I'm Lovin' It!

What do you all think of the new blog look??? I am absolutely beyond thrilled with it. I have to give major props, thanks and kudos to the extremely sweet Ashley from Great Grabbie Designs. She designed my original header, which I loved, but was more than happy to hear my ideas for a new look. Ashley is a dream to work with and completely read my mind. So tell me, are you loving the newly improved Polka Dots & Protein Bars as much as I am?

Leave Here With a Smile

"God, help me move forward at the speed of your direction and intention, no matter how painful the transition may be." - Steven Furtick.

This prayer is so powerful, particularly right now as I'm trying to wrap my head around my recent breakup with B. After three and a half years, our relationship is over, and while it hurts to let go of something that has meant so much to me, I can walk away joyful knowing that I'm a better person because of what we shared and knowing that God has different and better plans for both of us than anything that we've known to this point.

The Lord used the time we shared to teach me about myself and about other people and relationships. It is so comforting and exciting to know that He will use those things to propel me forward relationally and in ministry. No relationship (romantic or otherwise) is a waste of time, and I certainly know that while this one has ended differently than I may have imagined at one point, I know that each moment we spent together was valuable and purposeful.

This simple but deep and meaningful prayer will always be on my lips and in my heart.

A (Big) Apple a Day...

Were you just dying for some more snapshots from the big city? Oh, I know you were. Here we go, lovelies...

I think this muffin changed my life. And may be what I miss the most.

Telling everyone how excited I was to take a bite. Or something.
Friends don't take candid pictures of friends waiting for the subway.
On the subway to Little Italy for a divinely delicious meal.
You know what doesn't mix? Italian food, messy eaters, and cream colored frocks.
Crumbs cupcakes. Looks like someone tried to sneak a bite pre-photo.
I was impatient and wanted the picture snapped so I could dig in. Yummmm.

The City So Nice They Named It Twice

I'm back from an incredible getaway to New York City. I ate and shopped my way through the Big Apple and would have loved to spend more time there with my lovely traveling companion the Supermodel. From Magnolia Bakery to Crumbs to Little Italy to illegal activity in Chinatown to H&M and numerous sample sales to stalking the cast of Gossip Girl, which was filming around town (check out the pictures of Eleanor Waldorf and the back of Leighton Meester. I stood with her on a corner but was too embarrassed to shove a camera in her face) to Mood Fabrics, it was a perfect escape. Expect at least one more photo-filled post. Just because I can't help myself.

Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery... just a few blocks from our hotel.

The bakery was so adorable.Supermodel posing with breakfast.Savoring our wonderful cranberry apple walnut muffins!Bryant Park (!!!)Another look at Bryant Park.Ground Zero as the sun was going down.Ground Zero at night.Pretty, pretty brownstones on the street we stayed on.Moooooooood!Excited doesn't begin to explain it.I. Was. In. Heaven.View of the Chrysler Building from the steps of the library.The Plaza!Soooo someone forgot to tell me that Central Park is ginormous."Cutting across it" to find a shortcut doesn't happen. Your feet will fall off.Eleanor Waldorf going between her trailor and the set.Leighton Meester flanked by bodyguards after we stood on the corner together.Crumbs Cupcakes... White Hot Chocolate for the Supermodel, Chocolate Pecan Pie for me.Pretty and delicious (the cupcake and the lady... teehee).Enjoying our treats at Crumbs... rocking my new Rachel Zoe-esque fur vest. ;-)

Ready, Set, Go

Friends, I am having difficulty concentrating today. In a few short hours I'm boarding a plane for the Big Apple (speaking of which, I generally hate all non-Granny Smith varieties but tried a Honeycrisp today... can we say delish?!). My suitcase is packed (the XL size, so that I have ample space for new purchases). Plans for the trip include Regis & Kelly tomorrow morning (why, hello there, Ewan McGregor), stalking the Gossip Girl and Sex and the City sets, Chinatown, shopping, shopping, shopping, eating yummy food and checking out the city's nightlife. On the top of my excitement list is venturing over to Mood... the mecca of textiles and fabric. Seriously, when I remembered it was there, I almost crawled out of my skin. And if I happen to stumble across Tim Gunn then my life will be complete. I wish I had a much more amusing, entertaining post, but expect lots o' recaps from this jaunt to the big city!

Rule #26

Under no circumstances is it okay to fill your child's sippy cup with Vault energy drink.


And, really, why would you want to anyway???

Yes, lady from Firehouse, I am talking to you.

Rule #25

When you're working out in the on-trend combination of compression hose and running shorts, and you're stopped by a sweet blue hair inquiring about the brand of the medical accessories, do not let yourself get dragged into a debate about the superiority of Sigvaris over Jobst brand. Instead, invite Ethel to continue the friendly tete-a-tete over the daily special and Jello at K&W Cafeteria. If you don't heed my warning, 40 minutes will slip through your fingers, and the only sweat you'll have to show for it is the frustrated perspiration beading on your upper lip as you insist that thigh-high styles are much more convenient than knee-highs.

Abbrev'd

Allison at Charmville just awarded me the "Over the Top" award. Thank you so much! If y'all haven't taken a peek at her blog, you must, must, must.

You can only use one word to answer each of these questions (and I know y'all know that this is quite a task for me!), then pass it along to six of your favorite bloggers.

1. Where is your cell phone? Hand.

2. Your hair? Headbanded.
3. Your mother? Encouraging.
4. Your father? Supportive.
5. Your favorite food? Hushpuppies
6. Your dream last night? Vivid
7. Your favorite drink? Diet
8. Your dream/goal? Motherhood
9. What room are you in? Cubicle
10. Your hobby? Stitching
11. Your fear? Clowns
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Home
13. Where were you last night? Church
14. Something that you aren't? Patient
15. Muffins? Bran

16. Wish list item? Success

17. Where did you grow up? Knoxville
18. Last thing you did? Wiggled
19. What were you wearing? Skirt
20. Your TV? On

21. Your pets? Sadie!

22. Friends? Love
23. Your life? Hectic
24. Your mood? Cheerful
25. Missing someone? Always
26. Vehicle? CRV
27. Something you're not wearing? Teeheehee
28. Your favorite store? Posh
29. Your favorite color? Pink

30. When was the last time you laughed? 5:23

31. Last time you cried? Un-recently
32. Your best friend? Pinch!
33. One place you go over and over? Firehouse
34. One person who emails you regularly? Lobster
35. Favorite place to eat? 131Main

True Story Tuesday

The night before we flew to Louisiana for Papa's funeral I went to the mall with Lobster to find an appropriate dress for the visitation and funeral. I didn't want solid black, but I wanted something conservative and appropriate for 90 degree weather in October. My first stop, of course, was Banana Republic. I pulled some sale dresses and headed to the dressing room where I was greeted by an employee who couldn't decide whether he wanted to be Miss Jay or Andre Leon Talley.

Despite explaining to him that I was looking for a dress for a funeral, he continued to bring me party dresses. Because, as he put it, "A funeral is just a different reason to have a celebration party." I was only mildly irritated that this stop was taking longer than necessary, and I continued to try things on. I wasn't finding the right thing in the appropriate shape for me. The "fashionisto" came and checked on me and entered my dressing room to survey whate I had tried on, dismissed and liked. One dress was beautiful and perfect, but the cut was too slim for my figure - sheaths are very difficult for me to wear (thank you, thunder thighs). When the Divo came in, and I explained to him the issue and that I was going to go ahead and keep looking, he immediately look stricken. "Honey, what size have you been trying on?" he asked. I replied that I was trying on 6's and 8's. "Oh, baby," he said forlornly. "Honey, you are in denial. You keep trying to stuff those plus sized curves into single digits sizes, and it is just not working for you."

.......?!?!?!?! Did you REALLY just say that to me?! REALLY?!

My previously minimal annoyance had officially reached my maximum offended threshold levels. I thanked him for his time and immediately left. Next stop? White House Black Market, where I somehow managed to stuff those plus-sized curves into a size 4 that fit like a glove. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, you Jay Alexander-wannabe.

Home Sweet Home to Me

This weekend I went with my dad and sister to Knoxville. We got in late Friday night and were up early on Saturday to go to the Tennessee-Georgia game with our grandfather. If you saw the score, you know the game was amazing. The Vols dominated 45-19, and I don't know that I've ever had such a good time at a game, which is really saying a lot. We returned home late Saturday, and I spent yesterday working at church. It was an incredible (but incredibly fast) weekend.

Me, Sis and our grandfather - Papaw! Daddy took the picture, so he's out of luck!

Give Me Faith to Trust What You Say...

...Because You're good,
And Your love is great;
I'm broken inside;
I give You my life.

I may be weak,
But Your spirit's strong in me.
My flesh may fail,
But, my God, You never will.


Y'all, I attend the most incredible church, and the worship never fails to pierce my heart. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you continually place in my life.

Booty, Booty, Booty Rockin' Everywhere

I've only worn my booties once this season. I started by pairing them with skinny jeans and a cute tunic. One of the guys in my office immediately told me he hated them. Since I asked and everything. I regrouped and decided to wear them again today... this time with a Hems & Hers fall skirt. Do I look ridiculously stylish or just plain ridiculous? Please always ignore that in the second picture I appear to have elephantitis of the head.

Home Again Home Again, Jiggity Jig

My mom used to sing us that little ditty when we pulled into the garage after a long day of errand running, and it always made me smile. In fact, it still does. I got the same feeling last night when I pulled into my parking lot after a trip to Sulphur, Louisiana, to say goodbye to Papa. The few days we were there were so bittersweet. Saying goodbye is never easy, but yet, it was so comforting and wonderful to be surrounded by my family, visiting, reuniting, hugging and catching up.

I wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy one and another, but my work schedule (and my waistline) wouldn't allow it. I spent 48 hours surrounded by delectable cajun cooking... jambalaya, boudin balls, gumbo... you name it, we ate it. Delicious!

I'm back at work today and swamped playing catch up. I need some sweat and some endorphins, pronto! Maybe before Top Model tonight? In between the madness of the past week, though, I squeezed in time to cut out some Hems & Hers orders and complete the little number I'm wearing today.

This weekend Daddy, Sis and I are headed to Knoxville to visit my Papaw, who is battling melanoma that has spread to his lungs and his blood. Despite the very bleak prognosis, Papaw is determined to fight, feel good and maintain a positive outlook. He's such a blessing to me. The four of us are heading to Neyland Stadium Saturday morning to watch the Tennessee-Georgia game, and I'm crawling out of my skin with excitement.

Another reason I'm crawling out o' the skin? In less than two weeks, the Supermodel and I are jetting to the Big Apple for a quick jaunt (Tuesday-Friday). I've only been to the city once on family vacay, and I can hardly wait to get up there and experience an entirely different side of it. What would you lovely ladies suggest I do while I'm in town?

Thank you all for the wonderfully sweet and encouraging notes and emails you've left me over the past few days. I have treasured each and every one.

A Real American Hero

Last night, my family and this country lost a true American hero. My sweet Papa passed away on October 1, one week after his 88th birthday. Papa, a WWII veteran, was in Normandy on D-Day. He loved any documentary featuring WWII, and whenever I watched them with him, they never seemed quite as boring as when I tuned in alone. A quiet, gentle giant, Papa was a widely respected and truly and greatly admirable man. In fact, when my mom and her sisters lost their own parents as teenagers, Papa and his wife Mimi automatically assumed the role of surrogate mom and dad. Mimi and Papa have always been my grandparents in every single way, if not by blood. Their daughters are my aunts, and their grandchildren are my cousins. Period. And the love between our families is even deeper and richer, because the love and devotion we feel has stemmed from choice and not solely obligation, as is the case with many families today. I know that upon his death, Papa entered the arms of God hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We will be traveling to Louisiana in the coming days to say our final goodbyes to our Papa.

Hobo No-No

Hey, Jack Sprat, if you're standing on a corner holding a sign that says, "Hungry... Need Help," your success rate gathering food and money will probably be much higher if you're morbidly obese wife/girlfriend/female companion is not sitting behind you chowing down on two Big Macs. Just sayin'.