An Oxford Christmas

This Christmas is a little bit different than what I am used to. Ok, it's nothing like my normal Christmas day, but I enjoyed every minute I got to spend with J. He has really done everything he can to make this Christmas special for me even though we both are away from our families for the first time ever.

We considered going to NC for Christmas, but we would have had to fly there and back within a couple of days with the way that the Cotton Bowl schedule worked out. Instead, we saved a few hundred dollars and Skyped the family there.

A Lazy Day...

If you know me, you know that I tend to bite off way more than I can chew.
(I enjoy having plenty to chew on. I have lots of energy!)
Every once in a while, however, I get a moment to relax. Today was one of those days. I ran a few errands, but I gave myself most of the day to have a "brain break". No studying, reading nursing textbooks, or listening to lectures.

I feel guilty for neglecting my blog, but I do have GREAT NEWS!!!
I have enlisted the help of Jessica at Front Porch Studio (who is a complete doll) to help me give my blog a little pizazz. I will have plenty of time to update over the Christmas break, and having this face-lift I've been coveting for months will inspire me to update more often.

Until then, it is back to biting/chewing for me. My last final is MONDAY, so back to the books tomorrow!

PS- Can't wait to blog about my half-marathon! It was one of the best things I've EVER done for myself!

Chances of thunderstorms: 100%

Today is just one of those days. I have a list about 10 pages long of things to do, and I could fill up an extra page of things that went wrong today.
These are the days that make me a stronger person. I understand that there is a purpose for days like today, and that helps me through it.

"What you are tempted to worry about is nothing compared to what you have and what you can do. The limitless abundance of being is here and now, today." - Marston

Back to my to do list...

Ole Miss

This past weekend I went to Mississippi to see my Fiance. The weekend went by so, so quickly. (Doesn't that always happen?)
From the moment I stepped into our house, I felt a huge weight lift off of my shoulders. This is home. I also got to see my little sister and some great friends of mine. SO MUCH FUN!

I love the people there, and I can not tell you enough how much I love southerners. I explained to my roomie today that surrounding yourself with southerners is like getting a continuous huge hug. I really can't wait to go back! My next trip is for the LSU game. SO pumped to see my tigers play live! I have to see them play in person at least once a year.

I still have a few months left here, though and I need to concentrate on doing well in school. No time to be bummed. This semester is already halfway over, and it flew by. Being a nursing student keeps you super busy. I hear the last semester is the craziest with so much to do and great experiences in the ER/ICU so I look forward to it.

My super-cool friend B happens to be an amazing graphic designer/artist, and is going to help me give my blog a facelift soon.

Keep checking back for my blog makeover!

FOUR days...

Bear Bryant once remarked that "Baton Rouge happens to be the worst place in the world for a visiting team. It's like being inside a drum."



In 2001, ESPN sideline reporter Adrian Karsten said, "Death Valley in Baton Rouge is the loudest stadium I've ever been in."



In 2003, ESPN's Chris Fowler called LSU his favorite game day experience.



More recently, in 2007, ESPN named Tiger Stadium "the scariest place to play," saying that "Tiger Stadium is, by far, the loudest stadium in the country."



In 2009 Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee stated "Unfair is playing LSU on a Saturday night in Baton Rouge." on Fox news with Sean Hannity.



Also in 2009, ESPN writer Chris Low listed Tiger Stadium's Saturday night atmosphere as unsurpassed in the country, ranking it No. 1 out of the conference's 12 stadiums.



Tiger Stadium was the site of the legendary "Earthquake Game" against Auburn in 1988. When Tommy Hodson completed a game-winning touchdown pass, the crowd reaction registered as a legitimate earthquake on the seismograph on campus.





I'm SO ready for this game....



GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!

Honorary Rebelette

So rumor has it I am going to be in Oxford, MS for the homecoming football game. Totally true!
After seeing my fiance solely through skype for the past 2 months, I will get to see him again in person. I'm pretty pumped!
My dear friend Amanda, who is also the spirit coordinator (AKA- Cheer coach & dance coach) will be showing me the ropes. I hope my boys of purple and geauxld will forgive me.



Hotty Toddy!!

Wednesday is my last day in the PEDS unit! I hate to say it, but I'm pretty excited. I'll be posting some fun clinical pictures later this week.
Back to the books!

Lets pretend...

So lets just say I had money to spend. Let's also say it got cold in South Florida. (Just play along) What would I buy to wear in the winter, you ask?



Here's what I'm loving:





This adorable military inspired sweater via





This outfit in it's entirety via











This cute little embellished number via





How hot are these BCBG patent pumps? via









LOVE this dress!! via



I really need to stop this virtual window shopping. It's a tad depressing.

Time for bed, early clinicals tomorrow!



PS- Do you see a color trend?? I am forever buying Black/White/Red.

Library Now, Wedding Later

The librarians do not just know my face. They also know my name, my career choice, my favorite private study room, and that each semester I have one book that puts more pressure on my lower vertebrae than if I were to carry a small elephant on my back.

I am only halfway through my 3rd semester of Nursing and already thisclose to being burnt out. (Current level: Crispy.) I love PEDS, and I could NOT ask for a better instructor, but I am discovering that I need a little more adrenaline in my workday to be satisfied. Having only 2 patients at a time sure makes that 12 hour shift pass ever so slowly. Can OB start, now? Tick tock.

Speaking of time, only 8 short, tiny, little baby months until I finally get to move into my new home in Oxford! (Who's counting and remembering, though?)
How great will THAT be to have all of my things in one place, including my fiance? I get so giddy just thinking about the move.
Cute town, nice people, a full-time job (read: full time income!)

After moving, I will be 6 months from marriage.
I've already booked the ceremony & reception, and I've even chosen my bridesmaids!







But I'm having trouble deciding on bridesmaids dresses. I want short black, classy dresses. My girls also like the idea of shorter dresses (as opposed to long/full length), so they can all get hot shoes to show off.
Here's the problem: The wedding is in January. Is that inappropriate? Before you answer, I must tell you that will be inside the cathedral or the plantation the entire time. Also, Louisiana is not the coldest climate in America, but it can sometimes be bone-chilling. I need some other opinions.

Have any of you had short dresses for your wedding during the winter or know someone who has??

Snoop Vloggy VLOG

Behold! The Amy and Chelsea Belle show has arrived.


Please note Samuel's state of unconsciousness throughout the video.

Have a beautiful night! :)

And I ran....

I have one of the longest engagements ever in the history of America, but the date is now approaching a little over a year where I will tie the knot.

Snoop Vloggy Vlog

I have been wanting to do a VLOG for a long time now. You have been waiting patiently, wondering when I will bless my blog with a vlog. Well, the wait is over, ya'll! Here's a short little clip saying hello! More to come, I promise!

Afternoon Java

So while drinking a nice cup or two of afternoon Java, I decided that I really will keep up with blogging this semester. I've been following some really cute blogs lately, and I've been inspired! (Thanks Danielle and Erinn!!

This blog needs a major overhaul. It needs an extreme makeover: Blog edition.
Once that's done, I will kick off my new beautiful blog with a VLOG to bring everyone up to date.

Check back soon!!!

June aka- Wedding Month

WOW!



June can officially adorn the tiara of "Wedding Month 2K9!"

I personally know 6 people who have tied the knot (or will) this month.



I am still in negotiations with my church for a new time, since the reception venue is already booked for a morning wedding. (Can you believe it? A YEAR AND A HALF in advance!) Guess that is how you know your venue is a champ.



Here are some pretty visuals of things I love as of late.









(My church!!)

These next ones are of my gorgeous Big Sis (Phi Mu) One of the most genuine and caring people I've ever met. LOVED her wedding! Cried 3.4 times.





(Photo Credit: Studio Tran)



Krystal and I after I shed a tear or two.



That's all I have for now. I've same some for later.

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Insert witty title for "SUMMER" here...

Hello there summer! How wonderful it is to have a break from the madness that is nursing school. Conversely, how boring it is to be away from the madness that is nursing school. Agh.
I am a born and raised multi-tasker. A busy body if you will. I like to have long to-do lists and goals and productive happenings in my life.


I moved to Oxford over the summer to be with my Fi (fiance for those of you who aren't wedding slang savvy), and we are in the middle of purchasing our very first home! I'm so excited about this! I won't get to enjoy it fully until I can move here for good next year. (When I am an RN)

Oxford has a nice, small-town charm. Word has it that it's population nearly doubles when school is in, since it is a pretty huge college town.

Finding a job here is nearly impossible. Please take this time out and say a little prayer for Belle. I need a summer income.

Hope everyone is having an amazing summer!

My wild and crazy spring break!

Ok, so the title may have beed a tad misleading. I've been laying low this spring break. And by laying low I mean reading my med-surg books, going to baseball games, and spending time with friends and family. I've also been working on some wedding projects for my b-maids. I can not divulge any information yet- but check back next week when the ladies receive their little 'surprise'. After that, I will post pictures of my DIY fabulosity.

I have come down with J Crew fever. I am not sure why Mr. Crew would want to tease me, but he does. He even went as far as naming a purse after ME. Meet the new 'Belle Satchel'.

Downright dirty.
I just want so horribly to be able to own whatever I want from that store. Does anyone else feel this way??


Hello little white dress!
Ahhhh... one day I will be casually chic too.
I hope you're aware.

Ash Wednesday...

Mardi Gras is over, and sadly I was unable to attend the festivities.
I will get to live vicariously through facebook pictures of my friends who did go.
Thank you facebook.

Today is Ash Wednesday- and also Exam 3 day.


SO many reasons to pray.

My first inspiration board...

I know there are a ton of different credits due in posting this picture, so if you see something of yours here, please let me know and I will link you!!
What do you think?
PS- That's my actual ring! :)

So we were walking on the beach....

Deerfield Beach, to be concise.

We had a nice lunch at a cute little restaurant only steps from the sand, then decided to go pretend we were photographers with his dad's professional camera.

We took pictures at funny angles, and made silhouettes with our hands. He told me to stick my hand out and we will hold hands and take a picture of them.


After we took the first picture, he said "I know something that will make this much better".

He got down on one knee, and just when I was about to tell him how messed up it was to tease me like that, he pulled out a tiny wooden box and opened it to expose bling so bright even coolio would be proud.


I was speechless. For about 10 minutes. He really surprised me- I had NO idea he would do it there, or on that third day of January.

I am so blessed. He's simply the most amazing man I have ever met- and I get to call him my fiance. Let the planning begin!!!

We're ENGAGED!!

It was the most amazing thing that I've ever experienced.
More later.