Happening 4.28.16

Hey all! I figured I would stop in a share a life update post. Especially since I have some fun photos I want to get off my my phone and computer and on to my blog. So we actually took our first dip in the pool last week it has been close to 90 degrees a few days these past two weeks and one especially warm day over the weekend we decided to hit the pool. Unfortunately the water was super cold since it hasn't been warm enough often enough but it was still so fun and very refreshing. Also I am now the proud owner of a one piece swimsuit. I got it at Tj maxi for $15 and thought it looked good on. I will still usually go with my regular two pieces but it is fun to own something different. 

Knox and I graduated from basic obedience dog training class last Thursday. I guess it was more just Knox and I was the trainer but it was still a lot of fun. It was a 4 week course. When handing out the certificates the teacher said that Knox was MVP of the class and that we should definitely go onto the intermediate class if we wanted to. We probably would but we are moving so we don't really have time. I am just glad we got one full class in. Knox is a pretty well behaved dog in general but it was nice to learn some more tips and tricks. I need to keep working with him. 

We had a BBQ with some friends over the weekend and we got to play with there cute baby. I am usually not very into other peoples babies but this baby is just so cute and cubby and awesome. He is seriously adorable. I also bit the bullet and finally did a face swap with Clark and I sense I kept seeing face swaps everywhere I knew I have to try it. It's a scary thing people haha but also super funny. 

Well that's it for now. I hope everyone enjoys were week and weekend! 

love, Carlee

Strawberry picking

Hey all, how is your Monday going? We went strawberry picking over the weekend to Douglas Strawberry Patch. I was actually driving up to Pittsboro NC so drop off a mug wholesale order to a shop there and on the way back I went back Gross Farms that has strawberries (and we go pumpkin pitching there each year) but a couple miles past I saw Douglas Strawberry Patch and it was small and cute and I looked them up online and the price was $9 per gallon to pick your own strawberries which was better than Gross Farms. Besides I wanted to go some place different.

There was a few other families there but it wasn't to busy. And it was the perfect timing to go because there was so many strawberries that were ripe and we didn't even have to look far to find the biggest juiciest strawberries! I was trying to pick strawberries of all sizes but Clark only wanted the biggest and best strawberries! On Saturday evening we went over to our friend house and brought some of the strawberries with us and they thought they were so good as well. 

This is actually my first time ever strawberry picking. I wanted to do it last year but by the time I looked into it it was the end of the season and we didn't really have strawberry farms in eastern Washington state were I grew up. I am glad I wore my boots and convinced Clark to wear his old shoes because it was a little muddy. I figured it would be since the day before it rained off and on. I can't wait to finish eating all the delicious strawberries in our fridge! 
love, Carlee

Shorts: Target

Boots & Tank: American Eagle

Shirt: Forever 21

Sunglasses: TJ Maxx 

Heel love

I wore this outfit to the movies last Sunday. Clark and I went and saw The Boss with Melissa McCarty who is hilarious. We both found the movie somewhat funny but it wasn't my favorite of hers but thats okay. We had a great time and ate tons of popcorn. Clark actually finished a Whole30 on Friday and he started another one of Monday so we had a weekend of eating out. We had pizza, Mexican food, movie theater snacks and more pizza. I am not doing Whole30 again because I find myself binging on food worse when it is done and that is not a healthy relationship with food so I just eat in moderation regularly. Clark on the other hand seems to need strict guidelines for eating clean so it really works for him which is great. I have been making awesome Whole30 dinners every night and packing a homemade lunch for him.

So like I said, we went to the movies on Sunday. We went to the matinee and were gone about 2 hours. When we got back Knox has thrown up on the floor in our apartment in multiple spots. He had gotten really sick. We cleaned up and gave him lots of loves. He has felt better everyday since and he was seemly back to his old self by Wednesday (he wasn't really acting much different at all anyways) but he was still having mild diarrhea so we took him to the vet to get some medicine. I knew you wanted to read about my dogs bowels today! haha. I hope is 100% back to normal in the next couple days!

I am wearing these heels again! Which I love and like I said, I only own two pairs but I am gonna get so much use out of them! Also I didn't even realize how long my hair has gotten until looking at these photos! Happy Friday y'all!
love, Carlee 

Year of Yes: Shonda Rhimes

This book as been on my 'want to read' list for a little while. After reading Big Magic I was looking into books that were inspirational and I came across this one and it had really good reviews. It finally became available at my library so I picked it up. Shonda Rhimes for those that don't know is a TV

writer and producer. She founded and writes Grey's Anatomy and Scandal and produced How To Get Away With Murder. She basically owns Thursday nights on ABC. I have seen bits and pieces of the shows above but I have never really gotten into any of the shows. I might need to now though. So I actually wasn't super familiar with Shonda Rhimes before reading this book.

So this book is basically about how Shonda kept saying no to amazing opportunities because she was scared or nervous and didn't want to go out of her comfort zone. Her big sister said one Thanksgiving "You never say yes to anything." and it kind of stuck with her and he realized her sister was right and that she was going through life kind of numb and missing opportunities.

That was a little hard to get my head around because I was like you are a writer and founder and producer of major TV shows and you have 3 children you are obviously living life. But then I also realized that she got comfortable in the life that she knew and wasn't taking on anymore opportunities or responsibilities than necessary. She wasn't to stay in her comfort zone which is totally understandable. I think a lot of us do. I am really into reading these inspirational books because for some reason this stage in my life I need inspiration. Obviously I am not staying in my comfort zone, I am moving to Italy in a couple months which is way outside my comfort zone. I think maybe that is why I have need more inspirational reads and feel good books because I like reading about people who when through stages of uncomfortable and tough times. Not that I am having a tough time I am just a little more uncomfortable then usually. But this book has inspired me not to say no to opportunities and responsibilities in the next couples months just because the future is making me nervous. 90% super excited and 10% nervous. But it seems the 10% always takes over my brain and likes to take charge.  I don't want to wall up in a little hole and not do anything. Although, in another since that is exactly what I want to do. So yes, feel good inspirational books are my jam right now. Send recommendations.
love, Carlee 

Sporty Romp

It is spring and finally getting warm enough to bust out my rompers! I got this one last year and it is my favorite. I bought these tennis shoes a couple weeks ago at Marshalls and I was realizing that the color totally matches this romper. I have been on the hunt for some cute sneakers because we are moving to Italy (see last post!) and if I had heard/ read anything about European travel, you walk a lot. So I want some cute comfy sneakers that I can wear everywhere! These were only $30 at Marshalls and I usually find Nikes super comfy so I got them. So far they have not disappointed they are so comfy! And cute and purple. So win win. Happy Tuesday, hope y'all have a great week. 
love, Carlee

We're Moving...

...to ITALY!!! Yes you read that right. I am so excited it's not even funny. I always worry about sharing big plans or things I am excited about thinking that maybe the universe will take it away if I share it with the world. Weird thought huh? But now that we have our flights book I am thinking its 99% official. I say 99% because literally anything is possible with the military.

So yeah, my husband and I are PCSing (Permanent Change of Station) to Naples, Italy for 3 years! We are leaving at the beginning of July and yes our dog Knox is coming with us.

A little background, this has actually been in the works since last April. Clark reenlisted for a location which was Italy and so it was in this contract. But there was a lot of stuff to go through before our official orders got cut. I had to go through a medical screening processing that said I was capable to live overseas. I started that process in November and it took like 4 months even though it was suppose to take 4 weeks.It just took a long time because the paperwork wasn't getting moved through like it should. It was kind of annoying but in the end I was approved and then we got our sponsor. Which is a soldier that is already at our duty station in Italy and is there to help us get things in order. Like get our temporary lodging set up, transportation from the airport, and is there to answer any questions we might have about our new base.

We have also been to several briefings about moving with the military. They have given us a lot of good information. We have actually never moved with the military before and since this is an overseas move as well there is a lot of things that we don't even know. But we are getting it all in order. Now that we are getting down to it, it all seems to be happening rather quickly but after waiting almost a year for this change it is nice to finally get things moving in the right direction! I am sure I'll keep you updated as it gets closer. Also let me know if you have any questions. 
love, Carlee 

Azaleas

Spring in North Carolina is wonderful. I would probably be singing a different tune if I was allergic to pollen but I am not. There are blooming flowers and trees everywhere and giant azalea bushes around every corner! I honestly just can't get enough of all the pretty flowers. It seems just last week everything was brown and just barely starting to bud but now everything is in full bloom and I look around and the trees have new green leaves on them and the grass is coming out of dormancy! What a great time to be alive!

We are coming up on week 3 of obedience class with Knox! It is everything Thursday and this Thursday will be the 3rd week so we have only had 2 other lessons but every time I go I am so worried that Knox is going to fall behind. But turns out Knox is super smart. I have always thought so but I just kind of thought that as a parent thinking their kid is amazing but the obedience teacher said he is very smart and a super teachable dog which makes me happy. It also gives me hope that I will be able to break the habit of him eating random stuff  (read: goose poop) off the road when we go for a walk. One of my least favorite things that he does. So gross.

Notice anything different about this outfit? I am hearing heels! Which is a big deal because I never wear heels I only own 2 pairs (1 before I bought these over the weekend.) I used to wear heels in high school sometimes when we had to dress up for a presentation or other things but lets be honestly heels aren't very comfortable usually and also I noticed one of my good friends loved wearing heels but she looked so uncomfortable walking in them and I was always worried I looked like that. Like people could tell  I was a noob high heel walker haha. Also I am 5'9" so I don't really need heels and Clark is only 5'11" so I will wear them and be taller. But I wanted to try my hand at heels again. But I must be able to walk in them confidently and they must be comfortable! And these were both. I think they are so cute! I think Clark and I might be going on a date night this weekend and I am totally going to wear them again. I am probably going to use any excuse I can to wear them haha.

Heels & Sunglasses: TJ Maxx

Dress: American Eagle

Jacket: Target

Bridesmaid Lotto : Rachel Astor

Okay so this is the first book I have read on an electric device. I once tried to use my stepmom kindle to read a book but gave up after 2 pages. What happened was I was reading another book from the library called The Big Sleep and I was about half way through it and I didn't like it at all and it was

boring. But I was just going to finish but then I thought why in the heck would I finish this book that sucks and that I don't enjoying reading at all! I have been in sort of a book slump. But me finishing this lame ass book was not going to help and every night I was not excited to lay down and read before bed. It left like more of a chore.

Which led me to complaining about not having a book to read one night when I finally put down The Big Sleep and decided I wasn't going to finish and Clark said why don't you look for a book on your phone. Of course, I was being a little snobby and was like I don't read ebooks I only read hard copy books. (jaaaaaa I'm a loser.) But I started browsing on my phone and filtered the sections to free so that way I didn't have to pay for a book that I wanted to read. Besides I didn't even know if I would like reading on my phone. I landing on Bridesmaid Lotto because it was one of the best sellers in the romanic free books and it had pretty cover art and I liked the description. I downloaded it and dove it. I will admit that I was a little overwhelmed with the bottom of the phone saying 1 of 653 pages. But it goes by so fast on a little phone screen device.

Anyways, this was a super fast read. A real guilty pleasure book just like pretty predictable but nice and light hearted which was good. Especially for my first ebook read, I didn't need something too intense. I liked the concept of this book as well. Picking random bridesmaids haha but its more about one of the bridesmaid falling in love with one of the groomsman that is a famous actor (and no I didn't really give anything away.) The book ended pretty good but it definitely left a lot of stuff unanswered and thats when I learned that there are actually 2 more books in the series and they cost $2.99 each on ebook. Its actually a pretty smart strategy if your going to self publish get people hooked and then make them want to buy your other books. I didn't purchase the next one but I might in the future just to see what happens with the leading lady.

If I need another fun easy quick read in the future (which I am 100% positive I will.) I will mostly likely purchase the next ebook. It was a cute story. It should be noted that there were a few typos that even I noticed. The first one that majorly stuck out to me was she spelled Katy Perry - Katie Perry . I had to google it because instantly I was like that is not how you spell Katy Perry haha. But I am not a book critic and like I said I wasn't reading this book for deep literature substance. I would probably give this book a 4 out of 5. I enjoyed it.
love, Carlee

Wedding photographer for a day

So back on March 20th, I got to be a wedding photographer for a day. Clark and I's friends were getting married and Clark was the best man and I got asked to be the photographer. It was super casual but still this is someones wedding so I was a little nervous because I wanted to make sure that the photos turned out really good and they were happy with them. They really were and it was such a lovely day. 

I don't want to share any photos of their faces because I don't know if they want there faces on a public blog all over the internet (you know because I have such a big blog ;)) haha. Anyways though I want to be respectful so I am just sharing some photos of what I wore + my favorite close up shots I took of the wedding details. Also Clark ironing the grooms shirt for the big day. Turns out of all of us there, Clark was the best at ironing. #myhusbandrocks 

They had it at the cutest little B&B in Dunn NC called Simply Divine. The bride's parents actually rented out the whole place for the parents and bride and groom to stay the night but sense it was on a Sunday and Clark had work the next day we went home after the dinner and cake. It was awesome to have to whole place just for the wedding and the wedding party. And it was a really pretty house and the owner made lovely food. It was really a delightful little wedding and evening. 
love, Carlee

Dress: TJ Maxx

Boots: Marshalls

Tights: Macys

Wisteria

So for the last 3 years now I have wanted to take photos with the wisteria here in North Carolina it is so gorgeous! Want to know something funny? I had actually never seen wisteria in the wild before moving to North Carolina almost 3 years ago. The first time I saw it I had to google "purple vine flowers NC." And the word wisteria popped up and it was correct. Growing up and having lived in the PNW my entire life, we just don't have wisteria up there. Which I guess is okay because it is an evasive vine plant that only looks really pretty for about a week and a half then after that it just wants to take over your life and garden and house haha.

Yesterday day was Monday. And it felt like Monday, if you know what I mean. The car was making weird sounds and our horn died. Like the horn just doesn't work anymore. Not even when you manually push it. So we need to get that fixed and get our car checked out anyways because it hasn't been in a while. Then I went to Dairy Queen in the evening and wanted a vanilla dipped chocolate cone and they were out of vanilla what is this world coming too haha. No its all good.

I did get asked over the weekend if I wanted to by a bridesmaid for my future sister in law. My brother is getting married and his fiancé asked me to be a bridesmaid which is awesome. I don't have any sisters so I don't have the automatic bridesmaid thing. Although I am worried that I will have big responsibilities, I have never been a bridesmaid before. So I am probably just blowing everything out of proportion. But I am just gonna be there and supportive and do whatever is needed.
love, Carlee

Dress: Marshalls

Sandals: Old Navy

Sunglasses: TJ Maxx

Air and Space Museum / Chantilly VA

While we were in DC we knew we wanted to go to the Steven F. Udvar Hazy - Air and Space Museum in Chantilly VA near the Washington/Dulles Airport. It is a Smithsoneum Museum so it is free to get into but parking is $15 but it is totally worth it. Last time we went to Washington D.C. we went to the Air and Space Museum at the National Mall and we saw a layout for this museum and Clark saw that it has the SR-71 Blackbird. The fastest jet or plane ever. We really wanted to go but it was closed by the time we realized last time. So this time we knew that we had to go. We ended up going on our way out of town. It is about 20-30 minutes from downtown DC so it is a little bit of a drive. But totally worth it.

The museum is basically just two giant airplane hangers and there is also a observation tower that you can do up into and watch the planes take off from the IAD airport. There is also a gift shop and a McDonalds and simulation rides. So the blackbird was awesome and it was so big and arrow dynamic and crazy! We also got to see the space shuttle Discovery which is the space shuttle that has orbited the earth the most out of any space shuttles and it can hold a crew of 150 people. I really liked some of the super small planes. There was the smallest plane there built in the 1980s just a one man plane. And even a hot air balloon vessel. Way more intricate then just the basket that I image with hot air balloons.

There was a commercial airlines section and a military planes section. It was cool because there was planes wired to the roof so it looked like planes were just all over throughout the "sky." I thought it was really nicely set up and there was 2 levels so you could see the planes from all different angels and heights. We were going to go up to the observation tower before we left but the line was really long and we decided that we already saw the coolest stuff the museum had to offer. This is such a cool museum and very worth the extra effort it takes to get to it. 
love, Carlee

Sweater: American Eagle

Leggings & Shoes: Nike