Ten on Tuesday

This weeks questions are sponsored and provided by Chelsea at Roots and Rings.

1. What is your favorite Pixar movie? Have you seen all of them?
I have seen all of the Pixar movies and I love them. . . I'd have to say my favorite is Monsters Inc. or Finding Nemo.  I can't even tell you how many times I've watched Monsters Inc. (Because it's a lot!)  Kitty!

2. Do you enjoy soccer?
Um. . the last time I played was probably in elementary school and I enjoyed it then.  So yes I enjoy playing soccer.  I don't watch much soccer, but usually the players are hot so I don't mind watching soccer. (Sorry honey. . . no one is as hot as you. . . no, seriously!)

3. Are you musical?
Not at all.  I played the flute in the junior high band but I was not that good at it.

4. How many push-ups can you do?
Ugh! I hate push ups.  Seeing as I'm currently doing the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, I can probably do 15 or 20.  Don't tell Jillian, but I always stop doing push ups before she tells me too.

5. Did you have braces when you were younger?
Yes.  I hated them, but thank you mom and dad for giving me a beautiful smile!!

6. Summer or winter? Coffee or tea? Wedges or flats?
Both.  Both.  Flats!

7. Do you buy new or used cars?
Both.  Thanks to my parents (again), I've only had to purchase one new car out of all my cars.  I think we may purchase our next car new. . but that's a few years away, so we'll see.

8. Are you afraid of needles?
I don't mind having my blood drawn or having a shot, but I can't watch. . . that part causes me anxiety.

9. Do you get cranky when you’re tired or hungry?
Um. . . I don't think so.  Babe, what do you say?

10. Write your newest favorite recipe.
 Hmmm. . . These twice baked potatoes were SERIOUSLY delicious!

Ten on Tuesday

I'm back at Ten on Tuesday once again.  These questions were provided by and sponsored by Chelsea at Roots and Rings.   

1. Who is your favorite talk show host?
Um. . . I guess Jimmy Fallon.  I'm not up that late most nights but when I do catch him, I think he's pretty funny.  

2. How do you style your hair on a daily basis?
Blow dry and run a straightener through it.

3. If you were stuck in your bedroom for a week, what would you need in order to not go crazy?
My tv/dvr, a book or two, and some sort of fabulous chocolaty dessert. How about my hubby and baby?  Can I have them in there too?

4. What are the best non-reality shows on television?
Most non-reality shows I watch are drama or sit-com.  I watch Grey's Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory and Person of Interest.

5. Do you mow your own lawn and clean your own house?
We do not mow our lawn but I do clean my own house.  I'm indifferent about the lawn (meaning I wouldn't mind mowing every once in awhile. . . assuming my hubby would mow the majority of the time) but I would love a house cleaner.  As you know, I hate the scrubbing kind of cleaning.  It just takes so much time and effort!

6. As an adult, what is the best part of summer?
I have always been working during the summer. This is the first summer I will be home with a baby (that's not a newborn) so I'm looking forward to some pool time, some play dates with my teacher friends, some vacation and some family gatherings!

7. If you could ask one celebrity one question, who and what would you ask?
Um. . . I would ask Jen Arnold, from The Little Couple, if she would be my friend.  She just seems so nice!

8. Post a picture.

 











9. How many books do you read a year?
I try to read at least 12.  I think I'm falling way behind that quota this year.

10. Which national chain makes the best delivery pizza?
Absolutely, without a doubt - Pappa John's!

Ten on Tuesday - Holidays

This weeks questions were provided by Sarah at Simply Sarah and hosted by Chelsea. (I can't find Sarah's site or I'd list it)

1. What are 3 things that are on your Christmas wishlist?
Um. . . Be Delicious by DKNY, most anything James Avery, and a spa package

2. What’s your favorite Christmas song?
Baby It's Cold Outside or I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

3. Do you have a favorite band or singer that sings it especially awesome?
Probably whomever sang them originally.  I'm not so much for the versions sung by today's flavor of pop star. 

4. Have you heard about the website goodreads?
No I have not. . . maybe I'll google it.

5. What are 3 books you want to read?
I've heard good things about The Hunger Games but I'm not sure I want to read it. . . I'm debating.  Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by the Pioneer Woman.  I actually have this in print (versus my Kindle) but haven't picked it up yet.  I'm not sure about the third one, any recommendations?

6. Do you hunt deer?
No, but various members of my family do.  Speaking of, does anyone have a good recipe for cooking deer back strap?  I've never had it before and I'm scared. I don't know what to do with it. Help

7. Have you started Christmas shopping? Are you completely finished?
I have started but I'm not finished.  We have a narrowed list to buy for this year.  Both of our families decided to draw names so the list of people got shorter. 

8. Did you shop on Black Friday? What was the best deal you got?
I'm a big fan of Black Friday.  I'm not opposed to getting up in the middle of the night if I really need the deal that whatever store is having.  However, the last few years I have not felt the need to do that.  I've actually found great deals online starting Thursday through Monday.  This year I saved about $500 on two rugs from Kohl's.  Tip - ALWAYS and I mean always Google "(insert stores name) coupon code".  I have saved many a dollar by finding discount codes online.  I hardly every checkout without one!

9. What’s one holiday tradition your family has?
Well Curtis and I are trying to establish our own holiday traditions but one of my favorite growing up was we'd all decorate the tree together. Everyone had to be there and we'd listen to Christmas music and drink hot chocolate and decorate.  It was so fun.

10. How many blogs do you read? Do you subscribe/unsubscribe often or do you purge every once in a while?
I  probably read about 20 or so blogs.  I don't subscribe, just bookmark.  I read them for awhile and every once in awhile I go through and delete the ones I no longer want to read.  If anyone recommends a blog I pretty much follow it for awhile just to see what it's about.

Complimentary Pic of the Post

Micah says "Hey-oooo"

Ten on Tuesday

Provided and hosted by Chelsea

1. Do you wear glasses, contacts, or are you one of those perfect eyed people?
I wear contacts.  I've worn glasses and/or contacts since the 5th grade.

2. What is the next item you are going to purchase?
Well we just bought several things off the black Friday/cyber Monday deals so probably nothing outside of Christmas presents.

3. Have you ever watched Judge Judy or any other real court show?
Yes as in I've seen a show or two, I've never been an avid viewer.  I don't really care for crime related shows, reality or otherwise.

4. How do you feel about fake nails?
I think they can be really pretty or super tacky.  I used to get my nails done but then I realized how much it costs and decided it's not worth it unless for a very special event - like my sisters wedding.

5. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Gymnastics.  I was in competitive gymnastics for much of my elementary/junior high years.  It's fun to watch how talented the girls are. They're amazing.

6. If you could create your own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, what would it be and what would it be named?
It would be called Princess Pony and it would be pink and taste like a strawberry starburst.   The Princess Pony because of this, and the strawberry starburst because that's just about the best flavor of candy ever!

(Btw - my princess ponies are kicking butt and taking names)

7. Do you have any scars?
Yes several.  Scrapped knees, cuts on my hand, a chest tube, stretch marks - do stretch marks count?  I think so. . . battle wounds!

8. Does your pet’s name fit them? Is there a more appropriate name?
I don't have a pet (sad face. . ahem. . . husband) but I once had a fish named Rocky.  I think it fit him, he was very calm. . . you know. . . for a fish.

9. What is your favorite television show theme song?
Um. . . my least favorite is CSI: Miami. . . my favorite would probably be How I Met Your Mother - I know all the words. ;)

10. What was your favorite activity on the playground?
Probably the monkey bars/jungle gym - see #5


Complimentary Pic of the Post 
 Baby Comb-over!

Ten on Tuesday

This weeks questions are provided by Lauren from Texas and hosted by Chelsea.

1. What are your pantry staples?
Beef broth and chicken broth. . . Oh and Corn of course! 

2. What are your refrigerator staples?
Milk and Tea. 

3. You already look like Heidi Klum (or your favorite supermodel). Now, what are the top three non-physical things you would change about yourself?
My tendency to procrastinate, self-doubt, and my lack of being able to effectively handle conflict/confrontation. 

4. What’s holding you back from your dream job? (If you already have your dream job, how did you get there?)
I'm not sure how to answer this.  I'm not sure I know what my "dream job" is.  At this point, it's always been my dream to be a mom and now I'm Micah's mom and it's truly the best thing I've ever done. I'm not just being cheesy. 

5. You have $500 to spend but it has to be on one item only. Go.
I'd splurge on an accessory.  A purse, shoes, an outfit. . . anything I can wear! (you know, to change diapers in) 

6. What is something that you are embarrassed to admit you buy on a regular basis?
Funions, chocolate milk, candy bars, etc.  ;) 

7. What’s in/on your bed every night?
Me and my husband and an extra blanket.  I'm always cold. 

8. What is a non-necessity item that, no matter how expensive it gets or how tight your budget if, you will always find room for it?
Well I'm not sure makeup is a non-necessity but I'll always buy my expensive brand of foundation and powder.  I've tried all the over the counter brands and I don't like them. 

9. What is the weirdest sandwich you’ve ever made?
Um. . . I tried peanut butter and bananas once - not so good.  

10. Would you rather: Be banned from Pinterest forever, but gain a million captive Twitter followers; or, never get on Facebook again but gain five thousand blog readers?
Be banned from Facebook but have five thousand blog readers.  But if that happened my blog would have to be more interesting.  At least I have pics of Micah.  ;)



Complimentary Pic of the Post

Ten on Tuesday

Hey Ya'll.  What happened to October?!  I can't believe how quickly it went by.  I hope to be updating you very soon of all my happenings.  For now, I wanted to share this weeks Ten on Tuesday with you, provided by Chelsea of course.

1. What is your favorite month?
November.  I love the fall and my hubby and I were married in November.  In Texas, November is the perfect month.  It finally gets cooler but usually not too cold yet.

2. What is the best candy to get while trick or treating?
Anything chocolate.  Three Musketeers!

3. What kind of pen do you use?
I dunno but I love it.  It's a specific pen and I know what it looks like. 

4. You go to a new Italian restaurant, what is your go-to order?
Anything!  I love Italian food.  Baked ziti or chicken alfredo or even spaghetti.

5. If you could choose to have any celebrity’s hair, who’s would you choose?

I always think Carrie Underwood has pretty hair.  Sometimes a little big - but pretty!

6. What’s your favorite board game?
I'm not sure. . . Chutes and Ladders?!  I know my least favorite board game is Monopoly.  It takes way too long and I always loose so. . . it's not fun!

7. Do you know how to play poker?
Yes I do.

8. What do you think about Old Navy commercials?
Absolutely. . . hate them!  Who IS the head of their marketing?! I'd like a word.

9. What hurts worse - a stubbed toe or a paper cut?
Stubbed toe.  Remember when you were little and you'd ride your bike without shoes and then as you're pedaling you'd scrap your big toe on the cement?!  No?!  Just me? Yeah that hurts.

10. What’s your favorite kind of pie?
Chocolate, Apple, Banana Cream. . . I love THIS pie!  Just not cherry pie - eww!


P.S. Complimentary Pic of the Post

 Micah says, "BOO"

Ten on Tuesday - 100

Today marks the 100th week that Chelsea has been hosting Ten on Tuesday.  You go girl!  This weeks questions are provided by Chelsea and she's conducting a drawing to celebrate her 100th ToT post.  WooHoo!

1. How do you take your coffee?
A little coffee, a lot of cream and sugar

2. Do you prefer soft or crispy chocolate chip cookies?
Crispy or soft right out of the oven

3. Do you wear a belt everyday?
Um. . . I used to, then I had a baby and now my belts don't fit the same. . so no.

4. What is your favorite color combination?
Probably green and blue

5. Do you like sour candy?
Yes, but I prefer sweet

6. How often do you do laundry?
Um. . . every 3-4 days I guess


7. Did you ever wear braces?
Yes.  My orthodontist was a butt hole 

8. Are you good at Roman Numerals?
eh. . . so so 

9. What is your favorite form of social media?
Hmm, videos that go viral or well thought out contests.  Companies that engage in social media need to have conversations with their customers, not just one sided 'pushes' of generic content - boring!

10. How do you feel about chin dimples?
Cute on babies, creepy on old dudes

Side Note -

I've been having a lot of request for more Micah pics so here is your complimentary 'pic of the post' - Enjoy!

Ten on Tuesday - ABC's

Today's questions were provided by Christine at Being Brinkman and were sponsored by Chelsea. 

This is a good All About You questionnaire.

A. Age: 25 . . . ok ok 29

B. Bed Size: Queen

C. Chore that you hate: Cleaning toilets

D. Dogs: None - I used to have a miniature schnauzer named Annie - she was awesome but she lives with a new family now

E. Essential start to your day: Brushing my teeth before I do ANYTHING else
 
F. Favorite Color: Blue

G. Gold or Silver: Silver

H. Height: 5'5"

I. Instruments you play: I used to play the flute

J. Job Title: SAHM and wife and I've mostly worked as a project manager / account executive in marketing

K. Kids: 1 son named Micah

L. Live: Houston

M. Mother’s Name: Susan

N. Nicknames: Lou, Stef

O. Overnight hospital stays: Collapsed lung, having a baby

P. Pet peeve: When people use the word "funner" AND when my hubby asks me questions he KNOWS I already know the answer to and makes me answer him so he can verify I know the answer - He just does it to annoy me

Q. Quote from a movie: "You're killing me smalls" from The Sandlot

R. Right or left handed: Right Handed

S. Siblings:  Sister Sarah and her husband Lane, Sister Becky, Sister-in-law Callie and her husband Ryan

T. Time you wake up: Whatever time Micah says.  Usually between 5 - 7 then I try to go back to sleep sometimes

U. Underwear: Yes

V. Vegetable you hate: Lima Beans are nasty!

W. What makes you run late: Everything - almost always late

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Collapsed lung, broken hand, shoulder injury, do ultrasounds count?

Y. Yummy food that you make: Taco Soup

Z. Zoo Animal: Giraffe

Ten on Tuesday - Would You Rather

I've decided to participate in Ten on Tuesday this week.  This weeks questions were provided by Rachel and sponsored by Chelsea.  Enjoy!

Side Note - Today is my hubby's birthday so "Happy Birthday Babe.  I love you so much!  Mwuah!!! "


WOULD YOU RATHER:
1. eat chocolate covered grasshoppers or this freaky squid thing?
First of all - EWWW!  I would much rather eat chocolate covered grasshoppers than something that is moving.  That is disgusting!  At least I like chocolate and that might mask the taste.
 
2. never see another movie or never watch TV again?
I'd have to say never watch another movie.  We're not big movie buffs but we watch way too much TV.  Besides don't most movies usually end up on TV at some point?

3. be a superhero with a lame power or a supervillain with an awesome power?
Hmm - I'd have to be a superhero with a lame power.  Being evil is no bueno.

4. eat only salty snacks for the rest of your life, or only sweet snacks?
Sweet snacks FOR SURE.  Why do they even make salty snacks?!  I mean - come on!!

5. never read another book or never hear another song?
I'd have to say never read another book.  I like to read but I really love music.  I'm not musically talented but I love listening to others who are.  Music Rocks!!! (hahaha)

6. be a whale carcass remover or a sewer inspector?
Based on the pictures, I'd say whale carcass remover.  The picture showed the guys using some sort of crane which seems less dirty than inspecting sewers.

7. have no electricity or no running water?
Well being that I live in Texas, I'd say no running water because no electricity means no air conditioner.  At least if I'm hauling water into my house I can cool off in the AC after doing so.  :)

8. be a dog or a cat?
Definitely a cat.  They are way more independent and chill than dogs.  Imagine - you can just lay around all day, sleep, play if you want too, eat, be snuggled if you want too, and come and go as you please.  Sounds nice, don't you think?

9. always be hot or always be cold?
I hate these extremes.  I'm miserable when I'm hot and miserable when I'm cold.  I'd say always be cold b/c I AM ALWAYS cold and it's a good excuse to snuggle the hubby and the baby boy. :)

10. be forced to watch all 3 High School Musicals on an endless loop, or the Twilight movies?
Well . . . I've never seen Twilight.  So. . . I guess I'll say High School Musicals.  From my perspective it would be more fun to sing and dance all day rather than be worried about falling in love with a vampire and being bitten.  (or whatever that movie is about)

Ten on Tuesday

Welcome to Tuesday!  I hope everyone enjoyed the extra day off!  I know I did!  This weeks questions were provided by Akirah at Quarter Life Lady and of course sponsored by Chelsea.

1. From your childhood, what do you miss most about summer vacation?
Swimming parties at grandma's house.  My grandma used to have a pool and my birthday is in August.  So, every year we always had a big swim party for my birthday.  Also, my good friend in high school had a pool and there was always swimming going on there in the summer. 

2. Are you going anywhere on vacation this summer?
We do not have any plans past June 26th (baby's due date).  We have spent a summer vacation and then some preparing for baby boy so we have no plans to go anywhere.  Plus I can't imaging taking him out of town so young and I really can't imagine leaving him at this point.  We are, however, already planning our vacation for next year!  Can't wait!

3. What foods do you like to barbecue?
I love BBQ.  Especially beef brisket.  Ribs are awesome but can be messy and hard to eat.  My friend also does the best chicken on the grill.  I am not a 'griller' so I can't say there is anything I like to grill. 

4. How do you celebrate the fourth of July?
We don't really have a yearly tradition.  As long as we're doing something with family or friends then we are good.  We may have a 1 week old this 4th of July so we actually might not participate this year.  We'll see.

5. What’s your favorite beverage to drink in the summertime?
My favorite beverage at all times of the year is Dr. Pepper.  There's nothing better than an ice cold DP.

6. What movie are you looking forward to seeing this summer?
I have no idea.  We are not big movie buffs and rarely actually go to the theater.  Can someone tell me what movies are coming out, then I can try to pick one I'd want to see?!  ;)

7. In the car: windows down or AC?
This is TX so windows must be up and AC on at all times.  It's already started getting into the 90's in May so this summer is going to be brutal. 

8. Have you ever had a summer fling?
I don't think so.  I don't think I've had any love connections due to summer time. 

9. Do you wear sunscreen?
Of course!  I will be cherry red in no time if I do not wear sunscreen.  This past weekend I had SPF70 on my face and SPF50 on my body and I was outside for maybe 2-3 hours.  Luckily I didn't get too burned. 

10. Do you have any favorite summertime activities?
Swimming, eating watermelon, hanging out with family or friends.  We don't really have access to a pool close by so the pool parties are few and far in between now.  Sad.  ;)  Oh and going to Schlitterbahn was and is still one of the best summer time activities ever.  If you're ever in New Braunsfels, Tx you MUST go!

I hope everyone has a great summer!  I think mine will be awesome. 

Ten on Tuesday - Photo Edition

This week is a photo edition of Ten on Tuesday, which I think is a really cool idea.  These questions were provided by Molly at Considering Campbells and hosted by Chelsea at Roots and Rings.  I experimented with camera effects on some of these, and most of these were taken with my cell, so bear with me.

1. Your favorite piece of furniture in your home.
Great deals on everything you see here.  One day I will use the china, I promise!

2. Your favorite thing on your wall.
Love my wall of crosses!

3. Your bed as it looks right now.
Yes I make my bed almost every day.

4. Your pantry.
Should you be seeing this?  It feels private.

5. Your favorite piece of jewelry.
Love this necklace!

6. Your favorite book.
Couldn't say, but I read everything written by Nicholas Sparks!

7. Your most comfortable shirt.
Can't wait to fit into this again, love this shirt!

8. Your messiest room.
I used to have a junk drawer, now I have a junk 'room'.  Ugh!

9. Your house shoes.
On my to-do to buy new ones!

10. Yourself.
This is me 34 weeks pregnant.

Ten on Tuesday

Hi All.  Today's questions are provided by Lisa and hosted by Chelsea.  Enjoy!

1. If you work, do you drive to work or take public transportation?
My hubby and I carpool so we can take the HOV lane.  I wake up at 5:45ish to get dressed and hop in the car.  I drop him off around 7am then I go to work where I eat breakfast, put on my makeup, read, etc. in the car then I go into work at 8.  It's a glamorous life I live.  But we sure do love zooming by everyone stuck on the highway on the way home!

2. How often do you get your haircut? Do you go to the same person every time?
About twice a year.  I want to find a hairdresser in  my area but I don't really know anyone around who could recommend a hair dresser.  So, I go to the same salon every time (like 3 times now) but I've had different people.  I'm thinking it's time for another visit very soon. 

3. Do you read the newspaper? If so, a hard copy or the online version?
I don't really read the newspaper.  I'll watch the news sometimes and I'll read online articles from different sources.  I wouldn't really say I'm up on current events. . . just kinda familiar with them.
 
4. What is the best book you have read this year?
Uhhhh. . . I've read several books this year and am in the process of reading like 3 or 4 more right now.  The book I'm reading most frequently is my bible study book "When Wallflowers Dance" by Angela Thomas.  I'm enjoying it so far.
 
5. What is the best movie you have seen this year?
I really cannot remember the last time I went to the movies.  I THINK it was with my hubby and his friend Chris to see Iron Man 2 (was that in 2011?!) but I'm not positive.  The last movie I remember liking was when I rented Letters to Juliet a few months ago.  It was really good!  I'll have to ask my hubby what the last move I saw was.  ;)
 
6. Do you tend to crave sweet or salty foods?
SWEET!  Like I've said, I have an over the top sweet tooth right now.  I always have a sweet tooth but I can usually control it better than I have been able too lately.  I'm scared that I'll make my son have a fierce sweet tooth. . . all he's being fed is sugar! 
 
7. Do you eat breakfast every day? If so, what do you have?
I'd like to say I eat a healthy, balanced breakfast every day, but usually it's just a granola bar; sometimes yogurt or string cheese and some sort of juice.  I'm not one for cooking breakfast much, especially when I get up at 5:45 and leave by 6:15.  Preparing breakfast is just not in the schedule that early in the day.  Good thing my honey loves me anyway!
 
8. If you celebrate Easter, what Easter treat/candy are you most looking forward to?
Yum. . . anything chocolate.  I do like to have a peep or two or ten.  I'm not all into those cadbury eggs or the malt eggs, but most anything is game when it comes to candy! 
 
9. How late is “sleeping in” to you?
Well I think sleeping in is like 10am. . . but usually I try to be up between 8:30 - 9:30 at the latest.  Lately we've had so much going on that if I slept any later than that, I'd be running late all day.  So I think 9 is a good time to wake up on the weekends.  We'll see if our future newborn agrees with me.  ;)
 
10. Where are you going on your next vacation?
Well, we aren't taking a vacation in 2011 - ya know, with the arrival of a kid and all.  So we've been talking about taking a big vacation when he turns one.  So, the summer of 2012, I'd like to be on a beach or a cruise somewhere. . . just for a few days.  I'm not sure how long I'll be able to leave my baby!
 
Have a Happy Tuesday!

Ten on Tuesday, Kinda

Usually I take the questions being posted on Chelsea's blog but this week I didn't think my answers to the questions would be worth reading, so I'm going to update you on ten things going on in my life.

1.  OMG - I saw on the news last night the Kroger will no longer be doubling and tripling coupons. I think this is a HUGE mistake for them. That is basically the only reason I go to Kroger. HEB is closer and has a better produce section, but I can save more at Kroger with combining their sales with my doubled or tripled coupons. I'm sure there will be a ton of upset shoppers. Not cool Kroger! Not cool!

2.  OMG AGAIN - This morning I realized that Beltway 8 is now connected to Hwy 59 by my house.  I'm sure you don't care but this is a big deal for us.  The beltway / connection to 59 has been under construction for at least two years.  The fact that I don't have to sit through a million red lights on the access road to get onto 59 is huge news.  YAY us!  BOO that I now have to pay a toll to use it.  Boy, do I love Houston. 

3.  I'm currently in a bible study and we're reading "When Wallflowers Dance" by Angela Thomas.  I'm really liking this book a lot.  It's about really engaging in your relationship with God and becoming the person He has intended for me to be.  It's really challenging me and making me think.  I'm really getting a lot out of this book.

4.  We went to our friends church this past Sunday since he was preaching the main service.  He was also talking about having an intimate relationship with God and he showed this YouTube video and I thought it was a great skit about letting God mold your life. 



5.  Next weekend is my baby sisters 18th birthday (sniff, sniff - I remember when she was born).  We are tentatively having a crawfish boil - if we can find enough crawfish and I'm very excited about this.  I mean I guess it's cool that it's my sisters b-day but CRAWFISH! - that's something to be excited about.  (Just kidding Becky - mostly!)

6.  I am super excited about getting the baby's room setup.  I will do another update here soon with more pics, but for now there's not much to actually see.  However, I've made some decisions and some purchases which is good and I'm currently still within my budget!  I will post more pics soon.  I'm also going to the Dr. this week so I'll do a baby bump update a few days after that, so stay tuned. 

7.  I recommend you buy stock in tums.  I'm telling you, this pregnant lady carries them around everywhere she goes!  It's a must have item in my purse.  I'm glad the heartburn waited this long to find me, but it's found me now and I am on Fye-ah!  Lol.  Tums has been a life saver.  By the way - the fruit kind - not so good!

 

8.  I've told you before about my list-making habits.  It's who I am, I like lists.  My to-do list is outta-control.  It makes me feel better to write down every little thing I'd like to do or need to do, but then the list is forever long.  I'm ok with this.  However, I've had to segment my to-do lists and for now I'm focusing on the 'baby' to do list.  Soon to do - schedule a tour of the hospital and an infant first aid class.  I'm not sure if I want to take any other classes, but first-aid is a must have for me.  I know nothing about caring for someone who is hurt and my sister, the nurse, will not always be available.  But I totally expect her to answer all of my phone calls - even if it's at 3am!  But I need a back-up plan.  I know 911 is always the best option but I can't call them every time my kid sneezes.  They'll get mad at me. 

9.  My dad's website is now launched.  Surprise, I've been working on my dad's website.  Well it's not really his website. . per-say, it's the website for the church that he is the Sr. Pastor of.  We had a similar site before but it was on this horrible CMS system that shall remain nameless.  We moved it to Wordpress and updated some of the features.  It's like 99% done but you can view it now.  (In my official voice) I acted as the Sr. Project manager on this project and the client and the team are very happy with the results! 

Go to http://www.agapegroves.org/ to check out the website and my home church.

10.  I've been thinking about highlighting some of my favorite blogs here.  I'm not sure if I'll do that regularly, but for today I recommend Harpers Happenings.  This is the blog of a stay-at-home-mom who has the CUTEST! little girl named Harper.  Harper is very entertaining and the stories her mom tells are hilarious.  I love it when they post videos  (check this one out) . . . seriously good entertainment!  Go check her out if you want a super duper dose of cuteness.

Well that's all for my Ten on Tuesday.  Sorry if it's too long.  :)

TTFN,
Stef  

Ten on Tuesday

These questions were provided by Meredith and hosted by Chelsea at Roots and Rings.  This weeks questions are mostly about food and it's making me hungry!

1. What condiments are always, always in your fridge?
Always always always honey mustard.  My hubby loves honey mustard and I like it too so we always have to have some stocked up.  I usually have mayo and mustard too but I don't really use those outside of making tuna salad or chicken salad.

2. How do you like your steak cooked? Your burgers?
I like mine medium well - well done.  I used to only order well done but sometimes that means crunchy so I've learned to like medium well.  BUT if I cut into my steak or bite into my burger and the juice is red -  back to the grill it goes! 
 
3. What’s your favorite use for fresh tomatoes?
Sliced on my hamburger or diced in a salad.  We go to this seafood restaurant that serves their salad with diced cucumbers and diced tomatoes and for some reason it's just so delicious!
 
4. What’s your go-to dinner when you haven’t planned anything in advance and you don’t feel like going out?
I'd have to say spaghetti or what I call Ruby stew (which came from my friend Ruby), which is basically a Mexican stew.  Both are super easy, super fast and super yummy!
 
5. What’s your favorite snack food lately?
I'm going to have to say ice cream.   I've always liked ice cream but with pregnancy I'm finding that I am definitely craving ice cream and cannot say no if there is ice cream around.  I'm also craving sweets so anything chocolate is fine by me!
 
6. What’s your favorite weekend breakfast to make at home?
I love biscuits and scrambled eggs.  My husband would like to add sausage or bacon to that list but I'm not a huge breakfast meat eater.  If I have people over and need to cook breakfast I go for this super easy and yummy breakfast casserole. 
 
7. What’s your favorite thing to grill? How do you do it?
We are not huge grillers.  I'm not sure how to cook a steak so burgers are usually on the menu if we're grilling, but I like to make grilled shrimp if we're doing a BBQ as an appetizer or just a yummy side dish.  I peel the shrimp and marinate them in this tomatoe vinegrette dressing that I have, then you just have to grill them for a few minutes each side and they are SO yummy!
 
P.S.  I think I've used the word yummy alot in the post.  Like I said, now I'm hungry for something 'yummy'!
 
8. What’s your favorite wine for under $10? If you’re not a wine person, what brand of beer is your favorite?
Hmm, I like this wine called Toasted Head.  It's a chardoney and it taste like the grapes were grilled or something.  It's pretty good.  I like to use wine to cook too.  If I'm sauteing some fish, I usually pour a little wine in just to give it a little extra flavor.  I haven't had wine in forever because before I became pregnant, we were trying to get pregnant - so no wine for me.
 
9. Give us your most delicious cocktail recipe.
Hmmm. . . I don't have one.  We dont really mix coctails at our house so. . I can't help you here. 
 
10. How do you like your eggs?
Is this question from The Runaway Bride?  I think it is.  I prefer my eggs scrambled - all the way.  NO runniness.  My second choice is fried - all the way.  NO runniness!!!  Is runniness a word?  My spell check didn't say it wasn't so I'm going with it. 
 
I hope you enjoyed todays post!  Until next time!
 
Take care,
Stef
 
 

Ten on Tuesday - Provided by ME!!!

This week's questions are hosted by Chelsea but provided by ME!  Yay.  I am so pregnant because I remember submitting questions to Chelsea but when I first read them, I didn't remember submitting these questions.  But then I re-read them and I remember now.  I'm such a dork!  But you know you love me anyway.  :)

1. What type of cell phone do you have and how would you rate it?
I have the original Droid.  I would rate it "pretty good".  It's a great phone for finding things on the web, checking Facebook, playing games, it's decent at email, it's great for navigation, etc.  BUT the biggest downfall of this phone is the actual phone functionality.  The phone part is touch screen and the end button during a call is right where my check is and so I endlessly hang up on people during our conversations.  It's frustrating to use as a phone but as a smart-mini computer type thing - It's great.

2. What has been your most serious injury?

I would have to say when I collapsed my lung.  Warning to all you peeps out there, don't hold in your sneezes.  Apparently you can pop a lung or an ear drum or blood vessels or whatever.  It was when I was in college and I sneeze all the time because I have allergies so I used to hold in my sneezes - you know to be girly and dainty and not sneeze like an elephant.  So, apparently I had some sort of weak spot on my lung and then one day I held in my sneeze and popped a hole in my lung.  I didn't know why my chest was hurting but I didn't want to go to the Dr. because I was prepping for finals and needed to finish my photography project.  About 24 hours later I finally went to the Dr. and ended up having to be hospitalized for a week with a chest tube.  Let me tell you, I DO NOT recommend this.  That was SO incredibly painful and I always feel really really bad when I hear someone has a collapsed lung.  So, I learned my lesson and now I sneeze like an elephant - loud and proud.  :)
 
3. What is one movie you hate and why?
Most people love this movie, but I really dislike the Princess Bride.  I can appreciate this movie now - in a way, but when I was little, it scared the bejeebies out of me.  I mean really. . . there are giant shoulder biting rats, quick sand, electric shock torture, etc.  How is a little girl supposed to sleep after that! 

4. How many email addresses do you have?
A bazillion.  Ok more like 6 - 8.  I know it's crazy talk, but I have lots of different 'projects' and I used to setup different email addresses for each one of them.  My couponing email address, my house buying email address, my I don't want to give you my email - email address, my friends and family email address, my work email address, and the list goes on.  I now realize this is kind of dumb and really hard to keep track of.  But regardless, I'm kinda stuck with them now and don't have the energy to switch people from one to another.  So, we'll just go with it for now.

5. What website do you waste the most time on?
Probably Facebook.  I follow several blogs and read those almost daily, but I have access to Facebook on my phone and through my IM service at work, so I'm connected to Facebook almost 24/7.  I am started to get tired of that though.

6. Which mexican restaurant makes the best salsa?
I love Chuys but mostly because of that yummy jalapeno ranch, and I love going to Lupe Tortilla's because of their yummy charro beans they serve with their chips, but my favorite salsa would be Papasitos because they serve it warm and its not too tomatoey or spicy.  Yes tomatoey is a word.

7. What is your dream car?

Corvette.  Hands down.  I've always loved the look of these cars and I think they are so cool.  I'm not sure I would ever buy one though.  I mean, I'd have to have money to burn because you can only fit like 1.5 people in that car.  Our friend Jeff wants to get one eventually, so I'll just live vicariously through him.  :)

 
8. If you could spend up to $100 with no strings or restrictions or guilt, what would you buy?
Hmm, well right now I need to buy maternity clothes, but that doesn't sound so fun.  I'd want to use the money to go on a really nice date with my hubby. 
 
9. What is your favorite board game?
I'm not sure.  We don't have alot of board games.  Monopoly is one of my least favorite because it takes like 10 years to play a game.  We have a game called sequence that's pretty fun so I'll go with that.
 
10. How often do you change your hairstyle?
Maybe once or twice a year.  I hardly ever get a haircut because I don't know where to go, and it's really expensive and I can never decide what I want to do with my hair.  When it's short I want it long an when it's long I want it short.  I am considering cutting it soon though. 

Sorry this got wordy.  I hope you're not bored. OH and by the way - this is my 100th post.  HOOTIE - HOO

Another Ten on Tuesday

It's time for another Ten on Tuesday courtesy of Chelsea at Roots & Rings. 

1. What’s your favorite kind of donut?
I'd have to say overall it would be a chocolate covered donut.  But usually I get one glazed donut and one chocolate covered donut.  I love anything with chocolate. 

2. Do you use the snooze button?
Absolutely,  I am notorious for being extremely difficult to wake up, just ask my family and my husband.  I wonder how that's going to work out for me with a baby in the house?  Guess I'll get used to waking up. :)  But for now, I snooze for a very long time, like 30 - 45 minutes.  And now I've got my husband into the habit of hitting the snooze button.  BAD STEFANIE!

3. Do you write in cursive, print, or a combination of the two?
A combination of the two.  I usually start my words in cursive and end in print.  I think. 

4. Tell us a joke.
I am a terrible joke teller.  I get most my jokes from Laffy Taffy.  I borrowed this one from my friend Amanda.

Q:  How much do pirates pay for an ear of corn?

A:  A buckaneer!

5. How many languages do you speak?
Juuuusssttt one!  English is my language of choice.

6. Why did you start blogging?
I had gotten into reading blogs and I loved how bloggers would link to other blogs and you'd find a whole new style of writing and a whole new set of information.  I kind of feel like a stalker when I talk about the blogs I read as if I know these people, but in a small way I do.  When you follow a blog, you get somewhat invested in that persons life and get anxious to hear what the next step in their life, pregnancy, home buying, etc. will bring.  I also wanted a way to document what goes on in my life - if for no other person than myself.  I am not great at taking pictures of the events in my life so this is a good way to try and remember to document the big events in my life.  It's great to look back over your blog posts for the year and see what all you've done. 

7. Do you use bar soap or liquid body wash?Liquid body wash.  I don't like the feel of bar soap, I think it always feels filmy on my skin. 

8. Do you buy bottled water?
Yes, sad but true.  I know it's bad, but we use them when we're on the go and we buy a variety of those crystal light mix-in packets and make our own lemonade and stuff.  We do use filtered water when around the house though. 

9. What did you think of the Super Bowl Half Time Show?
Eh... it was fine.  I like the Black Eyed Peas for the most part but I think the sound crew did a bad job.  But isn't that the case in most of the Super Bowl performances?  To be honest, I'm kind of sad that I missed the Janet Jackson / Justin Timberlake fiasco so I'm always watching to see if anything scandalous happens.  Everyone (meaning online) was saying how Fergie had a baby bump but I didn't see it, I just noticed her shoes. 
 

10. How do you feel about Steve Carell leaving The Office?
Booo.  I don't think they should continue The Office without Steve Carell.  I haven't been into the office since the beginning, but I've caught up on it.  I don't think it's as funny as it used to be, but the characters are so developed that I think it just won't be the same without Steve Carell.

Take Care!
-Stef

Ten on Tuesday

Here's Ten on Tuesday courtesy of Roots and Rings.

1.  What is your favorite kind of cheese? 
I like 'normal' cheese.  You know, the kind that comes shredded in a bag at Kroger.  My favorite is Mozzarella. I don't like'stinky' or 'specialty' cheeses.  Not so much.

2.  Do you prefer fudge with or without nuts?
I would say no nuts.  I like both but honestly fudge is not my favorite chocolaty delight.  I'd rather have a chocolate pie or cake or mousse or ice cream.

3.  How do you feel about cats?
Love them.  I had two cats growing up, Sparky and Sweety. LOL.  Both of whom are no longer with us.  I had an awesome dog, Annie, but she went to a better home with fun little boys to play with her instead of being cooped up in my lonely apartment everyday while I'm at work.  I miss her, but I've been wanting a cat for awhile now.  My husband, however, is not convinced.  I want a kitten and I've been begging for one for awhile.  Once they get past the fun kitten stage, they're easy to take care of.  I like low maintenance.

4.  Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts?
That's a hard one.  I like both actresses but I'll have to pick Julia Roberts.  I think she's great in almost everything she plays in.

5.  Do you wear a watch?
Yes and no.  I have a couple of watches and I like them but I type all day long and wearing watches and bracelets bother me, so I don't really wear one daily. 

6.  What are a few of your favorite songs from the 90's? 
I have no idea.  To be honest, I didn't listen to a lot of 'secular' music during that time.  I lived at home with my parents who really only let us listen to Christian radio, which I'm ok with.

7.  Do you like scented candles?
YES!  I love for my house to have a 'smell'.  I have this secret fear that my house will smell funny and I won't notice because I live there and I'm used to it.  So I'm all about the scented candles and the air freshener.  I like fresh scents, like clean cotton or vanilla.  I don't like any flowery scents - no rose or gardenia.

8.  What do you like on your hamburger?
A hamburger is low on my list of favorite foods, but sometimes I just need a good burger.  I like lettuce, mayo, and extra extra pickles.  When I go to Fuddruckers, I get the relish and the dill pickles on my burger.  YUM!

9.  How often do you cut your fingernails?
I have this horrible habit of biting my nails.  It is so gross yet I can't seem to permanently stop.  I'll stop for awhile but then I get stressed or something and bit them all off.  So, I don't trim my nails, they are very thin and don't really grow that long when I'm not biting them.  :(

10.  Do you sleep in socks?
Lately, yes!  My husband and I have been having the battle of the thermostat.  I'm very cold natured and he is hot natured  (isn't that just male and female?) and so even in the summer I have on a blanket.  So, with it getting colder, my husband doesn't want to turn on the heat because he thinks 68 degrees in our house feels good.  I think it is ridiculous, I don't think our house should ever be under 70 degrees and that's pushing it.  If I had it my way, I'd live in 75 degrees at all times.  :)

Well, I hope you enjoyed Ten on Tuesday this week.  I hope you have a good rest of the week!


-Stef

Ten On Tuesday: Working Out

It's been awhile since I've done a Ten on Tuesday so here goes!  This weeks questions were provided by Ashley. 

1. What does your work out schedule look like?
Almost non-existent.  For no reason other than my laziness and my TV habit.  I have time to work out, have a great gym only a few minutes from my house and I still only go about once a week or once every two weeks (SAD - REALLY SAD!)

2. What is your favorite machine to use at the gym?
Leg machines - I think I have chicken legs so I'm always wanting to tone my legs - it never works.  For cardio, I like the treadmill or the elliptical.  I don't like the bikes.

3. What is your favorite class to take at the gym?
I've never taken a class at a gym.  I've also never taken one of those boot camp things, my co-working is doing that and she can barely walk. 

4. Where do you shop for work out gear and clothing?
I just wear whatever.  I don't match and I'm not cute at the gym.  I buy most of my gym shorts at Target and just wear a t-shirt (preferably one long enough to cover my bum)

5. If you can’t go to the gym, do you have a favorite outdoor activity?
I'd like to say riding my bike, but I haven't been doing much of that either. 

6. What about a favorite work out DVD? If so, please share!
I have the Bender Ball at home and the DVD for that is pretty good.  My abs are sore for days!  I've been wanting to try the 30 Day Shred DVD, but I'm petrified to try it.

7. Are you more active now or when you were in high school?
I was way more active in high school.  I was in gymnastics until about 8th or 9th grade, then I moved on to tumbling for awhile.  I was on the basketball team off and on for years, and in high school I was on the powerlifting team - no joke.

8. How has your dieting/working out philosophy changed since high school?
I eat WAY more healthy now.  In high school it was ALL carbs, Dr. Pepper and Candy Bars.  Now it's one caffeine every few days, always grilled food (never fried) and I try to avoid candy - but that's almost impossible.

9. What do you do while working out– (i.e., day dream, read, listen to music, gab with a friend)?
I have to have music during cardio.  I cannot just walk or run with nothing to listen too, I'll start counting every second and it's excruciating.  If I have music or watch TV, I'm distracted by the fact that I'm on a boat - just kidding, I meant treadmill.

10. What working out resolution would you like to make for yourself this year?
I'd like to go to the gym on regular days every week.  Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday type of deal.  I don't think it's too much to ask of myself to exercise two or three times a week.  I mean really, why am I so lazy?!

Ten on Tuesday

Today's Ten on Tuesday questions were provided by Jessica at Road to Anywhere. Enjoy!

1. What’s the one thing you always do when you’re stressed?

Bite my nails - my worst habit.  I'll quit bitting my nails for awhile, but if I go through a really stressfull time, I bite them all off.  Then it takes me a long time to stop biting them again.  Gross, I know!

2. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever done for a friend?

Hmm....I always get asked to be in their projects.  For example, my friends dad used to film small-time commercials in our hometown and they'd always call like an hour before the shoot and ask if I could show up somewhere to be in a pizza commercial or something.  I'm not an actress so that was uncomfortable.  Plus that was in junior high so of course I felt as awkward and I looked.

3. What cleaning supply could you not live without?
Cleaning?  What's that?  Ha!  Um... I'd have to say my mop.  Almost our whole house is tile so mopping has become an evil but necessary duty.

4. How long do you plan on living where you currently reside?
We have lived in our house a little over a year and we moved in with the expectation to stay 5 - 7 years but we specifically bought a house that we could live in forever, if needed.  I love it, so I wouldn't mind living there forever. 

5. Do you usually vote straight party, a mixture, or not at all?
Straight party

6. What’s something that you love to do, but seem to never make time for?
Create.  I love to try painting, watercoloring, drawing, making crafts, etc. and I have a lot of the supplies at my house, but I just never seem to find the time to create things.  Maybe if I turn off the television, I'd find the time.  (see previous post) Hmmmm.

7. What’s your favorite store to buy things for other people?
Etsy.com

8. What’s the weather like around you today?
Horrible.  It started pouring rain (there was no sprinkling stage) the moment I opened my front door to leave the house.  The traffic was so bad!  My husband was about 40 minutes late for work. :(

9. What’s the worst book you’ve ever bought and read?
I once bought some of the classics like Moby Dick, Sense and Sensibility, Huckleberry Finn, etc. and I've never finished reading any of those books.  I guess it felt too much like a school assignment at the time.  I'm getting back into reading though so maybe I'll pick them up again.

10. What’s the closest thing to you that is yellow?
My mouse pad.  It's a yellow winking emoticon.  ;)
 
Cheers!

Ten on Tuesday

Todays questions are from Roots and Rings.

1.  What is your current favorite television show?
Hmm, if you remember from my previous post, I have several.  I'd have to say my favorite show is How I Met Your Mother.  Curtis and I have been watching it since day 1 and so we get every little side joke and reference they make, so it's super funny!

2.  Apple juice or orange juice?
I'd have to say orange juice.  Apple juice gets to be way to sweet about half way through the glass.

3.  It's Shark Week on Discovery Channel.  Do you watch? Why or why not?
I do not watch Shark Week and I don't know why. 
Maybe I'll try it.

4.  What are the non-blog websites you visit regularly?
ETSY and ETSY!  and Facebook, Failblog, Postsecret.

5.  What is your favorite way to prepare green beans? Asparagus? Potatoes? Carrots?
- I don't like green beans, even though I try to make myself like them.
- We try to like asparagus, I tried grilling them and steaming them, but neither of us like them.  I can eat the tops but not the stocks.  They always look so yummy, but they're not.
- I like a good baked potatoe
- I try to steam carrots and it never works.  Any suggestions?

6.  What is your favorite flower?
I love Ranunculus.  Aren't they gorgous?  I love the layers and layers and layers of petals.  So beautiful!

Guess what.  If you want them for your wedding bouquet in November, they're freakin expensive and you'll have to settle for something else.  :(

7.  How do you feel about handkerchiefs?

Umm.. gross.

8.  If you could only shop at 3 stores for the rest of your life, what would they be?  (You probably should include a grocery store)

Kroger, Target, and Banana Republic (assuming I had millions to spend there for the rest of my life)

9.  If you could only use wine for one purpose for the rest of your live, which would you choose?  To cook with or to drink?

I would choose to use wine for cooking.  I've started adding it to a few different meals and it's pretty good.  I'd have to take a cooking class about using wine, but I think it adds alot of flavor.

10.  What's your bedtime?

Arggg, bedtime is so annoying.  I'm a night owl by nature, I can't help it.  If I go to bed too early, I just lay there all night because my mind is not relaxed.  So if I went to sleep when I felt like it, it'd probably be after midnight.  However, I carpool with my husband to downtown and he has to be at work by 7am.  Really he should be there earlier, but I don't know how I could get up any earlier than 5:30, 5:45, 5:55. . .  whatever time it is I roll out of bed.  All that to say, we currently go to bed around 11 or 11:30ish but it really should be much earlier because by Friday, we're exhausted.