We had our first snow of winter today in D.C. I definitely wasn't expecting it when I walked to work in heels and didn't bring gloves or a scarf (it was 68 degrees on Saturday), but I definitely welcomed the snow. It is so pretty! I snapped a couple of quick pictures on my phone to share. I hope everyone had a great Monday. Enjoy! 

Outside of my office building.

At the front door of my apartment building looking towards the street.

Benches outside my corner market.

It's that time of year again. It's time for people everywhere to make New Year's Resolutions. Since I'm a full week late on this post, thousands have already made their resolutions for 2012. They've challenged themselves to lose 20lbs., quit smoking, or maybe to simply live a happier life. 

Instead of making a list of things I want to change about myself after 2011, I've decided to make a list of things I absolutely loved about 2011. Why look back on the negative of 2011? I say we should celebrate all things fabulous about 2011 and look forward towards 2012.

Number 10. Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang

Overall, award show fashion seemed to be down in 2011, but I fell in love with Sandra Bullock's Oscars dress. Vera Wang always does things the right way. Her strapless, scarlet gown paired with a crimson VBH clutch and Harry Winston earrings and bangle made for a perfect combination for last year's Best Actress winner, the lovely Mrs. Bullock.

Number 9. The Help

This film did not disappoint. The story, the acting, the fashion -- for me, this movie had it all. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out. 

Number 8. Skinnygirl Cocktails

Bethenny Frankel saw an incredible opportunity and ran with it. These low-calorie cocktails don't sacrifice on freshness or taste and have become all the rage. Skinnygirl started out with Skinnygirl Margarita and they have since added Skinnygirl Sangria and Skinnygirl White Cranberry Cosmo. Check out their website here. Trust me on this one.

Number 7. Lace

I love all things lace. In 2011, lace made a move from the basic black and white into beautiful new hues. I think I'm in love!

Number 6. NBA Lockout

I've never been a big fan of the NBA. This season, we were lucky enough to have the start of the NBA season delayed until Christmas. During college football season, I don't want to see NBA highlights on SportsCenter. If only they could have delayed it a few more weeks, we could have fully enjoyed the perfectness of college football without hearing about Queen Lebron and his inability to perform in the 4th quarter.

Number 5. The death of Osama bin Laden

I didn't really know where to rank this one, so I decided to place it right in the middle of my list. In 2011, heat waves swept the country, natural disasters made near daily appearances in the news, we came within hours of defaulting our our national debt, and the political theatre seemed to be more vicious than ever. So, as odd or sick as it may be for Americans to come together over someone's death, it happened, and it was beautiful. In addition to all of the obvious reasons that the death of Osama bin Laden was such a major event in 2011, it was notable because even if just for a few days, America was united again. 

Number 4. Pinterest

As if we didn't already have enough social media platforms to keep up with. Pinterest made a debut in a big way in 2011 and girls everywhere found another procrastination tool.

Number 3. Twilight: Breaking Dawn - Part 1

The highly anticipated fourth installment of The Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, did not disappoint. In my opinion, it was by far the best made movie of the series. I'm looking forward to the final installment of the series to premeire in 2012.

Number 2. The start to Election 2012

Election season is finally upon us! In 2011, we were introduced to several new faces looking to evict President Obama from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Please do me a favor this year -- educate yourself on the issues and candidates. Do your duty and vote!

As for me, I've joined the Hunt and am supporting Jon Huntsman in the primary. (Check out jon2012.com!) However, you can bet your last dollar I'll be supporting the eventual Republican nominee, whoever that might be. We seriously cannot afford (both literally and figuratively) another four years of the current administration.

Number 1. The Royal Wedding

The royal wedding lived up to the hype and gave women everywhere something we had been lacking since the tragic death of Princess Diana -- a new people's princess. There is really only one word to describe the royal wedding -- perfect.

So, there you have it. My favorites from 2011. What were your favorites from 2011? What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Dear Aggies

While watching one of our new SEC additions this afternoon, I was unpleasantly surprised by the wardrobe of the fans. Who knew t-shirts were so dang popular? Texas A&M fans (and I'm assuming Missouri's, too) need a wardrobe intervention, and fast! Here in the SEC, Saturday's are considered a holy day, and I have a feeling the SEC football gods will not smile down on all that cotton. If I had a ton of money, I'd be opening two cute boutiques -- one in College Station, Texas and one in Columbia, Missouri. However, I still have faith they can do it without my help. It took me five minutes to find dozens and dozens of cute gameday dresses online in maroon/black (for Texas A&M) and gold/black for (Missouri). Trust me, it's a lot easier to find than Tennessee orange. So, with that, Aggies (whatever the heck that is) and Tigers, there will be absolutely zero excuses for unacceptable clothing next season. Consider this your spring and summer challenge and use this as an excuse to go shopping for a new wardrobe. Leave the cotton at home and we'll see you next season!

Happy Thanksgiving

Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to write a Thanksgiving post due to traveling back to Tennessee this week, but I do want to share my Thanksgiving post from last year with you. Some of you have already read the story, but for those of you who didn't follow my blog when I first started it exactly a year ago, you can read my first blog post here:

Love and Health this Thanksgiving

I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Why Men Are In Trouble

     (CNN) -- For the first time in history, women are better educated, more ambitious and arguably more successful than men.

     Now, society has rightly celebrated the ascension of one sex. We said, "You go girl," and they went. We celebrate the ascension of women but what will we do about what appears to be the very real decline of the other sex?

     The data does not bode well for men. In 1970, men earned 60% of all college degrees. In 1980, the figure fell to 50%, by 2006 it was 43%. Women now surpass men in college degrees by almost three to two. Women's earnings grew 44% in real dollars from 1970 to 2007, compared with 6% growth for men.

     In 1950, 5% of men at the prime working age were unemployed. As of last year, 20% were not working, the highest ever recorded. Men still maintain a majority of the highest paid and most powerful occupations, but women are catching them and will soon be passing them if this trend continues.

     The warning signs for men stretch far beyond their wallets. Men are more distant from a family or their children then they have ever been. The out-of-wedlock birthrate is more than 40% in America. In 1960, only 11% of children in the U.S. lived apart from their fathers. In 2010, that share had risen to 27%. Men are also less religious than ever before. According to Gallup polling, 39% of men reported attending church regularly in 2010, compared to 47% of women.

     If you don't believe the numbers, just ask young women about men today. You will find them talking about prolonged adolescence and men who refuse to grow up. I've heard too many young women asking, "Where are the decent single men?" There is a maturity deficit among men out there, and men are falling behind.

     This decline in founding virtues -- work, marriage, and religion -- has caught the eye of social commentators from all corners. In her seminal article, "The End of Men," Hanna Rosin unearthed the unprecedented role reversal that is taking place today. "Man has been the dominant sex since, well, the dawn of mankind. But for the first time in human history, that is changing—and with shocking speed," writes Rosin. The changes in modern labor -- from backs to brains -- have catapulted women to the top of the work force, leaving men in their dust.

     Man's response has been pathetic. Today, 18-to- 34-year-old men spend more time playing video games a day than 12-to- 17-year-old boys. While women are graduating college and finding good jobs, too many men are not going to work, not getting married and not raising families. Women are beginning to take the place of men in many ways. This has led some to ask: do we even need men?

     So what's wrong? Increasingly, the messages to boys about what it means to be a man are confusing. The machismo of the street gang calls out with a swagger. Video games, television and music offer dubious lessons to boys who have been abandoned by their fathers. Some coaches and drill sergeants bark, "What kind of man are you?" but don't explain.

     Movies are filled with stories of men who refuse to grow up and refuse to take responsibility in relationships. Men, some obsessed with sex, treat women as toys to be discarded when things get complicated. Through all these different and conflicting signals, our boys must decipher what it means to be a man, and for many of them it is harder to figure out.

     For boys to become men, they need to be guided through advice, habit, instruction, example and correction. It is true in all ages. Someone once characterized the two essential questions Plato posed as: Who teaches the children, and what do we teach them? Each generation of men and women have an obligation to teach the younger males (and females of course) coming behind them. William Wordsworth said, "What we have loved, others will love, and we will teach them how." When they fail in that obligation, trouble surely follows.

     We need to respond to this culture that sends confusing signals to young men, a culture that is agnostic about what it wants men to be, with a clear and achievable notion of manhood.

     The Founding Fathers believed, and the evidence still shows, that industriousness, marriage and religion are a very important basis for male empowerment and achievement. We may need to say to a number of our twenty-something men, "Get off the video games five hours a day, get yourself together, get a challenging job and get married." It's time for men to man up.

Homecoming

Tomorrow night I leave for Tennessee to attend my first post-graduation Homecoming. It is sure to be a busy and fun-filled weekend with friends and family. As some of you know, I'll be crowning the 2011 University of Tennessee Miss Homecoming as my final duty as last year's Miss Homecoming. I absolutely love Homecoming and am really looking forward to all of the festivities! 

Looking back, I can certainly promise you I never thought in a million years I would go from this:

Brittany and I before our first football game as students.

to this:

Dad and I on the field last year.

in just four (and a half) years.

A lot of people have been asking me over the past few weeks:
What is Miss Homecoming?
How does it work?

As defined by All Campus Events (the student organization that organizes homecoming), Miss Homecoming should be "a senior woman who possesses poise, leadership skills, loyalty, strong character, and most of all true "Volunteer Spirit." She will be one who the students, administrators, and peers will be proud to have representing them as the emblem of the University of Tennessee and all for which it stands."

- Any registered student organization at the university is able to nominate one senior woman for Miss Homecoming.

- The nomination process consists of a nomination statement from the organization, two self-written statements from the candidate, and additional information about the woman's involvement both on and off campus.

- The nomination packet is followed by two rounds of interviews conducted by university administrators. The first round is a group interview (3-4 women). After the first round, the candidates are narrowed down to the Top 10. The second round is an individual interview (which, by the way, was by far the hardest, most intense interview of my life). The candidates are then narrowed down to the Top 5.

- Throughout Homecoming week, the Top 5 candidates participate in a number of different events to promote voting. However, no individual campaigning is allowed.

- The Top 5 candidates are then voted on by the student body through an online system and the winner is announced at halftime.

This weekend I'll be in the annual homecoming parade on Friday night and will then crown Miss Homecoming 2011 at halftime. Five amazing ladies are nominated this year and I'm so excited for all of them! Best of luck to all of you. You've all been great representatives of our university! 

With that, I'll leave you with one of my self-written statements from my nomination packet. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and 

GO VOLS!

Tennessee has always been my home. Though I considered many different colleges, I followed my heart to the University of Tennessee. The fear of becoming a "number" at a large institution deterred many of my friends from attending Tennessee. However, my love for my home state and home university wouldn't let me go anywhere else.

The opportunities I have had over the past four years have cultivated a greater love for our university and for the state of Tennessee than I could have ever imagined. Now, as I look back on my four years as a Volunteer, I realize this University has changed my life. My experience at UT as a member of some of the most rewarding organizations on campus has allowed me to meet amazing people, enjoy my education, and make a difference at a university where so many worried they would become a "number."

Enlightened by my experiences, I hope my love for our university has shone brightly to my family, friends and fellow Volunteers during my time at UT. No matter where life takes me when I graduate, I will be forever grateful to this university.

While I have been highly involved in campus life and have tried to live the true "Volunteer Spirit," being chosen to represent my university as Miss Homecoming 2010 would be one of the highest honors I could imagine. I am humbled by this nomination. Thank you for this consideration.

And Guest

Receiving a wedding invitation can be a stressful experience. I know what you’re thinking. Weddings are stressful? No way…

In a relationship: “I love weddings. How romantic! I can’t wait to plan my own!”

Single: “I love weddings. How fun! I hope the bridesmaids/groomsmen are single and good looking and I really hope they have an open bar!”

Weddings are supposed to be exciting. Don’t get me wrong, for the most part they are; however, we’d all be kidding ourselves if we didn’t admit that sometimes being invited to a wedding can cause a brief moment of selfish stress. Let me explain.

What causes this brief moment of selfish stress? Answer… two words:

“…and guest”

Such a simple phrase, but yet it can cause stress whether you are single or in a relationship.

In a relationship: “I better be ‘and guest-ed.’ Why did he/she get a plus one and I didn’t? What if they give my ex a plus one and not me just because he/she is in the wedding party? Did he/she get a plus one just because they are engaged and we aren’t? I’ve known the bride/groom longer!”

Single: “What if I’m not ‘and guest-ed?’ Or, what if I am? Just because I’m not in a serious relationship doesn’t mean I don’t deserve to bring a date. I’ve known the bride/groom longer than all these fools. But wait, if I am and ‘guest-ed,’ who will I take?

Catch my drift? Don’t lie; we’ve all been through it.

Recently, four (yes four – and I have a feeling a couple more are coming soon) of my close girlfriends got engaged. Before we go any further, let me just say I could not be more excited for these four women. They are four of the most wonderful people I know and I can’t think of four people who deserve happiness more than them. I love them all so much! Let me introduce you:

Staci

Mika

Caitlin

Annie 

Aren’t they beautiful? (And, wow! Blast from the past!)

All of these wonderful ladies are getting married between June–July of 2012. What does that mean for me? It means I better start saving money so I can travel back to Tennessee for their big days!

What else does it mean? It means I’ll soon be stressing out about being “and guest-ed.” I don’t expect to be “and guest-ed” at all four weddings (trust me ladies, absolutely ZERO pressure here, I’ve learned from experience that weddings can sometimes be more fun without a date), but I probably will be for a few of them.

So, as a single twenty-something who lives at least 500 miles away from these weddings, what are my options if I am “and guest-ed?” This is what I’ve come up with so far:

1.     Find a serious man --- and fast!

Ok, let’s all be realistic… this probably isn’t going to happen. If you know anything about me, you know the story of my life is bad timing and distance. I don’t necessarily expect that to change anytime soon, but I’m optimistic. If I find someone in the next five months, then great! If not, no worries.

2.     Take someone I’m interested in.

This one could be tricky. It all depends on how interested and how long I’ve been interested. The same caveats apply to this one as apply to taking a friend.

3.     Take a friend.

Maybe take a friend who lives in Tennessee? Or, maybe take a friend of a friends date? Or, ask a friend from D.C. (or another city) if they’d like to take a road trip back to Tennessee for a big party? Everyone loves road trips and parties, right? I think so. A few caveats with this one (and with taking someone I’m interested in): He has to be fun, and I mean really fun. He has to be social. He has to get along with everyone, be a likeable person and be able to entertain himself. I don’t want to be babysitting all night. Liking to dance would be a plus. Sense of humor, that’d be great. Look good in pictures? Even better.

4.  Thank my wonderful friends for “and guest-ing” me, but graciously let them know I’ll be coming alone (I can always use the fact that I love 500 miles away from Tennessee as an excuse, right?) 

I’ll put on my dancing shoes and celebrate some of the most wonderful people I know with some of my closest friends and have the time of my life while doing it. 

Sure, there can be a little selfish stress along with weddings, but at least for me, weddings are some of the best nights of our lives. I love everything about weddings and with or without a date, I can't wait for this next wedding season to kick-off!

Congratulations Staci, Mika, Caitlin, and Annie!!! I love y'all!

Chattanooga vs Disney World

Since 1987, Disney World has capitalized off a series of popular television commericals featuring NFL players, typically the Super Bowl MVP, shouting the phrase "I'm going to Disney World!" while celebrating the team's victory immediately after the championship game. These commercials have also promoted champions from other sports, and winners of non-sport competitions such as American Idol. The popoular tagline has even made its way into two of my favorite shows growing up, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Full House. But, what's so great about Disney World anyways?Based on the reaction from these Atlanta, GA children, apparently not much. Maybe Disney World needs a new advertising strategy, or, maybe this year we will see our next Super Bowl MVP change the tagline to "I'm going to -- eh -- Chattanooga!" 

 I can only imagine the field day the tourism department in Chattanooga is having trying to capitalize on this new video. Way to go Chattanooga!!! Thanks for helping the world realize what I've always known -- Tennessee really is the "happiest place on Earth!"

Happy Tuesday!

A Few Questions Answered

Surprisingly, I had several people mention reading and enjoying my blog when I was in Tennessee the past two weekends. A few people asked some questions or made suggestions regarding what I should blog about, so since I'm a little under the weather today (dang weather changing) I'll try to answer a few.

1. You never blogged about attending President Obama's Address to Congress. How was it? And, more importantly, what did you wear?

For those of you who don't know, I had the great honor of attending President Obama's Address to Congress last month to see him propose his "jobs" plan. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Like I've said before on here, I try to avoid talking about my political opinions on my blog, so I won't get into exactly what I thought about said "jobs" (cough*stimulus*cough) plan. However, the experience of seeing the President of the United States, regardless of political party, address Congress was absolutely surreal. After work, I headed over to the Capitol to find my seat. I wanted to get there early so I could people watch as everyone arrived. I found my seat and made friends with the young Secret Service agent and watched as members of Congress started to take their seats. I may have purposely flirted a little bit with the Secret Service agent so he would tell me where the First Lady would be seated and when she would be arriving. It worked! ;) My seat location was perfect. The best way I know how to describe it is -- from my seat, President Obama was at 11:00 and Mrs. Obama was at 2:00. I had a great view of both. I honestly can't even describe how amazing the experience was -- watching the members of Congress pick their seats, watching Mrs. Obama arrive, watching the Vice President lead the senators onto the floor, hearing those famous words: "Mr. Speaker, the President of the United States" -- I had chills and teared up watching the events unfold. (Yes, I'm admittedly a nerd) It was truly an event I will never forget. Here's what my ticket looked like: 

Some of you are probably more curious about what I wore. Lucky for you, I took a few pictures while I was trying to decide what to wear (I tried on about 10 different options) to send to my mom and a few friends to get their input. This is what made the final cut. 

2. How long are you staying in D.C.?

That is a very good question. When I started my new position in July I committed to staying in D.C. until the end of 2012, but beyond that I don't really know. I love D.C., but I ultimately want to move back to Tennessee, more specifically probably the Nashville area at some point in the future. It will all depend on several different factors -- where I am in my career and where my personal life is or is headed. I'm in no hurry to figure it out anytime soon. Right now I'm completely content with life and am not worried about planning for the future. I've learned things rarely turn out how we plan them.

3. Have you met anyone yet?

No. Not yet. I don't really want to go there right now, but let's just say Emily Giffin could write another best seller based on my life. (Yes, I'm leaving it at that, wonder away).

That's all the questions I'll answer for now. I'll leave you with a few pictures from the past two weekends in Tennessee. Time to curl up on the couch with some kleenex, cough medicine, and soup and get ready to cheer on the big orange. Y'all have a great weekend. GO VOLS!

A few 2000s Torchbearers before being recognized on the field at halftime of the LSU game.

Tailgating before the Georgia game.

With Steph and Cait before the LSU game.

Philippians Four Six

I apologize for being MIA lately. I've been busy with work and traveling home to Tennessee, but I wanted to share a verse I've been hanging on this week before I head back to Tennessee for the weekend. My friend, Whitney, originally posted it on her blog and I posted it in my planner earlier this week so I would be reminded of this great verse multiple times a day. I hope everyone has a blessed weekend!

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

philippians 4:6

Happy Wednesday

It's going to be a great day!
It's already Wednesday, Fox and Friends played a Backstreet Boys song this morning, we're in recess (or should I say 'state work period'), my alarm went off at 6:00 a.m. this morning instead of 5:00 a.m., I only work until 4:00 p.m. today, and I'll be in Tennessee in 9 days!

For Wordless Wednesday, I thought I'd share this neat little video I found yesterday. This was created by an advertising agency in Chattanooga, TN and the students are from UTC, Ooltewah and Boyd-Buchanan high schools. If you're interested, you can read more on it here. I hope y'all enjoy. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

P.S. I've had a few people ask if I deleted my blog. Obviously, if you are here, you know I didn't. However, I did change the web address for my blog. Instead of my full name, it is now http://capitolizingonlife.blogspot.com/. (I didn't want my full name so clearly displayed and out there for the world to see) So, if you have my blog on your favorites bar, which I'm sure all of you do (I joke, I joke), then make sure to update the web address.  =)

Erin Condren Life Planner

If you know me, you know I am as Gold as Gold personalities come (although yes, Allie, I do have a good bit of Blue in me). For those of you who aren't familiar with the True Colors model of personality identification, you can visit their website here. 

Some of the most notable traits of Golds are: organized, consistent, procedural, thorough, punctual, structured, and orderly. Golds are the people who make a to-do list daily. Golds are the people who go back and add things to their to-do list after they've completed the task if it wasn't on the list before. If you know me, you know this describes me perfectly. I am the QUEEN of lists. I've been made fun of many, many times for my excessive to-do lists and for even going as far as dating my to-do lists (Alissa). 

In case you're curious... some information I found about Golds online:

Golds value tradition (hello, this screams me), they are the record keepers, inspectors and caregivers. They enjoy family traditions such as birthday parties and family gatherings. (My family will appreciate this one - I pitch a fit every single time someone offers a new idea for a family holiday). Golds are very business-like and private. They believe their word is their bond, that everyone must be on time (pet peeve), organized and plan things through properly. They follow their to-do lists and seek closure since they prefer to do one thing at a time, do it very well and then move on. Golds view the world as black or white, right or wrong and are definitely the rule makers and rule followers of the world. They are the ones who act as the steadying element in our society. “Be prepared” is their motto. They form the backbone of institutions. They fill the places of worship, the service clubs and businesses. During their teen years Golds take on increasing responsibility. They will want to get jobs to save for their future such as their further education. They will have their rebellious times but these don’t tend to last as long as they might for other temperaments. They need to feel grown up and they want to take their place in society. Golds expect to be held accountable and to take responsibility. They cheerfully shoulder the load that they know needs to be done. They know someone is going to come along and ask them if they have finished some specific project and they want to be able to say that it is done. 

So, now (if you're actually still reading) you know more about the Gold personality than you probably ever wanted to know, but you might be able to understand how incredibly excited I've been about my new planner arriving since I have a strange love for planners, calendars and to-do lists.

In the past, I've used a Lily Pulitzer planner. I loved it, but it seems like they have become more and more popular and I wanted something different. Let me introduce you to the best thing that has happened to planners since some person with a Gold personality invented them...

The Erin Condren on-the-go Life Planner. After much anticipation, my life planner finally arrived this week!

Notice Erin Condren's attention to brand identity detail. I was so impressed with the packaging. Fun colors and inspiring quotes can be found all over Erin's products.

Inside I found a friendly welcome note and a free gift.

My life planner came with customized free gift labels.

How stinkin' cute! Mrs. Erin sure does know how to pull in a customer base. I will definitely be ordering from her in the future. 

I also received custom notepads to match my planner.

For my life planner, I wanted something cute, but basic enough that I could leave it out on my desk at work and not immediately be compared to Elle Woods. Cute and fun, yet sophisticated was my goal.

 I absolutely loved how the cover turned out.

Inside the front over. A place to put your name and contact information in case you ever misplace your planner.

As I mentioned, cute and inspiring quotes are everywhere in this planner.

One of my favorite things - TABS! They make the planner so easy to use. My only piece of constructive criticism is next time I hope they laminate the tabs as they did the front and back cover. I have a feeling these will wear out quickly. I can't decide if I want to try to prevent that by covering them or if it might add a little character. We'll see.

Next we have special dates pages to list important dates. This will be very helpful for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. and will be helpful when transferring into a new planner after this one is complete in December 2012.

 Up next is a view of each month up until December 2012. This will be useful for long term planning.

Then we get to the individual months. Each month begins with a month view on sturdy cardstock.

 After a few notes pages, each week is broken down into morning, day, and night. Love this part! It also has a goals and to do list section for each week. Amazing!

Again, fun colors and cute quotes throughout.

 After all of the months, there is a section to fill in personal important numbers. (Work, Cell, Emergency Contact, Doctors, Dentist, Restaurants, Gym, Salons, etc.)

 What girl doesn't love stickers? Up next are six sheets of stickers. Some are already filled out (Party, Game, Birthday, Concert, Hair Appt, No School, Vacation, Wedding, Girls Night, Sale, Mani/Pedi, Baby Shower, Bridal Shower, Date Night, Massage, etc.) and then some blank stickers to make your own!

 Next is this awesome "Keep it Together" pocket. I plan on using this for postage stamps, stationary in case I need to send a note in a pinch, etc. It has a pocket on both sides.

 After the convenient pocket is a water proof Zip-Loc type pocket. It came filled with all sorts of personalized goodies AND a 10% off coupon for my next purchase. I'm telling you, they thought of everything!

 This shows where I put my personalized notepads. So convenient!

Another view.

 And finally, a full 2013 and 2014 calendar on the back cover.

If you are anything like me, I know you would absolutely love this planner. Erin Condren seriously thought of every detail you would ever need in a planner. For you brides and teachers... she also sales wedding planners and lesson plan books and I'm confident they are just as awesome.

If you've stuck with this post all the way to the end, I'm impressed. Don't forget to check out Erin's website. She has everything from these planners, to iPad stickers, to stationary, invitations, gift labels, etc. etc. etc.

Gold personality love to you Mrs. Erin. LOVE my planner. Thank you!

Wordless Wednesday

I didn't blog about the 10th anniversary of the September 11th (mainly because I was so overwhelmed with different emotions and I didn't know what to say), but I wanted to share these two photos with you.

I was able to attend the 10th Observance of September 11, 2001 on the East Front of the Capitol with all 535 members of Congress and many past and present Congressional staffers. It was an amazing experience.

Time to get back to work. Enjoy! - Micah