My Favorite Things: Gift Giving Edition

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)

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!!