Cherry tomatoes in halves, the cucumbers into quarters, and sprinkle the Feta.

2. I mix all the above ingredients into a mixing bowl and then spread over the salad.

It is a wonderful,light snack and will go great as a side item for dinner! You can play with the recipe some and use whatever you like, but because I'm on Weight Watchers, I kept everything to a minimum.

Last Friday night, S and I went to the Michael Buble concert. We had a WONDERFUL time! We had dinner at SOLE downtown, then met up with some friends for drinks at the Westin bar, then headed to the concert. Here is a picture of us from last Friday night: 

I hope you all are having a great week! :) Stay tuned for my next project that I will be working on ;) I'm very,very,very excited about it!



Reasonable Summer Finds...

A friend of mine asked me to do a Blog post about my Reasonable Summer Finds...What's in, what's out, etc. If you are like me, you do not want to spend a TON of money on tank tops, sandals, shorts, etc. I cannot wear any of it to school or teach, so I try to keep the cost of my shorts and other various items cheap. Places to remember when on a budget: Target, Forever 21, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls. Here are a few fun items I found while browsing the internet. They are all "in" and darling, but also on the CHEAP side!

Braided sandals are BIG this summer. This yellow color is also in.

Check out Target for these "pretties." They are only 14.99!

This Target Cross Body bag is adorable!

Great price and super,uper cute :)

This adorable Maxi dress is from Forever 21. Instead of spending

hundreds of dollars on one, find several you like for $29.80!



Denim shorts are BACK! Get you a cute pair of these at Old Navy

for HALF the cost!!! :)

Also, a few other things that are "in" right now...

1. Head Wraps

2. Yellow wedges

3. Boho Look

4. Stacking Jewelry

5. Feather Extensions

Hope this helps, friends!