Friday {Five}

{1}

Am I silly for having butterflies in my stomach for the girls who are competing in the Miss SC USA pageant this weekend?  I competed two years ago and it was an amazing experience.  {Enter unneccessary rant...}So many people think pageants are stupid, but I'm here to tell you how much respect that the young women on that stage deserve.  Being in a pageant, especially a state pageant, should mean that each contestant is at her absolute best.  That means; her best emotional attitude, her best body, best hair and makeup, as well as the brightest smile she has ever had.  It means that every contestant has put so many resources into gaining sponsors to help cover the (super expensive) costs for their wardrobe, photoshoots, and other preparatory events.  It means that while others were at a football tailgate, she was at the gym.  When others were eating pizza, she was eating grilled chicken.  It means that each girl is knowledgeable about her current events and what is going on, not only in our country, but also throughout the world.  It means that each woman has spent countless hours on the road, attending appearances, fittings, rehearsals, coaching sessions, forums, etc. 

It means that each woman has fallen asleep each night with "pageant, pageant, pageant" in her head.

It also means that after months and months of tiresome preparation, only one girl will be the winner, but every girl will walk away from that stage as a better person.

...and I can attest to that personally.

I will step off of my soap box now

...thank ya kindly!

Miss SC USA 2011 - Courtney Turner

Small... but this is me when I competed in 2009.

My mom is coming into town and we will attend the pageant finals on Saturday night.  Super excited!

{2}

Obsessed with this Rachel Zoe Natalie Plunge Blouse

$295

{3}

My "Casual Friday" OOTD for work

Sweater from Macy's last year, Gap "jeggings" similar, Tory Burch Reva Flats



{4}

Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us.  Do you all have big plans with your families?

 

 

via pinterest

{5}

I have a soft spot for pretty makeup organization.

 

 

 

 

via pinterest
Xo.