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,

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?)


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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. 

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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,

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

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.

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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!

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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.

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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

They Live Better Than Us!

I ran across this picture and absolutely almost died laughing. Because of that, I just had to share it with my Peeps.

It appeals to my love of Mediterranean-style architecture, Italian touches, and overall elegance.

Check it out.

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The only problem? It's a wee bit small for me. You just looked at a designer dog house! A designer dog house that just happens to belong to model/actress Rachel Hunter's pets. It's a miniature (ha!) replica of her actual home that is just for her pooches!

I will not be showing this blog post to CiCi, MuChi, and Wilkie for fear of them revolting against me and demanding something of this caliber. Heck, that dog house is more attractive than our townhouse! It really slays me.

What is the world coming to? If I could just get that house, made human-size, for a tiny bit of money, that would be fantastic! Mmmkay, so somebody get to work on that! Thanks!

Until next time,

Miss Chicken Wing