12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 8

Today we're talking about our LEAST FAVORITE thing about the holidays.


Well, fresh off of Thanksgiving, I know exactly what it is --- the stress of being overbooked!


Pretty much all day Thursday, J and I snapped at each other, totally due to having a super-busy day. In addition to having three gatherings, we took food to two of them, and were just on-the-go all day. Plus the sink was FULL of dishes, which obv didn't improve my mood.


I'm really not sure how to overcome this --- it's impossible to turn down one gathering! I guess the only solution is to do as much work ahead of time and just chill ...


Christmas will be much better though. Although I work half a day Christmas Eve, we have one gathering that night and no plans for Christmas Day. His family's celebration is on Sunday (the day after Christmas), and we'll also do something with my immediate family when my brother, sister-in-law and niece are in :)

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Days 5-7

So, I kinda failed at this challenge over the weekend. Whoops. I was sleeping and wading through the piles of laundry.


Today is catch-up day!


Day 5. Favorite Holiday Movie.


Hands down, it is this:

Absolutely hilarious. Although I could quote most of it by now, I still crack up every time I watch this movie. 

Day 6: Gift ideas ... for me!

{1} A pair of polarized sunglasses!

{2} The Wilton Dessert Decorator Pro

{3} This watch, in pink 

{4} A deep fryer and cooling racks

I know I've mentioned a couple other things to J in passing, but that's all I can remember right now. I'm horrible at keeping up with my wish lists!

Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY

I think I'm one of those people with fabulous craft ideas, but I'm not so great at the execution. I do have a couple things planned for this year, however. 

{1} A handmade hairbow holder. 

— Buy the initial letter at Hobby Lobby or some other craft store. 

— Add ribbon

— Attach backer

— Buy cute hairbow and attach!

{2} Handmade photo frames

— Buy unfinished frames at HL, etc.

— Spray with a varnish or desired paint. 

— Insert a memorable photo

— Gift!

I also give a lot of food gifts this time of year. I'm in the midst of making a lot of goodies for a holiday bazaar this weekend, and hope to share them soon!

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 4

Hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving! I know I did!!!


Day four is all about tips and tricks to a budget friendly holiday season. Here are mine:


{1} Plan, plan, plan! Make a budget of what you plan to spend on each person and STICK TO IT!


{2} Shop the sales! I always do :) I figure if I plan to spend $20 on someone and get a $20 item for less, then it's my gain for being a savvy shopper!


{3} Shop through the year. I always buy kids' clothes for my niece and friends' kids at the end of the season when they are rock-bottom prices. Kids are always growing, and I figure if I only pay $6 for three outfits, who cares if they only get worn once!


{4} Be creative. I love walking through Hobby Lobby coming up with ideas! This year, I'm making my niece a hairbow holder — I'll make it for about $3 (and have no craft skills) compared to the $10 pricetag I've seen elsewhere. Plus, I'm a sucker for those 40 percent off coupons at HL.


{5} Don't spend more than you can afford. Sometimes it's too easy to swipe the credit or debit card. If you need to just get cash and use the envelope system, I would highly advise it!


{6} Remember it's the thought that counts most. Last year, a coworker's son, who had just graduated and didn't have a job, gave her a card saying thanks for several things. She said it's the best gift she'd ever received from him.


{7} Don't forget the less fortunate. I always try and find a clearance item to donate to one of the many holiday drives in our community.

So blessed ...

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!


{1} First and foremost, a great fiance who loves me, even when it's tough love :) I'm so grateful I don't have a "yes" man who is on a leash, because I know who I am really with. J is a great provider, protector and handyman.


{2} I'm thankful for a family who loves me unconditionally, although they don't always (OK, almost never) agree with me. 


{3} Although it's going to be a crazy day attending THREE Thanksgiving meals, I'm grateful to have the family time. 


{4} I'm so blessed to have an amazing group of friends. They are totally my support network and help me be a better person. 


{5} Even though I sometimes complain, I'm thankful to have a job I love with some of the greatest bosses anyone can ask for.


{6} I'm thankful for a full fridge, freezer and pantry .


{7} I'm thankful for the overflowing laundry baskets and stuffed closet


{8} I'm thankful for my silly dog, Hank.


{9} I'm thankful for an awesome horse, Doc. And two not-so-awesome horses, Scarlett and Jax. 


{10} I'm grateful for eyes that see, ears that hear, the ability to walk, talk, and so much more. Not everyone has that. 


{11} I'm thankful that I have a car 


{12} Thank goodness for my good health!


{13} I'm thankful for a beautiful home, even if it is messy. It means we are living our life!


{14} I'm thankful for those pounds that I can't seem to lose — I have plenty to eat.


{15} I'm so incredibly grateful to have a Mom who is a lot like me --- not only is she a sounding board, she supports me on my crazy adventures. 


{16} Even though I've lost my last living grandparent this year, I'm thankful for the 25 years I did get to spend with her — and the time and memories I had with my other grandma and other loved ones that I've lost


{17} I'm thankful for the trials in my life — they help to show me just how strong I am!


{18} I'm thankful for the "mean people" out there — they inspire me to be a better person.


{19} I'm thankful for Claritan. Somedays, I don't know how I'd operate without it.


{20} I'm thankful for text messaging and social media. It makes it so.much.easier to keep in touch.


{21} I'm thankful for rain. It poured on Wednesday, but we needed it. 


{22} I'm thankful for good TV that makes me think. It's an amazing backdrop for J and I to spend quality time together every night. 


{23} I'm thankful for my mistakes — I've learned from them.




Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! And if you don't mind, be a doll and vote for this project. You can vote once a day via email, facebook account AND text message. I know this family, and they will be so very THANKFUL if they win — they've been in the running for five months now. Who doesn't want to help the kids? 

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 3

Day Three of the Christmas Blogging Challenge! Today we're talking about the most meaningful/best gifts we've received. 

This is a really hard one for me. I've mentioned before that I hate giving gift cards or other presents that I think aren't personal. And the reason for that is because so many people with whom I exchange gifts are the exact same way. There's nothing fun about $25 to Best Buy, unless you've asked for that toward a major purchase. But I still think you need something special.

I think the best gifts, however, are those that my grandmothers have passed down to me. Yes, I know that may make me a dork, but I don't care. My dad's mom, who passed away this year, was great about wrapping seven like items for each of her grandkids, then having us draw numbers. A few years ago, I got the small nativity in this picture. The Christmas tree music box was something from my other grandma. 

Another neat thing my mom's mom did was give us money for our savings account every Christmas, in addition to a small gift. It may not be cool to get money for savings versus the cool new game when you're a kid, but let me tell you, it's definitely nice to have once you are an adult. 

My godmother got me started on Precious Moments, and I still love all of those. As I got older, she would give me money, but always with a small item, like a cool candleholder.

Of course, J has given me so many great gifts. The best of those is my amethyst birthstone ring. I think he went to every jewelry store in Cape before he found the perfect one! He also buys me a lot of "luxury" things I want but would never buy for myself. This year, I'm asking for a pair of nice sunglasses. 

I can't wait to see what's under the tree this year :)

** This may be a shameless plug - but please vote for this project. I know this little girl's family and they've been trying for this grant for so long and I really want them to win! You can vote via Facebook, email AND text message once daily through the end of the month!

What I'm Loving

As usual, I'm linking up with Jamie for WILW!


{1} I'm LOVING that tomorrow is Thanksgiving! Bring on the food. I'll need to start a major diet come Saturday, I'm afraid.


{2} As much as I love to find bargains, I'm LOVING that Black Friday is only two days away. I've already begun crafting my plan of attack. 


{3} I'm LOVING that after a lot of pricing and shopping, we finally bought a shed last night. It should be delivered in less than two weeks - which means our lawn mower won't be kicking J's truck out of the garage anymore. When your mower is so big you can't fit it and two vehicles in the garage, you know you have a problem :)


{4} I'm LOVING that we had a quiet weekend and the weather was decent to finally ride the horses. Since I got thrown and had a broken arm three years ago I haven't exactly gotten back in the saddle, but I did walk Doc around his pasture a bit. 

my cowboy :)

me

pretty Jaxon ....

{5} I'm LOVING all of you, my sweet blogger friends. It really brings a smile to my face when I get a new follower or comment. You're kinda like my crack ....

{6} I'm LOVING that not only do I get THREE Thanksgiving celebrations with family, we're also getting together with some sweet friends on Friday :)

{7} As always, I'm loving this sweet man ...

This may be a shameless plug - but please vote for this project. I know this little girl's family and they've been trying for this grant for so long and I really want them to win! You can vote via Facebook, email AND text message once daily through the end of the month!

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 2

I'm back for Day 2 of the Christmas Blogging Challenge. Today, the topic is Black Friday/General Shopping Tips and Tricks.


My mom never did Black Friday shopping, but I did it in part for work a few years ago and am hooked. I just love the atmosphere and the deals :)


I live in a small town and always have to go into work around 8 a.m. - or 9 a.m. - at the latest, so my options are pretty much limited to Wal Mart, Penneys, Lowes and our small Sears. Wal Mart is usually the first stop. Last year is the first year we got a big-ticket item --- a 32-inch TV for the new house. It was one of the pricier ones, so the line wasn't bad at all. There are always great deals on small, household items, so lots of times I end up getting little stocking stuffers or gifts for ourselves. I LOVE the cheap DVDs on Black Friday! In fact, I think the worst part for me is the super long line at Wally World.


When it comes to my general shopping, although I do some on Black Friday, I really do a lot of mine throughout the year. I was able to buy about $30 worth of merchandise for my niece for less than $10 just by purchasing things when I notice they are on sale. I like to give "useful" gifts, so I try to nail down what I plan to get as early in the year as possible so I can find sales. In fact, I bought J's tool box set for 55 percent off the regular price - because I got it in October! I haven't seen any deals close to that good on any scans. 


Buying early means there is the potential to forget what you bought. Since we don't have children yet and have spare closet space, I just pile it up into a tote or box. A couple weeks ago, I went through everything and divided it, then made a mental list of who I had already purchased for. 


I think the most important thing when it comes to gifts is to be personal and put some thought into it. I always strive to do this, and after getting both types of gifts, I know what I prefer!!

A recipe: Farmhouse chicken

I made this yummy dish last night and thought I would share. I love chicken and dressing but J doesn't like how it's a bit dryer, but we both really like this meal. It's pretty easy, and can even be prepared ahead of time, minus the baking, and frozen. 


It's adapted from this post on Tammy's recipes. It's supposed to serve four, but we always have more than that. 


What you'll need:
One package stuffing mix
4 T. butter
4 T. flour
2 cups milk
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper


Make it:
— Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions and set aside
— In a medium saucepan, melt butter and add flour. Stir until bubbly then cook for one minute. Slowly add in milk, stirring continually to avoid any lumps.
— Add chicken, salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings. (Such as celery or sauteed onions) Cook and stir 5 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is done.
— Pour mixture in an 8 by 8 dish and top with stuffing. Baked uncovered for 3o to 35 minutes at 350 degrees. 
— Enjoy! I paired this with green beans and some Sister Schubert rolls :)

12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge: Day 1

I'm linking up with Ali and Molly for the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Challenge :) I am super excited about the holidays this year and thought it sounds like lots o' fun :)


Today is all about holiday traditions.


Well, I do a lot of Black Friday shopping. And to keep the gifts secret, I usually end up wrapping them that day, also. 


Of course, you can't have wrapped presents without a tree to put them under, so I go ahead and decorate that weekend also. Last year I still had clothes and kitchen supplies in boxes from moving, but you can bet I got all my holiday decor up :)


Here are some photos from last year. The living room is where the bulk of my decorations are, because I live with a scrooge. Haha, love ya honey :)

This year, I bought a tree at a yard sale for $2, so it will go into the basement and I'll do some decorating down there also. 

My mom always participates in a holiday bazaar at her church the first weekend of December, and for the past few years, I've helped her by making some sweet treats. I also deliver big platters to J's work and some people who are super-helpful to me through the year, so I'll be making a bunch of these ...

In fact, I made some dipped pretzels this weekend. Nothing like getting a headstart while watching TV. 

Our Christmas with families varies. J has a big family and my brother lives 12 hours away and his wife's family is from Texas, so a lot just depends on travel schedules. Somehow, we usually end up spending Christmas with just the two of us. We wake up and have a big breakfast and hot cocoa, then tear into our gifts. 

We also venture into town at some point to hit up Hardees for food (we started this a few years ago when it was the only place open and its just become a tradition) and also go to Walgreens. 

At some point over the holidays, we celebrate with J's family, my family and my mom's side of the family. There, we play lots of fun games, including Dirty Santa, and drink too many margaritas. 

And there are our holiday traditions. Come back tomorrow for my Black Friday experiences and tips. 

One year ago ...

We became homeowners! Hey, 30 years of debt!

Technically it won't be a year until tomorrow, but I usually try to stay off the computer on the weekends. 


We've put a lot of sweat, hard work and money into the house over the past year. That landscaping in the front has been moved around. We've built a fence so our horsies can call our home theirs now as well. So many little things have been done inside and out, as we strive to make this dream come true be absolutely perfect for us. 


I remember just how nervous I was a year ago. We'd had this house under contract since early September and originally had 30 days to close. Since it was a foreclosure, things kept popping up - namely that it is in a flood zone and the walkout basement was below base flood elevation - so we were anxious just to sign our lives away and be able to call it our own. The night before we closed, we went to the house for a final walk-through (one upside of having a foreclosed home and the garage door code) and saw the "sold" sign in the front yard. Then, a peaceful feeling rushed and I finally felt that it really was happening!


We are so blessed to have this home to call our own. It is a beautiful home that we can raise a family in — and not just dogs and horses :) Sometimes, I'm still shocked that I can call it mine. 

Well, mine, J's, and the bank's. For the next 29 years :)

One down, four to go

Thanksgiving meals, that is. 


Today, I went to the Chamber of Commerce Thanksgiving lunch in the town where I work. 


Tuesday we have potluck at work. 


Thursday, two family meals. 


And on Friday, a bunch of friends are getting together to celebrate.


Today, I had the best pumpkin cheesecake ever. It was the first time I've ever had it --- what can I say, I am totally in love with anything pumpkin these days. Seriously. I need to bring my cookies from last weekend into the office, because I can sit and eat and eat and eat and .... well, you get the point ...


Thank goodness I've begun a workout routine again. I have a feeling I'll need to go on a fast the days I'm not celebrating and being thankful :)

What I'm Loving

Happy Wednesday! Once again, I'm linking up with Jamie :)


{1} It may be a given, but I'm LOVING that it's Wednesday. Wednesdays are such happy days --- it's a quiet day at work so I get a lot done and I just love knowing the weekend is almost here :)


{2} I'm really LOVING that Thanksgiving is just a week and a day away. I plan to totally stuff myself :) And once Thanksgiving is over, I get to start decorating for Christmas --- my totally favorite time of the year!!!

{3} I'm LOVING that I'm in a chipper mood today. Maybe it's that I got off Zyrtec again, maybe it's Wednesday, or maybe it's the morning exercise. That's right --- I got my booty out of bed and did the 15-minute total body workout of my Jackie Warner DVD and it feels great. Morning workouts just may be the thing for me :)

{4} I'm LOVING that I made a big pot of chili on Sunday and we still have leftovers! I just love chili and think it's best leftover, so I always use two lbs. ground beef, six cans of beans and a half gallon of tomato juice. Yummy ...

{5} I'm LOVING that I stayed home during the icky rainy weather yesterday. Before lunch, I managed to clean the master, bathroom, kitchen and living room. Yet I was still in my pajamas ... oops :)

{6} I'm really LOVING the Jason Aldean/Kelly Clarkson song "Don't You Wanna Stay." I think I first heard it on the CMAs last week and have been hearing it on the radio a ton since. I just didn't like seeing them sing --- maybe Tim and Faith have ruined me, but I didn't see the love between them, so I couldn't believe it. Yes, I'm a dork. 

{7} I'm LOVING that our town (and J's alma matter) football team is playing the last game before state finals this weekend. Even though I didn't go to school here — mine didn't have football :( — I'm still caught up in the excitement. Go BULLDOGS!

{8} And of course, I'm loving this sweet man :)

HAPPY WEDNESDAY, Y'ALL!!

Weekend wrap-up

It was a busy weekend and the only time I took out my camera was for work! Here's the wrap-up:


{Friday}
After a loooong day at work, we relaxed a bit at home and then headed out to the Downtown area for some shopping. J got a gift for me :) and I ended up buying a few gifts as well. We also took advantage of the free carriage rides before we went to BWWs for some apps and drinks.


{Saturday} 
After work, I went home and napped! It was a rainy day, and I was not happy that the temperatures dipped so much! We then went out to look at some pre-built sheds and rented a couple of movies. I just LOVED Grown Ups. Highly recommend it - and apparently a lot of other ppl like it to, because we got lucky and got the only copy in the store.

{Sunday}

We slept in and had a big breakfast. Jim did some work outside while I cleaned the main living areas of the house and did laundry. I also did a lot of baking. We are about out of fries, so I made a batch of my yummy oven fries. I also made a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies that are to die for. Must.work.out. to take away the harmful effects of all those cookies. We ended the night watching Amazing Race (I'm so sad Gary and Mallory were eliminated!) and then went to bed. 

On another note: my allergies came back big-time this weekend, so I got back on Zyrtec. I usually take Claritan, and while Zyrtec does take away the scratchy throat and congestion, it makes me so sleepy! It's a love-hate relationship ... but I think feeling well but being sleepy is definitely winning. 

What I'm Loving

Hey y'all! I'm linking up with Jamie again this week :) Go check it out!


{1} I'm LOVING this Indian summer weather! We broke down and turned the heat on last Saturday, but it's barely run since that first day because it really warmed up!


{2} I'm LOVING that we're bringing together plans for the shed we plan to build. When both vehicles don't fit in the garage because of the lawn mower, you have a problem :) J has decided he wants to build his own so it's better quality and just like he likes it, so we've begun rounding up ideas. Considering it's going to cost more than double what a premade shed will, it best be nice :)


{3} I'm LOVING that tomorrow is Veteran's Day! It's not only a great time to remember, I'm also off work. I do, however, plan to attend the local ceremony.


{4} I'm LOVING that this little guy turns 2 this weekend! I can't wait for P's party!

This picture is actually a few months old. Hard to believe two years ago he came out looking like this:

{5} I'm LOVING that our Downtown merchants are doing an open house this weekend === big sales! Hopefully I'll cross a few more names off my list :)

{6} I'm LOVING that my boss offered to work the Saturday after Thanksgiving for me. Hello, Black Friday shopping!

{7} Most of all, I'm loving this sweet man :)

miscellany monday

I'm linking up to Carissa for this miscellany monday :)

{1} I am off work today, but I have a super-long to-do list --- cleaning out my spare bedroom "junk" closet to round up all the Christmas presents I've bought and stashed through the year and, more importantly, the gift for a birthday party this weekend. Plus, I woke up feeling like I'm about to get sick, so I really just want to lie around and have the yummy chicken noodle soup I made yesterday and watching soap operas and bad TV.


{2} I also need to search for the perfect pair of boots. Yes, I found them two weeks ago, but once I realized they were broken and went to exchange them, I found out they are out of my size. GRRR!!! I seriously need to have surgery so I no longer wear a size 11 :)
But these are my favorite boots, so far — I'm just not sure about how dark and slouchy they are ...

{3} The "big" gift I'm asking for this Christmas is a good pair of sunglasses. I've never had one, but LOVE polarized lenses and think I'm old enough to take care of a pair now. We narrowed it down to two (a pair of Ralph Lauren and Ray Ban) so I can't wait to see what's under the Christmas tree!


{4} I've been complaining about our messy garage for a very long time ---- neither of us have been parking there for a few months and I think that's just so ghetto! Well, J tackled that yesterday and now my car is in there. Unfortunately he can't park in the garage, however, because it's already a tight fit, but our lawnmower is huge and we can't fit two vehicle and it. We do plan to put up an outdoor shed in the next month or so, though. 


{5} I've been thinking a lot about Christmas cards lately. I really want a personalized one this year and am keeping my fingers crossed that J will approve :)


Happy Monday, y'all :)

Five on Friday

{1} It is COLD! The forecasters actually said there is a chance of flurries this morning. I am not ready for this yet! Being cheap, we still haven't turned on the heat --- this morning, it was 65 in the house. Back in September we just said we would wait until Nov. 12 --- so one more week until heat!


{2} So those cute boots I was eagerly anticipating last week ... well, they came in. Just beautiful.... 

You can imagine my excitement to wear them to work for the first time yesterday --- until I discovered that one of the heels was coming undone --- after less than an hour of wearing them. Not.Happy. I plan to take them back tonight and get a new pair ordered. I will not pay $80 for a pair of shoes that break the first day I wear them. 

{3} I am so ready for the weekend. The house looks like a disaster and really needs to be cleaned. Ugh. We are also going to a princess-themed birthday party tomorrow :)

{4} Lowe's is running online Black Friday deals. I wanted so bad to get the KitchenAid mixer at 90 percent off --- but I just knew that my slow Internet would make it nearly impossible to be one of the first 100 to snatch up the code. Stupid rural connections!

{5} I went back to the gym for the first time in at least six weeks yesterday. And I ran one mile nonstop! It felt great --- although I'm sore today. Hopefully I'll get back up to two miles soon!

Happy weekend :)

Lord, I pray ...

One of my co-workers was passing this around. While J is attempting to quit smoking, I think I'll need to say it several times a day so I can be loving and supportive!

What I'm Loving

I'm linking up to Jamie's blog again this week!


It's a rainy, dreary day here in Southeast Missouri --- the kind that makes you really want to stay in bed. Especially when you were working until almost midnight the night before. But anyhow ... 

{1} I'm LOVING that the election season is finally over. I haven't had a chance to really look at all of the results yet, but I think Missouri sided with me on all but one issue - yay! I'm just glad to not have to watch all the negative ads anymore. 


{2} I'm LOVING that it's my hump day. And actually, since I worked a really long day yesterday, I'm more than halfway through the week. I slept in today and plan to leave early tomorrow and Friday :)


{3} I'm LOVING that today is National Start Eating Healthy Day — and I'm two days ahead! On Monday, I decided that since it was the first of the month and the holidays are coming up, I needed to start watching my calories and working out again. I've been back to my Jackie Warner DVD and hope to start running again soon. The hardest part is cutting out my snacks — the past two nights I've wanted an after-dinner treat but stopped myself. 


{4} I'm LOVING that Christmas is less than two months away. I've already purchased most of Jimmy's presents and really just need to buy for my siblings now. Yay! The holiday decor in the stores really has me itching to get out all of my stuff though ....


{5} I'm LOVING that J has decided to stop smoking. He did really well for almost a year until he started back up in May, and last night he told me he was going to quit again. This is one habit I cannot accept and it really just stresses our entire relationship because I think it's disgusting. So we'll both be in need of prayers - to give him the will power and for me to put up with all those mood swings. 


{6} As always, I'm LOVING this sweet man — mood swings or not :)