Five [30] on [the final] Friday

19 Audits

2 Clients, 4 Campaigns

One Thanksgiving Break, Two Weekends

One 200 count bottle of Excedrin

One Care Package from Julie later...

I DID IT.

I mean who needs those extra four days to hit a deadline anyway right?

And now the only thing left to say is, 

Hello Christmas Break

Have yourself a very Whitehardt Christmas

Friday 12/19

O' Holy Night

Since Christmas cards are officially signed, sealed, and being delivered I can finally reveal my Christmas card for this year. I blogged about the struggles of finding a non-photo holiday card a couple weeks back and am in love with what I ended up finding!

Merry Christmas from Pekarsk-ing Around! 

http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-cards/MIN-6S3-HNP/oh-holy-night-sky?org=photo

Five on [12/12] Friday

1.

This week has been an extremely rough go for me.

A lot of tears and frustration. A lot of headaches and Excedrin and still no relief.

I was so fed up yesterday I decided I wasn't going to the holiday Christmas party tonight. 

I literally got my Rent the Runway dress, took it out of the box, and put it right back in the mail.

I have not been this burnt out since college. 

But despite as alone as I've felt the past couple weeks I've had amazing support from my family.

Hell, Dad even moved the family Christmas trip so I could work till the very last minute before vacation. 

Mom delivered an amazing care package to me Wednesday night full of my favorite comfort foods, precious ornaments each with a special meaning behind it, and a Christmas card only Julie could find.

2.

There's the cliche "Too blessed to be stressed" quote but I think I'm blessed to be stressed.

I am lucky to have the job I do at the company I'm at. 

Wednesday afternoon, after weeks and weeks of prep and work, my 2015 annual buys for my two clients were approved to be sent out. 

A huge personal victory for me and I was proud of my buys.

3. 

Last year Sara found an amazing coupon, like she has a gift for doing, for Shutterfly's photo calendars. I ordered one for my desk and it has become my lifeline. Everything, work and personal, is on that thing! So of course I had to splurge, a whole $20, and order one for this year. I can not wait to start putting weddings, concerts, half marathons, and deadlines on it.

4. 

After sweating through my shirt and putting a frozen dinner on my head it hurt so bad, I left work an hour early yesterday. After a really long hot shower and some more meds I was on the couch for the night. I figured I'd use my time wisely and address my Christmas cards. Thank you so much to Minted for my amazing cards and Tiny Prints for my precious return address stickers. Be checking your mailboxes soon!

5. 

It's Whitehardt Christmas party night.

A lot has changed in the past year and even though we're down a media girl I still love this team.

[and yes, I am going to the party. It's amazing what Excedrin and sinus meds can do for a mood.]

Friday 12/12

5 on Fridayyy

1. Despite a 12-hour workday yesterday I was wide eyed and restless last night.

Which lead to six degrees of separation Instagram stalking.

Which lead to me finding these hilarious Christmas cards.

Which lead to me ordering them.

Hey, there's no rule on how many Christmas cards you can send.

2. Our office officially closes for Christmas two weeks from today so we have to take full advantage of the decorating days left. The Target dollar section [and Julie] hooked us up and our foyer is looking festive!

3. Whitehardt Girls Annual Christmas lunch is today!

Last year was a scarf exchange, this year's theme is ornaments!

I can't wait to eat too much and get a sweet new goody for my little tree.

4. I am a huge Jessie James Decker fan and her precious husband has been good to my fantasy team this year as well. In case you missed it, she was on the Today show yesterday promoting her new Christmas song and of course collecting toys for kids. I absolutely love this song, it snaps you out of your holiday work funk and into joyful Christmas mode!

5. VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW, DECEMBER 9TH. 

SET YOUR DVR AND FINISH CRAFTING YOUR WINGS. 

Friday 12/5

Twelve Months a Passing

How is it already December?

There are 15 working days left in the office.

24 days till Christmas.

And 31 days till 2015.

So, that flew by.

I sat down last year and made a list of realistic resolutions that I then pinned in the dead center of my giant bulletin board in my family room. 

That list had since been lost in the hodge podge of ticket stubs, pictures, quotes, and wedding invitations that 2014 brought with it until this past week when I was putting up my Christmas tree.

As I stood there reading it, mentally checking off in my head if I had "accomplished" each task or not I started to realize it was more if I had tried or not.

1. Less TV, more reading

-While I did successfully watched less TV, I did not read more. But I did run more, work more, sleep more, and work on my house more.

2. 150% at work, every day

-I think I successfully gave 150% at work, every day, even Saturday.

3. Mass, devotionals, journaling

-I failed miserably at this one, there were days I could have easily gone to mass with mom and didn't and skipped Jesus Calling to my bed calling. But I have a feeling this will be a resolution on my list for years and years to come.

4. Explore my city, and brunch-ing is a must

-I checked some adventures off my list, but have a feeling lots more to come

5. $ave money

-Always room for improvement, right?

6. 13.1 in under 2 hours

-2 hours and 5 minutes and damn proud of it

7. Say "I love you"

-Did I find my person in 2014? No. Did I put myself out there and date? Yes.

And that's a win.

I have a couple repeats on my resolution list for 2015 and a couple new goals after living and learning in 2014. But my resolution for the next 31 days is to enjoy life. Dad reminded me this weekend that work is not everything and while it might feel like it 90% of the time, he's right.

I plan to enjoy my last days of 2014 and head into 2015 ready to rumble,

Five on [BLACK] Friday

In honor of Black Friday 2014 here are my top 5 sales

1. JCrew Factory is running everything [yes, everything] 50% with free shipping on orders $50 and over with the simple code THANKS. No, thank YOU JCrew Factory. 

2. Tervis is running the entire site 25% off and free shipping on orders $75 and over with the adorable code GRAVY.

3. Ashley Brooke Designs is running her entire site 25% off with the code BLACKFRIDAY. And like her email even said, this like never happens! 

4. My girls over at Rent the Runway are running all orders $75 and over: dresses, jewelry, accessories, and even PRO memberships, 20% off! This is the perfect time to rent for all upcoming occasions. I got my office Christmas party dress, dress for Sarah's February wedding, and my PRO membership for 2015. 

5. Save some spending money for Cyber Monday, Emily Ley always runs her biggest sale the Monday after and it is one worth waiting for [up to 40% off everything]!

Good luck out there, and may the dressing room lines be always in your favor.

Friday 11/28

I am very very thankful

I am very very thankful for my incredible family.

A family that I have pushed away as hard as I can and they have pulled me as close as they can. If I could give 20 year old Caroline any advice it would be to never put anyone above family. That is a regret 24 year old Caroline has every day. There is nothing I could ask of my family that they would not bend over backwards to give to me and for that I am eternally grateful.

I am very very thankful for my amazing friends.

I can not even begin to put into words how thankful I am for my friends. To sound completely cliche, I could never get married and my heart would still be full of love thanks to them. I've learned that you don't have to see them everyday to have them as a best friend. Texts, calls, cards, FB posts, gchats, snapchats, Instagram, and simply prayers are all equally "friendship."

I am very very thankful for my work family and job.

It's awful that it took one of us leaving for me to truly recognize how amazing our work family is and what a wonderful job I have. The past couple weeks have been trying and I will be the first to admit I have come home with a bad attitude more days than I should have; but when that group texts goes off on Saturday morning with tacky sweater pictures I'm reminded again just how good I have it.

I am very very thankful for the boys I have gone on a date with.

You have showed me what I don't want in a partner, what I do want in a partner, and along the way have given me some great nights. 

You've reminded me how independent I am, how I don't need you to be happy, and that as cynical as I can become I really do believe in love. 

I am very very thankful for my health and 24 year old body.

This is the time of my life to be running half marathons, it would be a sin to not be out there everyday.

I have been blessed to have an extremely healthy year and that is something I should never take for granted.

I am very very thankful for all the laughs, tears, celebrations, melt-downs, moments, and memories of 2014. 

I am very very thankful for the life and opportunities God has so blessed me with.

I compared marriage to the dot you draw at the top of your paper when drawing a landscape, way off in the distance, and reflecting back on that post this is not a bad thing at all.

I have so much life ahead of me and for that I am very very thankful. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have yourself a Minted little Christmas

I absolutely love stationary and cards of all kinds so you can imagine my enthusiasm in search for the perfect Christmas card. Last year, I bought the most precious note cards from Brittany Fuson and took an entire weekend hand writing Christmas notes. 

Oh how times have changed, no one has time for that this year. 

I'm lucky to get birthday cards out a day late at this point.

But when I started looking for Christmas cards I was quickly reminded that I don't have A) a pet 2- a significant other or C: a baby.

And do you know how many adorable non-picture holiday cards there are?

About as many genuine boys on Tinder. 

Enter Minted.

If you flipped over the countless baby announcements and Save the Dates on my fridge over half of them would be from Minted. 

They have an amazing selection and great pricing.

And more importantly adorable non-picture holiday cards.

And for us all us working people there's the Minted Envelope.

Minted will print your friends' and family's address on the envelopes for you, for free!

Hallelujah indeed.  

And if you are one of the lucky ones who has a precious baby, amazing husband, or adorable pet they have an awesome selection of photo cards too!

I could seriously order them all.

Minted, keeping all your days and mailboxes merry and bright!

* update: I ordered my Christmas cards Tuesday morning and by Tuesday night they were already printed and shipped. Those Minted elves y'all > *

Five on [finally] Friday

1. It is officially Mockingjay day!!!

I feel like it took forever for this movie to come out and then all of sudden it was here!

A friend of mine saw it last night and said it was "AWESOME."

A Saturday afternoon matinee may be in my future..

2. My favorite Brittany Fuson released tons of new goodies on her blog this morning!

iPhone cases, box sets, holiday cards, note cards..

No surprise here, they're all perfection. 

3. The December [special double] issue of Southern Living arrived at my doorstep this week and I can not wait to dig into it this weekend! The only thing I love more than this year's cover is that you can order the cake on the cover in all its preciousness ready to serve. Thank you lawd and Lindsay Bierman.

4. They're back, pitch!! 

The Pitch Perfect 2 trailer and movie poster were released this week and I am already cracking up at the quick 2:38 sneak peek. May 15, come onnnnnn.

5. don't be afraid Cecilia, I'm the satellite. And you're the sky

Friday 11/21

So aim high and aim true

Think you're in control until you're not

And you're so in love until you're not

Find a place where we can be alone

Find a place where we can be ourselves

So aim high, and aim true

Oh oh oh oh oh

Oh oh oh oh oh

I'm falling

Like a feather falling past your cheek

Feel the breath of heaven on your face

And we all die trying to get it right

We're all gonna die trying to get it right

So aim high, and aim true

Oh oh oh oh oh

Oh oh oh oh oh

I'm falling

Oh oh oh oh oh

Oh oh oh oh oh

I'm falling

Aim true

Won't you aim true

Aim true

Won't you aim true

We all die trying to get it right

I feel like I've lost my blogging "something." That blogging umf/inspiration/anything besides a list.

I don't have link-ups and bloggers I've met and will get coffee with. [I just love reading link-ups my friends do.]

At the same time I don't want to unload my life on the blogosphere because let's be honest y'all do not want to read that mess. 

But here I am feeling overwhelmed, underwhelmed, exhausted, angry, scared, and excited all at the same time.

 Life got really hard in about a 20 minute time frame last Monday and I'm still trying to get my footing from it. It was like a band-aid getting ripped off really fast, but not a little one you get after a shot. It was more like one of those huge ones that covers up your whole knee and you have really hairy knees. 

There were a lot of emotions being felt and not a lot of time to process them. So I ate Sonic for dinner and fell asleep watching Bravo DVR, the logical 24 year old coping method. 

Now just to clarify, nothing bad happened. 

Everything that was happening was great for my life/career.

After a couple dates with a guy I had decided the feelings weren't there and I was happier just me.

I wasn't going to date someone just to be dating someone.

He's a great guy just not my guy.

I was the one that made the decision. Not like I got dumped. I was making my life decisions.

And then I realized I'm 24 and exhausted with dating. Marriage is like that dot you draw way at the top of the paper when drawing a landscape [and then draw your lines to it to make your road]  I literally can't see it happening for me it's so far off. 

I love my job and working late and working weekends and doing what I want when I want to.

I would also like to love someone [and be loved.]

I got more responsibility at work. 

I got a new client to buy for. I got another client to audit for. I'm now head auditor.

Which lead to me eating sushi and crying in the Publix parking lot.

This "life" thing is bizarre.

There's just a lot of emotions and I'm not good with that.

Friends are moving on to different stages of their lives [please do not get me wrong, I absolutely love watching their lives and careers takeoff] and I feel like I'm being left out no matter what I do. I'm the single one that lives downtown. 

And yet I'm the one who keeps myself single and enjoys working too much.

Now the sonic meltdown makes sense right?

I didn't start this post with a point or life lesson to be made.

But if you're going through this too or constantly feel like "I don't know what to do with my hands" you are not alone. 

I know I will probably find someone and get married and have kids [even though I told mom this weekend I've decided I don't want kids] and everything will be fine. Heck, everything is fine. 

But if I slow down for long enough I just get a little overwhelmed.

And then drive to Sonic..

Five on [a freezing] Friday

1. IT'S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE WEEKEND.

I can not wait for six buildings of Christmas cheer and goodies!

My girl Brittany Fuson knocked it out of the park with the artwork again this year.

2. I am a DVR junkie. 

"Series Recording" is God's gift to all us post grads. 

However, I somehow missed the Fall season premiere of one of my new favorites, Reign on the CW.

After a five episode binge this past weekend I am all caught up and loving this season!

Thursdays at 8pm, trust me you will get hooked. 

3. Target has officially exploded with holiday cheer and everything is MONOGRAMMED.

Coasters, coffee table trays, picture frames, wine stoppers, blankets.

It is heavenly.

Run, don't walk, before it's all gone!!

4. Ready or not the Steelers are coming to town Monday night to take on the Titans for MNF.

Lord help us all.

5. This week has been a weird one to put it lightly. 

I found this quote while late night Tumblr-ing and now have it hanging above my computer at work.

Today is a good day and I can do this!

Try and stay warm this weekend, these freezing temperatures with no snow is just mean!

Friday 11/14

Friday 11/7

5 on [a chilly] Friday

1. Longchamp released their fall collaboration with Sarah Morris and every bag is just perfect. 

The white handles completely transform the look of the bag, but my favorite has to be the combination of baby pink with black. #flawless

2. If you haven't been watching How To Get Away With Murder, well you are just missing out on SO much. After last night's episode we are only ONE episode away from finding out #WhoKilledSam.

It's on ABC OnDemand, you still have time you catch up

3. Wednesday night was rainy and awful and the perfect night to wander Target in an over-sized sweatshirt. While wandering the book section [my favorite] I was shocked and overly excited to find Sophie Kinsella had written a new Shopaholic book! 

I have NO idea when I'll have time to power read this beauty but if worst comes to worse I do have a nice two weeks off for Christmas.

4. While it may be in the brisk 40s these lovely November mornings...

Dick's has Nike shorts 30% off! 

Yes ladies, it is never too cold to lounge/sleep in some norts. 

That is what indoor heating was invented for. 

5. I have a new office supply obsession and it is under $5 #winning

Washi tape is a gift from the school supply angels and it is now all over my work calendar, personal planner, and office. Office Depot has just bins of it. The back and white stripes are my favorite right now.

Good luck to everyone running the Nashville Marathon and Half Marathon this weekend! 

Remember, you can not OD on Advil Liquid Gels. 

The Film that Inspired a Holiday

This year was the TEN year anniversary of the classic Mean Girls.

Now, there had been rumors circulating the internet for months hinting at a Mean Girls reunion but with Lindsey Lohan you just never know.

Then Entertainment Weekly made all our 2004 freshmen in high school dreams come true..

The entire article is incredible, I mean how could it not be?

But my absolute favorite had to be when the girls where their character would be now, 10 years later...

SEYFRIED: Karen would manage or own a store that sells really cool dog attire, like Swarovski dog collars and Halloween costumes for animals. She’s probably really focused.

LOHAN: Cady’s with Oprah in Africa working at children’s schools with a family, teaching girls to be nice to each other.

CHABERT: Gretchen is probably running the Toaster Strudel empire. She is probably married and has, like, seven babies right now. She and Jason worked it out. She has very big curly hair.

McADAMS: Regina is a Real Housewife. She’d have too much time on her hands, for sure. She’s probably found all her other Reginas.

I always knew Gretch and Jason worked it out. #truelove

What I'm Watching Wednesday

I am a firm believer that a fresh manicure can change your life [/week.]

So every Monday you can find me plopped down in front of the TV with q-tips, my manicure kit, and my good friends Sally Hansen and Essie. 

Some girls can whip out a manicure in literally 10 minutes and have it look flawless, my college roommate was the absolute best at this. I however was not born with this skill. 

So, I'm gonna need some good brainless TV to watch while I'm useless with wet nails for about an hour.

I give you What I'm Watching Wednesday.

1. Vanderpump Rules- Bravo

I just can't look away, it's too juicy/awful

2. Are You the One?- MTV

The premise of this show is fascinating. I was hooked on it during Season 1 and now with Season 2 they've up'd the ante with someone having TWO "perfect matches". As a Psych minor I want to see this compatibility test they use! 

3. The People's Couch- Bravo

This show is absolutely hilarious. I never thought I would get so much entertainment out of watching people watch TV but the comments made are just too much.

But don't you worry! 

There's a new slew of "smutty" [as Julie calls them] shows premiering in the next couple weeks, perfect for dozing off to on a Tuesday night. 

Any guilty viewing pleasures you want to share? Comment below! 

Dance all, Dance all, Dance all night

Let me be the first to say it, I have been worthless when it comes to blogging lately. 

But that has in-directly inspired today's post.

I have blogged countless time how sometimes working a ton isn't necessarily a bad thing because you find some really good music. Well, this week has been no exception.

Here are 5 songs I currently have on repeat:

Spotify may not have any of T-Swift's albums anymore but they do have New Music Tuesday.
The 1975's new single graced the top of this playlist this morning and now it graces mine.
Any good songs I left off? Leave a comment below! 

Five on [a spooooky] Friday

1. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

this is halloween this is halloween

The media girls decided get our mushroom jumping on and be Mario Kart for Halloween.

Rachael as Yoshi has to be my favorite.

2. In honor of this spooky Friday, Sonic has $.50 corn dogs all day and Chipotle has $3 bowls and burritos after 5pm if you're in costume!

I know what I'm having for lunch and dinner.

3. While I was semi-heartbroken that we don't have any trick-or-treaters in our building I was more than willing to house sit for mom and dad this weekend and take over candy duty with Sophie tonight! Maybe Sophie Taco will even make an appearance.

4. Just in time for this cold weather JCrew Factory is offering an additional 31% off AND free shipping in honor of Halloween. Post grad Trick or Treating?

5. And finishing up this 5 on Friday with a musical number

Now go get your spooky on!

Friday 10/31

Jack-o-lantern Smile

Last night was what every white girl dreams of, a pumpkin carving date night.

I have always thought this was a precious date night idea and it always helps to have a boy involved with activities that involve knives. 

I had my heart set on doing a monogram pumpkin, and not just painting it but carving it [too legit to quit.]

I made my stencil at lunch yesterday and grabbed a carving kit from Party City.

So, apparently it's harder to carve a monogram than it looks online.

But we would not give up until it looked "perfect", bless it.

And I have to say, I think it turned out pretty damn well.

Now onto perfecting my costume for Friday! 

this is Halloween, this is Halloween

Front Porch Philosophies

So in case you live under a rock, TSwift's dropped her new album 1989 yesterday.

And I will admit, it is damn good.

Sara's blogging all about it today so hop on over and get the full scoop on The Heart of Life is Good!

But, while TSwift was dancing around Targets, Sam Hunt quietly dropped his new album Montevallo and there aren't enough words for the feels I have going on listening to it.

I blogged about his Acoustic Mixtape a couple weeks ago and there are a couple tracks fleshed out from it on Montevallo, some should have been left more acoustic in my opinion [cough Speakers cough.] Then there's his cover of Cop Car which sounds like a completely different song but is so so good at the same time. But the overwhelming favorite is Take Your Time.

And I know your name
Cuz everybody in here knows your name
And you're not looking for anything right now
So I don't wanna come on strong
But don't get me wrong
Your eyes are so intimidating
My heart is pounding but
It's just a conversation 
No girl I'm not gunna waste it
You don't know me
I don't know you but I want to 

I don't wanna steal your freedom
I don't wanna change your mind
I don't have to make you love me
I just want to take your time 

I don't wanna wreck your Friday 
I ain't gunna waste my lies
I don't have to take your heart
I just wanna take your time 

You seriously can not go wrong with any track on this album.

House Party

Speakers

Make You Miss Me

Single For The Summer

Yesterday was just too much music to handle but in the best possible way.

Praise be!

Five on [a Fall] Friday

1. It's Friday. 

Thank you lawd. This week has been a test. 

My DVR is full to the brim with my favorite shows [AHS, Grey's, How to Get Away with Murder.]

I'm coming for you couch.

2. I am back to a solid two miles a couple times a week and it has never felt better.

But with colder weather coming I've got to not only switch my breathing but my attire.

Good thing Target has their C9 gear on sale! 

AND free shipping.

3. Speaking of Target, I'm going to embrace my inner "basic"ness for a hot minute and obsess over a candle. Target's Autumn Harvest candle is everything. Even the Jimmy John's man commented on how good our office smells. $10 candle for the win.

4. This weekend is the Nashville flea market! 

There are always hidden gems and awesome deals to be found.

And if you for some reason can't find anything you want but don't need, the people watching is pretty top notch too. 

5. #goldmember

Working all those weekends was worth it. Hello gold card.