SANTA, baby.

Today has been a pretty awesome day. I have been in Colorado for several days and have had the pleasure of hanging out with my sister, brother-in-law and wonderful niece and nephew. It is amazing how much better Christmas is when you have kids involved. I feel very fortunate to have a sister who loves having me over and especially love the fact that I can spoil Layne, my beautiful niece and not feel bad about it!

Christmas can be super intense when you are trying to play "hide the Santa presents" and "no kids, Santa really does exist." The best example is what happened last night. Kate and Mitch planned for Santa to come by the house and say hey to Layne and Elijah. Now, Layne is usually too smart for her own good and this situation was no different. We made Santa cookies, and around 7:20pm we headed to the front door. Layne runs out and we take pictures, she is super excited and jumping all around. But when Santa leaves she says, "why was Santa tugging at his beard?" We all look at each other trying to come up with an explanation she goes on, "I mean, I think it wasn't even real." BUSTED. We come up with Santa had a shaving accident and had to wear a fake beard this year. We hoped that it would grow back by next year. This is tough.

Anyway, I loved cuddling with her last night and watching she and her little brother open all the presents that were scattered around the living room. The best part was when she opened her American Girl doll, Lanie. She is in love with it and can't stop hugging and kissing me for her most favorite Christmas present this year. Our trip has been wounderful, and I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world. Well, maybe a neice who is a little less skeptical about Santa. Now, if we were talking Unicorns, we would have that shit locked up.

Merry Christmas to everyone, and I hope your holiday season is a joyous one.

XOXO Lacy

Holidays, Snow and Sleep Deprivation

Well, it's 10pm and I am just sitting at my "home office" preparing for tomorrow's morning meeting, having a glass (or three) of wine and wondering what the hell is wrong with me. I mean, my favorite time of year is winter, I love cold weather, snow (and Atlanta's got some!) and festive events. I purchased a few key pieces during the Thanksgiving rush to wear, but I haven't had the opportunity because I have been slaving over work events, my life. My heart can't give it up! Also, I am dating a fabulous man who adores me, but I can seldom find the time to be with him. Excuse? WORK. So that has me wondering, how do you love your job and maintain a healthy balance of personal time? How do you truly make your heart happy?

Last week my good friend and savior, Elle, invited me to a fabulous Burlesque dance class which awakened me. I felt alive for the first time in months, hell - maybe years. Then I went to a vinyasa yoga class which I used to do three times a week when I lives in Charlotte, but have abandoned for almost five years. It was wonderful, inspiring, amazing. I am a victim of other peoples pleasure. If they are happy I am for a short while, and then I am empty. Alone.

I guess this is a lonely girl spinning her wheels, but I am working my way back into happiness. I really am a happy and loving person, but I wish I was content with being alone like I used to be. Young, naive, alive and free. Well, maybe everything but the naive part. That was brutal!

So my never-ending promise and prayer for myself is to have grace, life balance and love. I think I will accomplish one of those one day. More love soon...xoxo

Mountains and Men

Yesterday was an incredible day today. I woke up after sleeping in a bit late, went for a run, made coffee and started to watch a great movie on TV. Just as I was beginning to feel a little lonely, one of my favorite people called, to see if I was free.

He is sweet, he plays a guitar and has an amazing way about him - sounds sexy, right? Now the thing with him is that he is easy, non-committal and dangerously comfortable for someone I am skeptical to trust. BUT, all that said I feel amazing when I'm with him and deliriously happy. This has happened once before when I was much younger and it ended badly. What is it with me and men like this? Its just not a good idea, or is it?

Anyway, we decided to go to Dahlonega, a place I visited as a child, but for the coldest day yet this fall and that I knew Christmas decorations were up I felt like it would be the perfect place. It was wonderful. We went to the most adorable place called the Crescent Moon and had a late lunch and listened to some blue grass music. It was just peaceful and perfect. They also had 1554, one of my favorite brews from New Belgium Brewery.

We were on our way down the road that I thought was the way back to Atlanta when we hit gravel and a steep mountain grade. And of course I had to pee. We continue going up and up and wind through the trees. I squeal angrily with a deathgrip on his arm from my ridged and tense body (Tex isn't the best driver and is relentless when he knows you have to go.) We make it up the hill and get to the place he wanted to show me - a beautiful rock face that would be ideal to climb, thank goodness I didn't have the proper shoes. There were icicles and rolling mountain views. Every time I see a place like this I understand why men like being in the woods.

After hiking far away to relieve myself in private, I see him fumbling around in the back of the car. This I know is a bad sign. He pulls out a huge back with two guns. Yup, guns. So, I watch as he loads one up and misses every target. He blames it on the "scope" but I still laughed under my breath. Then he grabs the big one and takes a shot. The sound is deafening and as I look over he eyes are as big as saucers and is grinning from ear to ear. I laugh with a snort and know its time to hit the road again.

What is it with men, mountains and guns. If that is what they are interested in why do I even shower, put on makeup and buy adorable clothes? All wasted on a man really.

"Between the Racks"

Good morning all you ambitious shoppers! I can't believe some of you actually made it out this morning before the sun came up! It is so impressive that stores have convinced us that the "early bird gets the worm," and that the best deals are only found on the Friday morning after Thanksgiving. This year I really hope that they get into the black, because our economy needs a surge of spending. Well, that's always my excuse!

I also think that some of us view it as a tradition shared with our mothers and daughters. It is so fun to go out and have a game plan, team up to find the best deals and really come out with a win. It our version of football! (yes, I know its a stretch) And there is always a chance of being knocked out by a flying shoe or shoved into a rack of clothing. I believe that's a "sack."

Coach took me out of the game this year, I am riding the bench and doing minimal online shopping. So girls enjoy swiping your plastic today, finding great deals and gifts for you and your loved ones. I am so very proud of you and a little green with envy!

Thanksgiving of Don'ts

Well, it has been a while since my fingers have graced my keyboard for pleasure. Work has been crazy, life is fast and time isn't on my side. I feel like I'm chasing the Sun sometimes, and trying to get the most out of every minute that I breathe. Well, this morning its time to talk Thanks. I would like to bring a new light to this because typically it is what you are thankful for, but I am going to talk about what I am thankful that I don't have.

I am thankful that I don't have animals that I have to board or put off onto someone else while I travel to see family and friends. Hair all of Grandmother Frances pants would just piss her off and I don't want to hear the "Twelve Barks of Christmas" while I enjoy my turkey.

I am thankful that I don't have a boyfriend or husband so I can go where I want for Thanksgiving and not have to put up with artistic aunt Alice's decoupage ornaments or crazy cousin Chris's stories from his blackout the night before.

I am thankful that I don't have a family that hates each other. The worst is trying to do place cards at a table to avoid physical harm to others. Yes, I have been witness to this. Some of you may know with whom. Hahaha.

I am thankful that I don't live far away so I can just travel one hour down the road to hug my wonderful parents. (sometimes I am not so thankful for this - but since it is Thanksgiving, I am thankful.)

I am thankful that I don't have any money so I can't go shopping on Black Friday. Seriously people, Target at 4:00am? Has anyone ever heard of online shopping or therapy?

I am thankful that I don't have children. While I think they are the miracle of life and wonderful (and yes, I do want them one day) the last thing I want to do while I am pouring another glass of cider is to hear the baby crying. I mean, turkey puts us in a coma, we are watching football and napping, and now we have to be upstanding role models for our children? Please, I will pass.

I hope that everyone has a joyous and safe holiday. A few words of advice:

Only fry a turkey before you have had three drinks, its like getting a FUI "Frying Under the Influence" seriously, its dangerous.

Do not weight yourself the day after Thanksgiving. You may go into a deep depression that not even Tony Robbins can pull you out of.

Call everyone that you love, or like for that matter. Your friends and family are the bread and butter of life. Make sure they know that.

I love you all. XOXO

More true words were never spoken...

Well, I had a catastrophe last night. I was tucking in for a relaxing afternoon on the couch after working all night Saturday night and I decided I should paint my nails. Of course, by now you all understand my obsession, and this wouldn't be an abnormal activity for a seasoned "polish queen" to do on her couch. Over the past few polish changes I have really wanted to get back into my Lincoln Park After Dark, and it has been painted shut. Well, I tried another trapped color, Strawberry Margarita and it opened, so I thought for sure LPAD had loosened up as well. Boy was I wrong. I tried and tried and then decided the smart thing to do was to bang it against my ottoman - big mistake, big! HUGE! It exploded like a Pollack painting ALL over my beautiful linen colored couch. AHHHHH! Talk about a pot hole in your polish!

So the first thing I did was call mom. Yes, I am 27 and can't make a critical decision without her. It would be wrong and unnatural. So she gasped, and then Googled (as did I.) The first thing that came up was "If you spill nail polish on your couch, get a slipcover." Thanks a lot genius - It must have been written by a man, they try to cover everything up. So I decided to be patient and let it dry. I started to self soothe and attempted to put it out of my mind but realized it was all over my legs, hands and rug as well. So after I cleaned myself up I went to CVS to come down from the polish high and get some essentials. I came across more nail polish and couldn't resist...so I painted my nails right there in the store. It only took about a minute and Pure Petunia looks so good on my nails and off my couch!

So to end this ironic tale, I came home this afternoon to my new art piece and decided to do something. I started to pick at the dried polish with my nails and it actually PEELED OFF! I can't even believe it! I am so relieved, overjoyed and exhausted. Needless to say, I won't be painting in the Dark for a while.

Your past is your present!

I happened to be thumbing through an old journal this morning and came across several passages from 2006-2007. At the time I was going through transition in Charlotte, and little did I know I was moving my pawn into the shortest path to the King, Washington DC, my favorite place on earth. There were a lot of things that surprised me about the entries: the fact that I was blaming myself for the bad relationship I was in, that I was still criticizing my weight and finally, that I was actively dreaming of DC. It is amazing how without your past you can never be who you are in the present. Without each of those feelings, mostly of insecurity and discovery, I accomplished my dream and ROCKED IT. It does conjure feelings of sadness (and yes, I am guilty as charged for watching A Capital Fourth and balling my eyes out,) but also feelings of control and empowerment! I did it! I had a dream and went for it. It cost me a relationship, but it gave me a world of endless possibilities. The girl in those entries was inspired by something, and it is time for that girl to find something new to draw inspiration from.

The following is an entry from April 14, 2008, my first spring living in DC. These things are such a blessing and a present to myself.

"Things I LOVE about DC"

*Cherry Blossoms

*Reservoir Road - the smell of fabric softener coming from the historic homes

*The white house on the corner of 35th and Res - the vines on the porch create a wonderful canopy over the porch. Just beautiful :)

*The cobblestone streets that attack your high heels

*Watching people row on the Potomac

*Driving around the monuments at night: The Washington Monument, stunning. The best, Jefferson Memorial

*The Capitol's floor - tiles that have been walked on by greatness, and me.

I think its time for a new dream, now I just have to find the inspiration.

The road leads back to you

Well, I have officially started my running obsession again. I have FINALLY broken in the new shoes, that caused me to walk like an old man and cause multiple days of pain. But hey, its worth it! I have just discovered map my run, an online way to track how far you run. It is like google directions for your feet! This morning I ran 4.02 miles and I couldn't feel better! My friend Barb said 95% of the battle is getting on your shoes and getting out the door - well, she couldn't be more right!

I also love to run without headphones sometimes. It gives me the opportunity to really hear the world around me and become one with my 30+ minutes by myself. I also love the fact that Miranda and I have a pact to call each other no later than 6:30am every morning to keep on track. Well, it is day two of the morning exercise and I am excited to head out tomorrow morning. I just have to make sure to keep the paths interesting, the tunes new and the water when I get back cool.

I considered this morning while running down W Paces Ferry to run into the houses that line the peaceful street and say "get up and get moving!!" I just couldn't stand that people were wasting the opportunity to see the day when it was actually bearable to be outside. Well, there is always tomorrow morning for them.

Have a great day and you all should do one thing that inspires you to say "HEY! Get up and get moving!!" Or at the very least, get up. I know that can sometimes be the hardest part!

The Bachelorette = Guilty Pleasure

On May 24th, America's new sweetheart Ali started on a journey to find her husband. This show is just amazing, from the guys singing "Can you feel the love tonight" and dancing on stage to win a spot in The Lion King, to writing poetry in Iceland about how much they love her, Ali is a very lucky girl. However, with all the wonderful guys on the show, Jesse I miss you already, but there are also so total WACK jobs too.

The Weather Man - you really thought you had a chance? You compared your relationship with Ali to a storm system and cried when you are supposed to kiss her in a music video?? Grow up and I hope your future

Casey - I think you need to guard and protect your manhood, not Ali's heart. And FYI - just because you say it every other sentence doesn't make the statement more true or less annoying. I mean really, you thought she would swoon over your impromptu songs made up about her? I can't believe she didn't burst into laughter immediately.

The Wrestler - Dude, you're busted. Skanks talk and that includes your two girlfriends’ back home. Did you think that Ali wouldn't eventually see through your insincere attempts to show her your affection? Just as I suspected, wrestlers are HORRIBLE actors in the ring and on the Bachelorette. I can't wait to see you go.

Well, that is my 2 cents for today; I love Kirk, Chris L. and Ty. I don't know where this journey will take Ali, but I wish her all the best. I mean, aren't we all looking for love? I think she is brave to do it on national TV. Thank goodness you have the best relationship therapist ever, Chris Harrison. Yes, I LOVE him.

Have fun watching tonight!!

I'm Back!!!

Ok, so I know some of you are saying "where have you been lil lady?" Well, things have been busy busy since my birthday and are only getting crazier! I can't believe it has been a whole month since the turning of my age, but I have to say, it is tough getting old!


Well, to catch everyone up on the busy road that is my life I have been working most weekends on weddings and social events and then went to Athens for my cousins wedding - a totally wonderful and rejuvenating experience. I love her, her friends and OF COURSE our family! Then recovered for a day at Lake Burton with the family swimming and playing in the sun!

I do have a totally shocking update - I am officially back to being a brunette. I know, I can't make up my mind, but that is the fun of being slightly fickle! It has always had a negative connotation, but I think it is making a shift to the good side. It is so fun being spontaneous!

Well tonight is the launch party for Luminocity - A Mobile 360 Performance Art, Music and Light experience that will tell the story of the city of Atlanta. Think Cirque meets Macy's Day Parade! I will keep you updated on all the cool info for that one!!!

Hope you are enjoying this BLAZING hot summer. I went to see Yacht Rock last night and they gave me my summer theme song "Hot Child in the City." Yup, that's me!

WOW - its time

Can you believe that I am 27??? This is just crazy. I have the perfect way to celebrate though, at the pool, with my friends and a little sunshine! Tomorrow I am sure I will go back to my old self, but today is MY day!!! Anyway, I am keeping this short and sweet because I don't want to waste the morning. I am so thankful to be alive and happy and blessed that Elizabeth was here last night to dance with me at Park Bench! I would have been totally lost without her! AND of course we had late night pizza from "Lacy's Kitchen." Thats right, homemade wheat pizza crust, fresh mozzarella, basil, sliced tomato and basil pesto. Bellissima!

I love everyone who humors me in reading this, xoxo.

Sunday Funday!!!

Good morning all! I have had SUCH a wonderful weekend! It started with a fun dinner Thursday night with Elizabeth and Phyllis. It was so great to get to see them on there way through town! Then, on Friday Amanda's flight was cancelled which put a damper on the day. But, I ended up going to Verde with Laurie, Jill and Elizabeth on a "mommies night out" and was their chaperone. Haha. We had tacos and Margarita and lots of laughs. It was so wonderful to get them all to myself and we stayed up talking all night like we used to at the Clovehouse! Of course, it is funny how the conversations have changed since college. Now it is about breast pumping, diaper genies and puking. In college anything that had to do with breasts or puking usually went hand in hand with a wild night out. Funny how things change, I do believe for the better.

Then an early flight and a car ride brought Amanda into Atlanta and it was perfect timing for brunch at Flying Biscuit. You really have to time it right because if you get there after 10am, you have to wait for hours for a table. But those grits and biscuits are the key to a successful Saturday morning. We then discovered a new route that I would like to start running around Buckhead. It took us about an hour to walk it, so it would be a great route for a run! After that, we decided a little day drinking was in order, so we went to Front Page News in Little Five and enjoyed the afternoon.

Unfortunately for Amanda, I had to work for a few hours to help with some centerpieces and place cards - but the pay off was well worth it - Dinner at Floataway Cafe. I cannot say enough about how much I like this place. It has wonderful wines, delicious oysters, beautiful salads and tasty entrees. I had the farro dish which I brought half of it home to enjoy tonight! I then headed over to Summerfest on Irby in front of 5 Paces. 17th Floor played and we danced our little butts off! Such a good time.

So this morning we had a nice lazy morning and laid out by the pool to get a little color. We are going to Einstein's for lunch over on Juniper. I have heard great things and will let you know how it is!!!

Oh yeah and I almost adopted a dog names Luke. Seriously folks he was the most wonderful dog I have ever seen. I am seriously considering becoming a foster parent since I LOVE dogs. Friends of Animals is the direction I am thinking of going in, I really like there organization. I will keep you updated on my madness. Maybe that is just the sort of companion I need!

Success is Mine!

Well, tonight begins the birthday festivities and I am proud to say that I still made it to the gym! I am down 6 pounds and I have to keep it going. Tomorrow is going to be my day off, so I had to stay committed today. But the first of my wonderful friends comes into town tonight.

My sweet Elizabeth gets in at nine from DC and we are going for a late dinner, preferably somewhere fabulous! I think I will dress up and wear heels, it always has a way of making you feel sexy and considering I am in such a sassy mood today I think that is just what I need. It could have to do with the fact that I had a video interview this morning and NAILED it, or that my companies new website is AMAZING, or that I am listening to Italian Cafe music or even because Sex in the City 2 comes out in a week! I can't pinpoint the source of happiness, but I am going with it!

Gosh, I feel so blessed around this time of year. Like I mentioned before, it is a gathering of people that mean so much to me, and I must mean a lot to them as well because they travel from a lot of different places to see me. Well, sometimes it is just a coincidence that they are in town, maybe for a wedding or pre-planned trip - but it still makes me feel so special and wonderful inside. You know sometimes I can get ahead of myself. Anyway, I am going to enjoy the evening with Elizabeth and her mom and live in the moment.

I would like to leave you with a quote that spoke to me today, and made me laugh for the first time at my love of fairy tales.

"The modern fairy tale ending is the reverse of the traditional one: A woman does not wait for Prince Charming to bring her happiness; she lives happily ever after only by refusing to wait for him -- or by actually rejecting him. It is those who persist in hoping for a Prince Charming who are setting themselves up for disillusionment and unhappiness." - Susan Faludi

Good advice is an elevator ride away...

Tonight I had the chance to catch up with some dear friends of mine who live on the floor above me, Marjan and Navid. They are a graceful and wise couple with two kids and two successful careers to be proud of. They have become my most reliable sounding board over the past few months and have listened to me question everything from my weight to my religion. I couldn't imagine not having them in my life to listen, to understand and to advise me in my next steps in life.

So the topics tonight were speed dating and life, obviously. I know, it sounds crazy, but Navid is convinced that I would have great success finding a companion in this manner. I, of course am skeptical, but he had such valid points that I am now googling the next available seat. The one thing that sold me was you are all there for the same reason, to meet a companion. Duh, Lacy. When you are out of college and in an industry dominated mainly by women and fabulous queens, a single man is hard to find. I have always been viewed as the stereotypical party girl, but at 27, its time to grow up and act like the adult I am and meeting guys in bars is no longer acceptable for me. Also, my success rate isn't very good either in that department, so time to move on. So as a woman who has a successful career, a wonderful home and a truly charmed life, I am ready for people that I have known for years to say goodbye to party girl Lacy and meet the real thing.

Navid went on to quote Lucille Ball and gave me the best advice I could have heard tonight - "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." Wow, what a revelation from a woman who was revered for her humor and not her wisdom. I had never thought of it until tonight, but maybe I am loving myself in the wrong way OR maybe I am loving the wrong Lacy, just like I have accused everyone else of doing. I am scared of showing people the real me because maybe I am scared they won't like her. What a shame.

So another thing on my personal "to do" list is to get out there and love me. And anyone else who wants to join in, be my guest. I am pretty cuddly.

Thanks Marjan and Navid for taking the time to help me find myself. You have taught me that no problem is too big or small that you can't solve it over a few cups of Persian tea.

Countdown begins - T Minus 1 Week!!!

I just got off work - we are doing inventory and cataloging images of our equipment. SO fascinating, or not to people who have a life! Haha. Anyway, I just made a quick trip to the gym and here I am to begin documenting the countdown!

Sooo now it is time for me to start getting excited about birthday month since my actual birthday is ONE week away!!! I am so excited, not for the presents or cards, but for the gathering of my favorite people in one place!

To kick off the fun, one of my best friends comes into town on Friday for the weekend from DC. We are going to have such a blast. The best thing about friends coming into town is that you get to go out and do fun things that you don't typically do. In my case, I never have anyone to do them with, and I would be mortified if someone said, "hey, what is that crazy girl doing all alone on a tandem bike? That makes NO sense, I mean what is the fun of a tandem bike unless you have someone to share it with." Don't worry Amanda, I am not going to force you to ride a bike with me, but on Friday I have made reservations for Floataway Cafe. I have never been, but have heard amazing things about the atmosphere and food. Also, it is in the Highlands, so there will be a lot of nightlife for us to experience. Yippie!

Saturday, I have an event at our facility, but I am just going to swing by and make sure everyone is set, show Amanda my office and then we are going to Two Urban Licks and hopefully will have some takers to join us! I also really want to take her to The Porter, a really cool beer house in Little Five Points. We will see where the night takes us!

More fun birthday details to come!

C'est la vie, Gossip Girl!

I have a public obsession as many of my friends do with the show Gossip Girl. It is somewhat of a cult classic about the lives of Upper East Siders or as Gossip Girl refers to them, "Manhattan's Elite." I have been a fan from the beginning not only because teen rituals and rights of passage are my guilty pleasures, but because it is from the creators of an old favorite of mine, The OC. Tonight is the season finale and I just can't wait!!! My friends and I all have our favorite characters, but I feel like my heart is attached to the relationship between Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass, which tonight will either rekindle or crash and burn in a dramatic encounter at the top of the Empire State Building. How fantastic and yes, unrealistic.

It does make me wonder how these teen characters have evolved since I was in high school. I remember the shows My So Called Life, Popular and Dawson’s Creek. They were all about teen angst, personal acceptance and the relationships between girls and boys (mostly G rated stuff.) I mean, who can forget Claire Danes confusion of being in love with a sexy and brooding Jared Leto. H.O.T.

Anyway, I don’t know if the “in crowd” in the late 1990’s could imagine having a wardrobe of designer clothes and a personal driver at their beck and call, let alone drinking martinis in swanky bars at 17. Of course it is disturbing to me that a show about teenagers is a show that appeals to my generation but thankfully, we know better and view as entertainment, not reality. I mean, I can’t help but love the storylines which consist of blackmail, manipulation, greed, sex, deception and even politics (Thank you Trip Archibald.)

However, it really offers no “real life lessons” such as consequences for your actions, quality of friendships and respect for others. I fear when young teenagers watch the show it can take on a literal meaning for them. I guess I wonder if teenagers are allowed to watch (which I know they are) and if they truly believe they have to buy their friends, wear ridiculously expensive clothes and manipulate their boyfriends to have a lasting relationship. I feel so lucky that all Joey was worried about was falling off the ladder and breaking a limb on the way into Dawson's room. Geeze, so innocent.

I hope teenagers have the sense to find the truth in all of this and I feel for the parents who are trying to navigate this new world of teen drama. Good luck and please, leave cliff notes for all future parents out there, I know its only going to get harder.

In the words of my favorite gossip, "you know you love me, xoxo."

Stepping Out

I am finally re-joining the land of the living from my crazy night out last night (that ended at 11:00pm.) I had a work event that started at One Midtown Kitchen and ended at the stunning new Buckhead Theater. Also, I made the decision to drink with dinner last night, and drink I did. The food was AMAZING and we had four courses with wine pairings. My favorites were the oysters, pea soup and ricotta wrapped in burrata. It was just lovely and it was for a good cause benefiting the March of Dimes. I also got the chance to spend some quality time with my coworkers, which was wonderful. It is always nice to get to know people outside of the constraints of the workplace. At the Buckhead Theater we did the desserts and coffee station. There were wickedly delicious candied apples, ice cream cone cupcakes and blackberry and cheesecake gelato. Everything looked great! I would also like to say, for the record, do not have an alcohol detox for 11 days and then think you still have the same tolerance as before. Boy, did I learn that last night.

So to start off my Saturday morning, I woke up with a MASSIVE headache and immediately headed to the kitchen for a large water and advil. On the way, I tripped over shoes, my upside down purse and my dress. This just reiterated the advice that I didn't take from my mother last night, to "be a lady." But you can't look back, you must look forward. So my new rule of NOT drinking excessively has been put into effect and I prayed that I hadn't made a fool of myself. Then I went onto facebook and saw a picture that a friend took of me last night. YIKES. And yes, I am leaving out the most horrifying details, I know my mother is picking her chin up off the floor right now. Sorry mom. Anyway, I am definitely going to pace myself in the future and watch my consumption. It is just SO unattractive to be drunk. Period.

So back to the event, it was a great success and everyone really enjoyed it. The band, Abbey Road Live was awesome too! I also got the chance to reconnect with an old friend from college, so that was super fun! I am so excited about the opening of Buckhead Theater, it is going to be so great to see bands there, and I am so lucky that I live just about a block from it!

I am SO glad that the rain held out today, and I hope that everyone is enjoying this beautiful Saturday! I am puppy sitting, so I am about to get out and go for a walk to the park!

Exhausted, party of one?

Today has been a long one. For some reason my mind has been racing all day. I feel like there are not enough minutes in the day. I have been anxious, jumpy and a little neurotic. I just spent an hour and a half at the gym to try calm myself down and of course I am now falling asleep at my computer as I type. I know everyone has days like today. Where you feel like even though you managed to not hit snooze and made it to work with no traffic, you are hours behind!

For the past few nights right about this time I start to just deflate. Maybe it is my body adjusting to the herbal supplements that I am taking along with my meals. It is a diet detox that I started on Monday. Aside from the roller coaster from anxiety to my current state of exhaustion, it really has helped me stay focused I think and I haven't had as many random cravings. I mean, I am the girl who takes two pieces of candy when everyone else only takes one. The girl who can shovel pizza into her mouth late night after a huge meal out. Not something I am SUPER proud of, but hey I just have to say I am rarely alone when I do this - I will not name names. However, I am very happy to be so busy that I am not thinking so much about food too. I have incorporated breakfast into the mix and added a few little snacks. Perfecto!

It really is amazing how much my routine has changed in just ten days. I just hope that I can keep it up even after B-Day! I know ten days seems like chump change, but I have learned it is the small victories that win the war!

Ok, this little warrior is off to bed! Sleep tight, I know I will!

Sixth-Grade Gaga-Bieber Hybrid

Sixth-Grade Gaga-Bieber Hybrid Wows on YouTube

This clip is amazing! I just came across it, and I was speechless. Enjoy!

A little give, A little go

I was at the ISES event at Ventanas tonight and was talking to a friend about astrological signs. I am not well versed in the world of astrology, but it is so facinating to me. Apparently there are two sides to your sign - one that you see and one that others see. No, this is not just because I am a Gemini and think Gemini’s are fabulous, it’s true for all signs. So it also got me thinking about what we give and take, what we sacrifice and obtain. What you dream of doing and what you actually do, where you are professionally and where you want to be, the relationship you have settled on versus the relationship that you long to have.

There is so much give and take in life depending on circumstances and choices we make. How do we know when we are giving too much and not taking our share?? When do we begin to sacrifice ourselves in order to please others? How do we even recognize it when we are doing it? I feel like I have always been someone who is a giver; I give my time, my money, my ideas, my opinions and my heart to all of those people around me. And I also know on the flip side I have been at times a lousy friend, a slacker at work and a dramatic companion. How do we find that middle ground?

Well, here is my attempt at the truth: All we can do is try. There it is, plain and simple. There are no light bulbs, no trumpets sounding, and no fireworks. Life isn't easy and we should have never expected that it would be. We make choices and live with them, good or bad.

In my life I try to be an available and helpful friend, a loyal employee, and a loving companion. I want all of these things and if I get spread thin or if I am underappreciated in the process, it’s OK. This is something I have to begin telling myself otherwise I will go crazy! My point here is that I am thinking about it. I am making a conscience effort to recognize and accept the choices I make, and I hope you will too. Being perceptive to me is like being graceful. It is your intuition and something you were born with. So get out there and use it.

Monday Blues

What an icky day in Atlanta. I can't believe how chilly it is on May 10th! It is universally known that when the sky is blue, you usually are as well. It could be that it's Monday, that you were sad to see the weekend go, that it's raining or any old excuse to be lazy and curl up to watch a good movie. What can we do to shake these feelings? I usually treat myself to an unhealthy dinner, sweets or glass of wine, but tonight I am choosing to stay on track with my non-alcoholic beverages and healthy eating. Also, I am looking forward to my favorite show Gossip Girl which comes on the CW at 9:00pm and I will watch on the elliptical machine in the gym.

For the healthy dinner, I am cooking something tonight that my sister taught me how to make. I really like tofu, but have never been able to cook it properly. Truth be told, my kitchen usually looks like that of an 18 year old Frat boy's kitchen - stocked with alcohol and leftovers. Not appropriate for someone who has been out of college since 2005! Anyway, Kate told me to get the extra firm tofu and sprinkle it with nutritional yeast while you saute it to make it crunchy and to get it to taste somewhat fried. Then you can put it over brown rice, lettuce, or mix it up in stir fry! I am having it with brown rice tonight. Yum! Certainly beats leftovers and a hangover!

I have to charge my batteries tonight because I have a FULL week ahead. Events, events and more events! Also, for all of you who are wondering, I still haven't had a cocktail (8 days and counting.) I can't believe I am still sane and it is only going to get harder when I brave the event industry scene this week. Wish me luck, and I will fill you in on all the detox details!!

Bunny doesn't grow on trees

Today in honor of Mother's Day, I would like to dedicate this post to my mother, June. Well, Bunny. Anticipating the arrival of her first grandchild, mom confessed that she had always wanted to be called "Grandmother." Both my sister and I had our own opinions of the name and thought she was SO much more than "Grandmother." So, June set out on the search for acceptable names for herself and settled on two: Bunny or Hottie. Now, if you know my mother, which most of you do, this was no surprise. Kate and I immediately knew which we would choose and Bunny was born.

In the past few years, since I started college really, I have had the opportunity to really get to know my mother. We have not always has such a wonderful relationship, most mother and daughter duos can relate, but we have learned to compromise, listen and praise each other when needed. Of course there is the occasional aggravation and discontent, but in the end her experience prevails 95% of the time. (Sorry mom, I can't give you 100% on that one.) I have been blessed with so many influential and inspiring people in my life, but the fact is I would know none of them without my mother. She is full of life, strong in her faith and the picture of selflessness, joy and love.

It is so hard as a teenager to admit when your mom is right, but I have become so much more aware of how lucky I was to have a mother who was brave enough to give her children tough love. But tonight as I sit in reflection of all the things I have learned from her, one of my favorite memories of her comes to mind.

I had just gone through the worst break up in December of 2007, ten days before Christmas. I was in love, but broken hearted, confused and searching for myself. I was looking forward to coming home to Georgia and spending the holiday at Lake Burton. It would be our entire immediate family, but now I would now be the seventh wheel. I have always been a huge fan of Christmas but for the first time in forever, I wasn’t that merry. Geeze, I wonder why.

I came home after 23 straight days of work in DC (it was busy season and the Christmas parties never ceased) and spend the first night with friends in Atlanta wallowing in self-pity and Pinot Grigio. Classy. Then went home to my mother, who was beaming with Christmas cheer and wearing her sassy Santa sweater. It actually is the cutest thing I have ever seen. We talked, I of course cried and we packed the last little bit of packages and food to head to the Lake.

On the ride up, mom squealed and said, "Lacy, I have the perfect song for you. It always makes me feel better and makes me feel like I can take on the world and just do anything." I gave her my mom look and kept staring at the road. All of a sudden Gloria Gainer was belting out "I Will Survive" on the radio and mom didn't miss a note, I couldn't stop laughing. We listened to it at least three times on the ride up and I was finally smiling again.

That is my mother. Someone who knows exactly what you need even when you are lost, broken and exhausted. I love you Bunny, I wouldn’t be where I am today without your guidance and love. And yes, I will survive, just like you taught me.

Over the Taupe

There are so many wonderful rituals that we women have in our lives. Things we do to bond, to gossip, to beautify and to relax. All of us deserve to be pampered in whatever way satisfies us the most. My vice - nail polish. Everyone knows my obsession with painting my nails. It calms my nerves, trains my hands to be steady and gives me instant gratification of a job well done. I do it at least twice a week. However, it is always a special treat for me to go to the nail salon.

My favorite part of the experience is perusing the OPI polishes on the wall...You're a Pisa Work, I am Fondue of You, Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow. I mean how does someone get the job to come up with these names?? I have strongly considered a career change, but lack the connections. Ring Ring, Yellow? I am Pinking of You? Yeah, a feeble attempt.

Anyway, the kicker is that it really is never about the color for me, it is always my mood. What am I feeling today? Playful - Strawberry Margarita, Mysterious - Lincoln Park After Dark, Hungry - Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ. Seriously, it’s a color. Bravo OPI, thank you for keeping it interesting and fun!

I am a connoisseur of nail salons. Here is my list of my favorites in various cities I have visited or lived:

Charlotte, North Carolina: Polished is the best salon offering wine, a true nail bar with Sex in the City episodes and the best spa chairs in the city. I actually threw a party at the South Boulevard location and we even signed the wall before leaving!

Washington, DC: I love Vicky's Nails in Georgetown. It is upstairs in a quaint little spot on Wisconsin and the women immediately lift your mood when you walk in! They use hot stones to relax your feet during the pedicures and massage your shoulders while you dry. It is a great place to go while waiting on a table at Café Bonaparte or to relax before a long day of running errands on M Street.

Ft. Collins, Colorado: She She Lounge is a win win! This is my sister’s favorite place in her hometown. For Christmas 2 years ago she treated my mom and I to mani/pedi’s and we had the most fun. They have recliners and two big screens that they will play your choice of chick flicks and girlie shows! They have other great spa treatments and an adorable candy bar so you can take a treat for later.

I am on the hunt for my favorite place in Atlanta, so if anyone would like to join me for pampering and pretty nails be my guest!

Today I am going for a mani/pedi with my mother in honor of Mother's Day and I think I will go with Hot & Spicy from the new Hong Kong line. My mom loves Kennebunk-Port Red, but maybe she will branch out today! Who knew the best accessory could be something you were born with?

The Road and The Relationship

This morning I was thinking about my friendships and relationships that I have developed throughout the past decade. I have met all of my friends at many different points in my life, but high or low, the girls have seen me through it all. It seems like at every turn there is one of them in the passengers seat, watching the road or taking the wheel in support of my decisions and life choices. Regardless of where our lives take us, they are only a phone call or a plane ride away. They are mothers, wives, grandmothers, professional women, dreamers, teachers and lovers. There passion for what they believe in is infectious and I wouldn't have made it this far without them.

Relationships are the cornerstones to life. They are completely necessary for development as a child, for acceptance as a teen and for a life of bliss as an adult. I can hear my mother laughing now. But why do we feel like relationships with men in particular should define us? Ever since I had my first "boyfriend" at 13 or 14 it has always been about the guy - correction, boy. I think if as a teenager I had just figured out what music I liked, the places I liked to eat and the movie I wanted to see, I may have found out that I was better off with the girls.

Before your jaw hits the ground- yes, I am the same girl who fights for love, who gets up, dusts of and hops back on. The girl who searches desperately for the connection with my mate and who will move mountains and sometimes miles to show the person I love that I care and that I am the one. Why haven't I stopped to ask is he the one? What a cruel injustice I have done to myself. We all go through different types of relationships, the first love, the good on paper guy, the jock, the nice guy, but where is THE guy?

I have come to a harsh realization recently that stopped me cold. Over the years there have been strong contenders, but none of them really got me. The relationships were based on the fictional woman that I hand-crafted, manicured and dressed up with a blinding smile. I am pretty convincing when on a mission so in truth it really wasn't their fault. It was my fault and a guy will never be THE guy if it's not really me he is getting. Talk about creating potholes in your road to happiness.

I have to start being an honest participant in the communication process with those I allow into my life and learn how to be choosy when picking my next mate. My opinions and interests matter, and I need to find the courage to stand my ground when something is worth fighting for. THE guy and I will be able to live in bliss eventually, I just have some roadwork to do.

Lulu Lemonade!

Hotlanta…you aren’t kidding. Today was a long, hot preview of the summer ahead. But thanks to a trip to Lululemon Athletica yesterday afternoon, I was able to take today’s lemons and make lemonade! It is so nice when you begin a new workout schedule to have the perfect apparel to motivate and inspire your body to move. I found the PERFECT workout pants (Astro Crop) and tank (Cool Racerback) that is ultra long so there is no excuses to ! It is very hard for me to channel my last bit of energy for the day into a workout, but success is mine!

So whether you are a runner, a yogi, cyclist or walker get out this afternoon or evening and busta move!

However, if you are reading this and scowling at your computer screen saying, “Lacy you are full of it” and are in need of more of a wallet workout, check out Perry&Bleeker it is my good friends sister’s new jewelry line. I am headed to a trunk show right now and hopefully will come away with some goodies!!! And yes, I will be having a sparkling water, maybe with a splash of lemon.

Whatever turns your lemons to lemonade today, embrace it!

Cinco De Oh-no

So it is the 5^th day of my infamous birthday month, which also coincides with Cinco de Mayo. This has never posed a problem in the past, however this year as my personal crisis continues with turning 27 (I never said I wasn’t dramatic) I have decided to abstain from drinking until May 25^th, my actual birthday. I have decided this for a number of reasons – money, job performance, physical health and of course to torture myself slowly through the remaining episodes of Dancing with the Stars. They always seem to dance better through beer goggles, just sayin.

Now, I would like to give a run down of the past 36 hours because it seems as if as soon as you vow to change something in your life, everyone around you finds a way to unintentionally make it as difficult as possible to succeed.

Day 1

I am at the St. Regis for a book release party. I arrive promptly at 5:45pm and have a few texts from friends inviting me to meet them at the bar for a drink. I avoid the situation, but then find myself in the front row for the 6:00pm Sabering. This is a tradition where someone takes a saber and slices off the cork of the champagne bottle. Much more gracefully done than say the Cameron Diaz version in What Happens in Vegas. But the point is, its complementary champagne. One eye roll and a sigh later I am headed in the opposite direction empty handed. Test one – Pass.

So I enter the event, ducking the waiters passing a heavenly blue concoction in a martini glass and more champagne, and make a b line to the bar and order a club soda with lime praying that no one will tell the difference. A friend rolls her eyes, but I am not affected. I am a woman on a mission. The party was beautiful but bland, and I am pretty sure that is because I wasn’t over served.

Day 2

I am meeting with a client for lunch to talk about a fantastic fundraising event we are helping with in the fall and some of our party is running late. Well, my client does sales at the restaurant so she asks, “Would you like a glass of wine while you wait?” Of COURSE, my eyes say, but I force my head back and forth. Free drinks, again? This is just cruel and unnecessary punishment for someone who always socializes with a cocktail. To continue the defense of my response I follow up with a story about my thick Southern accent that sneaks out depending on the amount of libations I consume. There is nothing graceful about a Georgia Peach that slurs her words at 2:00pm in the afternoon on an Tuesday.

The list just keeps going…but I will not bore you with the details, because I feel like you get my drift and maybe you have abandoned reading because you are fixing yourself a cocktail. Please, just don’t offer me one.

So back to today, Cinco de Oh-no. Productivity is my drink of choice. I have gone to the gym, fixed dinner and now have placed myself in front of this computer for distraction. Day 3 is almost gone and I am feeling great!

Hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather, the Mexican food and delicious Margaritas or Corona Lights. I will join you next year!

st. regis atlanta paces 88 champagne sabre

Tick-Tock Tuesday

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. As I sit in my beautifully decorated condo, on the 18^th floor with a breathtaking view of Buckhead, listening to the latest inspirational and uplifting song in my life “Ingrid Michelson, Keep Breathing” it could be my mood, the new beginning of the month or the fact that I am turning 27 in 21 days that has me feeling nostalgic and a little anxious.

My mind wonders back to the year 1999 and I feel as if my life has skipped to today, leaving my head spinning and my heart heavy. Could it be that I have been through ten years of my life not realizing the life I was living?? The friends, the food, the experiences, the travel, and the ups and downs – these memories do not feel like my own. It also brings me back to the image in my mind as a young, naïve seventeen year old, a caged bird dying to feel the air beneath her wings and the taste of the seed in the neighbor’s feeder. I feel like I am a walking contradiction fusing happy and sad, sane and crazy, self confident and shy, but most of all independent and lonely.

How, you may ask could this be, but in truth it is a gift (I choose to call it that) I was given as I swam in the calming waters of my youth in the backyard of the first and only home I have ever known. Truly believing I was living the best life a child could have while my parents went through a divorce. That is when I also discovered the overwhelming comfort level I had with men and women three times my age. I could mix a cocktail by age seven (well I might add,) sing and dance to “Pencil thin Mustache” and “Satisfaction” and beat all the men at Gin or Pool, whichever was the game of the night. I learned how to divide my time between listening and being the entertainment. I realized I could be anything to everyone, an adaptable chameleon who just wanted to fit in and belong.

Today is the day all of the looking back stops and my eyes are fixed on the road ahead. I am sure I will revisit the good, bad and the ugly from time to time, but I am done wasting time, wasting breath and money on being someone else’s version of myself. Today I choose me. Lacy. The twenty six year old that is looking for completely consuming love and the beauty in each day of this life I have been given.