miscellaneous bin

1. We received our one day of winter here in Dallas Tuesday night. It left an inch of ice on our back patio and one ticked off pug. After falling on his hiney one too many times he's on strike. I told him just to blame it on the economy.

2. Steve Martin is hosting SNL this week. Nuff said.

3. I'm very excited for this Sunday for two reasons. One: the game is on and it's the one day of the year where Tivo can take the day off and not be forced to fast forward through commericals. Two: the Puppy Bowl!! You can always count on one dog to pass out of pure puppy exhaustion during the game and then you have the Kitty Halftime show which really makes it. It's entertainment at it's finest and promotes pet adoption...so even better. Of course we will be cheering for this little guy.


Y'all know I'm so going to want another after watching this.

4. I'm organzing my office this afternoon. It's not going so well or going for that matter.

5. Boy brought back pug a gift from his recent business trip to Kansas that included a game.


Rock-Chalk-Pug Hawk KU
(that's Kansas University, not Kentucky University...quickest way to insult a Jayhawk fan).

What are you up to this weekend?

for the love of paper towels

So every fall the great state of Texas has their BIG state fair. It's a huge deal around here as most schools get a day off to attend, there is a humongous cowboy named Tex as the mascot (shocking a cowboy) and more fried food than Ms. Deen could wrap her head around. Oh, the fun. For boy he has lots of great family memories at the fair, so each time it rolls around he gets very excited. I'll have Texan's spitting at me for saying this, but honestly I'll make it through the year if I miss the fair. That probably comes from the fact that I've only been saying y'all for 14 years now and needed some explanation about how one goes about deep frying an oreo.

It's an art.

But I respect the fair and love to share that with my husband. This past year the family had picked a day to head to the fair and this girl had a prior commitment. Oh no! I sent boy lovingly on his way though instructing him to eat a turkey leg for me (gag).

And so later that day boy returns full of fair fun revealing his official fair find as a gift to me.


Oh yes that would be a shamwow.

Did I mention that the fair also holds tons of booths filled with sales people and their junk galore?

Oh yes ma'am they do.

And did I mention that boy also cannot say no to sales folks?

Oh yes ma'am his heart of gold will not allow it.

But I must add that boy wasn't regretting this investment seeing as how and I quote him "you will never have to purchase paper towels again".

me: "No, that's dumb I'm not going to live off 2 shamwows. I love my Bounty. They make me feel clean and sane."

boy: "But the guy demonstrated how easily they mop up spills from the carpet. Paper towels can't do that"

me: "Yes, yes they can". Why do these smell like mildew?"

And so dear friends those shamwows sat waiting for the BIG spill and could do their thing. They waited 4 long months when boy spilled a Sprite on the carpet and as I rushed to grab a towel he quickly remembered the shamwows. I was hoping he forgot. And wouldn't you know as we watched waiting for it to suck up the spill, all the moisture in the air and leave that carpet as dry as can be...nada.

And then I heard those 3 magical words.

"You were right".

It was a good day.

episode four

On tonight's episode of the The Bold and the Bachelor...whoa friends this was almost too much with a soap opera in a soap opera.

I'm going to jump past a good part of the first hour since a majority of it was some of the worst acting I've seen since Saved by the Bell: The College Years and Jason making out. It was a bit much. Let's instead do a list with my favorite scenes.

1. The "wrap party" that turned into a pity party.
2. I'm afraid Shannon did not get the memo before going on the Bachelor that said...Rule #1 "Picking your nose will not get you a rose". There is no napkin exception to that rule either.
3. Hey Lauren the crazy cab called they're here to pick you up. Was anyone else shocked at just how mean she got this episode?
4. If you don't want a rose, be sure you wear a ruffled flapper dress. I noticed Megan, Lauren and Shannon were all sporting this style.
5. Shannon's goodbye interview. I was really shocked at how well she left. She showed a lot of class, but then she said something about her electric toothbrush and I thought I know this cannot be good and then she completed that sentence with french kissing her dog and I nearly busted my head falling of my sofa laughing so hard. Could be the funniest Bachelor line ever!

And then the ceremony. No shock that he was eliminating 3. Oh, let me back up and chat Nikki leaving. I'll be honest here and say that for a few minutes I thought that Stephanie would be the one leaving. I do hope that if Jason has any doubt that Stephanie is not the one that he will let her go and not keep her from Sophia any longer than she has too. But back to the ceremony, I was not surprised at all with his choices. I feel like Jason is really left with 5 great girls and I cannot wait to see next week's! Looks like something big goes down!

So do spill your thoughts.

bloggy giveaways-sonic gift card

CONTEST CLOSED!!

Using random.org we have a winner!! Congratulations Janna!

Thanks everyone for playing!!

It's the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival again! This is so much fun!

This prize is a $10 Sonic Gift Card. I have to admit I'm a very frequent visitor of our Sonic for their Route 44 Dr. Peppers! They have the best ice and if you go between 2-4 pm they're half off. You can't beat that!


Here are the rules:
~ Please leave a comment (If you do not have a blog, please include an e-mail address).
~ Only 1 comment per person per day (yep, you can come back each day and enter if you like)
~ Contest will end Friday, January 30th at 8 pm (CST) Winner announced by Saturday, January 31st.
~ Open to U.S. residents only

That's it...good luck!

bloggy giveaways-hobby lobby gift card

CONTEST CLOSED!!

Using random.org we have a winner. Congratulations Torinem!

Thanks everyone for playing!

It's the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival again! This is so much fun!

This prize is a $10 Hobby Lobby Gift Card. I love everything Hobby Lobby. They have great sales and some great home decor pieces. Oh, and where else can you go to fully decorate your house for Christmas in August if you feel like it? So, I hope the winner can put it to use.


Here are the rules:
~ Please leave a comment (If you do not have a blog, please include an e-mail address).
~ Only 1 comment per person per day (yep, you can come back each day and enter if you like)
~ Contest will end Friday, January 30th at 8 pm (CST) Winner announced by Saturday, January 31st.
~ Open to U.S. residents only

That's it...good luck!

procrastination

I was going to tackle cleaning out our closet.

Instead poladroid entertained me.

Procrastination is wonderful isn't it?

how about some randomness

1. "Lost" starts tonight. I am very excited. We always thought that show looks so stupid and then after someone convinced us to rent it we got hooked after the first episode. So go rent it if you haven't seen it yet.

2. There was a large box of tampons in my yard today when I woke up. I'm not going to lie it makes me very uncomfortable to be typing the word tampon on my blog despite the fact that I'm a girl. But, yes there it was with some of the neighbors other trash that had floated to our yard. Just like some big piece of yard art. I was tempted to take a picture for you, but lets face it that could raise some concern with the homeowner's association. People might start to wonder about the girl in her pj's taking pictures of tampon boxes in her yard...oh and my hair was an awful sight as well. Thankfully, I quickly removed it and fixed my hair to eliminate any further embarrassment.

3. It's 72 today and my windows are open. Oh how I love when we get little bits of spring in January.

4. Thank you all so much for your sweet comments on this blog post. I have to admit that I get those waves of anxiety about it. I know there are worst things and I am very blessed to be facing such a minor obstacle. I was talking to a very wise and sweet friend of mine. I have never heard this phrase used like this before but she told me to "take the lazy way out". She said just hand it all over to God. I have done absolutely everything I can and the rest is not up to me so I'm passing it on to Him. Oh friends what a huge relief that simple advice has been. God's plan is so much better than my own. So, I'm being lazy and it feels great. Won't you join me today?

episode three: diamonds, drama and bears oh my

I'm back ready to chat up the Bachelor with y'all. Like the title? I found it rather fitting for this week's episode. Where do we even begin?

Okay, let's start with my favorite. Stephanie, who by the way I mentioned she looked like a celebrity but could not point my finger to who. I've figured it out...Geena Davis. Yes, maybe, or no way? I love Stephanie's personality though and I was sitting there watching her date with Jason and Sophia with tears in my eyes. She's a great mom. If she does not get picked I call her for the next Bachelorette.

Okay group date. Great cause; loved the date. Everyone was just a bit awkward tonight, except Melissa and Jillian. I wasn't surprised that Jillian got the rose and guess what? She made it through one whole episode without saying anything about hot dogs. I really started off thinking Nikki would be really compatible with Jason and now I'd like to see her go. Not a strong fit at all and although there is nothing wrong with some organization going on in your life she may have scared him with hers. I'm going to guess that she is a frequent visitor of the Container Store. Megan and her bust decorating. Did she really draw a fetus on it? Oh I'm not going to even go there. And then Shannon and the hi and the hug. Oh poor thing it was just so off. Did y'all cringe too?

Well Natalie helped with the title today. The girl really could of gone on a date with just the diamonds. I could tell early on that she wasn't going to get the rose. Just never saw a connection. I would have loved to find out how that girl gets her hair so straight before she left.

And then the drama rose ceremony. I'll start with the big fiasco. I really didn't think it was necessary to hold a big meeting and call out Lauren. I mean the drama is no different then years past. I don't see a connection with Jason and Shannon and really felt that he should have let her go this week to spare her anymore worries. I don't know what that poor girl will do when she doesn't get a rose (which from the previews looks like maybe next week).

What do y'all think of Kari going out before Megan? Not surprised to see Ericka go. I think Kari was just too shy.

Okay, so here's my question: what four do you think will make it to the hometown dates? I'm guessing Stephanie, Jillian, Molly and Naomi.

It's always so much fun having these girly chats with everyone.

puppy love

So with some Bachelor chat on it's way tonight and Valentine's Day just around the corner I had to share this story if you have not already read it. It's about two little kids who decide to head off to Africa to elope, and the best part is they brought along a sibling as a witness. Melt my heart this is just the sweetest story. It left me in tears from laughing so hard! I actually found it in this week's People Magazine which I stole from my mom because y'all know a girl's gotta keep with who's engaged this week. And I'm also afraid that if it were not thanks to People I'd think Amy Winehouse was a vineyard and not a singer? Am I the only person who had no idea who she was till '08?

Note: I'm not sure what a lilo is. People it mentioned and then had them pictured with water wings so I'm guessing that might be what they are.

praying

friends please lift up this sweet family in prayer.

a memo to pug

To: Pug
From: Upper Management
Date: 1/15/09
RE: Weather

Dear Pug,

We would like to inform you that we have received your request to no longer be put outside for 15 minute increments to use the "potty" due to the drop in temperature as well as your proposal to instead do your business in the dining room where you claim the climate is more suited to your needs.

I, however, regret to inform you that this request has been declined from the good ole' folks that buy that horrific smelling dog food of yours. Shocking huh? This means that for 45 minutes every day you are going to have to pretend that you are a dog and not royalty. Look, compared to the many other canines in the world you are not doing so bad on the geography thing seeing as how we get two months of winter weather a year where it barely hits below 30. Hey you could've been Canadian? So, our dear sweet bug eyed friend you may want to buck it up for a few more weeks unless you have any more money stashed under your bed in which case we will allow you to purchase us a timeshare in Cabo.

With Love,
Girl

I can't think of a good title

I don't usually talk about my "job" or what "I do" or whatever you want to call it, but here goes. I own a small baby boutique in my parent's town and a small baby clothing line. I know, I know you're screaming, but you have no babies (and none coming anytime soon I might add)! I seriously love everything babies. I must add that I inherited this trait from my mom who has been known to disappear from our table at a restaurant and come back 20 minutes later because she was holding some kiddo while the mom peed. She's the baby whisperer.

I won't go into great detail about the two, but the reason I am bringing this up to you is because you might have heard about the CPSIA law coming up in February. I won't go into great details. I'll refer you off to some folks that have some great info. out there on it below. But basically it's a law that will require serious testing on products made for children 12 and under. These products can run from toys, to outfits, to even personalized monogrammed burp rags. It doesn't matter if you sell in a big shopping mall, online, etsy or even just at a craft fair...everyone is affected by it. I have to first clarify that I have nothing against making sure we do our absolute best to ensure safety for our itty bitty ones. We need to keep at it, but we need to do it in a way that can keep the small businesses afloat. I'm not on etsy, but they have some adorably sweet baby items that I want to continue buying for gifts. I absolutely love the handmade look and feel. And I can't forget to add we are not in that economic state either, but we are all well aware of that.

Here are some great links I recommend if you want to learn more. There is some much out there and I've seriously sat reading all the legal stuff feeling like I should have gotten a Law degree, but these are very to the point.

Rocks in my Dryer's link

Cool Mom Picks

Handmade Toy Alliance

My prayer is that this can be done in a way that is beneficial all around. I may have to stop the clothing line and that's okay if it's what I need to do. It's filled with lots of hard work, but lots of great memories as well. I will be okay if that day comes...I am proud to say that I took out no loans and built up very slowly so I have no debt there so no worries there please. For the store I am hoping not to lose some of my favorite little companies that redfine the word precious! Oh the sweetness in their work makes my heart skip a beat!

Thank you friends for listening to my heart tonight!

episode two

First off on the list did anyone catch Jason on Ellen Friday? If you didn't I found a youtube clip of it so go here. The underwear thing was a little weird, but I thought it was hilarious that she made him say the names of each girl trying to figure out who he picked! Then I happened to tivo today's episode of Ellen and watched it right before The Bachelor began tonight and Ellen brought up the fact of how Jason stumbles on his words when she asks if he picked DeAna. Who knows? I will be heartbroken if he does.

Jason, let's just hand Stephanie the ring now! I really hope they have a connection because she is just as sweet as can be. I just love her. Did y'all just not tear up when they showed a preview for next week's episode of her daughter running towards her? I'm going to have to remember the tissues.

Okay I'll get back on track with the recap. I wasn't loving how they did the dates, did y'all? They usually do more group dates than the individual this early on and it felt kind of unfair.

1st Date: Jillian- my mom thinks she looks like Amy Grant which cracks me up because she so does. Now I'll have "Lucky One" playing in my head every time I see her. I have to give it to the girl though, despite the fact that she brought up the hot dog thing again I really am liking her personality. She seems sweet and what a fun date they had.

2nd Date: Melissa- This must be The Bachelor Celebrity Look-a-Like edition because her eyes looked just like Mandy Moore's. Got to be honest she's not my least favorite, but not my favorite. Just seems like she may not be ready for this.

Group date: Natalie wears me out. Can't really see the two together. Molly that's so lame her showing him her "talent". Please! I was shocked to see her get the rose after that.

Now Raquel needs a post of her own. The waiting in the car freaked me out on it's own, but then in an interview she made a comment and I'm not even going to attempt to quote it because I would be so off, but it was the one about it being difficult for the man to remarry if she died. Crazy weird! For Jason's safety I was glad to see her leave.

Speaking of people going. I think we really could have seen more go. Not surprised to see Sharon go, but really the duo of Erica and Megan need to remove themselves and their drama from the house. Gotta love when the claws come out!

Am I missing anything? So spill.

i am second

Happy Sunday friends! And I have to give my dad a shout out because it's his birthday today! We love you!

If you have not already checked out this new ministry called i am second please do. It's incredible to get hear the testimonies of so many people, athletes, musicians and actors putting Christ first. This site is going to do some amazing things. Boy and I have been going through and watching them all... This one of our favorites...it's of Josh Hamilton who plays for the Texas Rangers.

the things you hear

You know you've got an exciting life going on when you're going to attempt a post on overhearing someone else's conversation.

Yes friends it's been a bundle of the same ole' same ole' this week...well except for my stop to Hobby Lobby when I overheard a lady tell the cashier that she was buying "these tiny glass pebbles for some lab rats that they were getting ready to inject OCD into".

Poor rats. Not sure how one injects OCD into a rat, but still this lady had a much for exciting life then me.

See it pays to eavesdrop.

I'm not promoting this.

episode one

It's Bachelor time again! Oh yes ma'am. I've missed our chats talking about it from last season. I need a name for our little after Bachelor shin digs because it's such a blast. Okay, so somehow this show always gets me hooked. Each time I'm like "I'm not going to watch it" and then go figure you know where to find me Monday nights. Especially after DeAnna ripped out Jason's heart and stomped on it at the end of last season's...I walked around the house for a week telling boy how I was so OVER the Bachelor.

And then they announced it would be Jason and I've been counting down the days. So here we are ...let's chat it up!

First...I cannot type this fast enough...we must talk about the previews for the season. Oh my stars I cannot believe DeAnna comes back!!! And the best part she tells him what a mistake she made. For crying out loud...I'm speechless. I sure hope he helps her find the door on her way out, but didn't it look like she may stick around for a bit? Oh that's some nerve of her to say that. Can't wait to see how that all goes down.

Okay and second, was this just me or when they showed him proposing was she a brunette? I notice these things.

Now on to the ladies. There just seems to be so much more drama this time doesn't there? I don't think you could pay me to live in that house for a night. I'm going to start with my "oh my" list.

1. Jillian- the hot dog theory thing really freaked me out. I really started praying that she would just stop mid sentence. Bless Jason's sweet heart though he's so good a pretending that weird stuff is normal. I was kind of surprised she got a rose after that.

2. Megan- I'm not liking that Chris too much for that mean trick he pulled. I feel for those ladies. Not feeling like Megan's really mature enough for this. I was shocked when Jason said he would have given her a rose anyway. Really? Hope this gives him some insight though.

3. Renee- Two words...vision board. She was just as cute as can be though.

4. Sharon- She's the one that left her job to do the show. I don't really get that. That's a bit desperate to me, but what do I know.

5. I had my list and then got off the phone with my mom and she thinks Jackie needs to be added. I agree. Okay so we all plan/planned our dream wedding in our heads...but the rule is that you never share the details to a camera crew...especially if you just got dumped (regardless if you're a wedding planner or not). She also cried which drives me crazy when it's the first night.

Now my top picks...

1. Stephanie- Bless her heart...I started tearing up when she talked about her late husband. I really liked her though and she had a kid too. She seems very mature, sweet and down to earth. She seems there for the right reasons.

2. Nikki- also really thought a lot of her. Glad to see that she got the first impression rose.

3. Shelby- how is she 23? Gorgeous, but she looked older. I was also kind of surprised at how young some of the girls were. The young ones make me nervous.

So there is episode one...cannot wait to hear your thoughts!

my new year's resolution

Happy New Year's friends!

There's lots of talk today about New Year's resolutions. I thought I'd share mine...well actually I'm going to call this more of a Every New Year's resolution.

To never EVER buy a pair of these...



Oh friends you know I love everything Target, but I will not lie a few weeks ago when I saw these sight blinding pants in the women's section I just about jumped in my shopping cart to hide.

Really?!?! Is it just me not getting this fad because I have yet to walk past someone on the street and stop them to tell them how fabulous they look in their pantie line showing- PJ Sparkles pants.

So there you have my New Year's resolution...now if we could just get these illegalized in all 50 states we'll be good. Oh and these too...


photos: target