Monday, December 2, 2013

Thanksgiving + Florida

This year for Thanksgiving Josh, Jason, Arnie and I traveled to Florida to visit Heidi, Ben & the kids! Josh's sister and her husband have six kids, our only nieces and nephews. We do not get to see them as often as we wish, but we are so glad we had the opportunity to travel to see them. We drove...which next time...I think I will fly. It wasn't terrible, but I would have rather spent 2 more days with them instead of driving. While we were there we had a mini photo shoot at the beach. Enjoy!
 
Josh, Arnie, Heidi & Jason

Myself, Arnie & Josh

The boys
The Family!


Uncle Jason & kids!
Beautiful Beach!


Jack
Fishing in their backyard
Each of our nieces and nephews has their own spunky little personality! It was hard waking up Sunday morning and not having them there to put a smile on our faces. We love them all to pieces and can not wait until the next time we get to see them! XOXO

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Gifts for Her: Under $100


It is that time of year again to get great ideas for Holiday Gifts. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with these gifts I've listed for under $100. Happy Holiday shopping!!

1. UGG Ansly Slippers (more colors) 
    $100.00
     I absolutely adore mine. We have wood floors in our entire house, so these are a necessity. Incredibly comfy!


    $69.50
    What girl doesn't love a new necklace!                   

          Factory crystal corsage necklace


    1.7oz $65.00
    My FAVORITE!


    $52.00
Urban Decay - Naked2
    $48.00
ONE Charm TIny Initial Necklace in 14k Gold Vermeil


    $39.50
    $9.00
Factory pinball stud earrings
 

Merry Christmas!!!

Stationery Card
View the entire collection of cards.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Happy Heart

I get to spend the entire day with this handsome man! My heart is happy!


Monday, November 25, 2013

Two Easy Appetizer/Snack Recipes

First, I want to wish my dearest mother a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Hope everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving. This has always been one of my favorite holidays!
Over the weekend I enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal with my dad, brother and some of their friends!
 
Here are two quick and easy recipes that I made to share with everyone on Saturday.
 
First Recipe:
Party Mix.
You probably have your own version of this recipe, but this one is a no fail recipe.
1 box Corn Chex
1 box Cheez It
1/2 bag pretzels
1 bag Oyster Crackers
1 packet Ranch
1 tablespoon Dill
1 tablespoon Lemon Pepper
1 1/2 cups Canola Oil

 
You will mix the corn chex, pretzels, cheez it, and oyster crackers in a large bowl. In another bowl you will mix the canola oil, dill, ranch and lemon pepper. After that is mixed together you will drizzle over the cracker mix. Stir the cracker mix gently. You will line cookie sheets with parchment paper, and spread the party mix evenly. Preheat the oven at 270 degrees and bake for 20 minutes. Stir halfway.
This is a super easy and delicious Party Mix if you need something in a hurry. I also will be bringing a big bag of this on our Road Trip to Florida.

Second Recipe:
Maroon Bells
Here is an easy and "classy" looking appetizer. It delicious will impress your guests.
(Although, I made it last night for my dads, and I think my dad and I were the only ones to try it. Everyone else was picky, and didn't like to try something new)
2 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
1/3 cup grated onion (I used Vidalia)
2 tablespoons mayo (do not substitute)
1/2 cup raspberry preserves (pictures is raspberry preserves that my dad made, so if you use store bought it will look a little different)
Serve with triscuts.

Grate the cheese and onion. Then mix in the mayo. You will then spread that onto a plate. Before serving, you will cover with the raspberry preserve.

I grew up on this recipe, and I LOVE it.

We will be making a road trip down to Florida to visit Josh's sister and her family! Josh, Arnie, Jason and I will be making the journey together! We are looking forward to seeing everyone!!


 



Friday, November 22, 2013

45 Lessons

Every morning I listen to KDWB, out of Minneapolis, on iheart radio, because it makes me feel like I am in Minnesota. #minnesotagirlatheart.  One morning they were talking about 45 Lessons that a lady names Regina Brett, who is 90 year old, wrote. I thought she had some great lessons, so here I am to share with all my readers!

Written by Regina Brett (90 years old) of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, Ohio.

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement stating with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one if up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now!
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Since it's that time of year to remember what we are all Thankful for,  I thought these lessons really make you think of what you should be Thankful for.

I am Thankful for a wonderful family, and a husband who works so hard for us! I love him to pieces and am ready for him to be home (21 days with out him is too long). Glad I will be getting to spend and ENTIRE week with him over Thanksgiving.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my dad and brother this weekend! 

 




Thursday, November 21, 2013

Stitch Fix

Has anyone heard of Stitch Fix before? If not, check it out, its kind of neat! I had not heard of it until I had a coupon in my Popsugar Box for a free $20 towards Stich Fix. Of course, I had to see what it was all about! All you have to do is sign up and create a style profile. Pretty Simple. Each Fix cost $20, and if you decide to keep anything, the $20 goes towards that purchase. If you decide not to keep anything, you won't get a refund of $20. Your card does not get charged every month. The only time you will get charged is when you decide you want a "Fix". They will then pick out 5 different pieces; shirts, dresses, jewlery, shoes, boots, etc. They also give you ideas on how to style each of the pieces. The style profile also lets you tell them how much you are willing to spend.

Here is what I got in my box:
1. Ursula Pleat Detail Swiss Dot Blouse - Daniel Rainn (which I LOVE, and kept)
2. Giselli Chevron Print Sleeveless Dress - Zouk
3. Rowson Colorblock Striped Sweater - 41 Hawthorn
4. Sophia Skinny Jeans - Kensie Jeans
5. Nadia Bead Strand Stretchy Bracelet - Jill Michael

As you can see they insert a card that shows you different style options for each of the pieces.

I kept the Ursula Pleat Detail Swiss Dot Blouse because I thought it would be great for the holidays. Each year we have a company holiday party, and I'm always wanting a new outfit, so I figured this top would be perfect for the ocassion!

All of the items were affordable, and I probably would have kept them all, but they were too big on me. I did go in and change some of my information on my style profile, so next time I need a "Fix" it's going to be that much better! All you have to do to return the items you do not want, is stick them in the prepaid UPSP envelop and bring to your local post office. Super easy!

Post a comment below to let me know if you try out Stitch Fix. I would love to hear!