Prest-o, Change-Whoa!!!!

They say the only thing that's constant is change, right?  Well, let's just say that I'm a firm believer of that!  I happen to be one of those people who used to fear change....um, not just a little, either.  I just wanted to hang on to things just as they were, and when anything threatened the security in that, I would pretty much have an anxiety attack merely thinking of it.

Well, it's been a goal of mine to overcome that fear of change, to let go and let God.  I'm a work in progress, but I'm getting better at it.  I also have decided to baby step it.  Where did I start first?  Well, at the top of my head, of course!

My beloved hairdresser (who has got to be some sort of MacGyver/ninja/Jedi/wizard type of woman) has been one of the biggest forces in my life to challenge me and help me get past this fear of change.  She talked me into the bangs I actually loved (although that did take her a full twelve months of campaigning).  I know, the shame.  It's only hair.  I'm finally getting to that place, and my how liberating that is!  It's phenomenal actually.

I must digress to really show off my hairdresser's work because she is AH-MAZING.  She came up with this for my wedding ceremony:



Photo Credit: CGS

...and then she expertly turned my hair into this for the reception.  With no help.  In the backseat of a limo.  While the car was moving.  With no mirrors available.  Without me seeing it.  (How did I know it was okay???  When my brand new husband said, "Wow, baby, that's perfect!")

Photo Credit: Official Entertainment

So, when this incredible woman took on the challenge of another change-up for me, I actually did pretty well jumping off the edge - it's shocking, but I did it!

Are you ready for this, world????  Well, buckle up, because Chicken Wing's fiery spirit is now showcased firmly on her head!

Ermagersh, I'm ginger!

Now, I realize that photo looks like I have taken on a lifetime role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid but my hair isn't that red all the time!  It is, however, when I stand in front of a deep turquoise wall.  So, if you see me in the Bahamas with that turquoise water, don't be afraid - as far as I know, mer-people aren't real.  Here's another view (please excuse the cell phone quality) to show you how it photographs differently depending a) on what I'm wearing and b) what color I'm standing in front of!

So, it's a big change for me, but to be completely candid, I am digging it!  I've been blonde for so long and in this case, I am thrilled with the change.  I love how it brings out my eyes, and even does wonders for my typical winter pasty complexion.

If the only thing that's constant is change, count me in!

Until next time,

Christmas 2011 Recap

I sincerely hope that each and every one of you had a fabulous Christmas and made time to remember the reason for the season during your hustling and bustling!  It's time for the annual Chicken Wing Christmas Recap! 

Our weekend started with Comanche's family celebration, where we got together and exchanged gifts and Comanche's older brother prepared cherries jubilee for everyone!  It was amazing to hang out with my soon-to-be in-laws and nephews and watch them interact with CiCi and MuChi, who came along in their Christmas best - a sweater for CiCi and MuChi's famous "I ate Santa's cookies" t-shirt!

Then, it was on to Momma Chicken Wing's house where the Chicken Wing siblings did our annual tradition - we drag Little Brother Chicken Wing's mattress into Little Sister CW's room and we all stay cramped in there and watch Elf as we fall asleep.  Always funny!


pics on Sodahead

The next morning, we opened our family stockings, and this was the very first Christmas for Momma CW's new husband Dubya!  I think he made out like a bandit and had some Christmas fun!  After we all got dressed and ready, we made the trip to Grandma Chicken Wing's house with all of our presents and had one of the most delicious Southern lunches you've ever seen!

On the menu:  turkey, country ham, creamed potatoes, green beans, butter beans, corn pudding, deviled eggs, rolls, fried apples, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, macaroni salad, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake with white icing - it could not be beat, I'm telling you what!

After lunch came the food coma and then we opened gifts, which is always so much fun!  I get way more excited to watch everyone else open their gifts than I do to open mine!  I will say that Comanche did especially well this year!  He knows me better than I know myself sometimes and he gave me two gifts that stood out this year!  The first?  These gorgeous Jessica Simpson flats that I'd been drooling over for weeks:

Bring on the bling!  Your feet should get to sparkle too!

The other gift is one that I will truly cherish forever!  For our wedding next year, there are lots of things that will be classic and traditional (we're not too wacky, y'all!).  One thing that will be a little different is that I didn't want to wear pearls on my wedding day.  I know, I know - call me crazy!  I want to wear blue topaz jewelry since it is my Daddy's birthstone - that way, he can be with me all day even though he can't be there in person!  I had one blue topaz necklace, but it wasn't going to work, so Comanche got me the most perfect and beautiful necklace ever!  Here's the photo of it from the seller:

Isn't it GORGEOUS?!?!?

What I love about it is that I can enjoy this on our wedding day but also any other day!  It is so pretty and in no way is it too gaudy for everyday!  The really cool thing is that blue topaz is also Comanche's birthstone, so it's really special! I think the man did very well this year and I adore him!  (For those of you who wonder how Comanche made out, he did pretty well - I finished off his weight set for him for Christmas and his birthday, which was two days after Christmas)!

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday full of laughs, smiles, and thankfulness!  I am so excited for next Christmas as I expect it will be even better!

Until next time,

Music And Bling

"Music and bling, music and bling, these are two of my favorite things..."  Now, that's a tune that should catch on quickly, and while an unlikely combination for some folks, I happen to love all things music and most things bling!

Let's start with the shiny stuff - I just have to give a shout-out to Nick Lachey, who recently wed his longtime girlfriend, Vanessa Minnillo.  And, by the looks of things, "he LOVED it so he put a ring on it."  I mean, put on your Ray Bans, folks because the new Mrs. Lachey's left hand is currently blinding innocent bystanders all across California (and his ring isn't too shabby either)!

Kiss my Asscher cut, Batman!

Okay, now that I've picked my jaw up off the floor, I'm now going to admit that there has been a song that has been permanently lodged in my brain since the first time I heard it and I am hoping that by sharing it with all of you, it will set me free of my constantly singing, "Craaaazy girl, don't you know that I love you?"  I mean, I'm starting to get strange looks from girls thinking I'm simultaneously calling them mentally unstable and professing my feelings for them.  This = not a good look for the workplace.

So, without further ado, enjoy "Crazy Girl" from the Eli Young Band.  (Sidenote:  I love it because Comanche often jokes with me and calls me silly woman.  He also says, "you're so crazy, babydoll" a lot.  Should I be getting a message here?)


Source

Enjoy folks, and sorry if it gets stuck in your heads, too!  (But not that sorry, because it's such a great song!)


Until next time,

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Okay, so every now and again, a ray of sunshine breaks through what seems like a world of gray skies, thunderstorms, and minor flooding (if you're standing in the parking lot of the complex where I live).

Looming.

Coming.

Here.  (FYI I was not moving while taking these pics!)

Besides the fact that we literally had one of the worst storms ever on Tuesday, and my parking lot did flood pretty badly (photo evidence above), I got the most amazing rays of sunshine today!  It was a morning like any other morning, apart from two things - a special note and a special email.

The special note was left by my gift-delivering ninja, Comanche!  It contained words of encouragement and love and I was taken by a wave of appreciation for him and knowledge that somehow, I am blessed enough to have that man in my life.  God is so good, and He has been especially good to me.

The special email was from a lady that I don't personally know, but we will call her my fairy godmother/deliverer of amazing news!  What was this news?  I ACTUALLY WON A GIVEAWAY!  I have literally entered hundreds, I would have to say, in my lifetime.  This email marked the SECOND time I've won!  Haha!  Moral of the story:  If you want to win the lottery, your best bet does not live in me! :)

Now, the first giveaway I won earlier this year was special to me because of three reasons.  The first is that it was hosted by a woman that I have grown so very fond of, despite the fact that we've never met.  The second is that it was my first time winning a giveaway!  The third was that it came at the perfect time and helped me get my newest business started with my partner!

This giveaway is special to me for multiple reasons, too.  The number one reason was it was hosted by one of the most respectable wedding magazines on the planet, which provides inspiration and guidance to brides with Southern flair. 

Source

I mean honestly...how flipping adorable is their website header?  I die for the cuteness!  The second reason I was so incredibly excited is because this giveaway contained a prize that is "song-of-the-South, sweet-potato-pie-and-I-shut-my-mouth" adorable!!!!!  Don't believe me?  Check this out!

Yes, that is the Southern Weddings Magazine website.
Yes, that is my hand making that thumbs up.
Yes, I somehow by the grace of God won
that adorable clutch & bowtie!

If you'd like to read the official post by Southern Weddings Magazine, you can do so by clicking --> HERE.

I have to say a huge thank you to the ones who made my day today!  You will never understand how happy and grateful I am to have received these blessings, and I want each and every one of you to go check out Southern Weddings Magazine!  The photo shoots are gorgeous, the brides, editors, and writers are Southern belles, and preppy country goodness drips off the pages and melts your heart!

Until next time,

Chicken Wing Went Shopping!

Well, I have to admit something, Peeps.  I haven't actually been shopping in a long time.  Well, that is until recently.  I love, love, love to window shop and I do that often.  But, due to being economically cautious, it's actually been awhile since I went shopping for myself, and I think I'd forgotten how important it is to do that sometimes.

I had an amazing girls' day with one of my best girlfriends recently, and we shopped until we dropped!  It was an awesome day!  So, I decided to share my pretties with you all, and sum up my day with this timeless, classic expression:

Are you, Charlie?  Are you?

You may have been wondering, "Were there ruffles involved?"  "Heck to the yes, there were ruffles involved," I exclaim!

Take, for example, this unbelievable purse that my lover, TJ Maxx, had waiting for me!  The best part?  I got this $60 bag for $25!

Personal cell phone picture of my precious!!!

TJ also helped me with a major need I had.  Imagine this:  you have a wedding to shoot where you will be on your feet for nine hours straight.  You go to put on your trusty, not-attractive-but-uber-comfortable, black shoes only to discover that the ankle strap is......wait for it........BROKEN!  THE HORROR!

Source

So, lucky for me, I actually found a cute pair of BOC black ballet flats that are actually very comfortable!  BIG WIN for the Chicken Wing!  Check 'em out!


HOORAY!

Also from TJ Maxx, I hit the jackpot!  Comanche and I went on a mini-trip for his birthday last year, and while in one of the shops there, we saw this section of glazed pottery-type items and we had no clue what they could be.  All I could tell was that they were gorgeous!  The saleslady explained to us that they were a new phenomenon called firepots!

Basically, they're your own little fireplace when you don't have one. Whether you use them on your patio for crisp evenings or in a cooler area of your home, they are a great option for instant warmth.  I will say, they won't heat your entire house or even an entire room, but they're great for folks like me who tend to stay cold all the time.  They also have a citronella version of the fuel gel so you can use that outdoors to keep the bugs at bay!  Double win!  The only reason Comanche and I didn't purchase one of those bad boys right on the spot was because one of the cheapest ones they had was $135.  Yes, you read that correctly - we didn't buy one.

At TJ Maxx, however, there was a GORGEOUS firepot on sale for THIRTY DOLLARS!!!!  After a quick call to Comanche to confirm that I wasn't just buying things to buy things, he reminded me that 1) I'm always cold, 2) I'd definitely use it, and 3) I'd been using an extremely ghetto "fireplace" which consisted of a medley of jar candles to help heat my living room.  Okay, so fail on the last one.  According to him, it only made sense for me to snatch one up since I was clearly desperate in the winter.  Done and done, and she's a beaut.  (You know, short for beautiful).  See?


Personal cell phone pic of my firepot in action!

Then, there was the highlight of my shopping trip. My friend and I ended up at the mall in Belk, when out of nowhere, I saw her.  Our eyes locked across the room.  She was so gorgeous, I couldn't look away - I was mesmerized.  She had exotic coloring and curves for days.  She even shared my love for damask. And ruffles.  Who is she?



LOVE HER!

I've been stalking this class-for-days, Kristen Stewart style dress for.ev.er.  Seriously, for years!  I've tried on so many dresses like this, and they have never fit me.  My fiercly intelligent friend suggested for me to try it on in Petite sizes, even though I argued that I thought those dresses were only shorter in length for smaller people.  Who was wrong?  {Raises hand with guilty face on display}

What I love about this dress is that I can wear it to a variety of functions and it will be appropriate and class-a-frass at each and every one!  And, I also got this on sale 30% off!  Sorry, Charlie, but I think your phrase has a new owner in town.  Move along, and go fix your life.  Mmmkay, thanks for playing.

Until next time,

I Want To Swim In Ruffles!

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to bring you an important Public Service Announcement.  I want to swim in ruffles.

No, really.  I love ruffles so much I literally want to swim in them. 

So cute!  Source

Love this Juicy top! Source



Oh, Kate Beckinsale....you look gorgeous no matter what color hair you have!  Source



Love the top...not sure about the bottoms.  Source

 Summer is coming people, and it will be here before we know it.  Soooo, basically what I'm saying is if anyone finds anything out there like any of these that is reasonably priced (and to me, that's $50 and under), hit a Chicken Wing up! 

This has been an important Public Service Announcement.  We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

Until next time,

Reverb 10 - Prompt #28

December 28 – Achieve. What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today. (Author: Tara Sophia Mohr)

The thing I most want to achieve this year is to save more of my hard-earned money.  The economy has really made this goal hard to reach and I know that I haven't done the best job of furthering that goal, either.

I imagine I will feel both happy and prepared once I've accomplished this.  (By prepared, I mean that I will not feel so constantly worried that the bottom is going to drop out.  What if I need a major emergency auto repair?  What if I have to go to the hospital?  What if the price of gas keeps going up?  Where will I get the money if any of these things happen?)

Ten Things I Can Do To Feel Happy & Prepared Today:
1.  Make a To-Do list.
2.  Follow the To-Do list and check things off once completed.
3.  Do something that makes me laugh today.
4.  Pack my lunch or eat at home to save money!
5.  Research my next project so I am ready to face it head on!
6.  Have a longer play time with my puppies - nothing better than that!
7.  Lay out my clothes for tomorrow - reduces early morning thinking.
8.  Wear a smile as often as I can today.
9.  Listen to music while working = always a bonus!
10. Drink lots of water.  I always feel better when I do that.
-BONUS-
11. Pray.  Give it to God.  That always makes me feel happy and prepared.

Until next time,

Something Every Man Should Know

*We interrupt the Reverb 10 series to bring you this important Public Service Announcement.*

In life, there are certain lessons that must be learned in order to be successful. 

In school, you have to study before a big test and then apply what you learned if you want to guarantee success.  In the romantic world, you have to practice being honest and faithful and open to sharing in order to make a relationship last.  In social settings, it's pretty important to learn lessons in etiquette.  When you get ready to start working, you have to practice your interview skills and then if you get the job, you have to continue to practice good habits if you want to keep the job you got!

Now, there are also certain things that you have to know that are gender specific.  This post is about something every man should know.

Whether you're dressing for a job interview, going to your first prom, or maybe even walking down the aisle, every man needs to know how to tie a tie.  If you've ever attempted this, you know this is a difficult task.



Perfect Paisley!  Yes, please!  Click here to buy!


Well, stress no more, Peeps!  There is a fabulous website in the interwebs that teaches you not only how to tie a tie, but also how to tie FIFTEEN different knots or styles!  WOWEE, that's impressive!  I'm so serious - it's even chock full of videos that walk you, step by step, through the process, so you can practice on your own.

Click here to head over to the site!

I personally believe that there should be more websites like this out there - you know, ones with absolutely relevant information!  I plan to practice some of these tie-tying techniques so that I can be of service to any males in need!

Another cool thing about this site is that it's brought to you by ABCNeckties.  If you like one of the ties featured in their how-to videos, you can hop on over to ABCNeckties to purchase it!  Amazing!

I hope you find this useful, and please send this on to your friends - especially to that special man in your life who rocks the clip-on regularly!  Trust me, they're counting on you to teach them the ways of the necktie!

Until next time,
Miss Chicken Wing

Love Scarves? Enter This Contest!

You can help celebrate the launch of http://www.scarves.net/ by entering to win one of their amazing scarves! 

Want to see how easy this is?

Go here:  http://www.scarves.net/contest/
Enter your information.
Choose your scarf.
You are now entered to win!

Good luck, Peeps!

Until next time,

Wedding Day Birthday Sneak Peek!

I wrote two posts about my amazing friends who recently tied the knot here and here.

I've had lots of requests for photos of the day, and I am happy to oblige!  Check out a Sneak Peek at Nay and DK's Big Day!

A good bridesmaid is always there for her bride.
Photo Credit:  Bella Pictures 2010

My sorority sister/fellow bridesmaid K did my hair.  When she first started styling, she asked how I was liking it so far.  I replied, "BIGGER!  I gotta represent the South!"  :)  Photo Credit:  Bella Pictures 2010

Here's me with the handsome groom, DK!  He made me cry by wearing the tie I gave him on his wedding day.  How sweet is he?  Photo Credit:  The AMAZING Michelle Vaz Bange

Sorority Love!  Nay, me, K, and J on our darling's big day!
Photo Credit:  Bella Pictures 2010

I genuinely had one of the best days of my life on this year's birthday.  It was a great way to ring in turning 26 and it was so fulfilling to see some of my best friends so incandescently happy.  There is truly nothing more satisfying than that!  I hope you enjoyed these photos as much as I did!

Until next time,

2010 Primetime Emmy Highlights

The Primetime Emmy Awards aired last night, and I was very excited to tune in.  They usually provide some laughs, great fashion, corny acceptance speeches, and sometimes even a few tears.

I'd like to start off with my favorite moment of the entire broadcast.  CONGRATULATIONS to Modern Family (ABC) who picked up the award for Outstanding Comedy Series!  I am beyond excited, and I'm so proud to work for a network that brought this show into your living rooms every week.

Source

This show is extremely funny, and is heartfelt, too.  If you haven't made the time to check it out, set your TiVo's NOW.  Like seriously.  Right now.  Do it.

There were also other highs in the program, such as host Jimmy Fallon's musical interludes and seeing newlywed cuties Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer from HBO's True Blood (um, is anyone else as sucked into that show as I am?  Pun definitely intended.). 

As far as fashion goes, here are three favorite looks of mine, and the ladies looked phenomenal!

Lea Michele from Glee looking fab

Sofia Vergara from Modern Family...can I be her when I grow up?  Seriously, how hot is she?

Claire Danes in a dress that is pageant perfection

The last highlight for me was when Eric Stonestreet from Modern Family accepted the award for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.  Check out his heartfelt acceptance speech and then again, go watch this show!

Source

That's my recap!  Did anyone else have any other favorite moments from the telecast?  If so, please share!

Flamenco Inspiration

It always fascinates me where I find inspiration because, much like this blog, completely random things get my creative juices flowing.  An example of this is my most recent inpsiration.  I was channel surfing the other day, and came across a show on one of the Discovery or Travel-type channels, and they were discussing the art of flamenco dancing. 

For those of you who might not be familiar with the art form, Wikipedia won't let you down:  "Flamenco is a style of music and dance which is considered part of the culture of Spain, although it is actually native to only one region: Andalusia.  It has often been claimed that these influences coalesced [...] in the 15th century. Flamenco is popularly depicted as being the music of Andulusian gitanos (gypsies). Other regions, mainly Extremadura and Murcia, have also contributed to the development of flamenco, and many flamenco artists have been born outside the gitano community. Latin American and especially Cuban influences have also contributed."  Source


When I think flamenco, I think the series of sharp, crisp movements paired with swirling arm motions.  I think of the dresses that the female dancers where, and that is where I draw the most inspiration.

Source

Something about Spanish style has always spoken to me, and flamenco calls out to me in the same way.  For example, here are some home finds that scream "FLAMENCO" to me.

Please excuse me while I wipe the drool off my keyboard.  Have you ever seen a shower curtain so luscious in your life?  Oh Anthropologie, you slay me.  Source

Adorable and ruffly - just the way I like it!  Source

"You can stand under my umbrella, ella, ella, ay, ay, ay."  Source

As you can see, there are tons of neat ways to incorporate art into your home.  If you have found any other flamenco-inspired items, please feel free to shoot them my way!  I'm always on the lookout and look forward to expanding my scope. 

Until next time,
Miss Chicken Wing

'Tis The Details That Inspire Me

I find that I get inspired by many different things, and right now, fashion is something that leads the list.

It's amazing the mood-altering power that an article of clothing or an accessory can have on you. Sometimes, I have to happy clap when I put on a statement necklace. Ladies who wear hair flowers are girls after my own heart. (I am a HUGE fan of the hair flower, and wear them pretty regularly). When I get a new purse or pair of shoes, it's obvious in my strut. And, one of my favorite things concerning fashion? When you can get it on the cheap!

I'm all about being as thrifty as possible, so I keep Forever 21 in my favorites tab, and I check in on them from time to time. Today was one of those days, and look at the pretties I found, complete with flowers, bows, ruffles, lace, and layers!

Take the 'Chiffon Rose Trim Top.' It's absolutely beautiful - fun and feminine, and completely work appropriate! I can so see this with a pair of tapered leg black pants and your favorite heels! And for $17.80...come on now! To get this top, go here.

This little darling is called the 'Billions of Bows Top,' and I think it is absolutely precious! I really like their take on the bow situation, because bows are making a comeback! Rather than a super-sized version, this top almost looks ruffled, and I think the detailing is fantastic. And, $19.80? Makes you wanna smack your momma! Get it here.

Meet the 'Lace Peplum Top,' in all her gorgeous navy lace glory! This just screams, "WEAR ME TO THE BEACH!" I see this top and I love all the elements: the halter top, the corset detailing, and the layers - this top is all about the details, and it's easy to get inspired when you look at it! The best part? It's only $28! That's not bad at all! To get this look, go here.

If you love ruffles as much as I do, you have to start getting creative in where you place them! I have ruffled skirts, and ruffle-front button-down shirts, and even ruffled shoes. This t-shirt, called the 'Striped Capsleeve Top,' embodies just the creativity I'm talking about! The ruffles are featured subtly on the sleeves and I am all.about.it. It's $17.80, which is decent for a t-shirt as adorable as this one, and you can get it by going here.

Finally, say hello to my little friend! "Hello, 'Ruched Sleeve Knit Cardigan,' you saucy minx!" I need to get into this cardigan right stat! I love the draping, I love the pockets, and I love the relaxed sophistication. The only downside, in my opinion, is that there aren't more color choices. This would be one of those wardrobe staples...it would be a sin to not buy in every color, but the only one is heather grey. Not that I have a problem with that, because as you can see, it's absolutely beautiful! This one is the best deal of all at $12.80! Kiss my grits, and give me this cardigan! (You want one, too? Go here.)

I hope that you've enjoyed today's lovelies, and that you might have found some inspiration along the way. As always, I don't own any of the rights to these images - Forever 21 does...I just want to have them all hanging in my closet! Haha!

I'm curious if I'm the only one that gets a spring itch when it comes to being inspired by fashion. In fact, I look for inspiration in everything, so help me out, Peeps.

I want to know...what's inspired you lately?

Just leave a comment here or on facebook!

Until next time,
Miss Chicken Wing