Weekend Recap: ADDYs 2016

This weekend was the annual ADDY Awards or, as I like to put it, Advertising Prom. 

The whole crew was there in our formal wear and the Knoxville Advertising world came out to celebrate the best and brightest. The event as a whole was amazing but the highlight had to be our media director being inducted into the Knoxville AAF [American Advertising Federation] Hall of Fame. Not only is he an incredible role model for us as advertising professionals but our biggest fan in and out of the office. 

Dress- Banana Republic

Let me take a selfie

All the Tombras ladies, all the Tombras ladies 

Work hard. Win harder. 

#Tombrasperks

Red Carpet Round-up: The Oscars

And the best dressed was...Mad Max Fury Road.

Just kidding. Although, bless it, did that movie rack up. 

I was loving the greens, sequins, low V necklines, and of course Gaga on the red carpet tonight. 

I love a gorgeous brunette in a beautiful yellow dress [I blame Belle] and the silver beading complimented by her amazing earrings made the outfit. 

I kind of wish it had been full length or she had done a nude heel instead but that's why I'm home in norts and dad's sweatshirt and not at the Oscars. 

The texture of this dress is stunning and while I usually wouldn't love the beaded belt it really makes the blue pop. 

I'm also loving the red lips, just the right shade. You go girl. 

Absolute classic beauty. 

This dress is incredible. 

She is the Mother Monster. 

This pant suit/leg cap/neckline makes her figure look insane. She is flawless. Praise hands.

I mean I would write Rachel McAdams 365 letters after seeing her in this dress. 

It is definitely reminiscent of Hilary Swank's 2005 navy deep V back dress, but Rachel packs a one-two punch with the high side slit in the front and the dramatic back, or should I say, lack of back. Straight fire.

Now, this is how you do a sequin dress. Naomi Watts, you are beautiful, but Saoirse Ronan absolutely slays in this beaded beauty. 

Once, again the killer pairing of a low V neckline and stunning chandelier earrings. I love it, Brooklyn showed up tonight!

Olivia Munn, you might have awful taste in NFL QB boyfriends but this shade of orange and her coloring is almost as great as Neyland Stadium on a Saturday in October. However, don't care too much for the matchy matchy lips. But those new eyebrows are working wonders for you girl.

And now that Leo finally won an Oscar and got his climate change PSA in, we can all go to bed.
Cue the "get off the stage" music. 

Five on [the last] Friday [of February]

1.

UGH!
The new The 1975 is here!
The band has been teasing with singles from I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It since last year but all seventeen tracks are now here for your ears' pleasure.
The Sounds is just screaming Love Me.

2.

As of 5pm today it is officially ADDY weekend. The annual advertising awards are the perfect excuse to get dressed up, take some epic photo booth pictures with your boss, and most importantly rack up some trophies! #TombrasPerks

3.

Besides the ADDYs, there's another small award show this weekend, the Oscars.
Brittany Fuson has been doing an awesome blog series all week putting her spin on the nominees via prints.

The Martian

The Revenant

4.

Hulu's new original series 11.22.63 started last Monday and I am totally and utterly hooked. Based on the book by Stephen King and produced by James Franco this show plays upon the JFK assassination theories we all love to watch hours of History channel documentaries on. 

"High school teacher Jake Epping travels back in time to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy - but his mission is threatened by Lee Harvey Oswald, falling in love, and the past itself, which doesn't want to be changed and shouldn't be changed."

New episodes hit Hulu every Monday!

5.

I came home to my first issue of Southern Living at my new house last night.

And to boot, two of my favorite ladies grace the Spring Style double cover, the Bush twins!

Cannot wait to spend Saturday morning on the couch with it. 

Friday 2/26

#tbt

This gem popped up on my Timehop this morning and I instantly thought of the purple dress I was wearing that day, staying late at the office waiting for my buying supervisor to give me the OK to send out IOs, and popping a bottle of champagne with mom in the kitchen at River Chase toasting to all the buys to come. And here we are today! 

Three years later I feel like I send out a buy or buy revision daily. Just yesterday I billed my hours as "Buyer: 2-5 years experience." In May I will have been doing this crazy media thing for four years. That blows my mind! I still get the same high I did three years ago when I have a great negotiation call and get the rates I wanted OR better. And still toast to big buys being placed and more importantly ALL the buys to come! 

Insta Round Up

Bachelor Monday done right 

Official as a whistle

Day trips to Gatlinburg.

I have to brag, I have the prettiest client at the agency. 

Valentine's Day mass

I'm starting to really love this cooking thing, next up tackling Sara's knock off Chipotle bowls!

Follow along with me on Instagram, @cpekarsk. 

Lately [February]

Watching:
FINALLY catching up on Chicago Fire [gosh I have missed Casey and Dawson] and starting Blindspot [mom and dad's recommendation] and Quantico [Ashley's recommendation] from the beginning. After placing eight media buys in eight different markets over the past two weeks I now have the prime programming schedule memorized and have my work cut out for me.

Eating:
Lemon Pepper chicken with guacamole [and Spanish rice.]
As part of my Lent I took on cooking more and trying new recipes. However, this has easily become my go-to after work dinner. The guac was a last minute "I'm already eating this while waiting for the chicken to be done so I'll just add it to the chicken" decision, and such a good one!

Smelling:
Not Your Mother's Beach Babe shampoo.
I've used the Beach Babe texturizing spray since college but stumbled upon the shampoo this past week during a post-work Target necessities run. #gamechanger [Also cannot wait to try their new dry finish texture spray, waiting on friend's review before buying my own can.]

Drinking:

I am all about some flavored water. Yes, I have a Brita and all but abuse it during the week but a good flavored water hits the spot after a long run. Nestle Pure Life Splash is 2/$5 at Publix [aka $2.50 for one 6 pack] and tastes great. There are three flavors, but Strawberry Melon is my favorite.

Wearing: OPI: Black Onyx 

Reading: I don't think you could find a more diverse array of books by the side of my bed.
Andy Cohen Diaries- Andy Cohen
Rediscover Jesus- Matthew Kelly
The Choice [yes, still]- Nicholas Sparks

I am really wanting to jump into the new Nicholas Sparks, See Me. Maybe in March when work slows down just a little maybe to the speed of light. Ha!

Listening: Banshee- Santigold

Loving:
THIS WEATHER!
Last Friday it was 65 degrees and sunny. Our office has a sweet patio off the front conference room and I cannot wait for work sessions out there come spring.

Wanting:
Zaxby's Wings and Things. Sonic cherry limeade. Soccer Taco's Big League fajitas. Black Horse's beer cheese dip and soft pretzels. And a Crown and Goose Bloody Mary.
#Lent

Five on Friday [with She Reads Truth]

Wednesday was one for the books. At 4pm I was called into my media director's office and told that I would be taking the lead on the media portion of the client presentation Thursday.  

"Do not freak out." 

Easier said than done, right? After calling mom on the drive home, getting some real food in myself, and carrying on my pre-client meeting tradition of watching The Devil Wears Prada I picked up my She Reads Truth devotional. It truly felt like the scripture was chosen just for that moment. I went to sleep with a sense of calm and when the time came for my portion of the presentation I felt calm and ready, for he dwells within me. So this Friday, instead of the usual five things, here are five of my favorite scripture verses from this week of She Reads Truth Lent devotional.

1.

"You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

John 14: 17

2.

"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."

2 Corinthians 7: 10

3.

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

James 4: 10

4.

"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."

Hosea 6:6

5.

"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7

Friday 2/19

Tuesday Trending

I skipped a Red Carpet Recap for the Grammy's because, well to be perfectly honest, I didn't care for really any of the dresses or after party dress even. However, I did notice one of my favorite trends, pink and red color blocking, appeared twice on the red carpet last night. 

I am all about bright colors [and will heavily indulge in some serious neon come May.] However, I am not all about a four figure dress. If you're looking to put your own spin on this eye catching trend, Rent the Runway has got you covered. This amazing Jill Stuart dress is a $100 rental and this Shoshanna stunner is $125. Worth every dollar to have your own red carpet moment. 

Weekend Recap: 2/13-2/14

First, you'll notice a new addition to the side bar over to the right "2016 5K Challenge." Two down and ten to go!
Saturday morning Molly and I checked our February 5K off the list and am glad to say can feel all our fingers and toes again. Gun time temperate was a balmy 25 but we did it, with the attitude of "this will make a great story!" And a 9:03 pace, to boot!

Sunday was Valentine's Day. 

I've only had three valentines in my life and been single the past five years so this holiday is basically just like any other day for me. I carried on my tradition of buying myself flowers and started a new tradition of mass on Sundays at the Cathedral with Ashley. A week's worth of meal prep, a clean house, and homemade Mexican with a Bachelor special rounded out the day. 

Now onto a week of exciting work meetings [the mountains are calling] and a new devotional to start!

Five on Friday

1.

TGIT is BACK. 

So many questions to be answered.

So much drama to still happen.

AND in true Shonda fashion, a Meredith Grey crisis!

2.

Happy Valentine's Day weekend!

We woke up to a sea of white this morning, but snow or not the Hot Chocolate 5K is tomorrow morning! Registration is still open so grab your gloves, we're running for chocolate here!

3.

My Spotify Discover Weekly has been on point lately. I feel like I end up just copying my weekly playlist song for song every Sunday night. Here are some of my current favorites. I am seriously loving the lyrics on First Class, Songs I Can't Listen To, and New Year's Eve.

4.

 Today is Day Three of my She Reads Truth Lenten devotional and I am really loving the scripture and devotions from this week and in the week to come [Yes, I read ahead. Some days you need more than one reading]. The books are sold out but I encourage you to follow along on She Reads Truth. 

5.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are back to looking flawless on the red carpet after a post baby James hiatus; and she is looking as gorgeous as ever. She is perfect from her hair to her sparkly toes.

Friday 2/12

Blogmopolitan Quiz: Valentine's Day Edition

Ash Wednesday

"And the dust returns to the Earth as it was once, and the spirit returns to God who gave it"

-Ecclesiastes 12:7

Fat Tuesday

Today is one of my favorite holidays, Fat Tuesday. 

In high school Mom, Joe, and I would all pick our poison [fast food] of choice for dinner with paczkis from Publix for dessert. In college it was trips to the Cupcakery and Chipotle and Froyo. And now in post grad life it's Mexican rep dinners, full size order of mixed fajitas please. But after you've consumed enough calories to play the fat suit in Shallow Hal it's time to reflect on Lent and your plans and goals for the next 40 days. This year I knew exactly what I wanted to give up, eating out. No more Zaxby's, Sonic, Soccer Taco, brunch, soft pretzels at trivia Tuesdays, or random Insomnia Cookie orders on Friday afternoons at the office. Any and all money I save from strictly brown bagging it will go directly into savings. 

The other side of this Lenten promise is cooking more at home, trying new recipes, and eating healthy. I had always complained that by the time I got home from work and a run I didn't want to take the time to cook, so much easier to microwave I would claim. This week I proved myself wrong, 10 minutes of "meal prep" [defrosting and marinating chicken] on Sunday and not even five minutes on the stove last night and I had lemon pepper chicken and rice. My own "I don't have time" myth debunked. 

Every year I feel like my "take on" for Lent is going to mass. But this year my "take on" has an after Lent goal: a daily devotional, mass on Sundays, and continuing going to mass after Easter. I have always shy'd away from small group bible studies because my faith and time with God was very personal. I used to think the same about running, and then I tried a running group. So why not take Lent as an opportunity to try a small group study every week, led by a friend so no fear of being awkward and crying. 

I have always viewed Lent as a time to better yourself to prepare for the salvation that comes with Christ's death. I want to really take the time this Lenten season to better myself as a daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, and person. 

"Behold, I am making all things new." 

Revelation 21:5

Five on Friday

1.
Reese Witherspoon's amazing Draper James released their Spring Collection Monday and it is giving me all the warm weather, daffodils, Easter basket feels. I am in love with the Cloister Stripe Top those sleeves are perfection, the Bluebell Tweed Fringe Top, and the Fairfax Fringe Sweater Dress absolute perfection. But don't take my word for it, shop the entire collection here. 

2.

The People vs OJ Simpson premiered Tuesday night on FX and the office was all a buzz about it the next morning. I did't watch until Wednesday night, thank you commercial free Hulu, and I am now sucked in. This series and cast have been hyped so much I hope it lives up to expectations.

3.

The Choice hits theaters today and while I cannot wait to see it I am actually going to try and finish the book before I see the movie I have failed miserably at this with the last two movies. Thinking Valentine's Day afternoon movie with some contraband Reese's hearts snuck in. 

4.

Evelyn Henson's February To-Do list is here and precious per usual.

5.

Happy Super Bowl 50 Weekend! While my boys didn't make it to the big game this year I'll still be cheering Peyton on VFL GBO! Coldplay and Beyonce, [halftime show greedy much?] has the stage at halftime and I can only hope they'll perform my favorite off their new album, Hymn for the Weekend.

"Life is a drink and love's a drug."

Friday 2/5

LC turns 30 [black mascara tear]

Lauren Conrad has gone from reality show darling to fashion mogul, style icon, author, and now wife. I won't lie I was always #TeamKristen but I have come to absolutely love Lauren, I mean I bought US Weekly when her wedding was featured. In honor of her 30th birthday today, here are some of my favorite quotes of her's:

There is never just one thing that leads to success for anyone. I feel it always a combination of passion, dedication, hard work, and being in the right place at the right time.

I'm not a sexy person. I'm OK with it. I've never been the sexy girl. Whenever I've had a boyfriend, he's always been like, 'Oh, you're cute.'

I think when you're put into a completely different situation and environment, you really see who you are. You're not affected by what's around you. You are who you are.

Blogging is a great way to show your talents and interests to prospective employers, while adding an edge to your resume. If you blog consistently it shows your dedication, passions and creativity - all of which are key attributes employers look for in job candidates.

No one eats pretty.

I'm my happiest when I'm really busy. I love feeling like I need one more hour of sleep, or when I'm running around frazzled!

When you do multiple things you love, it doesn't feel like work.