The Two Words You Should Never Use...

"The first one is swell and the second one is lousy."

 

"Give us the lousy one first"

 

- One of my favorite quotes from an I Love Lucy episode when the gang takes proper english lessons before the arrival of Little Ricky!

 

Well, I'm gonna use both of those words in the same sentence... Swelling is lousy!

 

 I have had my ups and downs with being pregnant and I have to say the recent throbbing swelling in my hands and legs are no piece of cake.

(mmm, cake!)

Good news is, the end is near and she could be here any day now!

 

As my Mom would say, "I know it's tough. Hang in there, sport!"

 

Thankfully there's pinterest to keep my mind off the fact that my ring finger has cleavage around my wedding band.

 

 

 

Since our baby is the size of a pumpkin, I've been collecting Halloween inspired pins!

 

I love these painted pumpkins, no messy innards to clean out!

 

I have tons of cookie cutters... hand me a mallet!

 

Cute candy corn chocolate dipped cookies!

 

Salty and Sweet halloween bark!

 

 

 

Is today the day?

So I haven't had any horrific pregnant dreams but the ones I have had were very vivid...

 

pinterest

 

like this one:

I went into labor and the only person who was able to drive me to the hospital was my nephew... and he's 6! Strange thing was, he had a driver's license and had no trouble reaching the pedals.

We loaded up his mom's suv and he very calmly drove us to labor and delivery, but first we had to make a quick stop at lego land. He insisted on getting more legos since he will be spending the next 14 hours in a hospital waiting room. When we arrived at the hospital everyone was there waiting on us in what looked more like the lobby bar at the W hotel rather than a sterile waiting room... cocktails and all, weird!!!

 

or this one:

I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful doctor who happens to be the one that brought my brother and myself into this world. My dream began at the end of my delivery and as soon as I made the last push, he held her up for us to see, and then announces this was his last baby and is retiring!

 

and the most recent:

I dreamt she was born on 10-11-12... well here we are on October 11, 2012 and the day's not over!

 

I'm curious, what kind of dreams did you have while pregnant?

 

 

 

Wear Pink this October!

Unless you live under a rock (funny saying isn't it?)

then you know all about October being breast cancer awareness month!

It seems like every year more retailers get on board selling pink items to benefit research, and every year the merch gets better and better!

 

1. Stella and Dot Bryant Park Scarf / 2. Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings /

3. Loft Fiona Glitter Ballet Flats / 4. Essie's New Collection 31 Days of Pink

 

and remember it's never too early to get the girls checked!

 

 

Cold Front

Texas is going to get our first cold front of the season, tomorrow's high of only 53...

time to break out the coat!

(yes, that's cold to us Texans!)

 

Check out these 5 fab styles for under $100!

 

Quilted: Zara $99.90 / Winter White: Old Navy $59.00 / Asymmetrical: Mod Cloth $99.00 /

Color Pop: H&M $59.95 / Cape: Macy's $99.99

 

Have a Pleasant Weekend!

 

Knock on Wood

I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more wood grain than python this season.

 

1. Kate Spade Woodpecker Clutch / 2. BCBG Wood and Metal Ring / 3. Urban Spectacles /

4. Cat Potter Wooden Shoes / 5. Fossil Wood Print Watch  / 6. Miniot Wood Case for iPad

 

 

I'm diggin' those shoes... most definitely for sitting rather than walking!

 

Which one is your favorite?

 

 

Fall's IT Detail

Tassels!

They're not just for your decorative pillows!

 

I am seeing tassels all over the blog-o-sphere and thought I'd share some of my favorite under $100 finds for fall's IT detail...

 

 

ASOS Bronx Leather Shoe with Tassels / Stella and Dot Windsor Tassel Necklace /

ASOS River Island Bucket Bag

 

Which one is your favorite?

 

 

Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth,

Hand for Hand, Foot for Foot

Exodus 21:24

Have you been watching Revenge???

hollywood reporter

I haven't been this in to a TV show since... I guess... Grey's Anatomy.

(the first few seasons, when it was good)

When it comes to Wednesday nights you better not call or text me because I am burrowed on my sofa wrapped in a big comfy blanket trying to concentrate on every little twist and turn on Revenge!

The husband sits there intently trying not to make a sound or else I will huff and puff then rewind to catch what I missed in that split second. And the Dog, well she has to be put in the other room because she snores too loud!

What is it about the uber rich living with so many deadly secrets that gets us so intrigued?

Last night's episode did not disappoint!

What will Emily do now that she kissed Jack, a lot!? And that sneaky Ashley saw it all!

What is the fate of the White-haired man?

Is Emily's fiance, Daniel, really on his Father's side?? Or is he planning on taking him down?

And they can't kill off Nolan, the trusty sidekick, can they?

Ugh, now I have to wait for next week's season finale... which will probably end up being a cliff hanger that will drive me nuts all Summer.

But I did call it, Revenge is taking the Sunday night Desperate Housewives spot this Fall!

If you aren't watching, you really need to start from the beginning.

You've got 3 long months to catch up!

Trends I'm Trying

Waterfall Braid / Deco Jewels / Colorful Tights / Nail Bling 1 and 2

What trends are you loving this holiday season?

I missed National Pajama Month!?!

Oops, national pajama month has come and gone!

I can't believe I missed it :(

Well,

better late than never, right!?

We all have some pj groveling to do!

So...

take a day this November to honor your jammies!

Spend the whole day in them.

Cuddle on the sofa and

make them feel loved with a romantic comedy and hot cocoa!

They deserve it!

{you deserve it}

1/2/3

Don't forget!

Today is the last day to enter the Willow House giveaway!

Click Here!

Monthly Prescription :: November

Take the time!

via

How many mornings do you spend hitting the snooze, rushing out the door, and eating your peanut butter clif bar in the car?

Guilty!

This month your Rx is to have a breakfast date one weekday a week!

Get up a little earlier.

{or on time}

Day light savings ends this weekend, so it will be lighter earlier to give you that extra boost!

Throw on your comfy robe, make breakfast with your other half,

{you know, that human size lump that hogs the bed!}

and have a little morning convo over coffee and muffins.

What's your favorite breakfast?

Happy Halloween Willow House Giveaway!

I have a problem.

More like an addiction.

I can't help myself...

I just love,

China!

queue the gong noise, you know, like sixteen candles

Although I have never been, I'm sure I would love it.

But I am referring to the China you eat off of.

I don't know when or why it started...

maybe it's the annual run to the Canton dish barn and the excitement of finding retired fiesta ware colors,

maybe it's because I love the holidays and it's the only time we get to use the gold stuff,

or maybe it's because I can't make up my mind and different events call for different dishes!

Whatever it was that got me started

here I am, in need of a bigger china cabinet!

Earlier this summer my Mom hosted a party

where I discovered Willow House.

I didn't go nuts,

mostly due to the fact that if I did, I might end up eating alone

and doing the dishes!

But...

I did get these great pieces!

#1 Was a gift from my Mom. It's perfect for three reasons... it houses my evoo and wooden spoons, works lovely as a flatware and napkin holder for parties, and makes a great wine caddy!

#2 Everyone should have a ribbon plate! Such a cute way to incorporate colors for a bridal shower, baby shower, holidays, anything you can think of!

#3 This was the first item I starred in the catalog! Again, great for showers and displaying little treats! There's something about fresh baked cookies that just makes a kitchen feel cozy! I even went out at got a cookie cookbook. Note: baking soda is not the same as baking powder!
Hey now, I'm learning! Surely someone else has mixed that up too, now's the time to fess up people!

#4 These little mini markers look just darling in my herb pots! All you need is a chalkboard marker!

Okay now on to the giveaway!

My Willow House representative, Lisa Hammett, and I have teamed up to giveaway these cute ceramic measuring spoons and a $25 gift certificate!

So here's how you enter!

 Become a follower of Pleasantly Yours by clicking "Join this Site" on the right hand side bar.
and

Visit Lisa's website and leave a comment here telling me which Willow House item you loved the most!

For additional entries:

 Like Pleasantly Yours on Facebook

 Like Lisa's Willow House Facebook Page

 Share this giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter!

Make sure you leave a comment here to let me know what you picked out from the Willow House catalog and if you Liked and or Shared!

ex: I became a follower and love the Villa Stoneware mugs! I also liked Pleasantly Yours and Lisa's facebook page and shared the giveaway with my friends! xoxo, corinne

That equals 4 entries!

The winner will be announced on Friday November 4th!
please US residents only.

Good Luck!

Happy Halloween!

Beautiful Weekend!

The weather forecast for this weekend looks Ahh-Mazing!

I'm looking forward to spending a little time outside!

and

Lately I've had the urge to break open my watercolours and let my creativity wander.

Plus, I found this great little color chart to guide me along!

I also can't wait to bake these delicious S'mores Cupcakes that

Hello, Splendor featured on today's post!

YUM!

What are your weekend plans?

Whatever they may be,

have a pleasant weekend!

P.S. Happy, Happy Birthday to my Little Brother!

us on halloween circa 1990

Five Fall Finds Under Fifty!

Accessorize for fall for under $50 bucks!

And...

these finds aren't too trendy,

so you can use them for many falls to come!

1. When it's time to venture out into the crisp morning breeze,

cozy up with this faux fur neck wrap!

2. Dress up your favorite cable knit and jeans with a little vintage style sparkle!

3. I love fun, patterned knee highs!

Pair them with your favorite skirt and bootie.

4. Riding boots were huge last year,

this fall they are even bigger with two tone textiles like these!

5. Add a little pop of color with this belt in fall's must have color: Mustard!

Which one is your favorite?

Fly Me to The Moon

Driving home from dance the other night
 I caught a glimpse of the smallest full moon through my sun {moon} roof.

Stunning!

It really was the smallest full moon we will have this year because

it's the furthest distance from the earth!

I even caught myself closing one eye and holding my thumb out

waving it back and forth,

back and forth.

Just like Tom Hanks in Apollo 13.

I know, I know...

nerd alert!

Did you see it?

Thinking Pink!

Okay, guys and dolls...

 Pink Yoplait lids are out,

the NFL is sporting pink cleats,

and those little pink ribbons are everywhere you turn...

that must mean it's breast cancer awareness month!

Instead of a Thinking Green,

my Momma and I are Thinking Pink!

and you should too!

via

Check out her latest article!

and after you read it,

go get friendly!

August 28 is not my birthday. However, I mark the occasion every year with some reflection. You see August 28, 2008 became the 30^th year that I alone was the oldest surviving woman in my family at the tender age of 56. For three decades I had been without a mother, aunt, and two grandmothers. Sadly, my children never knew these ladies either. They all succumbed to the same disease; complications from breast cancer. Only five months after the above date, I was staring at an X-ray revealing the same prognosis.

Now, I got lucky. Never in the history of ever was there such a flurry of activity to combat my puny little tumor. But after biopsies, lumpectomies, a few missing lymph nodes and some radiation, all the hoopla was over. All that remains is a tiny pill (the cancer maintenance drug) that I shall continue to take for another two years, three months, 11 days and a few hours. But who’s counting?

I am not making light of my illness. I am mocking it because with early detection you stand a better chance of dying in the intersection of 380 and 75 than you do of breast cancer. Even after two years and the follow ups, I am amazed at the science and treatments that are available to cancer patients. I know folks continue to die of this disease, but I shall not be one of them.

Your boobs are some of the most revered and noticed parts of your body. Face it girls… guys look at them and they are part of who you are. You whiten your teeth, you put on makeup and you wear shoes that hurt your feet. Don’t lose some of your best assets to breast cancer. More importantly, don’t lose your life to breast cancer. Spend a little time every year and let a professional get up close and personal with a breast exam and mammogram. Self-exams are important too! I am sorry I got busy and skipped just one year because that is all the time it took for a tumor to develop. It is by the grace of God that I have a loving husband, supportive children and friends that helped me recovery so quickly. Do not put off what you can get examined today!

By the way, my birthday is April 8 in case you do not have that already in a cell phone or daytimer or whatever you use to remember stuff. I like cards, chocolates, and small, tasteful items in gold.

But enough about me….
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please support an organization participating in education and research that with early detection will save many lives.
Maybe you have a similar story to tell this month on the TownSquareBuzz.com.

Trudy Whitney is a contributing writer to TownSquareBuzz.com. She welcomes all comments and invites readers to ask questions about taking care of our planet. It keeps her mind from going to potting soil!
Trudy and Bill Whitney are the owners of Rapid Refill Ink, an independently owned retail franchise that refills and remanufactures inkjet and laser/toner cartridges for office and home printers. In an effort to encourage recycling, empty cartridges are brought to the store that can be reused many times. Sustainable and recycled products were utilized in the build out of the shop located in McKinney. For more information call 972.548.9393 or email trudy.whitney@rapidrefillink.net.

Passionate for Pattern:: Leopard!

To much of my Dad's dismay... Leopard is in full swing for fall!

I've never been big on over the top animal prints,

but a dainty accessory... I can do.

So don't worry Dad,

I won't be sporting an all over leopard print ensemble

but you might catch me in one of these!

1. Betsey Johnson Ballet Flats

2. Kate Spade Belt

3. Kate Spade Wallet

4. Betsey Johnson Watch

What can I say...

I'm a slave to fashion!

btw...

What's up with the shoulder pads?

They are popping up everywhere!

More on that later.

Have a pleasant weekend!

Not Just for Yo' Momma's Drapery!

Tassels and fringe are showing up all over the place!

Channel your inner Tina with this fun fringe-y proud mary top!

{go ahead, shake it, I know the song is running through your mind right now!}

Tack on these long colorful tassel earrings and throw your hair back into a messy bun!

Pump up your every day white t with this rockin' leather braided tassel bracelet!

 Don't you just love this round gold bag... {gasp}... so cute and unique!

What would fall be without loafers?

I love these super cute two tone tassel loafers to pair with your favorite skinny jeans!

It's Here, It's Here!

Happy Friday Everyone!

via

Finally,

Fall has arrived!

These are a few of my favorite fall things!

What do you love best about Autumn?

Fall Must Haves!

I woke up this morning craving a pumpkin spice latte!

But... it is still 90+ degrees in this great state of Texas.

Hopefully, TX got the "fall starts on the 23rd at 4:05 am" memo

because look at all of these great must have pieces for fall!

Michael Kors says a camel messenger bag is a MUST this season.

Not all of us can afford one of his so hop on over to H&M for this one!

A great statement necklace looks smashing with just about anything!

I think this one from Stella and Dot will definitely complete your favorite fall look!

Who says floral is just for Spring???

I love this moody fall floral pleated dress, don't you!?!

It's a splurge, but well worth it!

Great for all seasons... just switch out your shoes and belts!

I am a huge fan of two tone leather.

Looks like the riding boot craze from last year is mixing it up!

No more only brown and only black with these boots from DSW!

Time to ditch the bright neon polish!

Fall in love this season with vampy reds and royal purples from Butter London.

I am on a big Ralph Lauren kick right now!

Maybe it's the Oprah interview rerun, or the catalog that mysteriously found its way into my mail box, or maybe it's because his clothing is just so timeless...

Whatever it is,

until I can afford to go all RL

Thank goodness for this place!

Can't get my mind off of Fall, please hurry up and get here!