Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Baby Steps


I have been blessed this year with experiencing many different things. Such as running, sewing, and blogging. There are always the initial reasons to not doing something. Rather it is lack of time, knowledge, or skill. But everyone starts somewhere. You won't win your first 5K, hit a home run your first at bat, or sew a quilt the first time you pick up the proper instruments. Keep at it. Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game. ♥




Monday, November 26, 2012

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy Birthday Dad!

I seriously have the best dad in this world! He has fulfilled so many different rolls for me, from my mom to my best friend! He was always the dad coaching my sister and I in sports, encouraging us to pursue all our dreams, and paying too much for corn in hopes we'd bag a big buck. I couldn't ask for a better Dad and I hope his 47th birthday is the best one!!

LOVE YOU DAD!!!





Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Holiday Gift Ideas

I always struggle buying gifts for my family members and close friends. It's kind of that thing where you feel obligated to buy them something, but only wanna spend thirty bucks or so. I'm sure many of you out there struggle with the same issue. Below are some of my favorite gifts that I find awesome, and perfect for some of my acquaintances!













I hope this helped any of y'all struggling to find that perfect gift for someone! I'd love to hear anyone else's perfect gift go-to!!





Tuesday, November 20, 2012

GFC Blog Hop




It's Tuesday again which means it's time for the GFC Blog Hop!
When I want to follow a blog the first thing I look for is GFC (Google Friend Connect), it's so easy and  nice to be able to go and see all of the blogs you follow in one spot. It's really a great tool to have. 
One side note- Did you know you can follow through GFC using your Twitter Account? TRUE, it's definitely an option!
Ok, so let's get to the party, shall we?
RULES are simple:
1. Follow your host via GFC
The First link below
2. Follow your co-hosts via GFC
The Next 8 links below
3. Link up below using your main blog url not a specific post.
4. Make sure to visit some of the blogs in the link up and follow them via GFC 
and if you want to leave them a comment, I'm sure they'd appreciate that as well.
5. Tweet about this blog hop
6. Share about this blog hop by grabbing a button and putting it on your sidebar!
Post Sponsor Ad:

Monday, November 19, 2012

Color Splash

Neutral colors are my favorite because since they match everything; therefore, you have endless possibilities. However, one thing I don't like is a boring, colorless outfit. I have a tendency to buy clothes in neutrals, and accessories in bold, loud colors. 

Here's what I mean...


My favorite part, besides the pink scarf, are the angles of the tunic and cardigan. Instead of straight trims, one is diagonal and the other zig-zaged! I think it adds visual interest because it's unusual. 









What is your favorite way to add splash to an otherwise dull outfit?



Friday, November 16, 2012

High Five For Friday

Friday, it's good to be reunited once more. You really should come around more often. Since you are finally here, time to celebrate all the awesome things you brought my way!

[one]
Little Darla (who hasn't visited this blog in awhile) got a haircut! How cute is that face? Pretty stinkin' adorable. The best part- she smells heavenly!

[two]
Boyfriend and I had our eighteen month anniversary Tuesday and he took me to Olive Garden! Yay for a night on the town and a cute outfit.

[three]
My new boots finally came after 10 days of agony! I can not longer find them online, but they came from urbanog.com !


[four]
Boyfriend took me to Krispy Kreme... their pumpkin spice donut is to die for! Nothing like some donut holes and my favorite k-cup, also♥

[five]
We finally got some rain this week and experience the brightest rainbow! It was stunning. The picture doesn't come close to doing a justice!


Link up your High Five for Friday post here








Thursday, November 15, 2012

Mint + Gold Sparkle


I am loving fall clothing lately. Usually, I get irritated with layers and jeans; however, this season, fall clothes are my friend.  The texture of the shirt and the gold sparkles in the scarf are my favorite attributes. 






Scarf: Marshall's (old)
Cardigan: Marshall's (fall 2012)
Grey Blouse: Marshall's (Winter 2012)
Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

I guess you can conclude I love Marshall's and shop their frequently. I have found everything their from Polo Ralph Lauren to Abercrombie and Fitch. I usually can find items over 50% off of the original price tag, which makes me and my wallet very happy!


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

I'm Thankful

Every year, especially around Thanksgiving, I become more aware of all the many blessings that I have. It seems like at this time of the year, my blessings flaunt themselves instead of being hidden in the shadows. I really do take the things I have for granted. 

For example, I never really have realized how good my boy friend is to me. After listening to all my friends gripe about the things their men have done to push their buttons, I am left thanking God for the amazing guy in my life. I have yet to discover why and how he puts up with me, because honestly, I can be a real pistol. But I am starting to notice that love is about sacrifices. There are going to be days when you have to agree to disagree... you may have to watch a NASCAR race, and he may have to hold your purse in Victoria's Secret. But to me, that's okay. It's the mutual understanding and acceptance that my boyfriend of eighteen months and I have that has kept us going strong. I am thankful for sooo many qualities about him. I won't list them all out, but trust me, he's awesome. 

Another thing I am thankful for is my freedom. I think a lot of individuals are uninformed on how other's lives are throughout the world. We have it pretty dang good if you ask me. Sure, our president may make some pathetic, ignorant, ridiculous dumb mistakes.. but hey: you can vote, you can show your arms/legs in public, and marry, talk to, associate with whomever you please. Why would anyone want to be anything else but American? There are people, literally, jumping over fences to get just a glimpse of what a lot of us has had our whole lives. All I'm saying is "Merica... home of the free, land of the brave!"

And I'm thankful for Pinterest... obviously.


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Christmas List

 I am a firm believer that it is never too early to make your Christmas list. It is always better to be more prepared, than less prepared... if that makes sense.

Here are some underlined, starred, highlighted, capitalized items on this years Christmas list!







annnddddd a sewing machine that sews and monograms :)
...southern girls dream!

What's on your Christmas list this season?






Monday, November 12, 2012

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips


There is nothing I despise more than coming home from school, slaving over five hours of homework, and having to cook for two hours. I have been searching relentlessly for quick but delicious recipes that I can have made and eaten in under an hour. These yummy chicken strips hit the nail on the head. If you have pre-thawed chicken breasts, the prep time should be no more than 10 minutes (about the time it takes to heat the oven up!) I have made these twice: once with homemade Alfredo noodles, and this time with garlic mashed potatoes, which take the same time to prepare as the chicken!




Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips

1.5 cups season croutons, crushed
1.5 oz. (1/3 c) fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp. dried parsley, optional
1/4 tsp garlic salt
2 egg whites
1 T. water
1lb boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1'' pieces
1/4 c. prepared Ranch dressing, can be lite


Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Crush croutons into resealable bag. Grate Parmesan cheese. In large bowl, combine crushed croutons, cheese, parsley, and garlic salt. Whisk egg and water in a separate bowl. Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture, then into crumb mixtures to coat evenly. Arrange on 13" round baking dish. Bake 14-16 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center.


What You Need:

crouton mixture^

egg and water mixture^

1st, dip chicken in egg mixture...

then evenly coat chicken in crumb mixture




YUM!