The Pink Chick

My First Embarrassing Pregnancy Story!

2011-11-30T15:37:00.004-05:00

Pregnancy does some funny things to you. For example it makes you worry over every single little thing that you put in or on your body. For the first few weeks of pregnancy, I refused to take any medication even if it was on the approved list. That is until the mother of all headaches hit me.

You are allowed to take Tylenol while pregnant, but of course I had none. On my way to work I stopped at our friendly neighborhood Kroger. I desperately searched the pharmacy aisles for Tylenol. There was none! NONE! I stumbled up to the pharmacy counter asked the pharmacists about the Tylenol. She responded, "Oh honey, due to the recall we haven't had Tylenol in months".

Now let's pause the story here. Any sane person would have asked for another recommendation. Not preggo me! What did I do? Oh, I burst into tears. That's right! I cried right there in the middle of Kroger! I am totally not a crier, but I ugly cried over Tylenol that day!

Thankfully, the pharmacist was a bit more sane than I was at that moment. She went to the aisle and picked out the generic Tylenol for me. I thanked her and sniffed my way to the check out line.

I left Kroger with a bottle of pills and a Coca-Cola (don't judge-you can have a little bit of caffeine when your pregnant). As I walked to my car, my sanity was once again restored and I couldn't help but think to myself 'holy cow I just cried (ugly cried) in the middle of Kroger'. I was totally embarrassed, but I couldn't help but giggle when I thought of the series of events that had just happened.

Pregnancy Truth #1) Sometimes you cry for no good reason at all. Sometimes you end of crying for no good reason at all in public places.

My Three Big Secrets

2011-11-23T10:47:00.003-05:00

I have been such a bad blogger! Believe it or not, I am still reading all my favorite blogs. I have to keep up with my sweet blog friends! Unfortunately keeping up with my blog and commenting on the blogs I love to read has not been happening. I do, however, have 3 big secrets to share with you!

Secret #1: I recently lost 30 pounds on the new Weight Watchers program. I have such a hard time losing weight, so this was a huge accomplishment for me!

Secret #2: I am putting my weight loss on hold for a little while because I'm pregnant! I am currently 18 weeks pregnant with our first baby! I couldn't be more excited-a little scared-but excited!

Secret #3: It's a boy! Our sweet baby is a baby boy! His due date is estimated to be around April 23rd! We are still working on names!

Thanks for letting me share my secrets! I have so many stories to share with you, so hopefully this post marks the beginning of me being back to blogging! I have to run, but I can't close this post without wishing all of my blog friends a very Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that your Thanksgiving is filled with lots of family and fun!!!!!

Game Day Fashion Emergency

2011-09-09T15:25:00.008-04:00

Game Day attire around here is serious business. A cute dress is a must for tailgating and attending the football game. While finding the appropriate attire is simple for some, others struggle to find something cute to wear to cheer on their favorite college football team. I fall in the others category. Every year I struggle to find a cute game day outfit. If you are looking for a last minute look, don't forget to dig dip in your closet.

A denim skirt or any cute skirt (skirt from Old Navy)

paired with a fitted,vintage team tee (these are from J.C. Penney)

and accessorized with a pair of cute wedges (pictured below: TOMS wedges) and fun jewelry can make an appropriate game day outfit!

If you are looking for something a little more dressy, but you still can't find that perfect game day dress consider adding an embellished tee or cute blouse in your team colors (like these cute choices from Target). Unfortunately, neither of these shirts are in my team colors, but you get the idea. :)

Good luck finding your game day attire! I am still hunting for a cute dress, but until I find it I will happily wear my fashion emergency substitutes! Happy Tailgating!!

A Fall Favorite

2011-08-30T10:46:00.005-04:00

This morning I walked outside and was delighted to feel a tiny hint of Fall in the air. I love summer (even long, hot ones), but I always greet Fall with open arms.

One of my Fall favorites for my house is a pumpkin spice scented candle. There are several companies that offer delightful pumpkin spice scents. You can find wonderful Fall scents at Yankee Candle, Bath and Body Works, and even big box stores like Wal-Mart.

My choice of pumpkin spice candle this year is going to come from Kringle Candle Company. I was introduced to this candle company with at the Atlanta Gift Mart in July. Kringle Candle is a relatively new candle company founded by the son of the founder of Yankee Candle Company. All Kringle candles are white and come in beautiful reusable jars. They also smell wonderful.

I can't wait to burn my new Fall candle, and enjoy all the wonderful things that Fall has to offer (like college football)! Happy (Almost) Fall Y'all! :)

via

An Anniversary Trip

2011-08-23T14:27:00.010-04:00

For our 5th wedding anniversary my sweet husband surprised me with a little weekend getaway to Apalachicola, FL. We had never been there before, and we honestly didn't know what to expect. However, it turned out to be an absolutely wonderful trip!

Apalachicola is part of Florida's 'Forgotten Coast". It is so quaint and so relaxed! Not to mention that everyone we encountered was super friendly!

We stayed at The Gibson Inn. It was built in 1907. It has a charming bed and breakfast feel, and it even has a few ghostly visitors. Thankfully we did not encounter any ghostly visitors on our trip!

We spent our days playing on the beach at St. George Island and Cape San Blas. As you can see from the picture, we basically had the beach all to ourselves!

We spent our evenings exploring the quaint town of Apalachicola. It has wonderful shops and restaurants in the downtown area and beautiful old homes and churches in the residential area of town.

We even met a new friend! ;)

And of course, we enjoyed some really great seafood!

It was a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary, and we can not wait to go back!

My Trip to the Plastic Surgeon

2011-08-15T15:30:00.005-04:00

When I told my husband that I had made an appointment with the plastic surgeon he was a little confused. Although I did see a tiny smile on his face. I think he was secretly hoping that I had plans to get some stripper sized enhancements. He He He! ;)

I actually didn't visit a plastic surgeon about a cosmetic procedure, I made an appointment to talk to their skin care specialist . I met with her today, and I could not be happier. She answered all my questions and helped me develop a skin care routine that was more suited for my skin's needs. She even helped me weigh the benefits of the products with the price of the product. You have to love a frugal consultant. My consultation was free, and I left with several samples. I also purchased a cream that she suggested for under $50.

Since I am a skin care junkie, I thought I would share some of her advice to me with you. Here are two tips that apply to most all skin types and are affordable!

Tip #1) Always use sunscreen. - Of course! I already knew this. However, I did not realize that not all sunscreens are created equal. You want to make sure you use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. She stated that she thought the best over-the-counter sunscreen available for purchase right now is Neutrogena with helioplex.

Tip #2) Use a toner.- I have dry skin and very few blemish problems, so I thought there was no need for me to use a toner. I learned that toner actually helps to balance the pH of your skin and prepares your skin for your skin care/anti-aging products. She suggested that I use witch hazel which comes in a very large and very cheap bottle at Wal-Mart.

I will let you know how my new skin care routine goes! I can't wait to give it all a try!

What are your favorite skin care tips?

Happily Ever After

2011-08-12T10:46:00.003-04:00

Five years ago today I married the most wonderful man! It was the best decision I have ever made! Here's to five amazing years and many, many more!

My Favorite Things

2011-08-09T15:29:00.004-04:00

Hand Wash Only! These three little words used to mean 'deal breaker' when I read it on a garment's care tag. Not any more! I have found the perfect solution for delicates-Forever New.

Photo Source

This product was suggested to me during a bra fitting at Intimacy of Atlanta. It has proven to be perfect for bras and all other hand wash only garments. I even use it on my cute embellished tees!

Forever New makes hand washing garments easy. You simply dissolve the detergent in water, soak the garment for 5 minutes and rinse twice. The garment comes out clean and smelling great! Forever New also helps restore the elasticity of spandex and other stretch fabrics. Oh and did I forget to tell you that it is reasonably priced!

You can visit their website to learn more about all the products they offer and where to buy them! Of course, you can also find Forever New on Amazon.

Just a Big Kid

2011-08-04T15:54:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago I accompanied my Mom and oldest sister to the Atlanta Gift Mart to help them buy for their oh so cute gift shop. I absolutely love these trips! While I was there I was hoping to run into a blog friend or two, but unfortunately I didn't. I did, however, run into an old forgotten friend-Snoopy! I just couldn't resist having my picture made with this gigantic Snoopy! Isn't he precious! Sorry for the random post, but I just had to share this. I mean it isn't every day that you run into a Snoopy that is larger than you! :)

My Favorite Things

2011-08-02T15:48:00.004-04:00

It's been too long since I have shared one of my favorite things with you! If you couldn't tell, I have lost a bit of my blogging mojo, but I am slowly getting it back!

My new favorite thing come to me courtesy of my two thirteen year old nieces (who keep me up to date on what is hip and cool) and my good friend Sarah. A while back my nieces introduced me to TOMS shoes. I absolutely loved the whole idea of TOMS, but I never bought a pair for myself. To be honest TOMS shoes looked a little like elf shoes on my feet. They are so cute on everyone else, but they made me look like I should be making toys in Santa's workshop! Not having a pair of TOMS was a little disappointing!

But wait! Stop the presses! Did you know that TOMS has wedges? Thanks to my friend, Sarah, I discovered the world of TOMS wedges! I love a wedge shoe! TOMS wedges are not only cute but they are very comfortable! They come in several colors and materials. I couldn't resist the red canvas wedges! Make sure to check them out. Remember that with every pair you purchase, TOMS give a new pair to a child in need!

Photo courtesy of TOMS website

Childhood Flashback: Double Dare Style

2011-07-12T11:50:00.004-04:00

Recently a treasure was unearthed-a simple VHS tape that held something very entertaining! Here's the story!

A friend of ours, Keller, was on Family Double Dare back in 1993. Do you remember Double Dare? Double Dare was a game show that came on Nickelodeon. It was one of my favorites!

Ever since I found out that Keller was on Double Dare, I have been begging to see the episode. Well, it finally happened! The VHS was found and we had a viewing party on Sunday. It was magnificent! Not only was it entertaining to watch our friend and his family compete on Double Dare, but the old commercials were fantastic to watch!

Here's a picture of our friend (he's the little blond) and his family: The Killer Kellers!

Just in case your wondering, the Killer Kellers beat the other team and competed in the Obstacle Course where they won the grand prize! Way to go Killer Kellers!!!!

Patio Furniture Compromise

2011-07-07T15:24:00.002-04:00

I have been wanting patio furniture for our back deck since we moved in to our home 4 years ago. However, the type of patio furniture we want has just not been in our budget. There are other home items on the list that must be purchased before patio furniture.

I really am not a fan of the cheap plastic chairs, so our deck just sat naked. That is until recently! I found a solution to make the cheap plastic chairs look a little cuter.

I found these green chairs at Wal-Mart.And these cute outdoor pillows at Wal-Mart.

I paired them together for a fun but inexpensive look. It's amazing what a pillow can do! It isn't the look I want permanently, but at least now I can sit out on the deck and enjoy a nice summer evening!

Tired of your outdoor furniture? Spruce it up with a pillow, recover the cushions or paint it a fun color! Life is too short not to enjoy a little outdoor living!

Destination Domestic: Making My Own Taco Shells

2011-06-28T14:44:00.005-04:00

Image found here.

I have been struggling with my blog mojo lately, so I decided it's time to refresh The Pink Chick! I will be changing things here and there, and my first change is today! Today I am introducing a new segment called "Destination Domestic"! I have so many wonderfully domestic friends that inspire me on a daily basis, so I thought I would try my hand at becoming a little more domestic and share my adventures with you!

My first domestic adventure was making homemade taco shells. I saw them in a magazine and thought they looked delicious and rather easy. Basically, you fry a corn tortilla.

My first attempt didn't go so great. I ended up having grease pop in my face (due to a combo of too much oil and too high heat). I suffered minor burns to my cheek, forehead, and eyelids. Of course, I handled to situation with grace. That is if you consider crying and vowing never to cook again graceful! ;)

A week later most of my burns (and my pride) had healed, and I was ready for attempt number two! Attempt two went off without a hitch! The taco shells were delicious and make for one heck of a yummy taco! My husband couldn't stop raving about them!

Burns aside, home made taco shells are super easy to make! You can find great step by step instructions here. You can also try frying strips of corn tortillas to liven up a taco salad!

Sorry I didn't take any pictures! Next time I promise!

Product Review: The HANA Air Premiere Hair Dryer

2011-06-27T14:36:00.002-04:00

I'm finally back! Not only am I back, but I'm back with a product review!

Misikko.com recently contacted me about trying out their best blow dryer-the HANA Air Premiere Hair Dryer. I absolutely adore hair products and I love my hair, so of course I said yes!

When the hair dryer first arrived, I wasn't expecting it to be any different than my normal hair dryer. Boy was I surprised! This hair dryer is amazing!

I have very, very thick hair. It usually takes me at least 15 minutes or more to dry my hair with my normal hair dryer. By the time I am finished drying my hair, my face and neck are red from the heat and I am already tired of styling my hair. The HANA hair dyer drys my hair in 5 minutes! That's right-5 minutes!!!! I don't even have to use the highest heat setting! I have been using the HANA hair dryer for about two weeks now, and I have to say that my hair has never been softer or silkier!

In weighing the pros and cons of this hair dryer, the only con is the price. The HANA dryer is on the expensive side, but I have to admit that it is worth the money. I have a tendency to be cheap, but the next time I need a new hair dryer I will not be running to Wal-Mart to pick one up. I will be ordering one of the professional blow dryers (like the HANA) from Misikko. Also, if you are interested in a great flat iron, Misikko also carries a large variety of hair straighteners.

I in no way was compensated for writing this product review except for the receipt of the product that was reviewed. In other words, I really do love this hair dryer and no one paid me to say that! :)

Cover and Conceal

2011-04-04T14:58:00.005-04:00

It's no secret that I do not like bathing suit season. Don't get me wrong-I love all things water and beach. However, my body and bathing suits just don't get along! That's why when it comes to bathing suits my strategy is to cover and conceal. I want to be cute when I cover and conceal, so that's why I love a fun, cute swimsuit cover-up.

I found a precious cover-up when I popped into Target today during my lunch break. It was only $17.99, so I couldn't resist buying it. It is much cuter in person than in the pictures below. I just love the ruffle top. It also comes in a ton of fun colors!

My body may not be swimsuit ready, but I'll be just fine hitting the pool or beach in my new cover-up!

10 Years Ago Today

2011-03-23T13:23:00.004-04:00

Ten years ago today (March 23, 2001) I remember being nervous because I had a blind date. Little did I know that this simple blind date would turn into the best thing that ever happened to me. That shy boy in the orange shirt that showed up at my door to take me out that night, well he turned into the man that I am so happy to call my husband! Ten years ago today I met my husband, the love of my life, and my best friend!

Then.

Now.

My Favorite Things: Gate Jewelry

2011-03-07T12:27:00.005-05:00

Holy Cow! Sorry for my lack of posts. Work has been so crazy busy lately! Every year I always seem to forget how busy my job gets as Spring approaches. No worries though. I am so lucky to have a job, and I am so grateful that it is a job that I absolutely love!

In the midst of my crazy work schedule, I couldn't help but pop in to share one of my very favorite things with you-JEWELRY!!! I love jewelry! Whether it is real or costume, jewelry is just fun! The only thing better than jewelry is jewelry with a story.

Several companies have begun creating jewelry based on the beautiful iron work/gates found in southern cities like Charleston. G2 Silver has a wonderful collection of jewelry that mimics some of Charleston's most beautiful buildings. This necklace is a replica of the filigree work in the window of St. Philips Steeple (shown below).

My mother surprised me with a beautiful cuff bracelet from G2 Silver as a birthday gift. My bracelet is a replica of the gates of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Mobile, AL. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the bracelet, but you can see the pattern of the bracelet here.

Since I couldn't get enough of this type of jewelry, my mother-in-law purchased a bracelet from the Southern Gate Jewelry collection for me as a birthday gift. This line of jewelry is also modeled after the beautiful ironwork created in the 18th and 19th centuries that can be found in the deep South.

I couldn't find a Southern Gates web-site, but just google them to see the variety of beautiful pieces that they offer!

Whether you are from the South or you have just visited one of its beautiful cities, you can't help but find this gate jewelry charming! It's definitely one of my favorite things!

Antique Adventures

2011-02-16T14:12:00.003-05:00

The sweet little town I work in has some of the best and most reasonably priced antiques. I usually spend a few lunch hours a month browsing through the antique shops in town. I am not very knowledgeable when it come to antiques. I don't try to find priceless heirlooms. I just look for things that speak to me.

This is what I found on my last antique adventure. Please excuse the poor quality of the photo. It was taken in my office with my iphone.

This sweet charcoal drawing (of cows) in a rustic frame just called to me. It has some water damage, but I think it only adds to the charm. I don't plan on hanging it up on a wall. Instead I want to prop it up against a table leg or book shelf (kind of like they do in the Pottery Barn catalog).

The lady at the antique shop called it striking. I think it is charming. My husband thinks it is heinous, but he felt much better about it when he found out it was only $15 and that I didn't plan on hanging it up! :)

Fun Friday: Name That Drink

2011-02-11T10:06:00.005-05:00

image credit

Since it is Friday, and I have been a bit boring all week. I thought we could play a game.

My husband and I have a little game that we play when we go to restaurants. He grabs the drink menu and begins reading descriptions of the drinks. I then make up names for them. I don't try to guess the real name of the drink. I just create a new and unique name for it. The game is a little silly but for some reason it is loads of fun!

Want to try? What would you name a drink that contained Bombay Gin, Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liquer and Lemon Juice, garnished with a cherry? Leave me a comment with your creative drink name! There are no wrong answers! Only fun!

Purse Update

2011-02-09T13:35:00.005-05:00

Thanks so much for all of you who helped me decide on which purse to purchase! I went with Purse #2! I absolutely love it! It's cute and convenient! Oh and the best part, it was cheap! Now that's a winning combination! Thanks again ladies! You're the best!

This Purse or That Purse!

2011-02-03T16:42:00.004-05:00

Oh dear! I haven't blogged in such a long time. I hit a blogging slump or maybe it was a blogging funk. However, I think I have beat my blogging blues for good. I'm finally back, and I have definitely missed y'all!

With my first post of 2011, I am asking for your help! I have been eyeing a couple of purses lately. They are very similar, but I just can't decide which one I want. I love them both equally, but Dave Ramsey won't let me purchase both!

Cast your vote and help me decide! Should I buy Purse One or Purse Two!

Purse One: From New York and Company for around $30

Purse Two: From J. C. Penney for around $50

I'm a cheap purse kind of girl since I am so rough on my poor purses. I usually try to stick to under $50. Lately, I have had a purse craving for a saddle bag type purse. These two are my top, cheap contenders. I can't wait to see which one you pick!!! Thanks for your help!

Wishing You A Very Merry Chrismas!

2010-12-23T17:02:00.002-05:00

The Holidays are always such a busy time. Preparing for Christmas and being under the weather have kept me away from my blog and all my blog friends. I look forward to being back with you very soon after Christmas. However, I couldn't let the Holidays go by without wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

I am so thankful for each of you, and I hope that your Christmas is filled with family, love, and happiness! May God bless you and those you love! Merry Christmas!!

Love-Jennifer "The Pink Chick"

Deck the Halls or at least the door!

2010-12-08T14:44:00.004-05:00

I love trying new things, so when I got an e-mail a few weeks ago announcing a wreath making class I immediately signed up! My new adventure resulted in an evergreen wreath for my front door. It was so easy to make, and it smells delightful (just like Christmas)! Here's a snapshot of my creation. It's definitely not perfect, but I am proud of my very first wreath!

If you are interested in making a wreath (it is a lot easier than it looks), check here for great instructions and tips!

My Favorite Things: Gift Giving Edition

2010-12-01T14:28:00.003-05:00

Last year I won two monogrammed shopping totes from a blog giveaway. I absolutely love these totes, and I use them all the time. They are so cute and useful, and I get a ton of compliments on them! The best part-they make a great gift and for under $20! In fact, this is what I am getting my female coworkers.

You can find these mixed bag totes online at Emma's Closet. You can also buy a cute reusable tote and have it monogrammed at a local shop! Hobby Lobby has a small selection of reusable totes that are absolutely precious and very cheap with a 40% off coupon. (We're talking less then $3.) These bags may be inexpensive, but they are definitely a crowd (or gift recipient) pleaser!

Roadside Bargain

2010-11-23T15:07:00.003-05:00

The entry way to our home is very small. It is basically a small hallway with a coat closet. Even though it is tiny, I have always wanted to make it a little more welcoming by adding a small table. Most of the small tables that I find are horribly expensive, so I have never found one that I liked in our price range.

However, yesterday was my lucky day! Unlike most people, I commute from a larger town to a smaller town for work. While driving through this smaller town, I happen to spot a junk store that had a few pieces of furniture by the road. One of the pieces happened to be a small table similar to ones I have looked at in the past, so I stopped to peek at the price. It was in great condition and only $29.99.

I tried to negotiate with the guy a little, but he wasn't having any of it. I think I need to work on my negotiation skills a little! However, at $29.99 I couldn't pass up such a sweet little table. I purchased it and immediately texted my husband to let him know that I just bought a table on the side of the road.

I think he was scared to see what I brought home, but I don't think it is too shabby for a roadside purchase. (Sorry for the poor photo quality. I took the picture with my phone). I think the picture hanging above it dwarfs the table a little, but I think I can solve that with a few accessories for my new table (maybe a cute bowl or vase, maybe a few books, or a small lamp).

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My Favorite Things: Gift Giving Edition

2010-11-10T13:45:00.003-05:00

Since Christmas is sneaking up on us, I thought I would spend the next few weeks dedicating "My Favorite Things" post to gift giving ideas. I have to admit that my first idea is an idea I borrowed from my friend, Diana. It is definitely a gift idea that I will be using this year!

If you are looking for a thoughtful, fun, and inexpensive gift for a female friend or coworker, then a pair of monogrammed gloves might be your answer. A pair of fleece gloves from Old Navy are regularly priced at $7.50 or 2 for $10 in store. Old Navy always has great sales, so it is possible to get them even cheaper.

A pair of these gloves on their own make a little bit of a boring gift, but add a monogram and you've got a super cute and special gift! Most any town is going to have a shop that does embroidery. If not, check to see if you have a friend or relative with an embroidery machine.

Image Source

Want to add to the gift? Pair the gloves with a monogrammed scarf or a nice bottle of hand lotion! Great gifts don't have to be expensive! Just use your imagination or borrow ideas from friends! :)

Trader Joe Advice Needed! (And A Few Cute Coats)

2010-11-05T15:33:00.007-04:00

Athens, GA has a new grocery story by the name of Trader Joe's! Yipppeee! Last week was the first time I have ever set foot into a Trader Joe's, and I have to admit that I am in love.

So far I have tried the wine, the Mandarin Chinese Chicken (frozen meal), and the pumpkin bread mix. All were outstanding!

Now, I need your help!!! What are your favorite Trader Joe's items? Tell me your must haves, so I can try them too!!!

P.S.-I can't let the weekend pass by without telling you about the great prices on cute coats at Old Navy! I'm wearing this precious green coat today that I purchased for only $29!

They also have several darling ruffle coats at 50% off. I'm thinking about ordering this one! It's currently prices at $49.50.

Make sure you check them out if you are in need of some winter wear! Have a great weekend!

A Yummy Recipe for a Chilly Day

2010-11-02T16:47:00.002-04:00

Today has been the first truly chilly day we have had in Athens this Fall. Days like today make me want to run home, put on my fuzzy slippers, and make a yummy stew or chili. Oh how I love my soups and stews during the Fall and Winter!

My mom makes a fantastic stew that she calls Brunswick Stew. It isn't a true Brunswick Stew, but it is delicious and so easy to make! I thought I would share it with you. Michael and I will be enjoying some tonight! Since it isn't a true Brunswick Stew we will call it, "Not Really Brunswick Stew".

Not Really Brunswick Stew

Ingredients:
1 pound of ground pork sausage (browned)
1 pound of hamburger (browned)
1 can of whole kernel sweet corn
1 can of sweet peas
1 or 2 can(s) of tomatoes
1/2 of a sweet onion (diced)
1/4 cup of ketchup

Directions: Brown your sausage and hamburger meat. Combine in large pot with rest of ingredients and cook! When adding corn, peas, and tomatoes, do not drain.

That's it! How easy it that! It is one of Michael's favorites! I usually serve it with cornbread or a yummy cheese bread. I hope you enjoy!!

P.S.-The training I told you about last week. Well, I worried over it and studied really, really hard, and I passed! Yippeee! Thank goodness it is over!

Training

2010-10-27T20:13:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to drop in and leave you a little note. I am at a training for work this entire week. I thought I would be able to keep up my blogging schedule, but the training has been intense. I have a written test and field test on Friday. Eeek! Say a little prayer for me! I will be back soon-like Monday soon or maybe sooner! I promise! Now I am off to study, study, study!

My Favorite Things

2010-10-19T13:57:00.004-04:00

Every time I go to the doctor I have to lie. Let's see if you can spot my little white lie in the conversation below.

Dr: Hello Mrs. Pink Chick! It is good to see you today. Are these the current medications you are on?

Pink Chick: Why yes Doctor. Those are currently the medications I am taking.

Dr: And you are taking a multi-vitamin.

Pink Chick: Of course I am taking a multi-vitamin. I mean, what idiot would dare not to take a multivitamin. Only a fool would skip their daily multi-vitamin.

Did you spot it? Can you tell at what point I unleash my tall tale? If you guessed the part where I swear to the doctor that I take a multi-vitamin, then you are correct!

Until recently, I have never taken a multi-vitamin on a regular basis. I know I should. I know it is good for me. However, the thought of swallowing another giant pill with a bad after taste had me skipping my daily vitamin.

Then one day I found these! Adult Gummy Vitamins! When I first saw these in the store, it was like the heavens opened up and a golden ray of sunshine illuminated the bottle while angels sang.

Okay, maybe my flare for the dramatic is a little overboard today, but this discovery has me taking my vitamins every day(which is a major accomplishment)! I even enjoy taking my vitamins! They are actually tasty. If you hate taking vitamins as much I did, definitely give these babies a try. I take the variety shown above, but there are several brands that carry an adult gummy vitamin. Many stores, like Target and Wal-Mart, also carry the generic version.
Making taking vitamins fun again! Try adult gummies!

Let's Catch Up!

2010-10-15T15:04:00.004-04:00

I have been away from the blogging world for a month. Boy how I have missed all of you! So I guess I left you wondering where I went. I wish I could say that I was whisked away to some tropical island where I spent a month in complete luxury but unfortunately that is not the case. I have, however, had a busy and exciting past few weeks. Here's a recap in bullet points.

One night a week I have been attending Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at our church. I had heard such wonderful things about this class, but I have to admit that I was skeptical. I signed up thinking that I wouldn't attend, but I am so glad that I have been attending. It is, by far, one of the best classes I have ever taken. It has totally changed the way I think about money, and I could not be more thankful. I have to admit that my wardrobe is suffering a little though!

One night a week I am attending an adult clogging class. I started taking clogging lessons in the summer, and I decided to continue on to the Fall classes. I love it, and it is such a fun way to exercise.

I ditched my routine of going to the gym after work, and I have traded it for working out during my lunch break at our work gym. Now I have more time to cook supper and to take the dogs on a walk! Michael is loving my kitchen creations!! (Or at least he is pretending too. He's a very sweet husband!)

I have been attending a few Georgia games. Our team really stinks this year, but I am still a fan! Plus, I still adore this guy (see picture below)! He is my coach boyfriend. I have thought about adding Aaron Murray (UGA Quarterback) as my new quarterback boyfriend, but I am still deciding.

And best of all, I spent a whole week in my hometown. My mom and sister added an addition to their cute little gift shop, so I spent a week helping them clean and move in. I had so much fun getting to spend the week with my family. They worked me hard, but they also did a great job at spoiling me too! If you want a peek at their gift shop you can it on facebook. It's called Three Chicks a Hen.

I can't wait to catch up with all of you during the coming week! I can't wait to read all of the exciting things you have been doing this Fall!! Have a great weekend!! I'll be back on Monday to share a new favorite thing with you!!

Holy Cow!

2010-10-14T11:53:00.003-04:00

Holy Cow! I can't believe I haven't blogged in a month! I have no good excuse except that time just got away from me. I blinked and it was October! Shouldn't it still be August?

I have a work event to get ready for tonight, so I don't have time for a normal post. I promise I will be back tomorrow! I can't wait to catch up with you all! Until then-have a very wonderful day!!

The Grim Reaper of Automobiles

2010-09-14T10:49:00.004-04:00

Last week I blogged about adding a little unwanted decoration to my car. Just one day after I blogged about my little scuffle with the garage, my car experienced a major malfunction. I had it towed to the Toyota dealership and quickly found out it needed a new engine-a $7,000 engine. Since my beat up 02 Highlander was not worth $7,000, my husband and I decided it was time to replace it.

I have to admit that I felt like the grim reaper of automobiles. I not only did body damage to that poor vehicle, but I also blew up the engine. I begged for a pony instead of a new car. Ponies are much easier for me to take care of and much less complicated than a car. Michael wouldn't buy me a pony. He insisted that my 4o mile round trip commute to work called for a car.

I sadly accepted the fate of my precious (and a little beat up) Highlander, and I began the hunt for my new car. The hunt was a little stressful because this is the first time I have ever had the opportunity to pick out the vehicle, but I almost immediately fell in love with the cutest 07 Rav 4. We purchased the Rav 4 this weekend, and I am so excited. Well, I'm not excited about having a car payment, but I am excited about having a reliable car again!

I was going to host a car naming contest on my blog. (Yes, I name all my cars.) However, Michael jokingly pointed out that the spare tire on the back of the car looked like a bunny tail, so my new car has been christened "The Bunny Car". Here's a picture of a similar looking car, so you have a visual of what I mean about the bunny tail. Hopefully, "The Bunny Car" will live a long and full life, and I will lose my grim reaper status. :)

I Promise I Wasn't Drinking!

2010-09-08T16:10:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago, I did this to my car.

See all that pretty white paint. It's not supposed to be there. Yikes!

I bet you are wondering how I did it. Well, I scraped my car on the side of my garage. The garage was unharmed, but the car was not. Everyone immediately notices the damage and asks what happened. It is a tiny bit embarrassing to admit the truth, and I have gotten more than one eye roll when I tell people I hit my garage. I tried coming up with a few fun stories like a large white bird flew out of the sky and smacked into my car or my dogs got bored and decided to do an art project.

I am eventually going to get it fixed (probably within the next few weeks), but until then I will have fun inventing imaginative stories about how my car got damaged. Let me know if you think of any good ones! :)

My New Favorite Recipe

2010-08-25T13:29:00.002-04:00

I have been attempting to expand my horizons and try a new recipe each week. Things are going pretty good so far. I have only had one recipe that failed. Oh, and what a failure it was. Needless to say, I won't be attempting to make spicy chicken lettuce wraps with peanut sauce again!

I am still at the beginning stages of my cooking journey, but I have found a new recipe that I absolutely adore. My husband loves it, and I even made it for a group of friends! They gave it an A+! This recipe came courtesy of my friend Alison. She is an in real life friend, and also has a great cooking blog.

Enjoy!!!

Honey Lime Enchiladas

Shopping List:

Pork or Chicken (1.5 pounds)

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese*

Shredded Cheddar Cheese*

Flour Tortillas

2 (10 oz) cans of green enchilada sauce

Honey

Lime Juice

Chili Powder

Garlic Powder

*Instead of mozz and cheddar cheese, I sometimes just by the shredded Mexican cheese mix.

Sauce:
1/3 c honey
1/4 c lime juice
1 Tb chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 (10 oz) cans green enchilada sauce

Mix together sauce ingredients then add to shredded pork or chicken. Let the sauce soak into the meat for about 30 minutes.

Lightly spray 2 pans with non-stick baking spray. (I usually use one 9x13 and one 9x9 but it may vary with how thick you stuff your enchiladas) Pour green enchilada sauce into pans to coat the entire bottom. Fill tortillas with shredded meat and desired amount of cheese (equal parts mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Roll and place in dish.

Pour remainder of sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle more cheese on top - don't be stingy! (I sometimes use more like 1 1/2 cans- you can freeze left over enchilada sauce in a baggy.) Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Then turn on broiler and place enchiladas nearer the top of oven. Let it broil until cheese is slightly brown and crispy.

A Gift for Him

2010-08-19T15:33:00.006-04:00

Before I get started, I wanted to thank all of you for the anniversary comments! Y'all are so sweet, and I appreciate all the anniversary wishes!

One of the most challenging things in my marriage is trying to figure out what to buy my husband for those gift giving occasions. I always love when bloggers share their gift ideas for the man in their life, so I thought I would share the gift I gave my sweet husband on our anniversary.

This anniversary was our fourth anniversary. The traditional four year wedding anniversary gift is fruit or flowers. No help there. Although I did draw a pear in his card for tradition sake. He he he!

Abandoning the traditional route, I decided to go with my husband's love of fine alcohol. Since two of our low ball glasses broke recently, I purchased a set of four low ball glasses and a matching ice bucket. Much to my surprise, the glasses match our existing wine glasses and even match a decanter we purchased at an antique store. Along with the glasses, I got him a nice bottle of scotch and a tray to display the set.

He loved his gift, and I was so excited I was able to surprise him with it. Now, if I could only figure out what to do about Christmas! :)

Four Years of Wedded Bliss

2010-08-12T15:00:00.003-04:00

Four years ago today I married the love of my life and my best friend. I was wrong to think that our wedding day was one of the happiest days of my life because the days just keep getting happier and sweeter. My sweet husband fills all of my days with love and laughter. I never imagined I could be so happy. Here's to nine years of love and four years of marriage!

Shop Easy!

2010-08-11T10:32:00.003-04:00

CSN Stores has graciously offered to let me do a product review, and I am so excited! CSN has become a favorite of mine. With over 200 stores, I can always find what I am looking for at a good price. They offer everything from Le Creuset to home decor to outdoor products! Your shopping options are endless!

I can't wait to share my product review with you, so make sure your come back and visit me! Also, make sure you check out CSN stores and all the fun products that they have to offer!

Pulling a Princess

2010-08-10T13:57:00.004-04:00

I don't often take the princess path in life, but some days just call for it. Monday was one of those days. I woke up to a sore neck and back. While getting dressed a random bug happened to be in our bathroom and it stung me on the arm. Ouch! And without getting into too much detail, let's just say that work was not going my way that day.

My day was not looking great. In fact, it seemed rather comical all the things that were going wrong, so I decided to take charge! I pulled a princess! I took half a day off, got a massage, and finished my day off with a bubble bath. My husband thought it was hilarious and a little over dramatic! I thought it was perfect! :)

Have a Happy Tuesday and don't forget to treat your inner princess every once in a while!

(image source)

Pink Chick in the Kitchen

2010-08-06T10:30:00.003-04:00

It's no secret that cooking doesn't top the list of things that I am good at. Unfortunately , it doesn't even make the list. This little sign that hangs in my kitchen tells the story! (He He He! I love my little sign!)

I always tell people that I do know how to cook, but I never know what to cook. I'm not very adventurous in the kitchen, and I rarely try new things.

Well, I am proud to report that I have a new goal for myself. I want to try one new recipe every week. I want my main focus to be on healthy recipes, but non-diet options will also be thrown in the mix.

I tried my first new dish last week. It was a "clean eating" recipe that I found on sparkpeople.com. It was super easy to make. It was healthy and yummy! Overall, it was a success. The recipe is below if you want to try it out. You can also find the recipe here and see comments people have left on how they changed/improved the original recipe.

Clean Eating Chicken, Potato and Veggie Bake

Ingredients:
Cooking Spray
2 Skinless Chicken Breasts, chopped into 2-inch cubes
1 lb Red Potatoes, chopped into 2-inch cubes
1/2 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (OR Red & Green Peppers, OR Vegetables of your choice)
1/3 c fresh basil, chopped
4 garlic gloves, thinly sliced
1.5 TBSP Olive Oil
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
Ground Pepper to Taste
1/2 cup Chicken Broth (if desired)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Add chicken, potatoes, tomatoes, vegetables, basil, garlic, chicken broth, and olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary. Add pepper if desired. Bake for approx. 45 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender. Serve.

Number of Servings: 4

Pink Chick Goes to Court

2010-08-03T14:31:00.002-04:00

Several weeks ago I received a little gift in the mail. This little gift I am referring to was a jury summons. That's right! I had been chosen for jury duty.

Most people think jury duty really stinks (and it does), but I was excited since I had never been called for jury duty. I was also excited because my husband is an attorney, and it would be like getting a peek into his world.

My letter told me I should report to the courthouse at 8:30 am on Monday, so Sunday night I carefully picked out a cute outfit (while channeling my inner Elle Woods) and packed my purse with all the essentials one would need when reporting for jury duty.

Monday morning went smoothly. I looked cute. I parked in the appropriate parking deck, and I arrived to the court room on time. We had to wait a super long time for the judge and the attorneys, so I made a new friend while we waited.

The time finally came for them to select the jury. The judge, the lawyers, and the defendant were all in place. That's when the defendant decided it was time to be creepy. He turned around, peeked over the podium and began to stare. I wasn't sure if he was staring at me or the girl behind me, so I uneasily assumed it was the girl behind me and shifted my gaze away from him. He kept staring and then started waving. This went on for a really long time. It was super creepy, and that's when I decided that jury duty wasn't fun anymore and I wanted to go home.

Thankfully, it wasn't too long after the uncomfortable staring incident that my panel of jurors was released. Both I and the girl behind me happily left the court room and the creepy defendant behind. (insert huge sigh of relief here).

When I arrived home, I couldn't help but google the name of the defendant. I don't want to give any details away since the case is still pending, but let's just say my knowledge gained from google made him even creepier!

A Sea Monkey Warning!

2010-07-28T17:09:00.003-04:00

In December I shared a little story about my purchase of sea monkeys. You can read it here , but the quick version of the story is I bought sea monkeys, they lived, and I felt a huge since of accomplishment.

Seven months later, the sea monkeys are still alive. Not the same sea monkeys, but their 100th or so great grandchildren/grandmonkeys. Holy Cow! These things will not die! I am beginning to think I missed my calling in life. Instead of working in public relations, I should be a sea monkey farmer.

I have to admit that I am growing weary of my never ending generations of sea monkeys. Their small plastic tank resides in my living room, and it is kind of gross (and it is my understanding that you aren't supposed to clean it out). My husband's solution is to pour them out, but I just can't do it. I have a commitment to these monkeys, and I will see it through until they are finished reproducing and the last one enters the gates of sea monkey heaven-or at least until the dog knocks them over.

My Favorite Things

2010-07-27T16:58:00.003-04:00

As you know, I am constantly on a diet. I exercise regularly, and I try to eat right. However, I find eating healthy to be a bit of a challenge mainly because I eat out of convenience. I tend to eat whatever is easiest for me to grab and run. Now, I could solve this problem by planning ahead like they teach you at Weight Watchers, but I'm not very good at that either! :)

Introducing my new secret weapon....It's healthy and convenient and perfect for lunch!

Ready Pac Bistro Salads!!!!! They are available in a variety of different flavors including Santa Fe Caesar and Asian Style Chicken. My favorite is the Chicken Cranberry Walnut. It is oh so delicious! These cute little salads are available at most grocery store chains like Publix and Kroger. You can find them where the ready made salads/salads in bags are found.

Give them a try! You won't be disappointed! Also, if you have any tips on other convenient and healthy meals-I'm all ears!!!

A Bad Case of the "I Wants"

2010-07-20T14:50:00.006-04:00

Well, I am back from The Mart in Atlanta, and let me just say that I had an absolutely wonderful time. The only bad part about going to market is it gives you a bad case of the "I Wants". Visiting all the fabulous show rooms just makes my wish list explode.

On my ever growing wish list, one of my favorite items happens to be a set of vintage seed packet prints. Denise (my oldest sister) and I both fell in love with these prints as soon as we spotted them. I couldn't help but imagine how fabulous they would look in my kitchen. I think taking pictures of the products is rude, but I couldn't help but snap a quick picture of one of the prints. The picture (pumpkin seed packet print) is crooked and poor quality because I had to pretend I was talking on my phone while I snapped it.

We were not able to order the prints because the opening minimum for this store was way more than we were willing to spend, so I have scoured the internet trying to find similar prints.
Here's what I have found so far. (found here).

What do you think? Do you think it would make a cute kitchen print?

Gone Shopping!

2010-07-15T19:48:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again-market time! I'm in Atlanta at the mart. I will be gone the rest of the week helping my mom and sister buy fun things for their gift shop! I will be back on Monday, and hopefully I will have some fun new finds to share with you! Have a great weekend, and I will look forward to catching up with you all on Monday!

Try it for Free!

2010-07-13T10:52:00.002-04:00

I am totally addicted to skin care products (stupid fine lines and wrinkles), so I just had to share this!

Nuetrogena is offering a rebate on their new Neutrogena Clinical line. If you buy Neutrogena Clinical SPF 30, Night, or Eye cream between the dates of July 11th and July 18th, they will send you a rebate for the full value of your purchase (up to $40). All rebates must be postmarked by July 31. Go here for more information and your rebate form.

I picked up the Neutrogena Clinical Eye Cream yesterday at Wal-Mart for just a little over $35. I haven't tried it yet, but I will let you know how it goes. I love when I get to try new products for free!

And The Winner Is...

2010-07-12T16:44:00.002-04:00

The winner of the CSN giveaway is Mrs. Smith from The Adventures of Mrs. Smith! Congratulations Mrs. Smith! Happy Shopping!

Thank you to all that entered, and thank you to CSN for sponsoring the giveaway. Stay tuned for another giveaway that is right around the corner! Oh, and just in case your wondering-I used the random integer generator to pick a winner.

Introducing...

2010-07-08T15:54:00.003-04:00

...One of my favorite people in the whole world! My friend, Katie, has a new blog! Katie is nothing short of super cool and awesome!

In about a month, she will be leaving our little town headed to get her Masters Degree in Europe (a two year program). I am going to miss her so much, but hopefully the hubby and I will be hopping across the pond to visit her.

Be sure to head over to her blog to read about her new adventures and to welcome her to the blogging world!

P.S.-I totally stole this picture off her blog. It is from her trip to New Zealand. (Sorry Katie! I hope you don't mind that I stole your picture! :) )

A New Routine

2010-07-07T15:59:00.002-04:00

Guess what I am doing tonight? You'll never guess in a million years, so I'll just tell you! :) I am going to dance class. Clogging class to be exact.

Several dance studios in my area offer adult dance classes. A while back I tried out an adult tap class. Big Fail! I hated it. The instructor was all over the place, and I learned nothing. I do have a pair of nifty tap shoes as a memento of my giant tap failure though. :) However, this time my attempt at adult dance classes will be different. I am with a new studio, and I used to be a clogger!

That's right folks! I clogged from the time I was in middle school until I was a junior in college. I have the shoes, poofy dress, and embarrassing pictures to prove it! Too bad all of my embarrassing pictures are at my parents house. I will definitely have to dig some up to share the next time I'm visiting!

Tonight I am joining the beginner adult clogging class, and I am so excited! I am excited to refresh my clogging skills, and to get a little exercise while having fun! If this goes well, I might even try a few more dance classes. Although ballet is definitely off the list if I have to wear a leotard! :)

P.S.-Don't forget to enter my giveaway! It ends on Friday.

In Memory of...

2010-07-01T09:45:00.003-04:00

Please join in this day of blogging silence to remember Cohen and in support of his parents Megan and Brent. http://sendlovetocohen.blogspot.com/

A Confession...

2010-06-30T16:23:00.003-04:00

As of 7:15 pm tonight, I (along with the rest of the pre-teens in the Athens and surrounding area) will be watching the new Twilight movie. I resisted the craze for oh so long, but I finally gave in to the books a few months ago. I held out strong against the movies until last week when I watch both the first and second movie and purchased tickets to the third. I have no will power.

I, however, will not be wearing a Team Edward or Team Jacob shirt because let's face it I do not discriminate when it comes to hunky men. And if I were Bella, I might just find a way to make polygamy work. Sometimes you just have to think outside the box! :)

My Favorite Things: A SALE!

2010-06-28T15:42:00.003-04:00

It's that time again! Time for my favorite things post! This week I just couldn't resist sharing Old Navy's 30% off sale. The last two days of the sale are today and tomorrow, so hurry on over to oldnavy.com to stock up on a few summer essentials. To receive the 30% discount, enter the code ONBIG30 at check out.

Not sure what to get? Here are a few of my favorites!

I adore this cute summer dress! I ordered one just last week! It hasn't arrived yet, but this dress gets great reviews on the web!

I purchased this skirt this Spring in khaki, and I could not be happier! It is long enough to wear to work, but it is still short enough to be fun! Oh, and it is cool to wear on those hot summer days.

If you are in need of a good fitting polo, Old Navy certainly has a contender. Old Navy polos are my favorite. The fit is great, the colors are fun, and the price is right (currently $10 before discount).

I have had my eye on these sandals for a few weeks now. I haven't ordered them, but I just had to include them on my list! Aren't they the cutest! They come in several colors. The silver is pictured here, but I think the "cool combo"color version of this sandal is my absolute favorite!
The sale ends soon, so don't procrastinate! Happy Shopping!

P.S.-Don't forget to enter my giveaway! :)

I'm Back with a Giveaway!!!

2010-06-24T16:10:00.002-04:00

I am so happy to announce that I am back!!! I am not only back-I am back with a giveaway sponsored by CSN stores. CSN stores carries a variety of cool products from cookware to speaker stands. The prize up for grabs is a $60 promotional code to use at any of the CSN Stores.

To enter just comment on this post by midnight (EST) Friday, July 9th. For an extra entry, mention a neat product you found on one the CSN store web-sites. For yet another entry, tweet or blog about this giveaway. Make sure to let me know about your extra entries!

In closing, Yay! I am so happy to be back, and I apologize for such a long hiatus! My big work event is over, and I finally have time to breath! I can't wait to spend the next few weeks catching up with all of my blog friends. Wow! I have really, really missed you guys!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway and spread the word!! Good Luck!

Disclaimer: CSN Stores is not compensating me in any way to host this giveaway. Only the winner of the giveaway will receive goods courtesy of CSN Stores.

...Only I Didn't Say Fudge.

2010-05-19T11:41:00.006-04:00

This weekend Michael and I traveled to Cleveland, OH for the wedding of two very dear friends. The wedding was absolutely beautiful! The bride and the groom thought of everything to make sure the travelers were comfortable and felt at home. It was amazing!

Michael was a groomsmen, so I was on my own most all of Saturday. I have to admit that I have been looking forward to this day for over a year. Why?-Because I had a very special place to visit in Cleveland. Now most people who visit Cleveland would end up at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or maybe even the Cleveland Museum of Art, but not me. I have a love for the obscure, so the number one place on my list to visit was the A Christmas Story house.

For those of you who don't know (and shame on you for not knowing), A Christmas Story is the movie that plays 24 hours on TBS on Christmas Eve. It has Ralphie and Randy and the little boy who gets his tongue stuck to the flag pole. Oh, and who could forget the famous leg lamp!

The house the movie was filmed at is in a neighborhood about five minutes from downtown Cleveland. It has been restored to its former movie glory and is open for tours. There is also a museum and gift shop across the street.

Here are just a few pictures I took on my adventure. I have a ton of pictures. In fact, I might have gone a little overboard with right around 70 pictures, but I don't want to bore you so I just included the biggies.

The sign greeting me as I arrived at my destination.

The house!

And the major award or leg lamp!

Touring the house didn't take me long, so I did make it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later in the day. However, I have to admit that it paled in comparison to the A Christmas Story House. :)

P.S.-Just in case you didn't know, the title of this post is a quote from the movie. In fact, it is one of my very favorite quotes from the movie. "Only I didn't say "Fudge." I said THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words..."

My Favorite Things

2010-05-11T16:49:00.006-04:00

Hi all! It's been a little while since I have blogged! Sorry! I am facing a really, really busy time at work right now, so there hasn't been much time for blogging. Please stick with me. I will still be here as much as possible, and I should be back to normal blogging by the end of June! Oh, and I will have a giveaway coming up soon! Yay! I love giveaways!!!

Keep an eye out for my giveaway, but until then I have to tell you about my new accessory! I have been seeing commercials for a new product by Goody. It's called the spin pin, and it claims to help you create that messy (but ultra cute) bun in a matter of seconds.

I couldn't resist buying a set, so I took a little trip to Target yesterday. I spent the rest of the night playing with them. The results?

* They are easy to use, but a little hard to master. I am not confident enough to wear them to work yet, but I would definitely use them during the weekend and on vacation.

*They are a little on the expensive side for a smaller hair accessory-priced at right around $6.

*I definitely think they work best on longer hair. However, they did just fine on my hair which is a medium length with layers.

Overall, I grade the spin pin at a solid B. It isn't a must have, but it is definitely a fun accessory to add to my weekly hair routine!

A Mint Julep Please!

2010-04-28T14:38:00.005-04:00

If there was ever an occasion to drink a mint julep, it is this Saturday-the first Saturday in May or the day of the Kentucky Derby! I have always, always, always wanted to throw a Kentucky Derby party. I have so many party ideas running around in my head including one activity involving betting on paper horses. Oh, and who could forget the sundresses and hats! You would have to wear a fabulous sundress and hat.

However, April, May and June are super busy months at work for me, so I have yet to throw my Kentucky Derby party. I won't be hosting a party this Saturday, but I might just try my hand at making the drink most often associated with the Derby-a mint julep.

(source)

Below is a great mint julep recipe found in Southern Living. You can also find it here.

Yield: Makes 1 (8-ounce) julep

Ingredients

3 fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon Mint Simple Syrup
Crushed ice
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) bourbon
1 (4-inch) cocktail straw or coffee stirrer
1 fresh mint sprig
Powdered sugar (optional)

Preparation

Place mint leaves and Mint Simple Syrup in a chilled julep cup. Gently press leaves against cup with back of spoon to release flavors. Pack cup tightly with crushed ice; pour bourbon over ice. Insert straw, place mint sprig directly next to straw, and serve immediately. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Mint Juleps are traditionally served in a silver julep cup (as pictured above). Amazon has a great selection of julep cups varying in price. (Don't forget to check to make sure the julep cups you purchase are meant for drinking. Some are just made for decoration and are not food or drink safe.)

Don't have julep cups. Don't worry-Just be creative! Serve your mint juleps in a mason jar or in any other fun bar glasses you might have! After all, mint juleps are quite stout, so after one you really don't care what kind of glass you are drinking out of! ;)

(source)

Shoe Dazzle

2010-04-26T21:31:00.003-04:00

Have you heard of shoedazzle.com? It is a company founded by Kim Kardashian. I just discovered it a few weeks ago, but I have to admit that I am often behind the times.

To put it simply, it is like a shoe of the month club. For a little less than $40 a month, stylists pick out a selection of shoes they think you might like and add them to your on-line gallery. You then choose the shoe you would like to purchase that month and they send it to you. You can also opt to skip a month and not receive a shoe (and not be charged).

I have an account, but I have not ordered my first pair of shoes. (You are not charged until you order your first pair of shoes.) I also haven't decided if I am going to order a pair of shoes at all. However, I do love shoes, and these cute babies are currently sitting in my on-line gallery.

I need your help! What do you think? Have you tried Shoe Dazzle or heard of someone who has? Should I give it a try?

I Was Late For Work...

2010-04-15T09:09:00.003-04:00

Update: I went home at lunch and both the dogs and the kittens were doing great! I couldn't resist a close-up look at the kittens, so I knocked on my neighbors door and told him about the kittens. He was surprised and went with me to look at them. (By the way, this is a very sweet neighbor not the creepy one.) I discovered that there are 3 little gray kittens. They are tiny and their eyes have just opened. I snapped a couple of photos with my phone. One of the pictures looks like I am choking the kitten, but I promise I am not. I was just holding him up so I could get a picture of his cute little face. Without further ado, here are the kittens.

...but I have a really good excuse! I found kittens! Now if kittens aren't a good excuse to be late for work I don't know what is. Although the time I got trapped in my garage was a pretty good excuse, but that is a story for another day.

This morning the dogs were barking and hanging around one certain area of the fence. After many failed attempts at trying to quiet them, I headed outside to see what all the fuss was about. That's when I spotted two tiny gray kittens sleeping in the recycling area in my neighbors back yard (just on the other side of the fence). I wanted to run over to my neighbor's house and tell them that they had kittens, but I decided to be a polite neighbor and wait until a more reasonable hour. Translation: I'm going to pounce on my poor neighbors as soon as I get home from work. I ultimately settled the dogs down, and when I left this morning my chocolate lab was lying right beside the fence like he was guarding the kittens.

I am headed home for lunch to check on my dogs and the kittens. If I get a chance, I will take a few photos. Did I mention I needed an extended lunch break to do this? I think kittens also serve as a great excuse for a long lunch! :)

Creative Wrapping

2010-04-14T13:32:00.004-04:00

As most of you know, I love wrapping gifts and making them extra special. Today on my lunch break, I ran out to buy a gift for my nephew who has a birthday this week. His gift is an odd size, so I had to opt for a gift bag. The gift bag was $4.00, but I happened to spy a reusable tote (decorated with Buzz and Woody from Toy Story) for $1.99. I opted for the cheaper and more useful (and cuter) tote bag.

I'm not sure why I have never considered (until today) using a reusable tote bag instead of a gift bag. There are some super cute reusable totes out there that are very reasonably priced, and who couldn't use a cute tote!

Toys R Us has some really cute totes for the kids in your life for around $1.50. I'm not a kid, but I wouldn't mind receiving a gift wrapped in the pink elephant bag. :)

I can't find a picture, but Michael's also carries some really cute reusable totes for under $2.oo. I purchased a brown one with colorful dots. It is super cute and would be a great gift bag.

Just remember the next time you need to wrap a gift quickly, and you still want it to be cute-Check your local store for a cute reusable tote! Where have you spotted some cute reusable totes?

My Inagural Trip to Taylor Grocery

2010-04-13T20:15:00.003-04:00

This weekend Michael and I packed our bags and hopped (or drove) a couple of states over to Mississippi. Why a trip to Mississippi? -To visit a friends of course!

We had a wonderful time visiting our friends (Melanie and Adam) and meeting their sweet and absolutely precious little boy. They are such wonderful and treasured friends. I wish they lived closer or we got to see them more often.

On Saturday afternoon, they treated Michael and I to a trip to Oxford, MS. Oxford is home to Ole Miss, where Michael went to law school. Melanie and I had fun shopping on the square while the boys went to a bar, watched sports, and drank beer. If you have never been to Oxford, it is a charming town with a beautiful downtown area. The downtown area or square (as they call it) also has great little boutiques.

Saturday night, we went to Taylor Grocery. Taylor Grocery may be the most amazing place on Earth. It is a restaurant in an old general/dry goods store. It serves wonderful Southern food. It is most famous for its fried catfish. I don't really like catfish, but even I like the fried catfish at Taylor Grocery. If you go, order the catfish and make sure to get fries with a side of rotel. Yummy!

Taylor Grocery oozes charm and seems to take you back in time a little. There was live music, signatures all over the wall, and a crowd of people. I left with a full tummy and a t-shirt. I didn't have a chance to sign the wall, but you better bet that on my next trip to Taylor there will be a sharpie in my pocket!

Revamping Your Jewelry

2010-04-07T14:49:00.004-04:00

I love making jewelry, but lately I have been more interested in revamping jewelry pieces. For example, I might take pieces of an old necklace and turn it into earrings or just rework a necklace to make it a different style. Even if you don't know the first thing about making jewelry, you can still have fun revamping your old pieces.

My favorite trick is to shorten a long necklace by doubling it and securing it with a broach. I love doing this with my long pearl necklaces! Of course this is a horrible picture, but you get the general idea.

I had fun wearing this gray pearl necklace joined with a sparkly broach to add a little pizazz to my black sweaters this winter. For spring, I think a necklace secured with a flower brooch would be adorable and very similar to some Stella and Dot necklaces that I have seen.

Oh, and just for fun here is a picture of a pair of earrings I made from a bracelet. I don't wear bracelets much, so I turned a $4 bracelet into two pairs of earrings. I gave one pair to a friend and kept the other for myself. Again, please forgive my poor photography skills.

Bird Themed Baby Shower

2010-03-31T13:59:00.004-04:00

A few weekends ago, I hosted (along with a few other friends) a baby shower for my sweet friend, Hailey. She is expecting a little girl in April. Her nursery is decorated in a bird theme, and it is absolutely beautiful.

We decided to stick with the bird theme for the shower. Everything turned out so cute, and I had such a fun time decorating. As always, please excuse my horrible picture taking.

The flowers were pink rose arrangements with a little bird accent.

I also had an arrangement of daffodils. These flowers come with a cute story. I have been working with Budget Blinds of Athens on installing blinds in my house. They are so helpful and so super sweet. I really enjoyed working with them. The last day of installation, they brought me the daffodils.
The drink table was decorated with my hurricane egg arrangement. We served champagne punch with sugar rimmed champagne flutes. We also had water and sodas available.

I didn't get a good picture of the food table, but you can get the idea from the picture below. The centerpiece was a tree with paper birds. As guests arrived, they wrote wishes to Hailey and the baby on the birds and hung the birds on the tree. This picture was taken before the guests arrived. The tree was full of birds by the time the party was over.

Instead of a cake, we decided to have cupcakes and mini-cheesecakes. Publix made the cupcakes, and I decorated them with candy eggs. I also used a nest with candy eggs to decorate the top tier of the cake stand.

We had a huge crowd at the shower, and I think everyone had a good time. I know I had fun visiting with friends and cooing over tiny baby clothes!

A Heel of A Deal

2010-03-29T18:55:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the corny title post. I couldn't resist! I have been so busy and I have so much to tell you, but I couldn't let today pass without sharing this coupon code and a cute pair of shoes. I have definitely been on a shoe kick lately!

Payless has a coupon code that is valid until April 4th. Use code 32120 at check out and receive 20% off your purchase. There are so many cute Spring styles to choose from. Here's the pair that I have my eye on.

Happy Shopping!!!

My Favorite Things

2010-03-22T15:44:00.009-04:00

Last week and this weekend was spent scrubbing my house from top to bottom and hosting a baby shower for a sweet friend. With the scrubbing and the baby showering out of the way for right now, I have a little more time to devote to my blog. Yay! I promise baby shower pictures are coming soon. My sweet friend loved the shower, and her soon to arrive baby girl received some very sweet gifts!

Speaking of showers-rain not baby. Georgia has experienced more than its share of rain this year. These rainy conditions have left me with a need for a pair of rain boots (any excuse to buy a new pair of shoes), but every time I try to find a pair they were either ugly or too expensive. Thankfully, my local Target just started carrying the cutest line of rain boots. Target on-line also has a huge selection of rain boots.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to purchase these precious houndstooth rain boots. They are cute, fun, and functional. I haven't worn them a lot, but I have loved them the times I have worn them. They also get great reviews on-line.

My friend, Heather, snagged these cute fish rain boots on one of our lunch time outings to Target.

Here's a peek at a few more cute pattern that are available. I really wanted the pink and black houndstooth, but they were out in my size.
Most of the rain boots are currently on sale for $20. There are a few patterns that are still a little more expensive at $24 and $29. Rain might make for a gloomy day, but these fun rain boots are sure to add a little cheer to it!

Pottery Barn Inspiration

2010-03-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

I (and several friends) are hosting a baby shower at my home next weekend. I am so excited about the shower. My sweet friend is having a girl and has chosen the Brooke bedding from Pottery Barn Kids. The bedding is so cute with trees and birds and cute little owls. Wanting to stick with the theme of the nursery, we decided on a bird theme for the shower.

While searching for shower ideas on the internet, I found the cutest arrangement using speckled eggs from Pottery Barn. I thought it would be perfect for the baby shower and also cute as regular home decor. The price wasn't too bad, so I thought I would splurge a little and order them. However, the bad news struck when I realized that the product I loved was not available until April. (Pottery Barn arrangement pictured below.)

The larger eggs are $14 for a set of 8. The smaller eggs are $14 for a set of 12. The vases vary in size and come in medium for $29, large for$39, and extra large for $59. You can find them here.

The search began for a suitable replacement. I searched the internet, Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Wal-Mart, but never found what I was looking for. On my way home from work yesterday, I decided to run in Pier One and I hit the jackpot. Here is what I created.

It's not exactly like the ones from Pottery Barn, but I still think that they are cute and absolutely perfect for the baby shower. I was also able to save some money. The carton of 12 multi-colored decorative speckled eggs was $7.95. The small hurricane was $8, and the larger hurricane was $12. I think I am going to use these to help decorate the drink table. I also thought about using a decorative bird house or bird cage as part of the decor.

Stay tuned to see other creations for the baby shower. I am currently working on a wish tree centerpiece. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am crafty enough to pull it off! :)

A Peek into my Shopping Bag

2010-03-11T15:23:00.003-05:00

A much more accurate title to this post would be "a peek at my wish list" since I am on a clothing spending hiatus until the end of this month. However, I have been having fun tempting myself by spending a little time on-line looking at some new spring clothes.

I am absolutely in love with an outfit from Target. I noticed it thanks to the wonderful banner (which I stole) they had on their page when I clicked on the women's clothing tab. I adore the shirt/jacket combo, and think it would be perfect for the office. Even better, the shirt is cute enough to wear without the jacket.

It's definitely love, so as soon as my spending hiatus ends I am definitely going to purchase the shirt (possibly in coral instead of green) and the lovely jacket. I may even spring for the funky metallic heels!

My Favorite Things: Hair Care Edition

2010-03-09T18:52:00.007-05:00

I recently developed an allergy to my favorite shampoo and conditioner. Booo! Since my nice little allergic reaction, I have been on a hunt for new hair products. I am still trying out a few different brands, but I thought I would share my favorites so far.

Coincidentally, my top two shampoos and conditioners are both from Bath and Body Works. My first favorite is the Fekkai Hair Care Line. A great way to try out these products is by purchasing one of the kits. The kits offer a shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask. I tried the color care kit, and I absolutely love it. The glossing and volume kit are also on my "to try" list. The kits retail for $29.

I also love the Energy-Orange Ginger Aromatherapy Body and Shine Shampoo and Conditioner. It smells wonderful, and it leaves my hair soft and manageable. You can usually find the shampoo and conditioner on sale for 2 for $20.

I'll up-date you as I try new shampoos and conditioners. Until then, I would love for you to help me on my quest for new hair products and share your favorites with me!!

Birthday Celebration Creation

2010-03-05T16:51:00.003-05:00

We are going out to dinner tonight to celebrate the birthday of a very sweet and wonderful friend of mine. I wanted to do something special for her, so I decided to make her mini cupcakes.

I added special decorations to three of the cupcakes and packaged them in a cute paint can I purchased at Michael's. I added some pink shred and cute ribbon to complete the look. I also packaged the "cupcakes to share" in Gladware and tied them with a cute ribbon. I thought it turned out so cute! I hope she likes it, and I hope it helps make her birthday special!

If you notice you can't see the cupcakes in the paint can. I forgot to take a picture of them before I put them in the mini Gladware containers. I plan on taking them out of the Gladware containers and displaying them in the paint can before I give it to her.

I love how the paint can turned out, and I thought it would be super cute way to wrap gifts or be perfect for a fun Easter basket or gift. I am definitely going to stock up on these when they go on sale! Happy Friday!!! Have a wonderful weekend!

A Wrinkle In Time (or at least under my eyes)

2010-03-03T18:40:00.004-05:00

I always thought I would be one of those women that aged with grace-accepting wrinkles and all. However at the age of 31, that is definitely not the case! As my pores become more visible and my fine lines start to show, I am fighting them kicking and screaming! My worst enemy-the fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes!!!!

Recently I came across a wonderful article in the October 2009 issue of ShopSmart magazine (from Consumer Reports) that tested different eye creams. I loved the article, so I thought I would share its highlights with you. I haven't tried any of the products, but they are definitely on my shopping list!

Out of the 16 creams they tested, they deemed 4 of them "worth a try". They are listed below.

L'Oreal Paris Dermo-Expertise Revitalift Double Lifting Eye Cream-Price $40-Available at www.chemistdirect.com.au

Nivea Visage Anti-Rides Q10 Plus Soin Contour De L'oiel Avec Filtres UVA/UVB-Price $34-Available at www.amazon.co.uk

Dr. Brandt Lineless Eye Cream-Price $60-Available at Sephora, sephora.com, and www.drbrandtskincare.com

Olay Total Effects 7-In-1 Anti-Aging Booster Eye Transforming Cream-Price $20-Available at Drugstores, supermarkets, discount stores, and on-line

The article also out-lined 7 Ways to Prevent Eye Wrinkles.

Use a daily moisturizer with at least 30 SPF.
Shield your face with a hat and sunglasses when outdoors.
No tanning beds.
Don't smoke.
Try not to rub your eyes.
Sleep on your back.
Get an annual eye exam. If your vision is weak, you are more likely to squint.

Here's to keeping those pesky wrinkles at bay! Have a great day!!!

My Favorite Things:Great Jeans for Curvy Girls

2010-03-02T19:23:00.004-05:00

I once again need to apologize for my absence! Things have been so busy lately that I have neglected my blog and my blog friends. From now until mid-June is my busy season at work, but I am going to try my best to keep a regular blogging schedule. Thanks so much for your patience and for sticking with me! Now-without further ado-on to another installment of "My Favorite Things".

I always love a piece of clothing that can accentuate the positive and reduce the negative when it comes to my not so perfect figure. That's why I instantly fell in love with Target's Merona Fit Solutions line. I currently have two dresses from this line, and I adore them! Recently, I purchased a pair of dark wash jeans from this same line, and I couldn't be happier! The jeans are pictured below, but they are much cuter in real life!

These jeans are a perfect fit for curvy girls. They don't stretch out and leave you with that saggy booty look. They also have a hidden panel that gives you a nice flat tummy. The only thing you might not like is that they are very high-waisted. I get around this by not wearing tuck-in shirts with this particular pair of jeans. The legs are also very long for me since I am on 5'3", but they are perfect with a pair of cute heels!

If you are interested in checking out these wonderful, magical jeans, you can find them at your local Target or on-line here or here.

I Cheated!

2010-02-22T19:35:00.004-05:00

Right after Christmas I put myself on a spending diet. I decided that I was not going to spend any money on clothing, shoes, or accessories until after the end of March (then I could begin picking up a few pieces for my Spring wardrobe). I have been doing great on my spending diet-that is until today. Today I cheated on my diet, and I have to admit it was so worth it!

Today, I picked up this little beauty!!! A yellow, ruffled wristlet!! Isn't it adorable!!

I seriously tried to talk myself out of buying it, but it just didn't work. How bad did I cheat? Well, it wasn't too bad. I spent just under $20 for this little ray of sunshine in purse form. I got it at the cutest store (with super reasonable prices) named Charming Charlie. This was my first visit to Charming Charlie, but I will certainly go back the next time I am looking for fun accessories or a cute gift for a friend!

My Sweet Valentine

2010-02-16T18:58:00.003-05:00

My husband, Michael, really out did himself this Valentine's Day! Friday after work I came home to a beautiful arrangement of lilies and a nice bottle of red wine. He explained that he got me lilies instead of roses because everyone gets roses, but I was special to him so he wanted to get me a special flower. Plus, I really love lilies! They are beautiful and smell so wonderful!

On Sunday, we went to lunch at a new restaurant in Athens called Red's. It was absolutely delicious. We even had some lunch time entertainment. The couple seated at the next table appeared to be on their first date. The guy was so pompous, and he talked (loudly) the entire time. We felt so sorry for his date, but we couldn't help but make fun of him after they left.

After brunch, Michael surprised me with another present. He gave me a beautiful pearl and diamond ring. I told you my Valentine really went overboard this year!

My gift to Michael couldn't touch the sweet gifts he gave me, but I did surprise him with reservations to Woodfire Grill. He has been wanting to eat there since we watched the chef and co-owner of the restaurant, Kevin Gillespie, compete on Top Chef! I couldn't get reservations for actual Valentine's Day, but we are headed to Atlanta in a few weekends for a fun day and a yummy dinner!

I hope that all of you had a wonderful Valentine's Day too! I can't wait to read all about it!!!

Crock Pot Vegetable Beef Soup

2010-02-11T20:27:00.005-05:00

With all of this cold weather, I have been craving hearty, warm meals. I love eating soups, stews, and chili during the winter. I also love easy crock pot recipes!

I recently came across a great Vegetable Beef Soup recipe in my Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly (Healthy, Low-Fat Recipes for Your Slow Cooker) cookbook. It took a fair amount of prep time, but it was simple to make and very yummy! Like I always say, if I can make it-anybody can make it! Enjoy!

Vegetable Beef Soup
(for your slow cooker)

1 lb. boneless round steak (well-trimmed and cut into 1/2" cubes)
2 cans of diced or stewed tomatoes (undrained)
3 cups of water
2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 medium-sized onions, diced (I used one sweet or vidalia onions)
3 ribs of celery, sliced
2 carrots, sliced
3 beef bouillon cubes
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1.5 cups of frozen mixed vegetables

1. Combine all ingredients, except mixed vegetables in slow cooker.
2. Cover. Cook on high 6 hours.
3. Add frozen vegetables. (I used a frozen vegetable medley, and I also
added frozen butter beans and frozen sliced okra).
4. Cover. Cook on high 2 hours.

*Makes 6-8 servings. 220 Calories per serving.

My Favorite Things

2010-02-09T14:59:00.005-05:00

I love to rock a pair of heels, but my feet can’t always handle a full day of wearing heels. I have a pair of fold-up shoes that I adore. I toss them in my purse and when my feet start to ache I trade my heels for my fold-up flats. While I do still love my fold-up flats, I have found a similar product that I love even more.

Introducing Footzyrolls!

Footzyrolls are rollable, foldable shoes. They take up such a tiny space in your purse and are even small enough to fit in your favorite evening bag! Each pair of footzyrolls comes with a shoe bag for your heels and a small bag to use for your footzyrolls.

These wonderful shoes retail for around $25 with the limited edition styles retailing for $30. Do your feet a favor and check them out!

A Shoe Up-date

2010-02-05T16:19:00.003-05:00

Hello to all my sweet blog friends! I wanted to write a quick post to let you know that I am still here. The internet has been down at my house, and work has been too busy to allow blogging. Hopefully I will be back full force next week! I can't wait to catch up with all of you!

In the mean time, I wanted to give you a quick up-date on my Reebok EasyTone Shoes. I still adore them! I try to wear them as much as possible when I am on my feet. I don't exercise in them as much as I wear them doing everyday activities.

It may be all in my mind, but I feel like they help me burn a few extra calories each day. I also feel like my legs and butt are getting a little more toned. I keep asking my husband if he thinks my butt feels firmer. He loves his job as the official butt firmness tester. However, I think I might need a new way to determine the firmness of my butt. He always gets this goofy, love struck grin on his face, gives my butt a nice love squeeze, and tells me it feels just perfect to him. He is such a good and sweet husband, but not so reliable when it comes to butt firmness! :)

Have a wonderful weekend!! Michael and I have a weekend full of activities, so hopefully I will have some fun pictures to share when I am back on Monday!

Mr. T Lives Here!

2010-02-02T10:44:00.011-05:00

This weekend I realized that I totally forgot to tell you the story of why I have a cardboard cut-out of Mr. T. I would have shared this lovely story yesterday, but my internet was down. Boo internet! This story may not be as entertaining as it sounds, but it has some fun pictures to go along with it!

For my 29th birthday (which was a couple of years ago), I decided to throw myself an 80's themed birthday party! Of course, I went way overboard! I had a "Saved By The Bell" cake with my face photo-shopped into one of the cast photos. See-I'm right there between Slater and Zack!

I turned my basement into a 1980's dance floor and even had a photo area with props.

Of course, no party would be complete without an absurd cardboard cut out, so I purchased Mr. T. My husband kindly pointed that the cardboard cut out wasn't Mr. T, but it was the character that Mr. T played in the Rocky movies. Leave it to a man to point out the difference! :) Regardless, Mr. T was the hit of the party! Katie and Heather enjoyed a little flex time with Mr. T.

Mary Ann thought Mr. T looked a little thirsty, so she offered him a sip of her Carpi Sun. By the way, the Carpi Suns were injected with alcohol.

Eric and Mr. T became fast friends!

Where is Mr. T now? Well, he stayed up for several days after the party, but I finally had to take him down. I kept forgetting he was in the basement, and every time I went down there he would scare the holy goodness out of me. Mr. T is now safely folded up in the basement closet and ready for his next party!

My Shoe Experiment

2010-01-27T20:20:00.005-05:00

I have a dirty little secret! My shoes don't match my outfit. In fact, my shoes have not matched my outfit in about a week. I'm a self-confessed shoe-aholic, but this week there has only been one pair of shoes on my feet. These babies............

I purchased a pair of Reebok EasyTone shoes (in lime green because I couldn't find the pink), and I have been wearing them to work everyday this week. Of course, I do bring along my dress shoes that match my outfit for when I have meetings or someone decides to stop by to visit. However, when I am in office and doing my own thing I am wearing my new spiffy sneakers.

Most of my coworkers know about my special shoes and their magical qualities, but I still get a few funny looks. For those who give me the funny looks, I simply explain to them that I am toning my legs and butt. Yes, I do realize that I look like a dork in my cute work outfit and sneakers, but it is all in the name of science and a firmer tush!

I will let you know how my Reebok EasyTone experiment goes. My observations so far for week one are that the shoes are comfortable, and they definitely make your workout a little harder. I also swear my butt feels a little firmer, but that could be wishful thinking! :)

My Favorite Things

2010-01-25T19:30:00.007-05:00

Happy Monday! I hope all of you have had a great start to your week! I must apologize for my absence during the majority of last week. Last week was my birthday week, and while it was very wonderful it was also very busy! I look forward to catching up with you all this week!

It's no secret that I have a love for all things cute and inexpensive. That is why my favorite thing this week is the dollar bins at Michael's (the arts and crafts store)! Michael's has the cutest dollar items! During my most recent trip, I spotted precious note pads, coasters, luggage tags, menu planners, and more! They had such a variety of items from elegant to preppy. They even had a line of products with a hipster look.

One of my favorite line of dollar bin products was the "Queen of the Kitchen" products. They were all so cute. I purchased these disposable coasters. I thought they would be fun the next time the girls come over for a night of kitchen fun!

The dollar bins contained a lot of kitchen related products. I fell in love with all the cute recipe cards they had. I purchased five sets of recipe cards. I plan to put them in my gift closet. I thought they would make a precious gift combined with a cute apron and some wooden spoons all tied up together with a pretty ribbon or maybe given in combination with a cookbook or other kitchen accessories! The possibilities are endless! Here's one of my favorite sets. I love the little lemons!

However, my favorite purchase has to be these precious lanterns.

The lanterns are designed to hold a battery operated tea-light. I purchased several pink ones to use at a baby shower I am hosting in the Spring. I couldn't resist buying the other colors. I plan to use them as fun decorations on our back porch this summer and even use them at the luau we are hosting in May.

One of my favorite blog friends, Miss Fancy Pants, also loves the dollar bins. Click here to see all the cute things she found!

Like I said, I love the dollar bins at Michael's. I always find small items that are perfect for adding that special touch to gifts, or I find something cute to make a coworker or friend smile when they are having a hard day! Oh, and I can always find something fun for myself! The next time you stop in to stock up on craft supplies make sure you take time to check what goodies the dollar bins have to offer!

My Favorite Things

2010-01-18T16:17:00.008-05:00

Wow! This week has been so super busy, but it's been a great week! Guess what this week is!! It' s my birthday week! Hooray! I turn the big 31 on Friday or you could say it's my third annual 29th birthday! :)

Okay enough birthday foolishness, on to my favorite things! A few weeks ago while browsing through Target I found a display of wonderful notepads. The notepads are by Jean Chatzky for Franklin Covey. Jean Chatzky is a financial guru-kind of like Suze Orman. I found the line of products to not only be helpful but super cute!

I purchased a Needs and Wants To Buy List. I love that it has separate columns for needs and wants. It also has a place to write your budget and the amount you actually spent. This little note pad has really helped me cut out a lot of my unnecessary spending. It makes me think before I buy.

I also purchased the meal planning pad. It helps you plan your week of meals and compile your shopping list!

The last little treasure I found was the Worth Noting pad. It is great for multi-tasking! Here's what the Franklin Covey web-site had to say about it.

"Juggling multiple projects? Keep track of them all with this innovative notebook. This small twin wire notebook has four stair-stepped sections (one for each project) that can help you keep your tasks together and get more done. Use each section to organize notes, projects, Family members, and more."

All the notepads are reasonably priced. They are available at Target or on-line at Franklin Covey. The line also offers other products to help with financial matters.

The Winner!!

2010-01-18T15:36:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway sponsored by Perricone. I also want to thank Perricone for sponsoring this giveaway for all my wonderful readers!

The winner of Perricone's Cold Plasma is Ann from The House of Fowler! Congratulations Ann! Please e-mail me with your info when you get a chance!

If you are bummed that you didn't win, remember that you can always purchase Perricone products. Check the Perricone blog for specials and discounts!

I Pity the Fool...

2010-01-14T16:13:00.003-05:00

...who doesn't enter my giveaway! Don't forget to enter! You have until Jan. 17th! I apologize for the silly reminder! I just couldn't help myself. I am in such a silly mood today!

P.S.-I have a life-size cardboard cut-out of Mr. T at my house, but that is a story for another day! :)

New Goals for A New Year

2010-01-13T16:31:00.004-05:00

Image found here.

It’s January 13^th, and I am just now getting around to my resolutions post. I’m nothing if not a

procrastinator!

This year I decided to do a little something different with my resolutions. I have always viewed my resolutions as just resolutions-when in reality they are goals, so this year I am treating my resolutions as goals. The big difference being that I am setting mini goals on my way to obtaining my larger goal/resolution. I am still working on my mini goals, but here is what I have so far.

My 2010 Resolutions:

1) Continue to grow in my relationship with the Lord.

This has always been a very important resolution for me. This year to make sure that I really do grow as a Christian I have subscribed to a daily devotional e-mail. I have also committed becoming more involved in our church.

2) Volunteer.

I used to love to volunteer when I was younger. As a high school student, I gladly spent my afternoons visiting with elderly patients in the nursing home. As I grew older, the everyday hustle of life took over, and I find myself rarely giving back to my community. This year I want to become involved in at least one steady volunteer activity. I am currently looking in to being a mentor.

3) Continue to lose weight and become a healthier me.

I have currently lost 20 pounds, but I have more than a few pounds to go. My first mini goal is to lose 5 more pounds by my birthday.

4) Be more organized.

To accomplish this resolution, I have assigned each month of the year an organization project. Busier months have smaller projects while larger projects are set for slower months. This month’s organization project is the garage.

5) Manage my finances better.

My goal is to decrease my spending and decrease my debt. I am currently working on my mini financial goals which include how much debt I want to pay off this year and how much money I want to try to put into savings.

6) To Live Simpler.

God has blessed me with so much, and instead of appreciating the wonderful things that I have I find myself wishing for and wanting more. My goal this year is to learn to live a simpler life. I want to be happy and content with the things that I have and learn to cut back on my need for material possessions.

My Bedroom Make-Over Inspiration

2010-01-08T14:55:00.002-05:00

This is the poster that started my crazy master bedroom make-over. It is from the movie Because of You starring Loretta Young and Jeff Chandler. There are several styles of movie posters for this particular movie, but this is the one I am in love with. However, I can't find this poster anywhere. Have you seen it? Please let me know if you see this movie poster on the internet or in a store. It can be an original or a reprint. If I can't find this particular poster, there are several movie posters from the 1950s that will do the job. However, I am hoping beyond hope that I can find this one.

I hope that you have a very wonderful weekend. I will actually be away from blog land on Monday and Tuesday. I am headed to market in Atlanta with my mom and sisters to help out with buying for their gift shop. If you are going to be in the area, feel free to e-mail me and maybe we can get together! Also, while I am away don't forget to enter my giveaway! Happy Weekend!!

Master Bedroom Make-Over

2010-01-07T19:36:00.006-05:00

Wow! This week has flown by! Sorry for my lack of posts! I have been consumed by a new vision for my bedroom decor. Here's how it all started.

On Monday, Michael and I went on a date to a local Italian restaurant. While having a very yummy meal, I noticed a framed movie poster. I immediately fell in love with the poster. I thought it was sexy without being slutty, and I thought it was perfect for our bedroom. Our bedroom definitely needs help. It's not sexy or slutty or even remotely attractive-it's beige.

I didn't even finish dinner that night. I pulled my notepad out of my purse and began scribbling notes. My plan for my bedroom is to transform it into a room that is both stylish and romantic. My vision includes painting an accent wall (the wall our bed is on), adding a new comforter (beige with gold undertones), accenting the comforter with a couple of colorful pillows (red), and of course the framed movie posters (posters will be hung on the longest wall in my bedroom not the accent wall).

I have searched the internet and local stores this week to find the perfect new pieces at the best prices for my bedroom transformation. So far, I have completed the bedding. Here are a couple of pictures below. Sorry for the junky nightstand. I should have cleaned it off before I took the pictures.

I am painting the wall directly behind the headboard. What color do you think I should paint the accent wall? I am thinking about painting it the same color as the red/burgundy pillow, but I am not sure about painting a wall in our bedroom red. I need your help! What do you think?

Coming Soon: New Year Resolutions and more bedroom make-over

Giveaway: Perricone Code

2010-01-04T20:26:00.009-05:00

This is the most popular time of the year to make new resolutions or set new goals for yourself. Many of our resolutions revolve around improving our physical appearance-whether we want to live healthier, lose a little weight, exercise more or follow a better skin care regimen.

While all of these goals are at the top of my resolution list, I am excited to announce that Perricone has offered to sponsor a giveaway relating to skin care. One lucky reader will win Perricone's Cold Plasma and be on their way to transforming their skin care routine!

While I have never tried Perricone products, I am so excited by what I have read about this product line! I look forward to trying out their products and adding them to my beauty routine. Make sure to check out Perricone Codes for discounts on your favorite Perricone products.

To Enter:
*You must be a resident of the U.S. (Sorry to my friends across the pond)
*Just leave me a comment! You can tell me if you have ever tried a Perricone product or you can tell me about your New Year Resolutions or you can tell me your favorite character on Sesame Street. It doesn't matter what you comment (as long as the comment is nice)!
*You can gain an extra entries by 1) being a follower and 2) by posting this giveaway on your blog or by tweeting about it. Just be sure to let me know which of these things you did.
*The giveaway is open from Monday, January 4th until Sunday, January 17th at 11:59 pm (EST).

Disclaimer: (Because I don't want to get in trouble and be fined): Perricone did not pay me to host this giveaway. They, however, have agreed to supply the product (free of charge) to the winner of the giveaway.

Happy New Year!!

2009-12-31T12:15:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! I am a bit under the weather today, but I couldn't let today pass without wishing my sweet blog friends a very Happy New Year! I hope that 2010 proves to be a wonderful year, full of blessing for each of you! I look forward to reading all about it!

Coming soon on The Pink Chick: My 2010 Resolutions and Goals and a great giveaway!!!

The Nightmare Before Christmas

2009-12-29T10:46:00.005-05:00

My parents live on a small hobby farm (around 50 acres), so whenever we visit we always take the dogs. My two big dogs, Porter and Boone, love playing with my parent’s dog. They also love running around the farm and swimming in the pond. My parent’s house is like paradise to Porter and Boone.

We let them run free as long as we are at the house. This is very out of character for me because I am super protective of my dogs. We check on them every so often to make sure they are okay. They never stray far. They are always near the house or playing in the pond. When we leave the farm or go to bed, we put the dogs in their outside kennel.

Christmas Eve night was a very rainy night, so instead of putting the dogs in their kennel at bed time my Mom and Michael suggested we let them sleep under the carport. Michael and I stayed up late that night, and before going to bed I checked on my sweet puppies. They had been on the front porch all night, so I looked on the front porch. They were not there. Michael looked in the carport, and they were not there either. My parent’s dog was in the carport, but there was no sign of Porter and Boone.

We called and called and called for the dogs, but we never heard a peep. I hopped in the car and began riding the dirt roads, but I saw and heard no sign of them. My Dad also drove up and down the road looking for them. Michael combed the edged of the woods and my Mom stayed at home in case they showed up.

After round one of searching (around 12:30 am Christmas morning), I came home to find that Porter had showed up without a collar and without Boone. At this point, I began to panic. Porter is our dominant dog, and Boone is our follower. Boone doesn’t go anywhere without Porter. I just knew Boone was dead, and of course I began crying. I was so upset, but I did not stop my search.

Michael finally convinced me to go to bed. He promised he would get up early in the morning and search for Boone. I reluctantly went to bed (and prayed and prayed and prayed), and had just barely fallen asleep when I heard a horrible cry coming from the front porch (this was around 3:00 am). I ran to the front door, opened it, and in walked Boone. I was so relieved. Boone and Porter spent the rest of the night in the bed with me and Michael.

I am not sure where they went or what they did, but the next day Boone slept like he was in a coma. Porter didn’t sleep, but he was so sore he could barely get up and down. They have both recovered from their Christmas adventure, but have they have both lost some of their farm privileges!

And just to share a sweet picture with you-Here is a picture of Boone and Porter sleeping as they ride in the car. This was taken 3 years ago when Boone was just a puppy. Boone is much, much larger now, but he is still just as cuddly!

Monday Edition: My Favorite Things

2009-12-28T15:20:00.005-05:00

Michael and I had a wonderful Christmas! We had our own Christmas celebration and then did a whirl wind tour across Georgia to celebrate with both of our families. I promise to share more Christmas stories later and I will even try to post a few pictures of my Christmas gifts. Michael really spoiled me this year!

I have to admit that during Christmas time I am really bad about buying gifts for myself. One gift I purchased for myself this year was the game Just Dance for the Wii. I had seen this game advertised and I just had to have it. I am so, so glad I did make this small purchase for myself because we had so much fun with it during Christmas! Everyone who visited our house played. We danced and laughed and danced some more.

This game is super simple. You hold the Wii remote in one hand and mimic the dance moves of the person on screen. Whoever gets the most dance moves correct wins. Some of my favorite songs (to dance to) featured on this game are "Girl Just Wanna Have Fun", "Can't Touch This", and "Cotton-Eyed Joe".

Just Dance is getting horrible reviews on the internet, but I think it is fun. My guests thought it was fun too! It is a great party game! Oh, and it is a great way to burn calories!

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T12:15:00.002-05:00

Michael and I did not do a Christmas card this year. We procrastinated a little too long (Oopps!), so I don't have a cute Christmas card to post to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Instead, I am posting this picture of me as an elf (www.elfyourself.com). I thought this picture was festive and fun and appropriate for wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas sweet blog friends! I hope that your Christmas is filled with happiness and love!

I'm a Wrapper!

2009-12-22T17:07:00.008-05:00

The fun festivities that surround Christmas have been keeping me away from my computer lately, but I wanted to pop in and show you how my Christmas wrapping turned out. I had a lot of fun with my houndstooth paper, and I think it turned out so cute.

I really enjoyed making pom-poms for the majority of my gifts, but I couldn't resist tying a pretty bow here and there. Below is a picture of a few of my gifts. The wrapping won't last long once Christmas morning hits, but at least they look pretty under my tree for now. I should do at least one more blog post before Christmas, but just in case I don't get a chance I want to wish all my blog friends a very Merry Christmas!!!

Oh Nuts!

2009-12-18T15:40:00.008-05:00

Image Found Here

My sweet friend, Katie O., came over last night for a night of Christmas candy making fun. We made Chocolate Peppermint Bark, English Toffee, and Sugared Pecans. Our recipes were courtesy of The Fly Lady. You can find the recipes we used and more here.

All of the treats were so yummy, but my favorite had to be the sugared pecans. The sugared pecans were delicious and easy to make. I made several batches, packaged them in a clear treat bag tied with a pretty ribbon, and gave them to my coworkers as Christmas gifts. They were definitely a hit! If you want to make your own sugared pecans, as a gift or to enjoy, the recipe is below.

Sugared Pecans

1 POUND PECAN HALVES
1 EGG WHITE
1 TABLESPOON WATER
1 CUP SUGAR
1 TEASPOON SALT
1 TEASPOON CINNAMON

Whip egg white and water until stiff. Add pecans and mix well until moistened. Add sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well. Bake at 250 degrees for one hour; turn every fifteen minutes.

Christmas Decor Sneak Peek

2009-12-17T15:45:00.004-05:00

I still have a few finishing touches to add to my Christmas decor, but I thought I would give a peek at what it looks like. I have to admit that it looks almost the same year to year, but I just love the way it all comes together.

My Favorite Things

2009-12-15T11:36:00.005-05:00

My husband's ten year class reunion was this past weekend. The reunion called for a business casual type outfit. I have plenty of business casual outfits, but nothing seemed appropriate for the reunion. I wanted to look really cute for my sweet hubby.

After searching high and low, spending a little too much money, and not being satisfied with any of my outfits-I finally found the perfect sweater. It's pretty, it's soft, and it's flattering. Oh, and did I mention the best part-It's $15.99 at Target!

This Mossimo Sweater from Target comes in a variety of colors and necklines (round neck, v-neck, and turtleneck). It is perfect for both business or casual wear.

I purchased the sweater in black with a round neck (shown above). I paired it with a pair of gray pants and my favorite black high heels. To add a little pizazz to a cute but ordinary outfit, I added my favorite pearl and diamond earrings and a long pearl necklace. The outfit really came together, and it was perfect for the reunion! Thank goodness for Target and my new favorite sweater!!

Free Olay Quench Body Lotion

2009-12-10T16:01:00.003-05:00

I received this through e-mail today, and I thought it was worth sharing! Oil of Olay is offering a free Quench Body Lotion via a mail in rebate. I definitely trust Oil of Olay products, and I love free things!!! You can download your rebate form here.

You must purchase the lotion (excluding trial size) between Dec. 10 and Jan. 29th. You must mail your rebate form in by Feb. 12 to receive your full rebate. Don't forget that you can also pair this offer with coupons. Coupons are available in the November issue of Self and the December issue of Marie Claire and Weight Watchers. (Thanks to STL Mommy for the coupon info).

If you like Oil of Olay products, visit olay.com and sign up for club olay. They always send you great coupons and rebates opportunities!

We Have A Winner!!!

2009-12-10T10:21:00.002-05:00

A big thanks to all you wonderful bloggers who entered my giveaway sponsored by TDM Designs. TDM Designs was gracious enough to send me this beautiful scarf (free of charge) to review and giveaway to one of my readers.

I put the random integer generator to work, and it randomly picked the winner. The winner of the scarf is Jennifer from Perfectly Imperfect! Congratulations Jennifer! Please e-mail me your mailing info, so I can send you your new scarf!

For those of you who did not win, no worries! If you are forver in love with the scarf, you can buy one here or put it on your Christmas list! Also, I have another exciting giveaway coming up! Stay tuned!!!

Last Day for Giveaway! And A Story!

2009-12-09T18:51:00.006-05:00

Today is the last day to enter to win this oh so cute and versatile scarf! Go here to enter! Hurry!! All you have to do is leave me a comment! You have until 11:59 pm EST! Good luck!!

Now on to my story! A few weeks ago I was having a horrible day. I was moody and sad, and it was all due to hormones. I wanted to get away from the house for a little while, so I went grocery shopping. Not sure my reasoning on that one because I hate grocery shopping, but that is where I ended up.

As I walked into Kroger, I spotted a huge display of toys. I scanned the toys (because I am a huge kid and love toys) and quickly spied a Sea Monkey Kit. I was never allowed to have Sea Monkeys as a child, so I immediately decided I was going to buy them. My friend, Katie O., put it best when she said, "Sometimes you go grocery shopping and all you buy is Sea Monkeys and 4 cartons of chocolate ice cream and that's okay."

I followed the direction on my Sea Monkey Kit very carefully. In just a few days, I had Sea Monkeys! How exciting! I called my mom and proclaimed that I had done something that no one else on the face of the Earth has ever been able to accomplish-I had successfully hatched Sea Monkeys! :) My mom still doesn't believe that I hatched Sea Monkeys, but I am sure to show them off to all everyone who comes to our house.

In the photo below you can see me teaching my Sea Monkeys a few tricks! They respond well to bananas and other treats! Ha! Ha! Only kidding! Sorry I found this picture and could not resist!

Photo found via

In reality, my Sea Monkeys are too little to be able to see in photographs, but here are a few pictures I found on the web of what Sea Monkeys really look like. Just a warning, they are a little scary looking!
Hormonal days can make you do funny things like buy Sea Monkeys. I guess my husband should just be thankful that I didn't happen to visit the pet store (located next to Kroger) that day! We might have ended up with a new puppy or kitten or guinea pig or ferret or maybe all of the above! :)

Monday Edition: My Favorite Things

2009-12-07T15:18:00.006-05:00

Before reading this post: If you have not entered my giveaway, go here and enter to win a really cute scarf! Due to my blogging absence, the giveaway deadline will be extended until Wednesday, Dec. 9th.

Last week Heather, Katie, and I got together for craft night. It's the first official craft night we have ever had, and it was oh so much fun! I highly suggest organizing a craft night with your friends if you don't already do so!

In honor of our craft night, I thought I would share one of our crafts. This craft definitely tops my list of favorite things! It is the perfect addition to any Christmas package! Oh, and did I mention it was easy and cheap!

You can make these cute pom-poms and use them to add whimsy to all of your Christmas packages.

Picture found here.

The easy how-to is found at domestifluff. They show you how to create a pom-pom flower like the picture below. We chose to skip the steps that turn the pom-poms into flowers. Even though the pom-pom flower is super cute, we liked the plain pom poms best.

Image found here.

Here's a peak at a few of the pom-poms I made! I haven't wrapped any gifts with them yet, but I will try to remember to snap a shot of one when I do!

Oh, and I am considering having a skating party for my next birthday. If I do, I am totally making these pom-poms in pink and purple to wear on my skates! :)

Tu Tu and Photography Giveaway!

2009-12-01T14:42:00.002-05:00

Two of the best friends a girl could ask for have teamed up for a fun giveaway! Katie and Heather are joining forces to offer readers a chance to win a tutu from My Katie Bell and a free photo session from H&M Photography. For more details and a chance to win, visit Katie's blog!

Monday Edition: My Favorite Things

2009-11-30T19:12:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday! I hope that all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! My Thanksgiving was so great! Visiting with family really put me in the Holiday Spirit! To match my Holiday Spirit, my favorite things edition has turned Christmas (insert Christmas Carols and Holly here)!

During this time of the year, I absolutely love wrapping presents! I also adore picking out my wrapping paper for the season. This year my wrapping paper has a houndstooth pattern! I just can't get enough houndstooth right now! I love it!

I purchased a red houndstooth wrapping paper roll , a green houndstooth wrapping paper roll, and a black houndstooth wrapping paper roll from Hobby Lobby. I also purchased white, red, green, silver, and gold ribbon to accent my packages. Here's a peek of my Christmas wrapping paper!

I am actually keeping the black houndstooth paper for an everyday wrapping paper. (The package in the picture above wrapped in the black houndstooth paper is actually a birthday gift for a friend. ) Hobby Lobby also has a variety of other black and white papers in their Christmas Wrapping Paper section that can be used as everyday paper. I purchased a roll of black paper with white dots and a roll of white paper with black swirly designs to add to my everyday collection. I purchased these last week when the Christmas wrapping paper was 50% off. However, the Christmas paper is also 50% off this week! If you are near a Hobby Lobby, be sure to stop by and stock up on a few rolls of their beautiful wrapping paper. Happy Wrapping!!!

Hand Turkeys and Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T15:52:00.006-05:00

Reminder: Don't forget to enter my giveaway! Enter here!

I am thankful for so many things this Holiday Season. Among my list of things I am thankful for is my blog friends. I am so thankful for all of you who read my blog and who share the bits and pieces and special times of your life with me! I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that your Thanksgiving is filled with love and memories! Of course no Thanksgiving would be complete without a hand turkey!

Sorry about the hand turkey! I got a little bored in the office today! However, no matter how silly the hand turkey is I can't help but be disappointed that I didn't have crayons or construction paper to add a little flair to my turkey! :) Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S.-I am going to post next week about my Christmas wrapping paper, but I can't let this week end without letting you know that Hobby Lobby has Christmas wrapping paper 50% off!