Tidbits

I guess this post could be considered a 'Sunday Confession' post...just a day late.  From a young age, I always wanted to wear pearls, carry a purse, wear big sunglasses, and wear clothes that were certainly 'more mature' than my actual age.  Also, I'm probably the only 27 year old who still 'flips' her hair out, doesn't straighten it everyday and who knows all the words to the 'oldies'....The Temptations, The Supremes, 4 Tops, and Sam Cooke are always at the top of my iPod playlist.  My mom used to tell me that I had an 'old soul' and I have come to realize that she is right. 

Have you ever thought you and someone were kindred spirits?   I think Jackie O, a.k.a. my idol, and I are long-lost sisters.  I love everything about her style...the hats, the pearls, the over-sized sunglasses, and all the beautiful dresses.  To me, she epitomizes the ultimate classy woman.  When I'm shopping, I randomly see 'Jackie" dresses on mannequins that are literally screaming, "Buy me Virginia, Buy me!"  The only problem is that my sister Jackie and I don't quite have the same budget!  lol  When dressing, I am a firm believer in wearing things that are flattering and that leave a lil' bit to the imagination.  Jackie always did both.  Jackie may no longer be with us, but her style definitely lives on and it inspires me everyday.  The following pictures are some that I feel represent her style....and the only word I can use to describe her style is...stunning. 

I've always enjoyed reading quotes, but lately I've found myself finding inspiration from reading blogs who publish fantastic quotes and pictures.  One of the blogs on the top of my must-follow list right now is Dream A Little Dream.  I saw the following quote on there last week and it really hit home with me.

Today is the last day of February...wow...where did the month go?  Ok, I really have to end this post so I can get geared up for the Bachelor!  Yes, I know what you're all thinking, yet another reality show to add to Virginia's long list of tv shows...but in my defense, it's addictive!  Also, I apologize for my lack of blogging lately...I promise to do a better job in March!

27

Turning 27 wasn't quite as painful as I thought it would be.  I am a HUGE fan of celebrating everyone else's birthdays, but not a huge fan of celebrating my own...but I did a lot better job of getting on board with the celebrations this year than I did last year.  I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by the most amazing friends, fantastic family, and awesome coworkers ever.  They helped remind me each year is a blessing and that each birthday, no matter what the age, should be celebrated!

Thursday night, my B'ham girls took me out for some Mexican food and my favorite...strawberry cupcakes!

The gang at La Paz...thanks girls for a wonderful dinner!

Katherine and Sister brought me birthday lunch to school on Friday!

Who doesn't love a candle in their chicken sandwich?!

Two of my favorite girls!  

This year, my family had my birthday dinner at Gian Marco's...it was FANTASTIC!

Saturday morning, we had family breakfast at Over Easy...everyone go eat there...it's super yummy!

For V-Day, DB got the dancing Mickey..."Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog!"

Thanks, Sister and Blake for my new Tory sandals...can't wait for them to get here!

Oh how I have dreamt of these shoes for seriously 2 years...I am so excited to finally have them!  Thanks, Mom and Dad!

K's cute owl towel

My V-Day bag from my parents

I have had this knife on my want list for months...LOVE it!

A big thank you to everyone for making my 27th Birthday so wonderful.  My late 20s aren't looking as bad as I thought they would!  I spent this morning with 9 of my coworkers running the Mercedes Marathon Relay...it was amazing and such a wonderful experience.  Congrats ETC 1 and ETC 2...I'm so proud of us!
Well, tomorrow is V-Day..a.k.a 'A Single Girl's Worst Nightmare'.  I'm approaching it with a positive attitude and a smile...we'll see if it holds out.  Love to all!   :)

February Recipe Club

I hosted this month's Recipe Club and chose Paula Deen as our theme.  My Aunt Vicki gave me a new Paula Deen cookbook for Christmas, so I decided it was time to put it to good use.  All the recipes I chose sounded DELISH...and of course, most of them had at least a stick of butter in the recipe!! haha  I went with Valentine's Day as my decor...there were red and pink flowers/hearts everywhere.  If you know the Decker family at all, you know we love a theme!  A HUGE thanks to my mom for all she did helping to 'swoozie' up my house.

By far, the best recipe this month was the Southern Buttermilk Biscuit and Blue Cheese Bread Pudding that Lauren made....AMAZING!  It was very rich, but would be perfect for the holidays or a special occasion.  I thought they were all yummy and if you're looking for some good ole southern cookin' staples, go check out our blog for all the recipes!!  They won't disappoint!

Ashley's Double Cheesy Mac 'n Cheese 

Caron's Baked Chicken with Dijon and Lime

Lauren's AMAZING Buttermilk Biscuit and Blue Cheese Bread Pudding

Liz' Toffee-Coconut Rocky Road Bars

Meghan's Orange, Strawberry, and Date Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Sister's Smoky-Tomato Bacon Pasta

I made Four-Cheese and Pesto Italian Baked Spaghetti

 The group!

To the girls who couldn't make it, we missed you!  But I'm sure your waistlines are glad you couldn't make it! haha  As Paula would say, "Best Dishes and Best Wishes y'all!"

Things I'm Loving Right Now

So I'm really trying to keep up with my NY Resolutions and am trying to blog more often.  This time of year can often be dreary, depressing and oh-so cold.  The following things are helping to brighten my mood!

My mom gave me this AUsome coffee tea mug.  When I drink out of it on the weekends, it totally makes me feel like a real adult!

If you're a Cheerios fan, you need to try these...they're super yummy!

Sister gave me this cup and I proudly drink out of it all the time!

I'm a HUGE candle lover and I've recently begun to love this particular brand...smells fantastic!

Fresh flowers always make me smile...these will be displayed in various places for tomorrow night's Recipe Club at my house!

Since day one of the show, I have been a OTH (One Tree Hill) fan.  Honestly, I feel like I'm a member of the Tree Hill family.  I DVR it everyday and I own most of the DVDs.  Actually, I'm watching an old episode right now!  I love everything about the show....the characters, the setting, and most of all....the music!  OTH always plays the greatest music...the show has introduced me to some fantastic artists over the years.  This past week, my role model, Brooke Davis, got married.  She is my fashion icon and I wish I had an ounce of her spunky personality...and what girl secretly doesn't wish to have her own clothing line??  The episode was amazing....except for the random headbands she wore with her dress.  I was really hoping Peyton and Lucas would make a surprise appearance for the big-day, but no such luck. 

This week is going to be quite a busy week...Recipe Club, (Paula Deen themed) my 27th Birthday, and the Mercedes Relay....whoa!  Have a great week everyone!