Sunday Ramblings

I love Sundays. Church, brunch, family, friends and lots of football!!! Does it get better than that? I hope that you have had a fabulous weekend so far. I have lots of tid bits to share with you, so let's get started! {Sorry for the complete randomness of what you are about to read!}
I am feeling MUCH better. Still very tired all the time, but the pain has been minimal the past two days and I am starting to tolerate more food. 
I ended up working only three half days this past week. I go back full-time on Monday. It's going to a long day, and probably a rough week, but I'm so ready to get back into my normal routine.   Remember how I was planning that bachelorette party awhile back? Well it was postponed due to the lovely Hurricane Isaac and finally took place last night! It was such a success!! I can not wait to share everything with you!! Be on the look out for the post this week!
My always fantastic LSU Tigers won their game tonight. Of course, it was a small, unranked team we played. But we are 4-0 baby!!! GEAUX TIGERS! I am praying dear God that my Saints can finally pull out a win this weekend. Please oh please? Regardless, I am always a proud WHODAT!
I have a super special guest blogger making an appearance on here tomorrow. Lauren will be talking about childhood cancer awareness. You don't want to miss it.
Have you met my sponsors yet? And have you entered their incredible giveaway on my blog? Ad space, vintage fashion accessories and store credit to one of their shops! You don't want to miss out on this! 4 days left to enter!!!! You will find the giveaway here. 
For the past two months I have been sponsoring one of my ultimate favorite blogs ever. Have you met Becky at From Mrs. to Mama? If you have, then you know why I love her. If you haven't, go visit her blog now!! Anyway, she did a special post all about yours truly :) So go check it out and learn some fun facts about me! Also... another giveaway! I am giving 2 months of ad space and a $20 Target gift card!! Go enter here!!!
I am super excited to start having sponsors for my blog. Interested?? Then be sure to check my "Sponsor" page in the next day or two for all the details! I'm currently making the final edits and hope to have it up and running tonight!
Which leads me to this..... the new look of my blog! Just wanted to say a huge thank you again to Chelsea at Yours Truly Designs for making "my space" perfect and reflect who I am. I just love it! And Chelsea is an absolute doll. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a blog makeover! Oh, and Chelsea just uploaded my custom "My Story" page. Check it out!
Finally, I want to say THANK YOU to all of you. I am so overwhelmed by all the love and support I have received from you. Between the hurricane and then my surgeries, this past month has been anything but normal and easy. Y'all have been the best to me and always put a smile on my face when I see your sweet comments. Also, I have only been blogging since mid-July.... so that's what...2 and half months? I already have over 300 followers. Seriously, I'm stunned. Once again, your support and positive feedback means so much to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And I know that I am a little behind on responding to many of the sweet comments you have left me. Please know that I appreciate each and everyone of them so much and you will hear from me! Thank you so much for sharing your time with me :)
On that note, have a beautiful Sunday! And a great start to the new week!!!!!!

New Friends & A Giveaway!

Hello lovelies!! I hope you are having a fabulous Thursday. I am so excited to introduce to you to four amazing ladies today! Each of these ladies are also giving away a great item... all to one lucky reader!!! So read about these awesome gals, go tell them hi on their blog and enter the giveaway!!!
A PROVERBS 31 WIFE

 Blog // Pinterest // Facebook // Twitter // Bloglovin

Hello! I am Kendra and I blog at A Proverbs 31 Wife. I blog about life as a wife and home maker. So that means if you were to visit one day I may have a yummy recipe for you. The next day it could be a cool craft, and the next day... well, you get the idea. :) I love the Lord and my family so there will often be a sprinkling of both in my posts as well. I know some people like to be invited, so here it is, your official invitation to come visit me at my "places"! I can't wait to meet you! 

Giveaway Item: $10 Store Credit to Her Shop, Domestic Creations

BECAUSE SHANNA SAID SO

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

Hi, I am Shanna from Because Shanna Said So! Here is the 411 in case you have NO IDEA who the heck I am. I blog about fashion (a.k.a. my personal outfits), beauty obsessions and random life happenings. I try not to take myself too seriously and from time to time, have no problem making fun of myself. I am wife & a mom to two crazy, beautiful little girls. I am a native Texan currently living in the Austin area. I have a shopping addiction. I am obsessed with Forever 21, Ulta and Target. I could eat Mexican food every day of the week. I love country music. My dream was to become an actress. I wish I was more domesticated and still trying to find my “place” in the world. Come visit me and let's be buds!

Giveaway Item: 200x200 Ad Space

HELLCAT VINTAGE

Blog // Twitter // Etsy Shop

Hi everyone, I'm Cindy! I live in Tennessee with my mister and our cat, Ripley. I am obsessed with all things vintage and hope to one day own a time capsule home straight from the 1960s. On any given day you can find me scouring thrift stores, yard sales, and my favorite... estate sales. I also love Halloween (hence the zombie picture!) and can hardly wait for this year's festivities! One of my absolute favorite things to do is dress up and scare the heck out of my neighbors. Muahahaha! Happy early Halloween! Come stop by my blog and say hello and don't forget to visit my Esty shop!  Giveaway Item: A Vintage Fashion Accessory Surprise
THE MAGNOLIA PAIR

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest
Hey y'all! My name is Britt, and I blog over at The Magnolia Pair. I am a med student's wife, fur-mama, aspiring photographer, and love to celebrate. My blog covers all of the above and more! I love all things southern, and hail from New Orleans, but recently re-located to Birmingham. Just blogging about life and the happy moments :)  {Fun fact about Britt: She is my real life blogger friend! I've known her since I was about 6! She is the sweetest & oh so inspiring!! She also is the one who helped me get my blog started!} Giveaway Item: 200x200 Ad Space for October
Now it's time to enter the giveaway!!!! This is super easy, by entering via the Rafflecopter form below.  Please be honest, I will check! The winner will be announced next Thursday, 10/4! Good luck and thank you :) a Rafflecopter giveaway

Same Blog, New Look!

Hey y'all!! I am SO excited to showcase A Happy Wife in NOLA's new look!!! Thanks to the wonderful and very talented Chelsea from Yours Truly Designs, my blog got a complete head-to-toe makeover! And it doesn't stop there... A lot more exciting features will be added to my blog over the next week. So stay a while and take a tour. And be on the look out for my new "About Me" and "Sponsor" page that will be coming very soon! Let me know what you think! 
Also, due to my chaotic life over the past two weeks, "Wedding Wednesday" will resume next week! Crossing my fingers for no interruptions that steer me off course!

Bye, Bye Dexter

I just had one of the moments that I can't help but sharing. I had walked outside to get something from my car. I didn't realize that little Dexter had followed me.... I went back into the house and did my thing. I realized that I didn't see Dexter anywhere. He is always cuddling next to me on the couch, with out fail. So after ten minutes of calling his name, looking everywhere for him, I went outside. I asked my neighbors if they saw him. Walked up and down my street (and for me, that is not fun considering that my stomach is still in pain). And as I was about to call Edward and tell him that "I lost Dexter", I found him. He was sitting in the front seat of my car looking out of the window. He didn't make a peep. He was happy as clam. This is the dog who used to hate car rides. And now he just jumps in the car on his own? And when I tried to take him out, he cried! I guess he thought we were going to my parents house or something (he loves going there!). Regardless, I could not stop laughing. What a piece of work he is! One of the many reasons why I love that little furry fluff ball :)

Another note, I got my first shellac manicure!! I love it! No chips yet, which is amazing for my nails. I'll let you know how long they last. What do you prefer.... regular or shellac on your nails?

Hope you are having a great start to the week!!! xoxo!

Let's Talk "Boots"

One of my favorite things about the fall is wearing boots!!! And while it is still not "boot weather" in New Orleans, I see a lot of people (who I am super jealous of) that can sport these beauties :) So while I drool over the "boot-wearing" pictures I see on the blogs and Facebook, I am writing my "wish list" of boots I want for this fall. I'm crossing my fingers that I get one or two of these pretty boots! Take a look and let me know what you think!! 

Hello Chanel!
l.vargas via Pinterest

Tory Burch Riding Boots
paige_b via pinterest

Are these not unbelievable??? OMG.
via alexisnicolephoto

All my WhoDat ladies,  aren't these perfect?!?
via ranchoutlet

LOVE the color and wedge!
via coach

Love this bootie!
coach via dillards

Year-round rain boots... overly cute!!!
beccaduncan via pinterest

I would love any "boot" recommendations from you! This is going to be a very special buy... as any and every shoe purchase is :)

Have a great week everyone!!!

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!! I am going with blogging withdrawals since I was out of commission this past week. Even though I already did my "Friday Letters" post this morning... I am giving into my craving and going for post #2! Plus I am still on the couch & Edward is staying late at the law library.

So let's move on to Friday Favorites!!!!! It didn't look like The Bargain Blonde was hosting it today but I wanted to do it just because it made me happy :)

Favorite Movie I've Watched This Week
Trust me, there have been a lot. I was torn between these two...

It was my first time seeing it. LOVED it! Thanks to Sweet Pink & Preppy for the recommendation :)

I have seen this movie tons of times. Even though Rotten Tomatoes disagrees with me... I can't get enough!

Favorite Clothing Item to Wear This Week
Considering that I haven't left the house since I got home from the hospital, it didn't matter how I dressed. I am all about comfort right now. Which is why this oversized button down won by a landslide!! It was a bridesmaids gift from my cousin at Sweet Pink & Preppy :)

Favorite Jell-O Flavor

Trust me, I have tried ever flavor this week!!

Favorite Link-Up Post of the Week

I always find the greatest ideas and meet lovelies new blogging friends at Serenity Now's Weekend Bloggy Reading! Be sure to check it out and link up!

Favorite Thing About This Weekend Watching LSU beat up on Auburn!! Geaux Tigers!!!

Favorite New Recipe I Want to Try Next Week 

Easy Pumpkin Bread w/ chocolate chip cookies!! by Nikki @ Chef In Training
{I hope my tummy is better so I can eat it!}

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!! Love to you all :)

Friday Letters

Dear Hubby: Thank you for being so dedicated to me. I know that this week has been especially busy for with you interviews, school and Law Review deadlines. Yet, you always put me first and took the best care of me. I love you. Dear Pup: Dexter, you have kept such good care of me this week. You are  such a joy and my favorite cuddly, furry little guy. Dear Stomach: I am hungry and weak. Please feel free to start keeping food down as soon as you please. Dear Couch: Thank you for being so comfortable. Dear Mama: Thank you for doing all my laundry and cleaning my house before I came home from the hospital. You made this transition and recovery period much easier!! Dear MIL: I am so happy you live only a few blocks away. You have been such a good couch potato with me and caretaker. Dear God: Thank you for blessing me with such amazing people in my life. Thank you for healing my body. I will praise you all of my days. Dear LSU: Thank you for being so awesome, as always, again this year. I am so excited to watch you on the big screen tomorrow. Dear Saints: I know you have had a tough off-season and your first two games have not been great.... I would love if you won this weekend for me. Dear Readers: Y'all are the best. Thank you for your support and love. You always put a smile on my face. Thank you for your patience. I can't wait to be on top of my "blogging" again. Dear Hubby: Thank you again for everything. I love you. 

Home Sweet Home

Hello Everyone! I am so excited to finally be home after 5 days in the hospital! So for a quick run down...

Day 1 {9/14} 

I went to the ER at 1:30am due to intense stomach pains and vomiting that I thought was from acid reflux that I experience regularly. Turns out I was experience severe pancreatitis due to a gallstone getting stuck in the pancreatic duct. I almost didn't go to the ER, thinking the pain would pass just like it always does. But it had never been that intense before. Thank goodness I did go to the ER because it would have been a completely different story if they didn't remove the gallstone from the duct before it ruptured... I had an ultra sound that also showed that I had "too many to count" gallstones in my gallbladder. Obviously, I was admitted to the hospital in the critical care unit.
{Food/ Water Intake = 0}

Day 2 {9/15}
Pain all day. Stayed in the bed. Had lots of family visit :) Saw tons of doctors. They scheduled the surgery to remove my gallbladder the next day. They couldn't do it that day because my pancreas was still too inflamed. I was put on antibiotics because I was started to develop a fever. I had my vitals and blood drawn every 4 hours. I got sick of that fast!
{Food/ Water Intake = 0}

Day 3 {9/16}
I had surgery at 7:30am to remove my gallbladder. The surgery went twice as long as planned but everything went okay. The general anesthesia knocked me out for pretty much the whole day. Also, thank goodness for pain medicine.
{Food/ Water Intake = 1 jello cup, 1/2 cup of veggie broth, water & ice... all around 8-11pm}

Day 4 {9/17}
I was told that I still had a gallstone stuck deep in my bile duct and I had to have a second procedure (an ERCP) to remove that stone. It was supposed to be happen in the morning... I waited and waited. Was in a lot of pain and getting very irritated. The procedure finally did not happen until 7:30PM!!! The general anesthesia knocked me out good and I didn't wake up until 4ish the next morning.
{Food/ Water Intake = 0}

Day 5 {9/18}
I was feeling much better. Still extremely sore... but better!! I got to eat (eating = jello and veggie broth) finally at noon! I had one doctor come in tell me I could be discharged. Yay! Then a second doctor said they wanted to keep me one more night. My heart dropped. I was ready to go home. My mom came to help me shower, do my hair, put on make up, and take a short walk down the halls. This did it!! I happen to run into my doctor during the walk and he was so impressed that I was walking and looked "refreshed" and ordered me to be discharged :) Mama is smart!! I finally went home that night (yesterday).
{Food/ Water Intake = 2 cups of jello, unsweetened tea, veggie broth, bread, turkey meat - yay!}

I got to sleep in my bed. It was amazing. Only woke up twice! My schedule for the rest of the week is to take things very slow and easy. I still have a lot of recovery ahead of me. I was given pain medication of course because of the surgeries and my pancreas is still slightly inflamed. I am looking forward getting back on my feet and back to the "norm". I will start working half days next week and then go back full time the following week.

Since I will be spending the next 5 days at home, I can finally catch up on a lot of things I need to do (when I am not resting). And "things to do" I mean things with my blog!! So get ready to lots of great stuff coming soon! THANK YOU everyone for your prayers and support. I was so touched by the love I received from all of you. You are the best and definitely are helping in my recovery process!!

This whole experience also made me appreciate my family more than I ever though possible. The dedication they showed me, taking care of me through it all was overwhelming. I know they made a lot of sacrifices so that I never had to be by myself. My mama went to my house and did my laundry, my linens, etc... so I wouldn't have to worry about anything went I came home. My father-in-law went grocery shopping for us. My mother-in-law visited me everyday and took care of little Dexter for us. And Edward of course was amazing. He has such an intense week of school and yet he always kept me his #1 priority and sleep on that awful hospital sofa every night. I love him will all my heart :)

And to share some AWESOME NEWS with you.. while all this drama was going on with me... one of my dearest cousins , John, and his beautiful wife, Katy, welcomed their first baby!!! What a beautiful and perfect blessing! I could not be more happy for them :)