Christmas Related Ramblings

I never got around to doing a picture this year for our Christmas card, so I won't be able to post one. Here is a reminder from last year. Aren't they cute???

One thing I love about Christmas is all the holiday-ish movies. Here are some of my favorites:

Elf
Santa Clause (1-3)
Bad Santa
Prancer
Christmas With The Kranks
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
A Christmas Story
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Home Alone
Scrooged
Gremlins
The Polar Express
Miracle on 34th Street
Surviving Christmas
Love Actually

That's about all I've got for today. At this time, I have no presents wrapped and nothing packed for our upcoming trip. I'm trying really hard to get in the spirit, but its just not happening as easy as it did last year (and the years before that). Have a very Merry Christmas!

Past Few Weeks = Big Blur

A post full of things to catch you up on stuff I have wanted to blog about, but haven't had the time to until now.

This past weekend my sister in law and I hosted a Silpada party and sold $3,000 $4,150 worth of jewelry, which means we each got $450 $625 worth of free jewelry. If you aren't familiar with their stuff, check it out. They have some really nice things and you can usually find a ton of their things on ebay, too! My Mom and Meemaw came to the party. Later that night, Meemaw snapped this picture of Dash. Notice he has not 1 leg on the floor. That's because he crawled in my lap and sat there. He thinks he is small like Scout. We just let him think that.

Last time I was in Victoria, I spotted this card carousel at this junk yard and decided that I needed it. I called my Mom to see if she would go get it. I was expecting it to be between $40 and $50. Nope! She got it for $10! TEN DOLLARS. I called her as she was loading it up and she was so excited she couldn't even talk. HA! I have a ton of blank note cards and I figured this would be a perfect way to store them. I originally got the idea from Pottery Barn. The only problem is #1. They don't make them anymore and #2. They were close to $200.

Here is Pottery Barn's version:

And my version:

I have to post this picture because I about died yesterday when I tried to pull into the garage.

Yes, those are tumbleweeds. A shitload of them. It was so windy they all blew to the driveway and blocked me from pulling in. I just waited for Jevon to get home and he did an awesome job at getting rid of them and even pulled my car in for me when he was done :) Only in West Texas.

Speaking of West Texas...I do a LOT of driving for work with the furthest place being about 3.5 hours away. I get bored and try to break up the drive whenever I can. I ran across this picture tonight when I was uploading some other pictures. I took it somewhere between here and Sweetwater. There are a ton of these wind turbines out here and they are massive! I just think its a neat picture. You don't realize how big they are until you get really close to one.

A somewhat boring post, I know. I've just got a lot going on and not a whole lot of time to be creative with my little blog.

I'm Stuffed!

Thanksgiving went well. The family came to visit. I gained back the 7 pounds I recently lost and a good time was had by all!

Last year we went to the "Robert's Family Christmas" and decided to go and check it out again this year. They did not disappoint. The amount of time this guy puts into this show is amazing. Check out his YouTube video (turn up your volume):

Shopped 'Til I Dropped

Saturday I went to Holiday Happenings again. This time with my sister in law. I picked up a couple of things I missed on Friday.

Dog toys for Scout and Dash's cousin Sunndae for Christmas:

A couple of wall vinyl frames similar to this one:

I headed over to Lane Bryant and picked up this to sleep in. I figured it was nice and festive and perfect for our Christmas vacation in Ruidoso:
Since there is not a Sephora anywhere in site of me, I had to settle for Ulta. I love Ulta, but am partial to Sephora. Anyway, I picked up these things while there:

Bionic Mascara

Buttercream Cupcake Body Wash
(no longer on website)

We'll Always Have Paris OPI Polish

Sunday we prepared for Thanksgiving by heading to HEB and Sam's along with everyone else in town. Come on Turkey Day!!!

Sick Day

Yesterday Jevon turned 30. Yesterday also marked the end of his birthday cards. Happy 30th Birthday, Honey!!!

I was "sick" today and went to Holiday Happenings with a friend. Made it by TJ Maxx and J. Hoffman's where I picked up these new charms for my Pandora bracelet. Aren't they cute?

Not too much more to report today...

5 Times

That is how many times today that I got asked when I was having kids. Hmmm. I stuck with my usual, "I do good enough with dogs. They are my kids for now." Cute kids at that!Maybe its because everyone had babies on the brain. After all, I was at a baby shower. Mama-to-be got the cutest bedding from Baby Bedding Town. How cute is this???

She didn't get all the matching crap, but the bedding is adorable in person. She made out like a bandit and got a ton of stuff. With 3 buns in the oven, Lord knows she will need it.

Overall, a great and quick trip. I am still amazed at the gas prices down south. $1.72! Unbelievable. Our prices are still hovering around $2.20.

Spread The Kindness

I have a few of things to write about today.

1. This week is World Kindness Week and my office is celebrating tomorrow by serving lunch and door prizes to the people we help with our motto being "Pass It On." I've decided to do my part and make cookies (because I cannot cook for the life of me).

I quadrupled this recipe so that my Honey wouldn't be sad. This is by far the best cookie recipe I have come across.

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie
3/4 c Butter flavored Crisco
1 3/4 c All-purpose flour
1 1/4 c Firmly packed brown sugar
1 ts Salt
2 tb Milk
3/4 ts Baking soda
1 tb Vanilla
1 c Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Egg
1 c Pecan pieces

Instructions:
Heat oven to 375. Cream butter flavor crisco, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in large bowl. Blend until creamy. Blend in egg. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture, gradually. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop rounded Tablespoonfuls (about 2 measuring tablespoons) of dough 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies (they will look light and moist) or 11 to 13 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheet 2 minutes. Remove to cool rack. 3 dozen 3-inch cookies. Note: if nuts are omitted, use 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.

My hints:
I use 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips anyway. I also use Danncy vanilla that I bought in Mexico, a silicon baking mat, and a cookie scoop (perfect size for a cookie and they come out perfectly round).

2. The girls over at The Nest posted this site. It's a live feed of shiba-inu puppies! And they are a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e. Try to catch them while they are up and playing around. I think I could watch it all day.

3. I went to the Dr. today and had my medication changed, so maybe this will work out better for me and everything else.

4. Jevon is now on day 23 of birthday cards. 23 days ago he began getting daily reminders that he will soon be 30. I think its hilarious. Do you know how hard it is to find 30 different "Happy 30th Birthday" cards? Hard. I wound up finding 24 and had to order 6 from Greeting Card Universe.

5. While I was catching up on my Google Reader, I came across my laundry room on another blog. Looks like The Working Woman likes my laundry room. Neat!

Dash says "HI!". Scout would, too. But he is at the groomer. Besides, he turns his head when I get the camera out anyway.

And on that note, go give someone a hug!

45 Days...

until Christmas. Can you believe it? We are hosting Thanksgiving this year and my plan is to have the house decorated for Christmas before everyone gets here. I currently have everything strung out all over the place, but no motivation to put things were they need to go. I found our tree skirt from last year and wondered why we had gotten it. While cute, it doesn't match anything. So, I found this and this and am debating which one to get:
Other great stocking stuffer websites that I previously forgot to mention:

Restoration Hardware

Deal Extreme (for the gadget lover)

Another purchase I made without thinking--this sweater from Ann Taylor Loft. It was originally $79 (not including tax or shipping), but I used coupon code 10601376 and got 20% off and free shipping and wound up paying $68.10. It looks nice and cozy. I figured it could be dressed up or down.

Ok, can I get another GO TECH?! They beat OSU 56-20.

And with that, I'm out.

Better Day

I went to pick my car up after taking it to the shop. It wound up costing $300 to tell me they couldn't fix it and that if I want it fixed, they would have to replace the whole navigation/radio unit, which would cost $2,400. Umm. No thanks. Looks like a TomTom is my near future.

After having my HSG yesterday and repeat blood work, I feel like I deserve some shoes. I took a detour and picked up these:

Jevon is finally done with thrashing for the season, so I'm off to spend some much needed time with him.

Election Tuesday

I got hit on today while I was getting my oil changed. He said (in my best Forrest Gump/Larry the Cable Guy voice) that I look like "one of them acktrusses" and that I probably "get that uh-lot." Then proceeded to hang half way through my window to look at my navigation screen. All while I am rolling my window up and putting my seatbelt on. Hello nasty man? Take a hint and get out of my car. K? Thanks. Need a visual?

Yes. I am certain he was this guy's twin. Barf.

I then headed to the grocery store and was so excited to see that they were now carrying eggnog. I love this time of year! Cool weather, good hair days, cute clothes, and eggnog!

Speaking of Christmas, we picked up my Grandma's Christmas present. She has what she calls a "Texas Corner" in her front yard. Don't ask. Anyway, this is what we got her. I think its right up her alley:

I came home and watched my only option. Election coverage. And it looks like Obama will be our next president. I'm a lil' scared and that's all I will say about that.

On to the good stuff!

My Sephora order came in yesterday. I am always on the hunt for a great mascara and found one that I must share. I don't like using brand new mascara because the brush isn't quite broken in like I like, but this mascara worked great from the get go. It lengthened and thickened my lashes, which is what I always look for in a mascara.

Shu Uemura Ultimate Expression Mascara

I also got Smashbox O-GLOSS Intuitive Lip Gloss With Goji Berry-C Complex™

Its just enough color to add a little pink to your pucker. Here is my conversation with Jevon after it came in:

Me: Honey, I got the neatest lip gloss. It goes on clear and then brings out the natural color of your lips.

Honey: If its clear, wouldn't it look like the natural color of your lips anyway?

LOL. Men!

Anyway, the lipgloss stayed in place and glossy for quite a while. I'm a fan!

This is random but how much is gas in your area? When we were in Lubbock I spotted a gas station where it was $1.92. Crazy.

And so you have it--my exciting day :)

My New BFF

Can I first start off by saying GO TECH! That was intense and I was at home watching AND I don't even LIKE football! Unbelievable!

Jevon gave me an early Christmas present. An Amazon Kindle. Please meet my new BFF:

This thing is freakin' AWESOME. Here are some of the reasons I love it:

- It can hold about 200 books and even more if you choose to use an SD card.

- You can use the NowNow feature to ask any question and have it answered by a live person within 5 minutes via Whispernet (the Kindle's equivalent to wireless internet). (I have tried it and it works!)

- It is not back lit, so it's easy on the eyes. It uses what's called "electronic paper" to give it the look of real paper.

- There are 6 different font sizes to choose from.

- If you delete a book by accident, you can re-download it from Amazon's website without being charged again because they keep all your downloads stored (another nifty feature if you happen to lose your Kindle).

- It's light in weight and fits perfect in my purse.

- It comes with a nifty cover to protect it.

- You can download audiobooks and subscribe to blogs, magazines, and newspapers, too! Not just books!

- It has a built in dictionary so if while reading you come across an unfamiliar word, you can scroll to it and look it up.

- You can "highlight", make notes, and bookmark pages to reference later.

- When you put your Kindle in "sleep" mode (which saves battery life, by the way) and open it back up, you are right where you left off. No fumbling through menus to get to where you were. Also, while in sleep mode the keys are locked so you don't have to worry about buttons getting pressed.

- The price of the books cannot be beat. From what I have seen, they range from $.60 to $9.99. Not too shabby for a new release.

- Because it's all electronic, it is saving paper!

- MP3s can be downloaded on to the Kindle for background music while you read and it has a place for headphones so you don't disturb your neighbor.

- You can have book samples sent to your Kindle for no charge to see if you want to purchase the book or not.

- Books/Blogs/Magazines/Newspapers can all be bought directly off your Kindle or through Amazon's One Click purchasing. It just uses the credit card you have on file with Amazon. So convenient!

- I hear it stays charged for 3-7 days. I haven't had it long enough to know yet, but that's not too bad!

- The Customer Service is awesome! They were friendly, helpful, and there was no wait time.

- Not only is this little gadget easy to navigate, there is a User's Guide on your Kindle when you get it that explains nearly everything you need to know. I read it word for word and I'm glad I did. This has so many neat tools, I didn't want to miss out on something.

Are you sold yet? This thing really is amazing.

Here is what I have on mine so far:

90 Minutes in Heaven

The Five Love Languages

Multiple Blessings

My Horizontal Life

The New Glucose Revolution Guide to Living Well With PCOS

Twilight

Happy Halloween!

Day #2 of my training (again, 6 hours!). I started my day with a croissant and the.best.hot.chocolate I have ever had. I love me some holiday drinks from Starbuck's. You must try a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (think chocolate covered pretzel):I got out and headed to a Christmas Home Interiors shop. Didn't find anything, so I went next door to Bed Bath & Beyond. I got most of my Mom's Christmas taken care of (don't look at that link, Mom!), some brushes for Jevon, and a food server to keep near the chocolate fountain at my jewelry party. They had a neat ice cream scoop, too. I figure I will put it in Jevon's stocking. And I saved close to $55 dollars thanks to the 20% off coupons we get twice a day in the mail.

On to Target. I got $26 worth of cards (birthday, Thanksgiving, etc.) a pair of trouser jeans (on sale for $16), a black shirt with a bubble hem on the sleeves ($17) and something for Jevon for Christmas ($69) ALL for only $39. Can you believe it? Neither can I.

My last stop was Lane Bryant, which happened to be next door to Target. I got some trouser jeans, a black top, and a pair of gray dress pants. Can't find the top online, sorry. And I saved $50 here, too because I had a coupon.

All in all, some successful shopping which didn't cost a whole lot.

Letter To My Love

Dear Honey,

I know we say I love you a whole bunch throughout the day. When we get off the phone, when we are walking past each other, sitting next to one another... But I don't think I express to you as much as I should just how very lucky I am to have you as my husband. As cliche as it sounds, you make me whole. You are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and I thank God I'm in this world with you by my side. You love me unconditionally, you support me no matter what and you would do anything in your power to ensure I am happy (even if its something you don't want to do). I am so grateful for you and everything you do for me and our marriage. My life is a much happier place with you in it. Just wanted you to know.

I love you always.

Thursday

I sat through a 6 hour training today and decided to get my nails filled and head to TJMaxx right when it was over. I don't think I have ever been in a TJMaxx! I was missing out! The prices were a.m.a.z.i.n.g. I picked up a couple of each of these for stocking stuffers:

And then thought these pillows were too cute to pass up. I think they go great on the futon in the guest bedroom.
And this jacket was regularly $130 (or something like that) and I got it for $50. The picture doesn't quite do it justice. It is really cute and fitted on.
On my way home, I decided to skip dinner and head straight to Sheridan's. Oh how I miss living in Lubbock! It's heaven in a little plastic cup (or in my case-big plastic cup).

Another 6 hour training tomorrow. Boo.

Beautified

I had lunch with my sister in law today. My choices are extremely limited, so Subway it was. We had a nice lunch and are on our way to becoming a little closer (I think).

I got to thinking that it would be a good idea to do a beauty rave list of my current top 20 12 favorite products. Here goes (in no particular order):

#1. Pink Sugar

Stylish and lively, with a distinctive personality, Pink Sugar takes you on a journey through the pleasures and flavors of childhood with a playful blend of vanilla and caramel.

#2. Frederic Fekkai Shampoo & Conditioner (technically 2 things, but they go together, right?)
Shampoo: An ultra-moisturizing shampoo for damaged or color-treated hair. This shampoo is formulated to restore health to the hair by replenishing moisture, while strengthening and protecting each strand. Natural cleansers gently purify the hair and natural conditioners add moisture. Apricot, avocado, calendula, and peach provide extra moisture and softness for the ultimate hydration. Damaged hair will be softer, smoother, and shinier.

Conditioner: An ultra-moisturizing conditioner for damaged or color-treated hair. This specially formulated conditioner is a great follow-up to Technician Shampoo for Dry, Damaged, Color-Treated Hair. It restores softness, silkiness, and shine to damaged hair with Pro Vitamin B5 and silk protein, which smoothes and strengthens the hair while apricot, avocado, and calendula soften it for long-lasting conditioning and shine.

#3. Bare Minerals Foundation

A mineral-based foundation that gives flawless coverage. Made of only pure, crushed minerals from the earth, bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation looks like a powder, feels like a cream, and buffs on like silk, giving skin a natural luminosity while feeling as if you are not wearing any makeup at all. The coverage is complete and is free of preservatives, talc, oil, waxes, fragrances, and other chemicals that can irritate skin and cause breakouts.

#4. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil (in color "Stash")

A dynamic eye pencil, in a rainbow of shades. Glide on color that stays put for the duration of your non-stop, on-the-go day! These cushiony, creamy eye pencils deliver powerful, vibrant color that slides on smooth and stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries to a long-lasting finish that won't budge. Line eyes with a hint of color or go for the full artistic, multi-hued effect. Truly inspired, these pencils go all day and all night. Created with 50 percent moisturizing ingredients suspended in a sophisticated waterproof formula, this brilliant collection of eye essentials offers long-lasting color and a dreamy, creamy feel when applied.

#5. Shu Uemura Fiber Xtension Mascara (in color "Black")

A lash lengthening and extending mascara. Instantly extends eye lashes. Fiber Xtension Lengthening Mascara offers a unique fiber technology combines silky-smooth building fibers and long extending fibers to instantly extend and lengthen lashes. Patented triple stroke brush fits perfectly to lash line, delivering formula to each individual lash. Smudgeproof, water-resistant, long-wearing. Available in four shades. #6. Nars Blush (in color "Super Orgasm")
A sheer-pressed powder blush with golden speckles. NARS amps up their legendary NARS Orgasm to bring you Super Orgasm - the universally flattering shimmering peachy pink blush with an extra dose of golden sparkle. The super sexy pink flush gives the effect of an ultimate super,uh hum, afterglow. The blush contains a universally flattering peachy-pink undertone and can be worn alone or layered together for more depth.
#7. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (in color "Color Adjust")

Smashbox makeup artists use this product to create a perfect canvas for foundation application. The silky blend of vitamins and antioxidants smoothes and perfects skin, while the unique formula helps to inhibit the destruction of collagen, and fills in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish. Use after moisturizer and before foundation for complexion perfection. This skin-soothing blend of antioxidants, which can be worn alone or under foundation, works overtime to fill in fine lines and even out skin texture.

#8. Benefit It Stick
It's the stick that hides it all. This pencil disguises lines, blemishes, and flaws of any kind giving you a smoother and younger looking appearance. Cease the crease and reclaim your youth. Use it stick to help erase the lines and creases from your nose to your mouth that make you look older and more tired. A few strokes of this ecru colored line diffusing pencil, in just the right places, will help make you look young and cheery in seconds.
#9. Anastasia Brow Gel (in color "Clear)
Put (and keep) unruly brows in their place, without flakiness with this botanical conditioning brow gel.
#10. St. Ives Apricot Scrub
Gently exfoliates dull surface cells to instantly reveal smooth, radiant, healthy skin.
#11. Olay Pore Refining Mousse Cleanser
With Olay Pore Refining Mousse, you can experience deep cleansing without the harshness. The velvety foam deeply cleans and gently exfoliates to minimize pore appearance to leave your skin comfortably refined and visibly clear.
#12. L'Oreal Studio Line Tightly Wound, Curl Boosting Spray Gel
Compose your self and keep your curls under control with Studio Tightly Wound Curl Spray Gel. Tightly Wound combines a holding technology and moisturizing humectant to boost the shape of your curls while adding long-lasting shine. What's more-Tightly Wound also helps to keep frizz under control on even the most humid days.