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Saturday, July 30, 2011

baby shower in pictures

My best and my sister warming up the treats. 

My lovely prego sister and her husband.

Paper pinwheels that my prego sister and I made for the centerpieces. 

Yummy white chocolate covered kettle corn treats. How cute are those boxes?!

Giant tub of popcorn that was actually really fun to make and everyone loved it. 

My other biff, Sam!

Oh, that's just me, drinkin' my drink.

The shower was a lot of fun and I had a blast making the decorations and all the sweets. So happy for my baby sister! I can't wait to meet Keilana Mae!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Friendly Friday: Gourmet Giggles


Today is the first day of our new feature, Friendly Friday! I'm really excited to get started. I will be interviewing different bloggers every week and posting the interviews here. Let's get started with week 1. 

I'd like to introduce Malorie of Gourmet Giggles. I've known Malorie since 5th grade. She now has a beautiful family and is getting a new little blog started. 



1. What do you blog about?
My blog is a bit sporadic. I blog about my life as the wife of a chef, being a mother, and whatever sparks my interest.

2. What inspires you?
Everyday life. I love seeing the blessings God has given me..  I have an amazing and talented husband and a gorgeous daughter.

3. How did you get started blogging?
I love to write and started a blog about a year ago, but between working and planning my wedding I stopped. Now that life is slowing down I am excited to be back at it.

4. What are your top 3 favorite movies?
1. Tombstone 2. The Goonies 3. The Wizard of Oz

5. Favorite foods?
 hmm.. thats a hard one.. I love trying new things, but if I had to pick I really love pork cheeks and fried chicken.

6. How about favorite tv shows?
Modern Family and Psych!!

7. Any favorite blogs?
Honey and Thread of course! I also love AmyHortonPhotography and Unveiled Wife.

8. Words of wisdom?
 Listen to your heart. People will always give you advice and tell you what they think is best for you, but don't let that keep you from what your heart tells you to do.


Thanks Mal!
Everyone should go check out her blog and show her some love! 

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

iphone update

My love playing the glittery guitar at Guitar Center.

Estate sale find

Tulsa raceway

Best thing about summer.

New table (estate sale find) and yummy crackers

Workin' on the blog and drinkin' some coffee.

Homemade almond joys

Watched our friends in The Ember Days play a show in Owasso. 

Loving the new Owl City.

One of my favorite ice creams.

Makin' baby shower decorations for my sister.

Playing with some blog designs and more treats.

Finished decorations.

Blueberry muffin and a glass of ice cold milk. 

Monday, July 25, 2011

changes

There have been a lot of design changes around here the past week or so, I'm sure you've been noticing. I am currently playing around with new blog looks. I can't seem to find exactly what I'm looking for. So, today I downloaded the photoshop trial and I'm working on making my own blog design completely from scratch! It's proving to be rather time consuming and gives me headaches at times but it's actually kind of fun. The current background that is on here is one I just made all by myself! I'm pretty proud. I'm probably going to make a few more changes before it's all said and done though. We shall see what the next few days bring and what kind of blog design I end up with!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

movies I want to see

The hubs and I share a love of movies. We usually like the same kinds of movies which makes it rather easy to go out and see a movie. Here are some movies that we are dying to see!

Jack & Jill

Captain America: The First Avenger

Breaking Dawn Part 1

The Muppets

What movies are you excited to see?

Friday, July 22, 2011

ready for...

Cool days, falling leaves, warm drinks, fuzzy blankets, leggings, jeans, boots, pumpkin flavors, smells of cinnamon and spice. Ah, fall is my absolute favorite season. There's no question about that. 









All images via we heart it

Thursday, July 21, 2011

favorite


One of my favorite songs, favorite actors, favorite actresses, favorite movies, and part of one of my favorite memories. 
Fletcher quoted this song during his proposal. Seriously, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect proposal or husband.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

vacation dreams

I have a top ten list of places I want to visit and the two places that are constantly battling for first are Paris, France and Seattle, Washington. Of course, Paris would most likely be my number one choice given the chance but since that would be a rather expensive endeavor I think that my next big vacation goal should be Seattle. Here's a little taste of the places I'd love to visit while I'm there. Keep in mind I have no clue when I will ever be able to visit but I hope that it is soon.

+Delancey is the pizza restaurant owned by Molly Wizenberg (Orangette) and her husband. Pizza happens to be my favorite food and her blog is one of my favorites as well so this is just a perfect fit for me!


I want to stay at The Ace Hotel. It looks so fun and like a much more exciting adventure than staying in a regular hotel. 


I am a sucker for places like this. Food, shopping, local products! I think this is right up my alley!


I think the Space Needle is a must for any first-time visitor.

I've heard so much about Top Pot Doughnuts and I love doughnuts so this is a must see!


I want to visit the first Starbucks and order a tall vanilla latte or preferably a pumpkin spice latte, that's assuming I visit during the fall.

Until then, I'll keep dreaming of the perfect Seattle getaway.

Monday, July 18, 2011

GLEE!

I love Glee. The hubs and I just got done rewatching season 1 because he hadn't seen them all. We can't wait for the new season to start this fall! It's going to be sad when the main characters graduate but of course it has to happen sometime. Whether you like the show or not you can't deny that they actors and actresses have great voices. Just listen to their version of "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele. So good.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

story time

In honor of National Ice Cream day or Sundae Sunday I am going to be giving you guys a sneak peek at my mother-in-laws newest endeavor. She's started writing cute little romantic short stories that she is going to eventually compile into a book with 365 stories! Also, she will be starting her very own blog soon where she will be sharing her stories. So, here's the story she wrote just for this special occasion. Let me know what you all think!!!

+

Sundae Sunday
by Deborah Belford

“Did you know the third Sunday of July is National Ice Cream Sundae Sunday?” Mark asked looking up from the newspaper he was reading.  “We should make homemade ice cream and invite some friends over.”  
“I didn’t know you knew how to make ice cream, sweetheart,” Annie replied.  
“The ladies at church are always making ice cream in the summer!  How hard could it be?”
“If you want to throw an ice cream social, Mark, I will support you any way I can. BUT you have to make the ice cream.”
“I bet you think I can’t do it,” Mark responded to her challenge.  
“I wouldn’t have married you if I didn’t think you had superhuman capabilities that far surpassed the skills of every other male on the face of the planet.”
Later that evening, after Mark had spent a little time pondering the challenge, he came to Annie with his idea.
“I think we should turn this into a contest for our Sunday school class.  Every couple has to design their own sundae, and we can have the children’s department pick a winner.  We guys have to make the ice cream, and you gals will have to design the sundaes.”
“I like that idea,” Annie had to admit.  She was always surprised by how Mark was always finding ways to get people stirred up and involved.  They had met during high school when she first moved to town.  Her family had joined the little church where he went, and even then he had leadership qualities that showcased his talent for good, clean fun.
“Do you think there will be enough notice?” Mark worried.
“If we don’t do it next Sunday, we will have to wait a whole year. It’s just an old fashioned ice cream social with a twist,” she assured him.  People who didn’t know Mark better would be surprised by his little waves of insecurity.  He always overcame them, and Annie knew that he was worrying for nothing.
The next morning was Sunday, so they didn’t have long to wait to find out if the idea was going to fly.  As Annie suspected, Mark’s idea was a big hit.  Their Sunday school teacher had his wife go to the children’s department immediately to let the director know that there would be a contest between the couples in our class, and we would need judges.  We also had to invite everyone to stick around after church to help us eat up all the ice cream.  
It was billed as the Sundae Sunday, Eat Desert First Challenge.  An announcement was made from the pulpit, and everything was all set.  
At this point Annie was just as excited about her part of the challenge as Mark was about his.  She visited Martha Stewart’s website for ideas.  Then she checked Paula Dean, and Rachel Ray, and even Hungry Girl.  What had started out as an off-hand remark was turning into a big production, and Annie didn’t want to let Mark down. 
Mark went to his mother for advice about ice cream.
“What have you gotten yourself into this time?” chuckled Melissa, Mark’s mom.  “We leave town for one weekend, and you turn into the Good Humor man!”
“Just tell me how to make ice cream, Mom,” he begged, imitating his six-year-old self as best he could.  “Annie absolutely refuses to help.  She says she doesn’t know how.”
Melissa gave him a raised eyebrow look of skepticism.
“I agree, Mom.  I think she is holding back on me, too, but this has turned into a top secret enterprise.  Annie has been on line trying to get the edge, but she isn’t telling me any of her plans.  If my ice cream isn’t the best, I am going to let her down.  I’ll probably have to move back into my old bedroom.  You’ll have to move your sewing room back down into the basement.  Dad will have to put his work bench back in the garage, and your new car will get dented in the next hail storm because you have to leave it in the driveway. Are you going to help me or not?”
“When you put it that way, how can I refuse?” Melissa replied as she opened the cabinet with all her recipes.
Annie ended up making miniature pie shell that looked like stars from the top.  Mark was totally surprised by the cleverness of her contribution. She placed slender brownie planks whose tips had been dipped in red, white, and blue candy coating finished off with red, white, and blue nonpareils.  Next came Mark’s French vanilla ice cream which was not holding its shape very well, so Annie had to work fast.  She topped the ice cream with her homemade strawberry preserves, whipped cream, and finally a gummi Crabby Pattie. She didn’t want to risk losing the children’s votes.  
It was a tiny work of culinary art.  Mark just looked on with amazement as his wife of just one month (to the day), blew away all the competition.  
Waiting at the stop light on the way home, Mark reached out and took Annie’s hand.  “You do know this will probably turn into an annual event?”  
“Oh, I hope so,” Annie replied as she gazed at their certificate of achievement.  “It was a great idea. Simple! Fun!  What more could you want?”
“I’m just worried,” Mark admitted.
Annie had been admiring his hand over hers, so she missed the teasing look in his eye.
“What could you possibly be worried about?  Even Arlene Everett was having a good time, and she never likes anything fun.”
“I’m worried that you won’t be able to top today’s performance. What are you going to do next year?”
Annie knew what she would see when she looked up into his eyes.  He pulled her hand up to his lips for a quick kiss while the light turned green. His eyes were twinkling as she suspected.
“You worry too much.” 
“I love you!”
“I love you, too!” 


Saturday, July 16, 2011

journal day #2


Today's prompt from Danielle of Sometimes Sweet
"The older we get, the more certain we get about who we are and what our purpose is. For me, a lot of it is still unknown, but as I make my way down my own path, I have begun to realize that there are indeed some inevitable truths that I know for sure. On your own blog, write a post that talks about 'the one thing you know for sure.'"

There are a couple of things that I know for sure. But, the biggest thing that helps me day to day is knowing that negativity gets you nowhere. I have a rule that when I'm posting something online, whether it be on my blog, twitter or facebook, I make it a point to never post anything negative. When you do that people may take things the wrong way or get upset. It's worth it just to avoid that whole issue all together. You might say, "well, doesn't that almost make you seem like a different person?" I say, no, it doesn't. I'll explain why. I try my best to stay positive in every situation or find the silver lining on every cloud. Yes, there are times when I get upset and need to vent but I have a few very close friends that I am able to do that with without them thinking any differently of me. People like positive outlooks. It gives them hope when they are in a bad situation or place, they can look at you and see that it's going to be okay because no matter what the situation it can always get better if you just keep your chin up and move forward. Everyone has their battles and hard times so seeing others that have gone through those and come out on the other side happy and hopeful is always encouraging. I know that when I'm upset about something the one thing that always makes me feel better is when someone just sits down and talks to me and tells me that it's going to be alright and let's me know that bad things happen to everyone and it could be a lot worse. So, the thing I am most certain of is that being positive is the best way to be. :)

Friday, July 15, 2011

journal day #1

*I'm not quite sure what happened to the html formatting on this post so just ignore the random gaps and font changes. Thanks!*


There's a super cute little blog I've been reading for a while now and it's called Sometimes Sweet and it's written by a lovely lady named Danielle. She has started a super cute project she calls "Journal Day." Basically, she puts up a prompt on her blog and then other bloggers/readers can not only read what she wrote but they can join in too! So, I've decided to jump in. I loved writing when I was in high school and college classes and my favorite times would be when the teacher would give us a word or phrase to write about and just let us free write for 15 minutes or so. I'm really excited to get started even though I'm getting a late start. She's already got day 2 up! If you want to join too just click here and get started!

Without further adieu, here's journal entry #1. 








"Describe a "first" (first date, first lie, the first time you experienced something, first time in a particular setting, etc). Include as many details as possible to paint a picture."









As some of you may know earlier this summer we visited my brother in Corpus Christi. This was the first time I had ever been to the ocean! It was so much fun! The sky was so blue, the sand so warm and the water felt great! I didn't actually swim in the ocean but I walked out up past my knees. For the most part I just relaxed under an umbrella with my toes in the sand and a nice cold water while everyone else went out and swam. It was so nice and relaxing. I could have sat out there all day and watched the little kids swimming, watched my husband and nephew play and splash and watch the seagulls flying around. I can't wait to go back next summer!  


snap, crackle, pop!

Rice krispies have been on of my favorites for a very long time. Yesterday, we were going to get to hang out with some friends we very rarely get to see so I decided to whip up some yummy treats for them. I decided on original rice krispies, peanut butter rice krispies and homemade almond joys (recipe coming soon)! Everything turned out great and everyone loved them! Here's the recipe I used for the rice krispies.

Rice Krispies
adapted from the Kellog's Rice Krispie cereal box

6 cups puffed rice cereal
1 pkg or 10 oz., marshmallows
3 tbsp. butter or margarine
1/2 cup peanut butter (optional)

Melt butter in large saucepan, then add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. If using peanut butter add with the marshmallows. When this is completely melted take pan off heat and add cereal. Then, spread onto greased baking sheet with wax paper or buttered spatula. Let cool, cut into squares or use cookie cutters to make shapes and enjoy!



Wednesday, July 13, 2011

silly love songs

This song is so cute. It would be perfect for a wedding song. I could see someone walking down the aisle to this song or playing it right before the ceremony. I just love it. 

Runner Runner - "I Can't Wait (Be My Wife)"

Monday, July 11, 2011

inspirations

I read blogs like there's no tomorrow. I usually wake up to 40-50 blog updates on my GoogleReader every morning. Some of them I just skim through and save the recipes and some I love to read. One of my favorites is The Kitchy Kitchen. One of my favorite things about this blog is the videos! Check this out...

Blueberry Muffin Ice Cream from Claire Thomas on Vimeo.


Does that not make you just want to go out and buy some blueberries and get to cookin'!?

Check out the recipe here.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

lately (iphone update)

 tried my hand at making a homemade latte...it was okay.

cleaned the yard and found a turtle!

made my sisser some yummy choco chip cookies for her birthday

got all dolled up.

made cupcakes

really want a car like this.

drove around in small town oklahoma.

walked around our town's tiny hay day carnival.


play monopoly with some friends.

i've eaten a lot of candy lately.

froyo date.

donut date.

super yummy chips.

got my bake on in my super cute apron that my friend made me. 

walked around the carnival at the huckleberry festival in our hometown.

game night with my parents.

went thrifting.

tried new soda flavors.

blood orange is the best.

watched some pretty fireworks.

cupcake date with one of my besties. 

I feel like I have already posted some of these photos but I checked and I don't think I have. Hmm...weird. I also realized that every single one of the dates the hubs and I go on always involve some sort of sweets. I am going to go ahead and consider that a good thing.