Just a little MOTIVATION..

Embrace the 'Messiness' : LIFE

I was recently asked what my five year plan was.

My answer? A laugh.

Five years? Hmm.. I guess I just know two things.. I'll be 28 and happy.

Seriously people, slow down. There's actually not a rush! I know that life is exciting and we live in a 'right now' society where we've all got about a million questions and only five answers. So what, embrace the messiness. And one way you can do that brings me to the point of this blog post. I want you to go buy a book...

No, I'm not talking about Post Secret where you can be rest assured that everyone else in this world has problems and issues just like you. This book is different-- it's a book that will literally pop you up out of bed in the morning and can transform a gray day into a beautiful one. The book is called Scriptures and Meditations for Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen. Sure, mornings are rushed but set your alarm three minutes early and read a page. I recently came across the one below and I thought it needed sharing, so here we go:

Trust God's Timing:

"Human nature tends to want everything right now. When we pray for our dreams to come to pass, we want them to be fulfilled immediately. But we have to understand, God has an appointed time to answer our prayers and bring our dreams to pass. And the truth is, no matter how badly we want it sooner, it's not going to change His appointed time.

When we misunderstand God's timing, we live upset and frustrated, wondering when God is going to do something. But when you understand God's timing, you won't live stressed out. You can relax knowing that God is in control, and at the "appointed time" He is going to make it happen. It may be next week, next year, or ten years from now. But whatever it is, you can rest assured it will be in God's timing.

God is not like an ATM machine, where you punch in right codes and receive what you requested. Prayers are not always answered within twenty-four hours. No, we will all have to wait and learn to trust God. The key is, are we going to wait with a good attitude and expectancy knowing God is at work whether we can see anything happening or not? We need to know that behind the scenes, God is putting all the pieces together. And one day, at the appointed time, you will see the culmination of everything that God has been doing.

God often works the most when we see it and feel it the least."

--Joel Osteen

Blast from the Past: Christmas memories

So it's Saturday night and weirdly enough, I was craving a night in. So here I am sitting in what looks quite similar to Santa's workshop thinking about all the Holiday shopping I have yet to do. I've made my list, checked it twice and tomorrow it's time to get down to business! But in the midst of making my shopping list, I've entered a state of nostalgia.  This is my 23rd Christmas season and while the memory of each year fades from time to time, there are few Christmas mornings I'll never forget.

One memory/tradition that my family partakes in each year starts on Christmas morning. Every year, my mom comes around the house and rings 'Christmas bells'. It's her way of telling us... "Get outta bed, cause Santa came and it's time to do some damage." So in record time, my siblings and I would jump out of bed, wait at the top of the stairs for my Dad to start the video camera and for my mom to position everything downstairs. Shortly after (although it felt like eternity) we would get our cue, "Ok kids, it looks as if Santa came!" The sound of my mom saying this will forever be burned into my brain and when Brittany, Brandon and I heard those words, all chaos broke loose. The tradition gives me chills just thinking about it-- and still at 23 years-old (my siblings are 21) we participate in this tradition. Sure Santa is now identified as Brian and Gina Dorsett and the toys and games have now been replaced with J Crew sweaters and cash, but the moment I hear, "Kids, Santa came.." I light up just as I did at 10 years-old.

Another memory that sticks out was when I began to discover who might be playing Santa. I was in 1st or 2nd grade and had asked for this elaborate china/dish set (playing 'House' was my speciality). Low and behold, the China set I asked for was waiting for me on Christmas morning. I was thrilled, but one thing I wasn't thrilled about was the sticker on the bottom of a plate, "MADE IN CHINA." I was flabbergasted and utterly confused. My parents aced their parental reaction and said, "Wow Abby, Santa must have made a special stop for you in China!" I agreed that Santa must have known how special I was and that it was only fitting that my 'China set' came from China. I still give props to my Mom and Dad on that one. I kept believing in the white bearded man for at least another year or two (-:

Ah, there are so many great memories of this Holiday season and wayyy to many to name, but I encourage each and every one of you to take an hour, turn on some Christmas music and venture down memory lane... guarantee it will be an hour well spent.

Happy Holidays,

Abby

Groupon is...

da

Why you ask? O' because in the matter of two days my amazing company has featured two hot retailers: 1) American Apparel and 2) Nordstrom Rack. So when I say, we da bomb.. I mean we da BOMB!

Happy Shopping (-:

Yup, this looks about right..

Love my new mug, compliments of Urban Outfitters and my bestie.

TSwift did it, again.

I'm beginning to think Taylor Swift has been stalking me lately because literally every song on her newest album SPEAK NOW, I can relate to (Ok, except the Wedding Crasher one). But literally, her new CD takes you through heartache to happiness to finally being on your own in life. I mean a few of these songs even brought me to tears, pathetic right? All I've got to say is get your butt to the nearest Target or jump on over to iTunes and BUY it. You won't be disappointed.

2011 Year of Weddings (already!)

So, I felt like writing. I get the occasional urge from time to time and while tonight I don't have much to say, I suppose I'll just utter some thoughts...

I'm big on friendships; I'm the kind of friend you want to have (flat out). I cry when you cry over the asshole who broke your heart. I get just as excited when you land the dream job you've been dreaming about and I'm on cloud 9 when your on cloud 9. So when I heard a roommate/college best friend got engaged this weekend it was normal for me to shed a tear, jump up and town and be beyond thrilled. I mean how exciting is a wedding of a close girlfriend? Not to mention, I have another best friend who is getting married in October 2011. Ah, let's just say 2011 is going to be one fantastic year for love. I feel like just yesterday I was playing dress up with Stephanie (friend from home) or helping Kate get dressed for a special date with her future fiance. Ahhhhhh! I love it and I can't wait for these ladies to share special moments with me for years to come.

XO

My Motto: BE BRAVE

Before I moved to Chicago in May, I had some reservations. I think it's normal for a woman who moves to a city of three million... who grew up in a city of 57,000. I was finally leaving my comfort zone, the "Indiana bubble". Yes I know I just moved a state over, but leaving my family, friends and my beloved Hoosier state wasn't exactly a peach. Although, I knew in my heart that Chicago was where I had wanted to be for so long. When I told my family about my career opportunity they were thrilled, supportive and couldn't wait for me to begin my next chapter in life. While others clouded my mind with thoughts like, "O' Chicago? But it's so big, it's so unsafe, it's full of city slickers". My response, "Yup, Bring it on!"

Sure they daily news scares me on a day to day basis, ya there are HUGE creeps on the El but it's nothing a full can of pepper spray can't handle. Bottom line-- suck it up people, grow a pair-- BE BRAVE. Go where you want to want to go, do what you want to do even if 10 chirping birds are telling you something different. Along with my new motto in life, I just purchased a necklace by a Chicago jewelry designer I have become obsessed with, Jess LC. Her collections are beautiful, simple and inexpensive. Check out my latest purchase to accompany my new life's motto.

"Be Brave" 

in braille

Braille is near and dear to my heart. As a proud Delta Gamma Alum our philanthropy was Service for Sight Aid to the Blind. During my time at Butler University I had the privilege of volunteering and getting to know many wonderful people at the Indiana School for the Blind. It was there where I really became to value something that many take for granted everyday, sight. When I wear this necklace it will just be a daily reminder of my new life's motto and to not take for granted life's blessings.

Happy Day

Want to be a Groupie?

You can! My company, Groupon is hiring!

Check out the jobs here and see if you're a match

MAKEUP LOVE: Laura Mercier

Want flawless skin? Two words: Laura Mercier

Yesterday, my bestie and I headed to our new favorite cosmetic store in Chicago, Blue Mercury for a Laura Mercier make-over. We both went in with the intentions of buying one or two of our favorite items... WRONG! From the flawless foundation, natural eye liner and shades, and stunning lip colors we both left with a blue bag of goodies (well purchased of course). I think as you get older it is important to preserve your skin from SPF moisturizer to oil free foundation and these are just some of the items that need to be on your NEED list rather than WANT list. Check out some of the must-haves I bought yesterday. O' and start planning your next trip to your closest Laura Mercier provider.

My shade: Honey Beige

Want "dewey skin" here you go!

Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF: Warm Radiance

All foundation should be applied with Laura Mercier sponges

Flat Eye Liner Brush should be applied with the liner below:

My Shade: Bleu Marine (really brings out my Green eyes)

Satinee Creme Eye Colour: Pink Chiffon

Eye Shadow Luster Eye Colour in African Violet (it looks really purple, but its gorgeous and very natural!)

Lip Glace Shade: Pink Tuelle

Pizza Pizza!

Deep dish, flat bread, pan, thin, homemade, drive through, carry in, carry out... Chicago's Got. It. All! After my move here in May, I knew I would have to find out for myself which Pizza was MY fav. So here's my list!

1. BEST Deep Dish = Lou Malnati's

2. BEST Flatbread Oven Pizza = Pizza Rustica

I don't have a picture of this pizza, but take my word for it and GO! O' and it's BYOB...

BEST Thin Crust Pizza = Pizanos

Best Pan Pizza = Pequods

BEST Homemade/to go = Homemade Pizza Co

Best Cheap Eats = Joes's Bar (Half Price Pizza's every Tuesday and they are HUGE!)

Now, come visit me and we can dine together!

xo,

Abby

Coming Soon!

My detailed guide on how I've gained 5 lbs this summer (deliciously of course)


Two words: Chicago Pizza


until tomorrow...

O' Love...

The old saying is that when you are a romantic you are normally coined as a "hopeless romantic" and for years I identified myself as this. I'd watch all the sappy chick flicks, read every Nicholas Sparks' book and watched Pretty Woman on repeat. But I've dropped the label I've carried with me for so long. Think about it--how pathetic does "hopeless romantic" sound? I mean who out there is really hopeless? So I'm switching it up and in turn simply holding out HOPE for endLESS romance. Julia Roberts said it best in Pretty Woman, " I want the FAIRY TALE." While many would argue that fairy tales simply don't exist in 2010 due to the divorce rate at an all-time high, people might imagine that my likelihood in capturing the Cinderella story isn't quite in the cards. But I flat out disagree. I've known what love is my whole life. How you ask? Because of my parents. After 26 years of marriage I've never seen a couple more in love. Sure they've had ups and downs, but their subtle gestures, their unselfish acts of kindness and their devotion to our family are unmarked. I once asked my mom the key to their success and she answered, "Abby, never go to bed angry." While every couple's story is different, I'm anxiously anticipating the unraveling of my own and if it involves a pumpkin shape carriage, BRING IT ON.

Groupon Picnic

I love Groupon for many reasons, but I'll just name a few:

1. I'm pretty sure my co-workers are all the coolest kids in town
2. I never think of my job as "work"
3. We have super rad company outings where we travel in double decker buses
5. I've made the best of friends
4. My CEO was on the cover of Forbes Magazine
5. O' and we are the fastest growing internet company, EVER.

Welcome to the good life.

Last but not least: the open bar (-:

Daddy, please.

If only I had $625 

     Loeffler Randall Georgia Mesh Booties, $625, available on August 9th at Loeffler Randall.

What on Earth am I Here For?

I'll tell you in 40 days.

I'm on Day 2 on my new book, The Purpose Driven Life and I am already hooked. My attitude, outlook on life and my overall happiness level is at an all time high. It's pretty cool how great life can be when you make God #1 and put Him first. For 22 years I put God on the back burner and yes, as a Christian I attended church, prayed everyday and always tried to do the right thing, but this new track I'm on is really going to move mountains in my life and I can't wait!

I'll post some of my reflections from day to day. Check back soon!

xo,
Abby

Dear family, lover face and Hoosier souls

I miss you...

Who are you?

In my attempt to get to know my followers, could you please answer this quick little question for me?

                                                                              Grazie.

A few lovely pics of my new (yet, old) apt. (-:

My room (-:

Dining room

Living room -- 75% of the stuff in this room are antiques

My daily inspiration: Independent Woman

My bestie's room

Aren't we precious?