what’s in my pantry??

Last weekend I finally tackled the scariness of my pantry. I was shocked when I realized how much food we actually had in there... and how much of it was expired. :(

Wasting perfectly good food is not acceptable in my opinion...I mean there are starving children in Africa. 

Shoot...there are starving children in America!

 ...so I came up with a solution. Labels and organizers. Oh, and the diy chalk board grocery list is a helpful tool now too. :)

*Heaven gates open*

Now...the million dollar question is how long will it last this way?? ;-)

Also...just a reminder that my blog sale started and you can find it here. I will be responding to emails until late tonight and then will start back up again on Sunday. I am camping this weekend and not sure if I will have cell phone service to send out invoices. If I do...I will send out invoices. :)

Have a great weekend!

and the award goes to...

Thanks to the beautiful Sarah I've received another blog award. How exciting is that?? I feel very loved and incredibly grateful for being nominated for this award. I've said it before, sometimes it's just the little things that make your day and finding out that she enjoys my blog was a wonderful surprise. Sarah's blog is one of my favorites and you can't help but fall in love with her new puppy Cooper. Go check her out. You won't be disappointed!!

Well, we all know there are rules attached to blog awards. What are they you ask?

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.
2. Include a link to their site.
3. Include the award image in your post.
4. Give 7 random facts about yourself.
5. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award.
6. When nominating, include a link to their site.
7. Let the other bloggers know they've been nominated.

I think I am going to run out of random facts about me at some point, so please bear with me if they are not as fun as some of the previous facts. :)

1. As of last night, I am officially a big sister for the BBBS program in my area. I met with my little last night for the first time and I am very excited, and humbled, to have this opportunity. I can't wait to see what the future holds and couldn't sleep Tuesday night because I was soooooo excited to finally meet her. This process took over 6 months...
2. There are no boys in my family. I have one sister and all of my blood cousins are girls. I am praying that it skips a generation, at least for one child, because I really want a little boy!
3. I was the secretary of my school in the 5th grade. I ran against other students and won. I guess it's safe to say I've always liked being in power. :)
4. My favorite season for clothing is winter. I don't think I could live in a place that didn't allow me to break out my boots, scarfs and big jackets.
5. I am OBSESSED with celebrity fashion. I stalk follow a few blogs that hunt down the designers and then hunt them down on the web. Currently, I have 5 of Melissa Gorga's dresses from RHONJ and 3 pieces from Emily Maynard's wardrobe. *Yes, I know I am weird*
6. I refuse to buy knock-offs. If it's not real I don't want it. I'd rather save my money and get the real thing. I won't ever judge you if you have a knock-off...but it just isn't for me. Haha, and I wonder why I am not good with saving money!?! :)
7. I have had the same best friend for over 21 years. That is pretty impressive since I am only about to turn 27. I joke with her all the time that our friendship is old enough to drink.

Please check out these fantastic bloggers that I am nominating! I've nominated a few of them before and you can check that out here.

Momentary Memories in the Lives of S & K

First Comes Love

Life is Reed-iculous

Pink Lace& Cupcakes

Love, Fun and Football

More From Meg

Tthe Life and Adventures of Ashley

Nat Your Average Girl

Newlywed in Nashville

T is for Townsend

The Dorr Stop

Life Love and Puppy Prints

Just Chalk in the Rain

Haley

Jessica

Also, don't forget that my blog sale is going live tomorrow morning. I will have a ton of new and gently used clothing items. Looking forward to it!!

calling all shoppers

I see so many of you lovely bloggers hosting blog sales to make room in your closet. The problem with that is I tend to buy what a few of you post, so my closet is beginning to look crowded. I was thinking of partaking in some of the selling fun and wanted to know if any of you would be interested in some of my gently used items?

I will be listing the items on my second blog Friday at 8:30 am (pacific daylight time) with lots of photos. Item prices and description will be listed above the photo.

Below are the purchasing instructions:

1. Please send an email to amanda.powell11@yahoo.com with the name(s) of items you wish to purchase.
2. List your shipping address so I can calculate shipping costs.
3. If paypal email is different than the email you are currently using; please include that as well.
4. Once you receive the paypal invoice make payment ASAP.
5. The first buyer to send their payment will receive the item.

Once an item is sold I will mark it.

I hope you all find something and can't wait to see if we have any takers. :)

define normal…

1.

Is it normal to lie about your age?

It is a stupid thing to lie about but most of the women in my family do it. :) My mother is 29 & holding, which is kind of comical since I am 27 next month...and my grandmother gets very perturbed when I call her "grandma" because she does not want people to know her actual age. People are never happy with what they have, so why would your age be any different? As long as it's not a legal document or you're under oath...does it really matter if I tell you I'm 25 instead of 27?

2.

Is it normal to have mistaken someone for the opposite sex?

Isn't the saying "If it quacks like a duck and waddles like a duck, it probably is a duck..." Well what if the duck looked like a cat? You aren't trying to insult the duck, but you just can't tell because it's appearance has thrown you off. And no, I am not trying to insult anyone so please don't message me that you're mad...

3.

Is it normal to go #2 in a public restroom?

Really? Who's question was this?? Lol. Honestly, and admitting this is so not ladylike, yes... I've done it. There wasn't anyone else in the restroom, there was no physical evidence left and it only happened(s) when I knew it would be awhile before I'd be home. There...I admit it. Now if you say it's not normal you are just lying!

4.

Is it normal to sit RIGHT NEXT TO a stranger at the movie theater?

If it is a packed theater, yes. If you are the only other person there, NO. That's just creepy...

5.

Is it normal to lie about your weight?

If you are not the doctor or the nurse assigned to my doctor; you should not be asking me my weight. Therefore, no....I've never had the need to lie about it. For someone that does...just smack the idiot that asked you to begin with! :)

6.

Is it normal to sing and dance in the car?

Uhhh...have we met? Yes. This is how I entertain myself most days when I am driving alone.

7.

Is it normal to take self-pictures in public?

Yes. Sometimes I just like the angle more when I do it over someone else. Plus, there have been a few occasions where a person with a stick shoved you-know-where snapped at me for asking them if they would take our picture. I wasn't asking them to kill their mother...I was asking them to take a darn photo. Sheeeesh.

8.

Is it normal for women to have a gun license?

Please refer to my post from yesterday. I know some really dense boys that carry a gun...it's only fair that I be allowed to protect myself from their stupidity. :)

9.

Is it normal to post pictures online of yourself in a bikini?

This answer has two parts. Part 1- Ewww, No. I am not 14 and there is no need for me to show off my not-so-tone body to the world. Plus I don't want those photos to be used against me when I become president and rule the world. Part 2- If it is a picture with friends, like on my wedding cruise, and we are in the water, ie in our bathing suits, then fine. I am not posing with the intent to plaster it online.

10.

Is it normal to like the smell of gasoline?

My mom claims she used to LOVE the smell, but it has changed since she was a kid. I personally would rather sniff other things...but whatever floats your boat. However, if I pull up to a gas station and have to wait because your nose is sufficiently up the nozzle...well we have a problem.


Btw...I know this is my second tag of the day... These questions were just too good to pass up and if you want to join the cool kids, you can link-up here!

Aaaand then there were four

You know the episode is good when you get a text from your mom, when you didn't even realize she watched the show, saying "I can't believe Emily's choice". After discussing it more I realized she really didn't like one of the guys left standing.

The episode started off with everyone arriving in Prague. Can we say gorgeous?? I had no idea it was so breathtaking there.

When the guys arrived they were told that there would be three 1:1 dates and one group date. Unfortunately Arie received another 1:1 date. Can you tell I don't like the guy? The big "scandal" was a total crock. You can tell Chris Harrison wants some more face time on tv because he felt the need to tape a separate little segment explaining how Arie dated a producer (who was not cute btw) years ago. They made a big deal about taping her response when the producer told her, but didn't actually tape Arie, Emily & the producer talking through it. Dumb!

Next up was the 1:1 date with John aka "Wolf". That boy cleans up nicely. Don't you agree? Well, Emily took him to the John Lennon wall to write lyrics about love and I think I vomited a little in my mouth when he drew a boat to signify their time in Bermuda. Yes, that is sweet. Yes, he seemed genuine about it. Problem is the whole situation just seems very rushed and dramatized to me.

That brings me to the oh-so-fun group date that everyone fights to go on. Chris (who my mom thinks is a creep), Doug and Sean were the chosen few. As they were exploring the city and some old castles, Emily decided to send Doug home. Thank God, Hallelujah! Her reasons you ask (not that she needs any because he was just awkward) were that their relationship wasn't moving fast enough for her... hmmm. She said she didn't want to keep him from his son any longer since she already knew he wasn't the one. He looked crushed and she looked annoyed sad.

So now the group date turned into a 2:1 date. Thankfully Emily gave Sean the rose! Chris then proceeded to pout like a 2 year old because he was afraid he wouldn't be able to tell her how he felt.

The last date was with another favorite of mine; Jef. Everyone thought he was slow off the line and wouldn't make it this far, but now you all see what I've been rooting for! They acted out their relationship with the puppets that they picked up at the antique shop and then laid on the floor to fantasize what their future would hold.... I don't think I need to tell you what happened next...

Emily decided there was no need to have a rose ceremony because she already knew who she wanted to send home. Still acting like a 2 year old, Chris overreacted and interrupted the rose ceremony to tell her he was falling for her. We will never know if that swayed Emily's decision, but when everything was said and done she sent home John.

Sean, Arie, Jef and Chris are the four left standing. The way I see it she has a 50/50 shot of not picking a total DB. Next week: Hometown dates. Yay!!
Favorite Moments of the Night:

1. I think I blushed a little when I watched Sean and Emily's make out session in the ally way. Holy smokes that was hot. I looked right at the hubs and said that was one scene I wanted to reenact!

     2. Jef and Emily's make out session on the floor of that gorgeous library was too cute! I've added another item to my list of Bachelorette "must-do's".

Silly Boys...Guns Are For Girls

So the hubs is without a doubt a "mans man." He works with his hands, hates being cooped up inside when he could be outside "tinkering" or building something, sports = life in his eyes, and he loves to work on his car.

Haha. This is his actual car...so the fact that he has taken these kind of photos of it should prove my point...

Now, with that said, when we first got together I was the one that owned all of the camping gear and I was the one with a gun obsession. Growing up my parents always had land, so camping was like second nature to me. The gun thing came later though. While we were together in 2009 I went through the police academy. I learned that shooting was not only fun, but pulling the trigger needed to feel like second nature if there ever came a time *God forbid* that I would need to actually use it.

Me in all of my glory. :)

Since that day he has happily taken over both. The mail man probably thinks we own stock in Cabelas and our gun "collection" is steadily growing..which takes me to our fun filled weekend.

Saturday we went to the gun range and I got to play sniper. It was soooooo much fun!

 Actual sniper rifle I shot

I was able to shoot about 10 different kinds of guns (including the sniper rifle above) and I have officially decided that a Ruger 1022 will soon make it's way into our gun safe. Unlike the sniper gun, it virtually has no kick and it was so much fun to shoot! Plus, I found one in pink!!

My future pink 1022 :)

Sunday was a little less exciting. Our home looked like a bomb went off in it so I woke up early and went room by room until it was a little more presentable. Just ask the hubs; I am far from a neat freak...but somehow I always think our house it dirty. Not mold growing in glasses and hair clumps in the corner dirty...just cluttered and dusty dirty. Oh well. Maybe one day my home will stay pristine and I won't have to "spring clean" four times a year... I am not holding my breath though.

How was your weekend? Do anything fun??

Friday Letters

Dear Weekend- Thank you for finally coming! Honestly, the whole casually late thing shouldn't apply for you. I have been waiting, not so patiently, for you to come all week and am very excited to finally see you!

Dear Campsite for next weekend- I appreciate the pre-registration form that was sent to my email this morning. I have been dreading check-in next Friday and really hope that others will take advantage of this as well!

Dear idiot driving a black Benz on I5- Yes, I understand that you drive a nice car...but the world does not revolve around you. I have to say I am guilty of smiling a little when I passed you on the side of the road...getting a ticket from a cop.

Dear Officer- Thank you for seeing what a royal jerk the Benz driver was being this morning! Also, please feel free to let all other officers know that always driving by me, and never feeling the need to turn on your lights, is A-OK with me.

Dear Husband- Thank you for being my rock this week. I know it wasn't a fun week for either of us and I appreciate you more than you'll ever know!!

Dear Momma- I love our morning talks. It is nice knowing that when I drive into work in the mornings I have someone to vent talk to.

Dear Followers- I know I've said this before, but I really do love you all. I get so stinking excited when someone comments or when I see someone new is following me. It really makes my day and I just wanted to say you're all AWESOME!

Have a wonderful Friday everyone!!

Progress Check...No More Shopping!

1) Start saving more money.

I really hate the fact that my very first resolution is a total fail since I have taken a few steps backwards on this goal. I have gone shopping more in the last 2 months than I had for the entire first part of the year. We have spent money on the house, medical bills and travel arrangements. Maybe I will make this my number one goal for the next few months. Hmmm. I wonder how long I can refrain from shopping? My guess... 2 days.

2.) Become more organized.

This is a forever battle. My house is getting there but it is a very slow, never ending process. I have 4 animals and a husband that has more "toys" and shoes than a 2 year old.

3.) Get toned.

Getting there. The hubs just told me the other night that I was looking really good! *pats self on back* :)

4.) To go more green and natural.

This was the easiest of them all. Aside from bleach for clothing, everything in our home is organic, "green" or all natural. I am officially doing my part.

5.) Give myself some more "me" time.

Ahahahaha. Next.

6.) Learn to cook nicer dishes as well as easy, in a pinch, dishes.

This would be much easier to do if I was actually home in the evenings... I signed up for a class earlier this month, so now I just need to wait for August to take it. It's a good thing the hubs likes  Mac & Cheese, pizza, and salads. :)



Looks like I have a ton of work to do. Maybe a glass (or 5) of wine will make it easier...

Sunshine & Summertime!

Well tonight marks the official start of summer 2012. Normally I am not a summer girl, but this year something is different. I couldn't say what it is... but I am actually excited for summer!

I noticed this morning that there were a whole lotta summer bucket lists popping up on my feed this morning and I thought it would be fun to participate. It also reminded me that I need to update my progress on my 2012 resolutions. Anyway, here are some of my "must do" things for the next few months...

• Go camping at least three times.
• Host at least five BBQ's with family and friends.
• Set-up a girls night out with some of my favs. It will include bars & heals since both of those rarely make a debut in my life lately.
• Travel down to SD to meet baby DeCarie.
• Declutter the house...especially the closets!
• Take the dogs for a walk at least 4 nights a week.
• Read three books a month.
• Go to the beach/ river at least twice this season.
• Save money.
• Try at least five Pinterest recipes.
• Get a tan!
• Enjoy summer and relax a little.
• Take lots & lots of pictures!

What are your summer "must do" items this year?

The Bachelorette: Dinner Mission = Success!!

Well it's Tuesday so that means it's recap time...and what a recap it will be!

Last night the group was in Croatia. It was absolutely gorgeous and it has now made my list of must visit places. Emily sent her daughter home so she could concentrate on the guys and the process according to her intro. For this reason, I truly hope she finds love this time.

Moving on...Emily decided to take egg man Travis on the first 1:1 date. The hubs said there was something off with him, but I just think he's a sweet southern gentleman. I thought the date went well, but I didn't think they had much chemistry. Without a doubt he will make some woman happy and I am sure he has them lining up after this show.

The next day Emily took the guys out on the group date. They watched the movie Brave and then participated in their own version of the Highland Games. I say this every week, but if I wasn't married I would be all over Sean like white on rice. He is the perfect gentleman, gorgeous and if you watched last night... you saw the muscles. According to People magazine Liam Hemsworth and Chris Evans are two of the hottest men alive. Obviously they didn't know about Sean yet!

Okay, enough of my drooling and back to the recap. A few arrows and a broken tree limb (thanks to Sean) later Emily, handed out the Bravery cup. She gave it to Chris because even though he came in last at the games, he stepped up and was willing to put himself out there. Later that night she gave him the rose as well. While I like Chris...I just don't think he's the guy for her.

The final date was a 1:1 with Ryan. While I am sure he is a nice guy deep (deep, deep, deep, deep, deep) down, he doesn't show it much on the show. He reminds me of an ex. Very smooth, good looking and a total "salesman". The problem is when you really listen to what they are saying they underline everything with condescending, degrading remarks. Even the best editing can't make that crap up! When Emily decided she couldn't give him a rose, it seemed like there was going to be a Bachelorette first because he was trying so hard to change her mind. His eyes didn't look hurt, they looked mad... controlling almost. Finally after he realized she wasn't changing her mind, during that awkward talk, they parted ways.

The rose ceremony was boring. I thought John made some progress, but I really don't understand why Doug is still there. He is nice, but he is not someone I would picture her with. He isn't spontaneous or "fun" enough for her. In the end, she kept all 6 remaining guys and next week they are heading over to Prague...and it looks like Arie will have some splainin' to do. I kept saying there was something insincere about him. We shall see if I was right...

OH! And has anyone else noticed that Emily is making out with guy after guy on this show. She even made out with Arie on her bed when he snuck out to suck up consul to her. Fine. Great. That's normal when you are dating someone...but does anyone else remember her giving Brad holy h*ll for it? Don't get me wrong, I love her and realize that the situation they are in is what's not normal...not her kissing the guy she's with in the moment. I just think it's funny how she came down on Brad for it and now she will have to explain it to whomever she chooses.

Just Another Manic Monday?

Well this weekend was one of the best weekends in awhile...aside from seeing the bestie last weekend of course! Saturday the hubs and I went over to Ashley & Fred's house to float in their pool. We knew it would be a hot day, but I was later told it was the warmest it's been since August 2010! Poor Fred slaved over the BBQ to cook us a beyond fabulous meal and we loved every bite. Thanks again Ash & Fred!!

Sunday I had a *cough* blast doing laundry and cleaning. Ran a few errands and then had dinner with the FIL. I lucked out in the FIL department and really enjoyed hanging out with him and the hubs!

When we got home I preceded to watch Client List and RHONJ. I was furious mad to realize I'd have to wait until 2013 for it to come back on again. It's only been on 2.5 months. How am I supposed to function that long without it? Haha. I am already perturbed that Alcatraz has been cancelled. I just don't get it. What happened to the way it used to be? Sept-May shows ran their courses...and May-Sept I was able to entertain myself with the reruns! * I could probably recite every line in every episode of SATC.* Television just isn't fun anymore. There are WAY too many "reality" shows and not enough good ol' fashion suspense, drama, sitcoms, etc. Don't get me wrong...I do love me some reality tv (Big Brother, Bachelorette, RHONJ/A)...I just wish there was a better mix. I feel like everything on tv now is a rerun/ remake from a 90's show or reality tv. Oh well. When I am President I will make sure to fix that!

Enough with my tv rant! Time for some real news! I was nominated for a Liebster Award by Haley and I couldn't be more excited/honored. The hubs laughs at me because I get all giddy over this stuff, but it really is nice to know that people read my little section of the internet.

Here is the description of the award according to Haley's blog:

The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The meaning; Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

And the hubs wonders why I love blogging. That is too sweet! Thank you Haley for the nomination!!

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1.  Each person must post 11 things about themselves.

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

Let the fun begin!

11 things about me:

1. I lived in 5 houses between 0-18. 3 of them were in the same town and two were before I was even 5.
2. I am one of 9 grandkids, 5 of which are Asian. And just because I get asked this the minute I say that, no I am not Asian...
3. I have been friends with my bestie since we were 6 years old. I joke with her all of the time that our friendship could legally drink.
4. I have an abnormally great memory. I can still remember outfits I wore for things, things people said when I was a kid...etc.
5. I am kind of a "brand whore" when it comes to clothes, shoes, purses, etc. I would say 95% of what is in my closet has a designer label on it. With that said, I LOVE Consignment clothing stores and ebay because I am not made of money.
6. I was in Awanas and was a Job's Daughter growing up. I regret not sticking with it more. When I have a daughter they will most definitely be in both.
7. I graduated high school early and had an AA the month after I turned 19.
8. Little did the hubs know, but our first date was actually my second date of the day. I had a lunch date earlier that afternoon. I'm glad I saved the best for last. :)
9. I hate getting rid of pajamas. They have to be stained or holey for me to toss them. It's strange though because I will get rid of clothes in my closet without hesitation if I don't wear them...but I still have a pair of sweats that I've owned since I was a freshman in high school.
10. I had the same boyfriend all throughout high school, but broke up with him two weeks before graduation. Strange huh?
11. I decided when I was 19 that I would retire in North Carolina. When I mentioned my plans to the hubs he said that he loved that idea and come h*ll of high water, we would retire in North Carolina. SOOOOO Excited! :)

Haley's Questions:

1. How many cell phones have you had in your lifetime? 5.
2. How many states have you visited? Ever been out of the country? 15. I have. We were married in Mexico and I have been to numerous other countries before that and since.
3. Around what age did you switch from taking baths to taking showers? Haha, I'll let you know when I officially switch. I take my showers in the morning and some evenings I like to throw in some Lush products and relax in the tub.
4. Japanese, Mexican or Italian food? While I love all three; there is no competition. Italian
5. French toast or pancakes? Neither. If I had to choose I guess I would say pancakes.
6. Your all-time favorite restaurant? It was a little Italian restaurant that closed down in the town next to where I grew up. They had the best pasta dishes and the dipping sauce for the bread was out of this world!
7. How many times a day do your brush your teeth? on average, 2-3
8. Do you play an instrument? I used to play the piano. In all honestly, I probably still could but would be a little rusty.
9. What were the colors and mascot of your high school? Purple and Gold...and we were the Dons, the mighty, mighty Dons!
10. What's your ideal outside temperature/weather? 85 and sunny or a light snow!
11. Favorite all-time song to jam out to? Oh goodness. I have no idea. Probably something from the 90's.

And finally, my questions are:

1. How long is your longest relationship?
2. What's your favorite childhood memory?
3. Is cheerleading a sport?
4. Realistically, what would you buy first if you won the Lottery?
5. Name a band/show that you love but are ashamed to admit.
6. Are you a city girl or a country girl?
7. What's the worst pick-up line someone's used on you?
8. You're on a first date and the guys takes you to Chuck-E-Cheese. What are you thinking?
9. Physical book or Ebook?
10. Apple or PC?
11. Why did you decide to start your blog? How long have you had it?

My Nominations are:

First Comes Love

Life is Reed-iculous

Love, Fun and Football

Momentary Memories in the Lives of S & K

More From Meg 

Nat Your Average Girl

Newlywed in Nashville

Pink Lace& Cupcakes

T is for Townsend

The Dorr Stop

Tthe Life and Adventures of Ashley

Thanks again Haley for nominating me!!

Guest Post: Schue Love Lasts Forever

Happy Friday everyone! I am beyond excited to welcome my guest blogger for the day. Most of you may know her as the mommy-to-be fashionista over at Schue Love. I love reading her blogs and I hope you will too! Enjoy!
*********************************************************************************

Hey there!  I'm Natasha from Schue Love...a blog that focuses on fashion, food, decor & more!  The "more" specifically being our little bun in the oven on the way!  ;)  I'm so happy to here today...Amanda and I  have a lot in common, like our love for our pets, reading, and of course, the Bachelorette!  ;)

Since my blog is very much focused on lifestyle, I thought I would give you a quick recap on my life...particularly my love story with my husband, and how we ended up here!

My husband and I met nearly 10 years ago...in college!  I was a freshmen, fresh off the boat from Southern CA and excited about the adventure ahead at college.  He was a frat boy {Beta to be specific!} and from Tahoe of all places.  We actually met at a fraternity party {I know...so romantic!} and it's been one wild ride ever since!

Several years later with a stint in Sacramento, he proposed and we moved to his hometown.  I never thought I would end up in Tahoe, but here I am and I love it!

We got married on August 14, 2009 in Tahoe...which was a magical day!

{You can read more about our wedding here}

Bought and renovated our first home!

{You can read more about the remodeling process here}

Welcomed Wilson, our golden retriever, into our lives.

And now we have a little boy on the way!  The last nine months have been such an adventure...and I can't believe all that we have ahead in this next chapter.  It's hard to believe that the once "frat boy" is now my best friend, husband and soon-to-be dad!  I've been documenting my pregnancy as well...read all about it here.

Thanks so much to Amanda for having me today!

xo natasha

Weekend Recap... on a Wednesday

Well this post is going up a little later than I had hoped, but it's going up so I can't complain to much! :) This last weekend I drove down to my hometown, AKA Stepford, for my bestie's baby shower. She is due in August and I couldn't wait for some Katie time. She lives in San Diego so phone/email dates are the extent of our "quality time" lately.

I went down Friday night after a doctor's appointment. I stayed at the Hilton and it was awkward strange. You see, my parents moved to Arizona a few years ago. While I have been back to see Faith Hill and all of the other perfect women since, I realized I hadn't stayed the night since they moved.

The hotel was nice.  That's nothing out of the ordinary though because most Hiltons are...I mean for the price they should be! Well, we went to dinner at our FAVORITE Benni Hana style restaurant for and then turned in for the evening. I passed out while reading and woke up to my alarm barking *literally barking* the next morning. It's a good thing my alarm on my phone is set to go off every morning because I could have totally slept through my shower time!

I got ready and drove over to pick her up. I was in charge of bringing her to the shower because it was at this fancy smancy victorian house that we all admired growing up. I had never been there before, but I totally could have lived there!

The shower was a blast, the food was out of this world and the company was some of the best!

I left that evening and went home. It was a good thing I did because I couldn't get off the sofa on Sunday. I woke up sicker than a dog and even I know you shouldn't be sick around a preggers! Darn doctor's offices...

Well there you have it, my midweek weekend recap. I haven't had a chance to watch the Bachelorette yet either, so I think I may just skip this week's recap. What can I say...I had a worldwind of a weekend and I am still recovering days later. :)

Congrats Bestie!!

Hello Monday & Is That Normal

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Mine was nice, but nowhere near long enough. Isn't that always how it is though?? Anyway, I have a ton of photos I still need to download, so I will have my recap ready for you all tomorrow.


In the meantime I am linking up (yes, another link up) to Chalk in the Rain's Is That Normal post. Last week I was late and this week I am early... does this remind anyone else of The 3 Little Bears storyline? Maybe next week I will be just right?

1.

Is it normal to pretend you didn't already know about someone/something via Facebook when it comes up in a "real life" conversation with that person?

What is the point in pretending you didn't know? If someone posts something on Facebook they obviously want people to know whatever it is they are posting. Unless you are a stupid criminal, most people know that if you put anything on Facebook it usually spreads like wildfire.

2.

Is it normal to "fart and walk away?"

 Haha, the hubs does this ALL the time. He calls it "crop dusting".

3.

Is it normal to spy on your neighbors?

  Our neighbor spys on us all of the time...and it's soooo annoying! Yes, we are just that cool that one of our neighbors feels the need to  stand on their patio furniture to peer into our backyard/ knock on our door when we have people over. Did I mention we have the neighbor from hell??? ANYWAY, no, it's not normal...

4.

Is it normal to read your boyfriend's/husband's texts?

 Yes & No. If he asks me to check who sent him something or shows me something then yes. To spy on him, no. If you can't trust him then why are you with him?!?!

5.

Is it normal to compulsively check social media for notifications?

Nope...but that's why they come to my email. :) 

6.

Is it normal for a 20-something woman to listen to Rap/Hip Hop?

 Yes. When I was in jr. high and high school that is all I listened to. Every once in a while I will throw in an old cd and try to rap like Eminem or Diddy.

7.

Is it normal to take toiletries from a hotel?

It may not be normal to some, but that is how I provide toiletries in my guest bathroom at home. I paid to stay there and they were put out with the intentions of me using them...does it really matter if I use them there or at home? In all honesty I stayed in a hotel this last weekend and I came home with a ton of toiletries. :) I mean, it's not like I took that plush robe they had there for me. I can draw a line somewhere...

8.

Is it normal for your dog to sleep in your bed?

This is the great debate in my house. I say yes, the hubs says no. Hopefully you all say yes so I can show him I am not the only crazy one that loves my dogs enough to sleep next to them. :) 

9.

Is it normal to taste test grapes out of the bag at the grocery store?

No...it's actually kind of nasty. If you don't buy that bag then I get a bag that someone else has eaten out of...and we all know you didn't wash your hands after touching that nasty shopping cart. Yuck.

10.

Is it normal for men to shape their eyebrows?

Sure. The hubs trims his so he doesn't have a random long hair here or there and makes sure he doesn't have a unibrow. He doesn't actually shape them though. If other guys want to shape their eyebrows, who am I to say that's wrong?

Fill In The Blank Friday

 I haven't done one of these in a couple of Friday's and the layout has changed. Instead of a list of sentences to complete, there is just one.

it gives me a place to write down my life's story. It is one central place that keeps my thoughts, fears, and goals together. It allows me to document my journey and remember all of the things that I've done. My life hasn't changed dramatically because of blogging, even though my life is completely different now than when I started this blog. That's what I love about it. I don't get paid to write in here and I don't feel as if I am required have to post certain material. I am able to just write what I want and if people are interested then they can read it.

I love knowing that there are a select few that will read {and usually comment :)} on my little section of the internet. I love knowing that I can crack jokes and people won't take offense to it. Mostly, though, I love knowing that one day Michael and I can look back at this blog and remember our first year of marriage and hopefully the birth of a few children!