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First off let me say and BIG HEEELLLOO to my two new followers!! I love having new visitors. I hope that you like my blog,and feel free to comment me anytime.^
Onto the good stuff...I was tagged in a fun blog meme by Ashley, over at As A Matter of Opinion. I discovered Ashleys blog a little while ago and LOVE it and her! We have quite a bit in common, her blog is so funny and she's got some talent so definitely check her out.
So, I'm supposed to post a list of things I like/love/hate and then link it to 3 bloggers who I admire. Normally, all you'd have to do is fill in after the bold words but since I've got some custom font going on, you'll just have to make the I likes, loves, and hates, bold on your blog k?! #
I like to dance, although "like" isn't quite the word for it. In a store, at a club, in front of the mirror in my house...shhh, or even while working drive thru like I did when in highschool.
I like when my kids are sleepy and they search the house to find me so I can hold them.
I like that my husband is a very affectionate man because some men just aren't, I don't know how'd I feel if he wasn't a p.d.a cuddler kind of guy.
I like workouts that make me sore, I mean SOOOORRE! They make me feel like Wonder Woman..ha ha!
I like when my husband tells me I'm beautiful and looks at me like he hasn't seen me every single day+.
I like asparagus, seriously I can't get enough!! I once at an entire bunch for dinner, nothing else just asparagus. mmmmm.
I like tanning. Yes, I know I'm going to get skin cancer.
I like that I have a music brain and can retain massive amounts of song knowledge. I can learn a song just like that and I love singing. (my daughter has inherited this quality)
I like the idea that I will be a cosmetologist, and have yet another goal accomplished outside of the home.
I like strutting in heels. And dancing in them, when Kurt and I hit the clubs I never sacrifice comfort for style. They make me feel hot! lol. #
I LOVE my childrens smiles, hugs, and kisses.
Today was...a nice relaxing day at home after all the recent craziness.
I hate when people don't dress for their body type and instead decide if they can manage squeeze into their jeans they MUST fit. UGGHHH spare me the sight of your gut hanging out and over your jeans PUH-LEAZ!
I hate pornography. Nuff said.
I hate (gotta echo Ashley here) FAKE people.
I hate winter, which goes hand in hand with being cold. Can't stand it! I'd so much rather be hot.
I hate when strangers feel the need to give you their opinion. If I wanted it I would have asked.
I hate mindless kids shows like Yo Gabba Gabba, and the Wiggles. What the ????
I hate when people judge you before they ever even get to know you. (I had a ton of this in school)
I (secretly) like to fight/wrestle....it's fun. #
I love being social!
Now it's your turn, TAG you're it:
Short Southern Momma
Amber Cornell
This Is What She Said
"In life you either laugh or cry, I prefer to laugh- crying gives me a headache." -Marjorie Hinckley
I need these today, and maybe you do too.
The Secret to a Happy Marriage
A couple was celebrating their Golden wedding anniversary. Their domestic tranquility had long been the talk of the town. A local newspaper reporter was inquiring as to the secret of their long and happy marriage.
"Well, it dates back to our honeymoon, " explained the husband. "We visited the Grand Canyon and took a trip down to the bottom of the canyon by pack mule. We hadn't gone too far when my wife's mule stumbled.
My wife quietly said 'That's once.'
We proceeded a little further when the mule stumbled again. Once more my wife quietly said, 'That's twice.'
We hadn't gone a half-mile when the mule stumbled a third time. My wife promptly removed a revolver from her purse and shot the mule.
I started to protest over her treatment of the mule when she looked at me and quietly said, "That's once."
"My wife and I have the secret to making a marriage last. Two times a week, we go to a nice restaurant, a little wine, good food..... She goes Tuesdays, I go Fridays."
-Henny Youngman
"Marriage is give and take. You'd better give it to her or she'll take it anyway."
-Joey Adams
It's that time again, I know I'm a little late but better late than never! This weeks Wishful Wednesday is.....
'I wish' .... I could play a character's role in a book and it would be Clare
in Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffeneger.
The book was good although, I really didn't feel the sometimes crude detail was necessary. I felt at times I was reading a cheap romance novel. I think for once I liked the movie better. But anyway, I think it is such an interesting story line and amazing to imagine if that were so. To be the wife of a time traveler would be exciting, scary, and sometimes lonely all at the same time. Clare is so in love and he is all she really knows. I think it would be quite an adventure.
Who's character role would you play?^
Saturday we got up early and had breakfast at the cafe at the inn. Then we checked out of our room , and headed to San Simeon to tour the Hearst Castle. It was a really pretty drive, everything was so green and beautiful! We passed through Morro Bay, and Cambria on our way up. There are tons of different tours you can take for the Hearst Castle, we did the experience tour since it was our first time. It was GORGEOUS! Such an amazing history behind it, and incredible how much money the guy had for the depression era, it's a ton of money even now!! So many beautiful pieces of art...if only I could live there. # Instead of giving away all the amazing history and info on the place, I'll just say if you have not been go check it out.
Statues like these were all over the gardens outside, absolutely beautiful...definitely would go in my dream home.
Kurt in front of the staircase leading to one of the many guesthomes (which are about the size of an average home)
Outside the door to the guesthome where celebrities like Bob Hope and his wife stayed while visiting William Hearst.
The outside pool, probably the most stunning and largest pool I have ever seen.
A view of the main house, which Hearst referred to as "the ranch". He's kidding right?? Does this look like a ranch to you? The statues to the left of this picture were really amazing they date back 3,000 yrs!
The front doors leading into the main house.
Unfortunately this is where our camera battery died! I wish we had pictures of the inside of the main home, it was so incredible! Also the recreation area where the indoor pool was. The indoor pool was HUGE and fashioned like the old turkish baths. The pool and surrounding walls and floors were hand laid with tile by 6 men that took 4 yrs to complete, and well over a million tiles. Some of the tile were plated with 22k gold in the pattern he desired. This guy had WAY too much money if you ask me....lol. The indoor pool completed our tour. After that we headed back to Cambria where we had lunch at the Main Street Grill. They had giant portions and amazing salad and tri tip sandwiches! We strolled the main drag shops and found some cute things to take home with us. It was a quick weekend trip but well worth it. I hope to go back and visit when we have more time to spare.
This weekend we went on our late Valentines getaway. I had planned everything, and kept it a surprise for Kurt. Kurts brother Isaac stayed with Emmitt & Alaina here at the house, and Maddox went to my Moms. We left Friday morning and drove up to San Luis Obispo to stay at the Madonna Inn. My bright idea came while watching The Bachelor, for those who have watched the show this season they stopped there along their drive up the Cali Coast. I fell in love with the look of it and I had heard of it a while back but had since forgot. This is not a swanky new age resort, it was built in 1958- it's vintage and that's why I LOVED it!! I looked it up online and booked us a room.
Each room has a different theme, ours was the Fabulous Fifties room. I requested this one specifically. For one the 50's is my favorite era, and it was just a really cute room.
I couldn't get the whole view of the room on my camera, there were two dbl beds, a couch off to the right and a flat screen tv. It was a definite "me" room. # We couldn't check in right away so we drove to Pismo Beach to check out the shops and the boardwalk there. We ate at this little hole in the wall mexican joint. (really good chile rellano) Our favorite shop was a little skate shop where we purchased these shoes for Maddox.
After our check in we relaxed a little in the room watching some TV (we don't have cable at home so vacay is a chance to watch some.) We enjoyed watching Americas Best Dance Crew, I love that show!! One of the things that bugs me the most about staying somewhere else is the beds, they always seem to be uncomfortable and hard. This bed was really soft and comfy, I was very tempted to steal the minky bedcover. lol. It was so ridiculously soft! After the show we walked the grounds, the Inn is huge and has a couple different buildings.
Our building is a smaller strip of rooms, here's Kurt outside of our room.
This is the main building where the larger rooms like the suites are.
I just loved these stairs!
The pool area was beautiful. They had a rock waterfall into a pond with it's own pagoda.
We're on the bridge in front of the waterfall.
We went from the pool area to the dining house where all their restaurnats and shops are. We first went down into the "wine cellar" where they have their gourmet food and wine store. We found these sodas that are made from the same grapes used to make the different wines, they have absolutely no alcohol in them. They are all called a different wine like chardonnay, pinot noir, and rose.
We bought all 3 different kinds, they were really good. Not at all like regular soda. We got a kick out of the mens bathroom down there. They have this urinal that is made of rock, and has motion sensors.
As soon as the guy steps up to pee it makes this thunder noise and a waterfall starts coming down off the rock. After Kurt used the facilities I snuck in while he kept watch to get a look at it- it's a famous gag at the inn.
We enjoyed their other shops the Ladies boutique and the mens shop. I fell in ^ with this super cute hat from the Ladies Boutique which Kurt kindly purchased for me. It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn type style.
After exploring all the shops we went back to our room to get ready for dinner. We ate at the Madonna Inns Gold Rush Steakhouse. This restaurant had the coolest decor, I absolutely loved the look of this place. They have a pit bbq and are known for their steaks so what better to order than a steak? Both Kurt and I ordered the filet mignon. Mine was the French version, wrapped in bacon with a burgundy sauce and mushrooms. It was by far the BEST steak I have ever had! The dining room was drenched in pink and Valentine decor. You might recognize it from The Bachelor, this is themain spot they showed on the show.
A dinner isn't complete without dessert, after looking over their dessert tray...Kurt decided on coconut cream pie.
And I got the Pink Champagne Cake!! ^ It was heaven, the best non chocolate cake ever!!
We were so very full. A band started playing half way through our meal, and they have a dancefloor just off the dining area. We watched alot of cute old couples ballroom dancing. We were just about to head back to our room but decided it wouldn't be right without joining in on the dancing fun. We mimicked the other couples around us, we're a bit rusty on the ballroom dancing. It was really fun, at one point they played a little swing song so we could brush up on that one as well. I threw a little jitterbug into my swing dancing.
Once we got our dance fix in it was back to our room for a grape soda toast and relaxation.^
I received a new award from Angela over at ShortSouthernMomma, I just love getting awards for my blog! The Honest Scrap award comes with a caveat or two. First, you have to tell your readers ten things about you they may not know, but that are true. Second, you have to tag 10 people with the award. Third, let all the people you've given the award to know that they've gotten it (comment on their blogs or something). And finally, make sure you link back to the person who awarded you.
Ten true things you may not know:
1. I had a heart condition called SVT when I was 9 yrs old. I had to wear heart monitors to school and go through all kinds of tests for about 6 mos before they figured out the problem. When I first had the issue I blacked out at the dinner table. SVT- is basically heart palpitations or your blood going from your heart trying to make it's own path rather than doing what it's supposed to.
2. I make cookies often, I love eating the dough and the cookies fresh from the oven. Once their no longer warm and gooey I lose interest. Baking is one of my fave things to do, it's just good that I have enough willpower to give it away rather than eat it all!
3. My left rib is special and sticks straight out as compared to my right one. Kurts sternum grew outward a bit too so I always tell him we were made for eachother and we match. ^
4. I got married when I was 18. We were engaged for 4 mos. I think we all believe in the playing house version of marriage till we're actually in it. I did ALOT of maturing and learning while married, I'm lucky to have a husband that can adapt to my ever changing personality. Getting married that young is not for everyone and I probably wouldn't encourage it but it's worked out beautifully for us.
5. Before I started dating/marrying Kurt I was very close to going and trying out to be a Raiderette. (not that I like the Raiders) But at the time they had a show about their search and training process and I had decided that's what I'd do. I love to dance and it seemed like a fun thing for me.
6. I was a serious baby about things before I met Kurt. I was terrified of pretty much everything. Rollercoasters, snorkeling, boarding, heights, etc. Funny how things did a 180 and now I'll try anything! Who knew living on the edge is so fun? LOL!
7. My first pregnancy was a nightmare, it's amazing I had more than 1 child! Emmitt was 10 lbs and 22 in long. I had kidney stones and toxemia while pregers. Recovery was a joke, it took a little over a year for me to be fully 100 percent ok again. When they say you can eat for 2....don't believe them! LOL...pretty sure that's where my problems started.
8. I have a serious fascination with Europe. I bought and studied French on CD-roms when I was in highschool. I know I'll go there someday and love it even more. Sometimes I dream of Kurt and I serving a mission there.
9. I love fashion and if I could pick any job in the world I'd want to be a fashion designer. I just don't have the art skills to go along with it.
10. I suffer from anemic issues from time to time. I used to love red meat but I don't really like eating it anymore. So I take some iron supplements to help with my anemia. I find myself wanting fish instead of anything else.
Time to pass this award on...and the Honest Scrap Award goes to:
1. Ashley @ As A Matter of Opinion- I really enjoy reading her blog. She's very funny and I think we have alot in common.
2. Katie @ Katies Journey- The girls got style, I love her blog look.
3. Jordan @ Mean Mommy Academy- definitely a favorite! I love her, she's hilarious!#
4. Neely @ Neelys Nothings- a fun new blog friend, I love reading her posts
5. Rasha @ And This Is What She Said- Because I love you girl and I just can't give you enough awards!
6. Kelsey @ The Seattle Smiths- For introducing me to a fun new weekly post, and because your blog is just too cute.
7. Camryn @ Mean Mommy University- Again a fave, a blog that lightens my days. Their a pair- if you pick Jordan you gotta pick Camryn. These ladies are so funny and make my days happier.
8. Amanda @ Tales of a Horvath Housewife- Because I love you. The girls got it so go check it out- book reviews, recipes, and works for me wednesdays!
9. Juliana @ A Blonde Walks Into a Blog- New blog friend, and I LOVE her blog! She has everything, and she is one amazing lady.
10. Amber @ Cornell Family- I love your blog and reading your updates about your cute little family. She's a new Mom to a beautiful little girl people and barely looks it. -xo-
There you go, congrats to you and make sure to pass it along!
I'm heading out on vacay for the weekend bright and early tomorrow, so I figured I should post my Feature Friday a bit early. Kurt & I are going on our late Valentines trip. I planned it, he has no idea where we're going or what we're doing....shhh it's a surprise. # Ok on to the reason for the post: FEATURE FRIDAY!
Our first review is
The Invention of Lying starring Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Rob Lowe, and Tina Fey.
Synopsis: It's a world where everyone tells the truth - and just about anything they're thinking. Mark Bellison is a screenwriter, about to be fired. He's short and chunky with a flat nose - a genetic pool that means he won't get to first base with Anna, the woman he loves. Then, when his mother's on her deathbed, frightened of the eternal void that awaits her, Mark invents fiction. The hospital staff overhear his description of Heaven, believe every word, and tell others. Soon Mark is a prophet, his first inventive screenplay makes him rich, and he's basically a good guy. But will that be enough for Anna?
When I first saw the promos for this movie, I thought I would totally love it. It looked really funny, but it wasn't that great. I'm glad I didn't waste my money at the theater for it. It had some funny moments but not a true comedy. The first couple mins where random people are saying truths that the normal public would never say was pretty funny. Once Ricky Gervais and Jennifer Garner entered the screen though, it was really uncomfortable for me. They engage in vulgar and downright gross conversation for the first 5 mins of their roles. It was really not cool. The rest of the movie was ok but nowhere near what I thought it would be. What was the most uncomfortable part of the movie turned out to be the funniest in the outtakes. With good reason, it must have made them feel very dumb to say what they had to say especially poor Jennifer Garner.
I'd give it 2 out of 4 stars. It was alright and nothing more.
*Side Note- Ashley brought up a great point that I had forgotten about but totally agree with and bothered me throughout the movie as well. They made it seem as though believing in God is ignorant, and downplayed His importance in our lives. This too really bothered me Ashley, thank you for bringing it up. Yet another reason why I really didn't like it.*
Our next feature is
Love Happens starring Aaron Eckhart, Jennifer Aniston, Martin Sheen, & Judy Greer.
Synopsis: Burke is a motivational speaker who's book about dealing with grief is a best seller. His wife died in a car accident three years ago. He's in Seattle to lead a week-long workshop on healing and to negotiate a major multi-media deal. But something's amiss: he's a closet drinker, he won't ride elevators, his moods swing, he's estranged from his wife's father, and he's very much alone. In a hotel hallway, he bumps into a woman arranging flowers, tries to chat with her, and gets the brush-off. She's Eloise, a local florist who's just broken up with a boyfriend. He's persistent and they eventually go to dinner - it goes badly. What's blocking Burke? Can the physician heal himself.
Guys would call this movie a "chick flick" and I really enjoyed it. I love Jennifer Aniston, I think she's terrific. The more I see Aaron Eckharts acting ability the more I am liking him. This movie is a bit of a tear jerker, I cried twice. It's a very well put together story and I think something that all of us can relate to in one way or another, because we all deal with grief in this life. It had everything I love in a movie- comedy, drama, and romance.^ I give it 4 of 4.
I've been asked to share the recipe to this Beaut! It comes from the most delicious, and probably most dangerous cookbook you will ever own in your entire life- the one and only PW. (Pioneer Woman- Ree Drummond) She's a genius. So here you go, because I love you so! ^
Flat Rustic Apple Pie
(recipe makes 2 pies)
5 peeled and sliced granny smith apples
2 Tb flour
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brwn sugar
1/4 t salt
1 recipe of perfect pie crust (recipe below)
6 Tb butter
Preheat oven to 375.
In large bowl stir together, apples, flour, lemon juice, sugars, and salt. Set aside.
Roll out pie crusts into large circle, place half the apple mixture on one crust, and half on the other crust. Fold edges over so it cover about 2-3 in of the apples mixture. Dot the top of the pie with chunks of butter. Bake for 30-40 mins. Allow to cool then slice it into wedges like a pizza and enjoy!!
Perfect Pie Crust
(makes two 9 in pie crusts)
3 cups flour
1 t salt
1 1/2 c shortening
1 egg
5 Tb cold water
1 Tb vinegar
Combine flour and salt, add shortening and using a pastry cutter cut it into the flour till it resembles tiny pebbles. Lightly beat the egg with a fork and add it to the mixture. Next, add the cold water and vinegar. Stir mixture together until it's just combined. Now your ready to roll it out.
Kelseys still on vacay sooo ♪here I go again on my own, do doo♫. This weeks wishful Wednesday I decided it would be fun to ask,
If you could wish for a hair color other than your own what color would you choose?
Why did I decide upon hair color?? Well...you see it all sort of started when I was watching Greys, yes that rockin show that we all know and LOVE! # If you don't....I suggest you get hooked now.# Anywhoo, in the most recent episode Lexie Grey comes on with a whole new look.
Instead of her mousy brown hair she is platinum blond, and I think she looked pretty darn good as a blond. It got me thinking....we all know I am a girl who is constantly changing her mind about her hair. What color would I choose, probably blond. I've always wanted to do something drastic like that but haven't had the guts to bleach it in whole. For one- bleach is just BAD for your hair! Two- would it be worth it? I can't say whether I too will jump off the deep end like Lexie and go blond but it's fun to get lost in wishful thinking.
So what hair color would you go for? Blond, Brunette, Redhead?^
