Wednesday, November 30, 2011

My Christmas Wish List

Wishin' and Hopin' over here... for these pretty little things.







Just a few fabulous little things on my wish list. 

I know you all have one, too! :)

Friday, November 25, 2011

THE biggest rivalry in college football

Yeah, I am talking about you, IRON BOWL.

**Before I begin Iron Bowl 101 let me please state that I am trying to keep it classy here. Take no offense, I have been an Alabama fan my entire life and just stating some facts that I have collected over the past 23 years and a few opinions.**

If you don't know what the Iron Bowl is then you probably don't live in the south.


Let me give you a lesson, it's the Alabama-Auburn game. This rivalry, which dates back to 1893 is said to be the biggest in college football. Now this rivalry between THE UNIVERSITY and that other college down on the "loveliest village on the plains" is unlike any other. { I quoted that, to me there is nothing lovely about a cow pasture and some trailor parks but thats just my opinion!}

If you are born and raised in the great state of Alabama you know the extremity of this all. You are more than likely a hard core Crimson Tide fan or a hard core Barner. If you aren't then you are missing out. You should probably just choose sides for the sake of not getting made fun of in elementary school, just sayin'.



Speaking of elementary school.... every school in this state has an Alabama-Auburn day the last day of school before Thanksgiving. I use to ride to school with some Barners and they use to kid around and say that I had to walk to school that day. My fave part of Alabama-Auburn day is my mom would always paint Roll Tide and little Shakers and such on my face. 


*this is me on Alabama-Auburn day with my Poppa. One of my favorite and most cherished pictures, I keep it in a frame in my room, I miss him everyday! 

Being the huge Crimson Tide fan that I am, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is sacred in my family. The Iron Bowl is always played the weekend after Thanksgiving. With exception of the brief stint it was played the week before Thanksgiving and the brief stint it was played on Friday.

I don't even know where to start. Let's start with the basics. Most of the games were played at Legion Field in Birmingham as this was considered neutral ground. The games are now played in Tuscaloosa on even years and Auburn on odd years.

THE University leads the series in wins with 40 total wins while the school formerly known as Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama trails with 34. Oh and 1 tie.

Alabama leads with the most consecutive wins, 9. Count em' 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9!
How's that for your "6"?


Alabama also holds the largest victory with 55-0 in the 1948 Iron Bowl.

It's safe to say this is one of the most cherished and coveted traditions in college football.

I could literally write a super long book on this but I will leave you with this....
ROLL TIDE ROLL!
See ya at Jordan Hare, Kitty cats!





Thursday, November 24, 2011

Black Friday: Fun or Frantic?

I have never been a Black Friday shopper. Just isn't my thing!

I can't imagine the day when I find fighting 1000's of people in the crowds, waking up at ungodly hours and hustling to find a parking spot "fun". I get it... there are tons of deals to be gotten and truth be told, I would be willing to sacrifice my life for a fantastic sale. But all the madness that surrounds it just befuddles me!

I went Black Friday shopping for the first time in who knows how many years 2 years ago. I went with my dad to Best Buy. In my defense, I would not have gone if my dad wasn't moving into a new house and really wanted to get appliances at a great deal. I tagged along for moral support... with my aunt.... and sister.

It started off normal... arriving at 3 am, standing in line in the fuh-reezing cold and then the doors opening at 4 or 4:30, can't remember {I was asleep in the truck}. Well we made our merry way in the store and got exactly what we came for. Next thing I knew the sun was coming up and we still had not checked out. INCOMPETENT AND POORLY TRAINED EMPLOYEES THAT CANNOT HANDLE THE CHAOS OF BLACK FRIDAY. My stomach was growling around 9 AM when we were STILL there and I was tired. Not a happy camper. That is my permanent Black Friday memory.

I digress.

I am giving Black Friday another try this year. My aunt wants to go to Macy's at MIDNIGHT when it opens. Serious? I will report back and let y'all know how it went. I am on the hunt for a good printer and an excellent price. I might be heading back to Best Buy {shudder}.

I leave y'all with this Black Friday guide, ENJOY! And may all your shopping be Merry and Bright!


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Full of Thanks!

I can't believe it is Thanksgiving already! 

I have so much in my life to be thankful for. There are so many things that we I take for granted on a daily basis that so many people across the world don't have. I feel blessed! I wish I could name them all but these are only a few of my blessing...


family. health. God. happiness. friends. shelter. my job. education. food. clean wateropportunity. freedom. love

I hope you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. I am also thankful for all of my followers and my blog. 

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

My Martha Side

I try really really hard at some things. 


One of those things just so happens to be my desserts. The other happens to be crafts.


We have an annual silent auction at my work to raise money for our christmas charities. We auction off mainly baked goods. 


I make a layer cake last year that might have been 70% icing. Ooops. This year I decided to make oreo truffles which are soooooo easy. No baking or anything. COOL, right? I knew how to make them but was inspired when I saw them on pinterest. I decided I wanted to make them into oreo truffle pops and VOILA!


Add some ribbon and a mason jar and we have a oreo truffle pop bouquet. I thought this was much cuter than just putting them in a container. 

I also did another pinterest project this weekend. My dad has a Christmas party coming up for one of the men's organizations he is in. I took over the table decor for 20 tables. This was my pinspiration.

Frosted vases that will have silver and gold foliage coming from them. Will update when finished!

And that my friends is all the Martha Stewart I can do for a couple of days!

Monday, November 21, 2011

My golden friend

You know the song, "make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold. A circle is round. It has no end. That's how long I want to be your friend" it pretty much sums up my friendship with my friend Amanda who got married this past weekend. If you don't know the song you obviously weren't a Girl Scout but it's self explanatory.

Let me tell you a little about our friendship... it all starts back in 1992.

Me and Amanda have been friends since we were four. Yes, 4 years old. I consider her my oldest and dearest friend. We went to pre-school through 5th grade together at our small, tight knit Catholic school and then in middle school I moved across town and went to a different Catholic school.

In the 4th grade we were utterly obsessed with Hanson and when I say "Hanson" I meant, Zac Hanson. We formed a fan club and were planning to celebrate his birthday together with chocolate cupcakes. Until I got grounded {the only time I ever was grounded, fyi}. We were also obsessed with the Rugrats watches from Burger King. Anyone remember those?


We both played {I tried to play} basketball together. After I moved, our schools played EACH other {there is already extreme animosity between all of the parochial schools when it comes to bball season, or was when I was growing up.} For a brief stint in the 6th grade, aka the month leading up to and after we played each other we hated each other. We talked crap to each other on AOL Instant Messenger every day. Hateful words, I tell ya. You move on from adolescent and childish fights. You remain friends. Our friendship had it's ups and downs, just like any friendship.

Her sister was a year younger than us and as kids, we were all 3 inseperable. If Amanda spent the night, Rachael did too {most of the time.} Sometimes we liked Rachael, sometimes we didn't. When we didn't we actually forced her to play with my younger sister {5 years her junior} instead of playing with us. Mean girls.


We had all these traditions growing up... one that I will never forget is I always helped them decorate their Christmas tree.

We may not keep in touch as much as we should and we might not hang out all the time but when we do it's like we pick up right where we left off. No time and distance have ever seperated us.

I could ramble on and on about memories and such but the point of this story is I am so happy for one of the best friends God ever gave me. On Saturday night she got married to the man of her dreams, and I hope for her the rest is just happily ever after!

The only picture I got of me and the bride and it is dark!

Me and Rachael. Sister of the bride, MOH and catcher of the bouquet.

Other old friends :) Too bad the iPhone was not up to taking pictures

Her mom added this one to facebook today, I think her dad was snapping shots when we weren't looking. He's a sneaky one!

Friday, November 18, 2011

All Hail The Red Cup

This morning I had to go pick some shirts up for work at the mall. I could have SWORN that the mall opened at 9. Apparently, I was wrong and arriving at 9:35 with 25 minutes to wait I grabbed a Gingerbread Latte and it was $4 and some change well wasted.

Consider it my TGIF treat to myself. Which I so desperately needed *sarcasm*

In fact, I could drink another one right now and not feel a bit guilty about it. But this diet coke from the vending machine downstairs will have to do. I know everyone is all up in arms about the red cup being back and all the holiday choices at their local s-bux.

What is your favorite holiday drink of choice from Starbucks?

Mine is probably going to be this Gingerbread latte because I don't like egg nog, Pumpkin spice is mediocre and I don't like peppermint flavored things *I am picky!*

Thursday, November 17, 2011

A little goodie :)

If you follow me on twitter then you remember when I snagged that Living Social deal and got an Erin Condren planner for $12.50... Amaze, right?


I heard all about these life planners.... and the whole sh-bang, the delivery and packaging. I waited for it with baited breath for what seemed like a month but was really just like 2 weeks. It arrived and did not fall short of my expectations.


The pretty box that arrived!

First thing is first, I open and have a little extra surprise.... These labels are so cute!

Ahhhhhhh. It's perfection. 
I opened it up and flipped through all of the newly printed, crisp pages. 

To find ANOTHER surprise... these labels.

In all honesty, I am impressed. Not only with the quality of this product {no, I am not being endorsed to say this} but all the special little extras. Erin Condren really went the extra mile to make her product stand out!

So now, here's to 2012 and using it... and here's to you, my Erin Condren planner, many many dates to be made together. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I don't have to tell you what Wednesday means

If you guessed Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday then you are correct.
*many Thanks to The Vintage Apple for this incred link up!*

Everyday my love for Pinterest grows. I can't believe I just said I love Pinterest like it was an actual human. I lied, I can believe that. 

Some of my favorite pins... from my "Quotes" pinboard. Sorry, I do not embed the images and link back to Pinterest. That always messes up my entire post and I am too OCD when it comes to my posts.













I love all of these pins. I have some of the "Keep Calms" printed out at my desk :) I am obsessed with the Keep Calm prints.

But the last one... it's just funny. Hilarious to me, in fact. I showed it to my co worker and all day we were saying "Toast toast toast?"


Happy Pinning! If you want to follow my pinboards you can do so here.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Sock Swap

I recently participated in a Sock Swap with Ashley at Everyday AEM


I have done a couple of swaps and thought this one would be very fun! I only wear socks in the winter time or when I am wearing tennis shoes, but when I do wear socks -- I like them to be fun!


My sock swap partner was Crystal from Coffee at Nordstrom and it has been fabulous getting to know her and reading her blog. She is so nice! Look at what Crystal sent me...



3 socks and a scarf!

I love love the socks pink argyle and then the polka dot ones were too cute. The scarf was an added bonus... it is really pretty! I can't wait to wear it. I will be sure to take an OOTD picture when I do. 

Thank You, Crystal! Everyone needs to go check out her blog... she is fabulous and I know you will enjoy reading her blog as much as I do :)

Winner!

The Swell Caroline giveaway is official closed.

With over 200 entries, I am sure random.org had a hard time choosing.

But like any other site, it did it's job and chose a winner. Thank goodness for this website because it would truly be a pain to write every entry out. Kidding, I would do it for y'all but only if I didn't have another choice.

The winner of the Moon and Lola acrylic Mongram necklace is .....



Congratulations to Ashley of The Thames Trio!
I am emailing you right now to get your information :)

Thank You x 10 for everyone entering and for being a supporter and follower of my blog, it means the world to me. I have another fun giveaway coming soon. Stay tuned!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Just another Manic Monday

I can't believe that today is the 14th of November. Where did 2011 go?

Did you realize  it's almost Christmas!?! Lucky me, I realized last week that I should go ahead and get started on some shopping. I already have 2 people crossed off my life. That is 2 less gifts that I have to stress about last minute. I also started getting in the spirit this past weekend and went to what I like to call a Christmas super store it's called Home Accents and they have EVERYTHING Christmas. I am ready to craft and decorate. I also decided that I wanted to put up a second tree (of my own) downstairs. That means we will have 3 trees this year. 

I love the holidays and I love giving gifts so finding the perfect gift for everyone is really important. I have a few people in my life that are really hard to buy for. My dad is easy, so is my sister. My mom and grandmothers are not so much easy. I have to get ahead of the game and start thinking early. 

Anyways, I always make it REALLY easy for people to buy me gifts because I make different lists for everyone {yeah, no list has the same things on it} and distribute them in a timely manner. I have already gotten everyone but my dad a list. What can I say? I know what I want! 

Speaking of things I want I can't help but lust over some of the Lilly Pulitzer Resort collection. While it isn't completely chilly here in Alabama just yet I still have a hard time thinking of RESORT WEAR when Thanksgiving is around the corner. I have found a few accessories from the collection that I am loving and must have! 

Murphee scarf in Bling My Chimes

These Coral earrings are my favorite!

Anyways aside from resort wear, I can't wait for the Holidays and can't wait to show you all of our decorations. We might go a little bit overboard and have decorations everywhere {even in every bathroom} but it's fun :) just not so fun to have to put it all up after Christmas. 

Is anyone else already getting in the spirit? They are playing Christmas music in Birmingham on 96.5 already and have been since the day of Halloween {they said on the news the people have been asking for it earlier and earlier every year!}

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Another fabulous giveaway for my fabulous readers!

Y'all might remember when I posted about Swell Caroline and their fabulous jewelry a few weeks back. If not, then you might want to refresh yourself here


I have a growing Swell Caroline wish list. Here are some more of my favorites:

The Paris earrings, every color please!

This enamel horsebit bracelets is so cute and preppy. 

Well the good news is Amy from Swell Caroline has generously offered one of Keep it classy, Alabama's readers the chance to win something brand new from Swell Caroline. One of the Moon and Lola acrylic monogram necklaces!


Girls these necklaces are so cute! I would love a tortoise shell one and just might have to treat myself to one soon. The winner will receive a small acrylic monogram necklace in her choice of style {block or lace} and color {so many to choose from}. 

Here's how to win:

Be a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know {+1 entry}
Like Swell Caroline on Facebook {+1 entry}
Follow Swell Caroline on Twitter {+1 entry}
Follow ME on Twitter {+1 entry}
Tweet about the giveaway {+1 entry}
Blog about this giveaway {+1 entry}

That's 6 ways to win! This giveaway ends Tuesday at NOON {12:00 pm, CST}

 so go ahead and enter :)

GOOD LUCK!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Birchbox Review and Giveaway winner!

I decided to do something a bit different this month when I got my birchbox. Oh, and I am glad I decided against cancelling cause this was the best birchbox I have ever gotten. Let's just see what next month has in store... I now present to you my birchbox vlog!


Now for the giveaway winner! I am so excited one of you lucky girls is winning a Marley Lilly monogrammed scarf. Ahhhh :) 

The winner was chosen via random.org, I do not have the correct soft ware on my computer to show you screen shots and such but please trust my honesty and sincerity. Out of numbers 1-230, the chosen number was number 4 which was....

*drum roll please*

the winner is...... Katelyn! from Living Life in Limbo

***Congrats Girl! I am about to send you an email to get all your details.***

Check back tomorrow for ANOTHER giveaway.

 So excited.... this one is going to be fantastic as well. Y'all won't want to miss out.

A very special day!

Today, 11-11-11 is a very special day!

 *I am a wisher, so this is a pretty epic make a wish day. I mean how more lucky can 11:11 on 11-11-11 get?

* Happy Veterans Day, as well! Thanks to all of those who have served our country, including my grandfather who served in the Air Force during the Korean War. I don't thank him enough! He is one of many though. Who have sacrificed for our country, our freedom, for us. They don't call it the land of the free and the home of the brave for nothing.

* Happy Founders Day to all of my Gamma Phi Beta sisters! This year we celebrate 137 years of sisterhood! (Fun Fact from The Gamma Phi Beta at Alabama's twitter: 137. 1+3+7=11! cool, huh?)

Today I want to thank our four founders; Helen M. Dodge, Francis E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis and Mary A. Bingham for founding such a wonderful sisterhood.

{Holla at these sexy ladies!}
But in all seriousness... these women were strong, courageous, determined and smart. The founded the first *sorority* ever. Yes, we coined the word sorority. All others founded before us were women's fraternities. We have the prettiest badge *yes, designed by Tiffany's*.

Sorry, had to toot the Gamma Phi Beta horn there for a minute!

Everyone of you have a lovely day today!

It's Friday..... the last day to enter my Marley Lilly scarf give away!  Winner will be announced tonight :) Another give away starts tomorrow so be sure to check back!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Keep Calm and love Harry Potter

It's that time again... Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday with The Vintage Apple!

This week I am featuring some of my favorite Harry Potter pins :)








I am also so excited for Deathly Hallows part 2 coming out this weekend.... eeeep!

I love Harry Potter SO MUCH. I read all the books and waited with anticipation for the movies to come out. I cried when the last book ended. I cried during the last 2 movies as well. I felt so connected with the characters. I get invested in my books. Especially series. Harry Potter. Twilight. Right now I am reading the Hunger Games trilogy and I am not ready to start the 3rd book because I don't want it to end. I always want MORE. 

Which is why I am excited about Pottermore!

Who else loves Harry potter?!?!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Number 3 never felt better!

I am finally going to break down and talk about Saturday's game.

it was a mess. Everyone knew it was going to come down to a three point difference, that a mere field goal would separate the winner and the loser. But no one truly anticipated that there would be nothing but field goals for 4 quarters and on into overtime.


I am not here to talk crap about those cajuns or to bash my own team. If we had scored every opportunity we had, we would have won that game. But we didn't ... simple as that. I wouldn't really say so much that LSU won but that Alabama lost. We only fell to #3 and the end is not here yet. We need to beat the heck out of Miss State, Georgia Southern and Auburn to keep our place.

The crowd was there and I am positive Bryant Denny was the loudest stadium in the country. I sat in the South Zone (which is right behind the student section) and let me tell ya, they say you look over into the student section and "remember when" and that statement never felt so true on Saturday night. I saw a sea of shakers shaking in perfect unision every single time the Million Dollar Band played the fight song. I saw thousands of middle fingers (so not classy, but when it's drunk frat boys what can you expect?). I heard the apparently loud chant of "F YOU Mathieu". Oh, and then I saw students cry. But the night must roll on...


It was a sad loss but Tuscaloosa was still rocking like any other night. LSU fans roamed the streets graciously without a peep! With all due respect, they were the most well behaved I had ever seen. I did not hear one cajun talking smack at the bar on Saturday night. Bama fans celebrated the fact that even though we lost, we still stood a chance at a rematch and possibly a Sugar Bowl.

At the end of the day, when it's all said and done, we are still the Crimson Tide and that's good enough for me.

Started the day off early with my little girl.
She was ready for the tide to roll and wore her houndstooth sweater.


The student section. I swear there is no place like it.


Tailgating in true Bama fashion... Motorhomes

Me and My sister at the game!

Linking this up with the Belles of Saturday :) It might be a day late, Roll Tide anyways!
Image and video hosting by TinyPic


 

Monday, November 7, 2011

Funday Monday

Happy Monday!


I know what y'all are expecting and it's my depressing weekend re-cap and pictures. Not happening today. We are starting the week off right with something exciting {more to come later in the post} and not tainting the week by talking about the 3 point massacre that was the Alabama-LSU game on Saturday. We will save that for later in the week ;)


Moving forward, I am so happy to announce that the lovely ladies at Marley Lilly have agreed to sponsor a giveaway! Marley Lilly has the cutest, preppiest stuff with so many monogrammable items. 


Without further adieu I present to you what one lucky reader will receive, a monogrammed Marley Lilly scarf in whichever colors she chooses :)



There are so many colors scarves, types of monogram and monogram thread color to choose from. Think of all the preppy possibilities! 

To enter:

*Follow Keep it classy, Alabama and leave a comment letting me know {1 entry}
*Like Marley Lilly on Facebook {+1 entry}
*Follow Marley Lilly on Twitter {+1 entry}
*Follow ME on Twitter {+1 entry}
*Tweet about the give-away mentioning me and Marley Lilly {+1 entry}
"Hey Y'all, @lindzyleigh is hosting a fab @marleylilly giveaway! Check it out www.keepitclassyalabama.blogspot.com" or something along those lines :)
*Blog about this give-away {+1 entry}

That is a total of 6 ways to win!!!  Someone is going to get lucky on this one. 

You can leave all your entries in one comment. Giveaway will end on Sunday November, 13 and winner will be announced the following Monday.  had to change the end date to Friday November 11 in order to make room for something really really special for you gals. Sorry for the inconvenience... I will make it up to you guys :)

I am so excited about my first sponsored giveaway. Thanks to the fab Marley Lilly gals!

GOOD LUCK! :)