(Not So) Ugly Betty

I am a little far behind in the game, but I finally took the plunge and decided to watch Ugly Betty. I had heard good reviews from friends who watched it and was in desperate need of a new Netflix series obsession. So... Ugly Betty it was.

I am totally intrigued by Betty's story (albeit fictional). Fish out of water. I think we have all been there. Feeling like homely Betty in the big, high end fashion world. Beyond the surface, a lot of the show's theme focuses on self image. I wanted to cry when the snotty, little teen girls taking a field trip to the magazine building, said the "real women" fashion show were all fat and ugly. GASP! I think what captured me the most was little Betty showing the high end fashion world that all women are beautiful- inside and out.

I, for one, have tried and tried to explain to my sister that ALL women are beautiful- no matter shape or size. The state of mind that women are  expected to be 5'9, long hair, and a size 2. Not that I am dissing women that fit that description, but whether you're 5'2 or 5'9, long or short hair, a size 2 or 20... you ARE beautiful!

In the midst of my soap box, here's a throwback. This is awkward, young adult me.

Okay.. enough of the soap box and way creepy pics! Check out Ugly Betty if you are looking for a Netflix obsession.

Lots of love. 

Bowling, Ghosts, and Muffins! Oh my!

While I had a hot minute, or 14 minutes to be exact of waiting for my muffins to come out of the oven... I wanted to do a small weekend recap.

Friday... we were ultimately lazy. I didn't accomplish much of anything besides watching a marathon of Ghost Adventures. Cheesy as cheesy could be, kind of like Paula Deen's double mac and cheese, but it was addicting! I will admit I was spooked and a tad bit scared. I am literally the BIGGEST chicken when it comes to anything paranormal. I am fascinated, but again a chicken. In a nut shell Friday was snuggies (Yes, we love them!), pineapple salsa, and ghosts.

Saturday... we had a little more excitement. We went old school bowling, dinner, and a movie

One of our good friends is in an upcoming bowling tourney for charity. He needed the practice, and we joined for a fun time. Now... if you also live close you know our local bowling alley is a joke. It serves its purpose as a bowling alley, but it is pitiful. I sported some snazzy shoes that were tearing at the seams. I played it cool like I hardly ever go bowling (which now I don't), grabbed a ball, lined up with the line, and let go.... my first frame was a strike! I turned around after my happy dance to see two slightly surprised faces. Joe then let it slip that my paternal family is bowling maniacs, and I was in a league in my younger years. I won the first game and placed 2nd in the last game. I was pleased because my only goal was to beat Joe. You understand that need to beat your significant other in any sort of game setting!!

We then headed to dinner, and for once, we had a GREAT server and GREAT food. Our waitress was very attentive and joked around. If you know Joe... he definitely is a jokester. I opted for the 4oz sirloin, red potatoes, and Green Goddess salad wedge. I decided to forgo the green goddess dressing, as it was avocado based. Yuck. Then in the middle of dinner.... Joe, already knowing the answer before he asks.... Let's go watch "The Conjuring."

Uhhhhh HOLD UP! IF you read our Friday night tv selections, you would already know that I was in no way wanting to go see this movie. I absolutely do NOT like scary movies. Not even a little. Then.... those big brown eyes turned to me and he said he really really wanted to see it. That he would sit up all night with all the lights on if I would just go see it. So.... I HAD to say Yes.

Here's where most people could give you a review of the movie. From what I heard.... it sounded scary. Thanks goodness for large purses. I hid behind my purse the whole movie! Literally, the strap was wrapped around my eyes like a blindfold. Joe said it was a good movie. It was suspenseful and jumpy. The lady behind us screamed every time something happened and let out a few choice curse words.

Sunday... I was uber lazy. I did some laundry. That counts as productivity. I also made muffins, which were done several minutes ago. That also counts as productivity. Sometimes you need some time to wind down to prepare you for the next week.

 

Wishing you a happy Monday and lots of love until next time.

I've got Sunshine....

Ever been tested to the core, or on the brink of being certified crazy? The saying goes, when it rains, it pours. Literally, it is STILL raining in SE Kentucky (okay, so we've had a small break from rain). Besides the weather, our personal lives have had a few showers of negativity in the past few weeks. It has definitely added a few wrinkles and caused more than one headache.

In the last week, we have dealt with a car wreck, a sick husband, a sick kitten, vacation down the drain, news of  job loss, a flooded driveway, friends moving away, burnt sugar cookies, and being told no about a house we liked. Really?

Obviously, some of the negativity above has caused more ripples than others.  It has physically made me sick. Through all this, my husband- in his easy going manner -has found the good (or lesson) in each.  

Car wreck? We can get it fixed. That’s what insurance is for.

Sick Husband? We are planners and have an abundant HSA for medical emergencies.
Sick kitten? We have the money for a vet, and the love to care for him.
Vacation? We can save the money now, and go somewhere at a more appropriate time.
No job? You are talented and smart. Another company would LOVE to hire you.
Flooded driveway? Better than a flooded house or washed away cars. You can always get more gravel.
Friends moving away? It provides us the opportunity to visit a new place.
Burnt cookies? You can always try again. Practice makes perfect.
No about a house? We’re pros at this by now. Enjoy where you are now. Something better will be on its way.

 This is one of my favorite qualities about Joe. No matter how difficult, how crazy, how stressful… he can find the good.  I believe this will be one of his strongest attributes throughout his journey as a pastor. I know, as his wife, it is always beneficial to have him remind me of the good instead of focusing on the bad. Sometimes I credit his carefree, no stress attitude to not caring at all. I realize though (after much debate and frustration), that his carefree, no stress mind-set is the balancing act to my worrying demeanor. I like to think he's my sunshine, on a cloudy day.

 

Enjoy this flood picture....

 

 

As my grandmother would tell me, it’s not a problem, just a challenge. I have to remind myself of that.

Wishing the rain away and lots of love.

 

Top 5 Summer Beauty Products

 

 Call me biased if you want, but these truly are my top 5 favorite beauty products right now. It includes a little something for every part of your look. Most of these are body products because we all know you show more skin during these months, and it pays to take care of that skin year round! You only get one body!

1.       Mary Kay Sugar Scrub: I keep this product in my shower year round, and change the scent with the season. Right now, I am using Forever Orchid-light floral scent perfect for summer. (Also offered in Warm Amber, Exotic Passionfruit, and Simply Cotton) This product gently exfoliates while leaving your skin soft and moisturized. Grab a pumice stone and give your feet a scrub. You can get MK Sugar Scrub from your beauty consultant or, of course ME! ;) Check out the details for the sugar scrub Here :)!

2.       Not Your Mother’s Thermal Spray: We slather sunscreen on our bodies and faces to protect us from the harmful sun, but have you ever thought of protecting your hair? Not only from UV rays, but from everyday use of heat styling tools?! I have very short hair, and use styling tools every day. Not to mention, routine color. Needless to say, I cause more damage to my hair then good. I try to return the favor by using this thermal spray. This product protects your hair from the heat and blocks UV rays.

 It does have some mixed reviews, but in my experiences I hand enjoyed it. It’s hard to find an affordable heat protection product that doesn’t smell awful. This has a nice sent, and can be purchased at any local drug store.  Check your local WalMart :)!

3.       Bliss Ingrown Hair Eliminating Pads: I received a sample of these pads with a magazine subscription. I was very skeptical to try, but since it was free… I was a little more open minded. Being a girl you know the frustration of shaving/waxing your bikini area. As a guy… you understand the frustration of shaving your face. This product is a win for everyone! This product is used for relief and prevents ingrown hairs post shaving or waxing.

Again… mixed reviews on line. I had successful results, and could tell I had less razor burn. You can buy this in a tub of 50 pads ($38.00), or individually wrapped 10 pads ($10.00). You can get this Here :)

4.       Mary Kay Tinted Moisturizer: I hate a heavy foundation in the summer. I opt for the tinted moisturizer during warmer months. This light weight formula offers the perfect coverage (light/sheer coverage) and a bonus SPF 20. Let me tell you my secret though… I am extremely pale, and don’t tan at all! I burn, peel, and remain porcelain. If I have an event or going out with friends, I like to use this on my legs! It offers the moisturize I need, but adds that sheer color and “tan” to my legs. Order from your beauty consultant, or again ME! Love THIS :)

5.       Mary Kay Finishing Spray by Skindinavia: Okay seriously... you need this now!!! This is a wonderful finishing spray. Use it before foundation application for an extra mattifying property. Apply after make up application for an additional staying power. This product is amazing and holds makeup in place for up to 16 hours. I can apply my makeup at around 7AM. Go to work until 5PM. An hour of Zumba (where I sweat like a man), and my makeup is still in place when I get home around 8PM!! My next secret..... use this to mattify your skin, REDUCE SWEATING!!!!! Under arms, neck, and my fav.... under your bra!!! You HAVE to have this for the summer.... Check it Here :)

 

Lots and lots of love until next time. 

Instant Play... Rainy Day

As I've mentioned earlier in the week, the weather has been less than acceptable for the past week in SE Kentucky. Rain Rain Rain for the past several days. Our church had an amazing lake day planned today kayaking, fishing, and of course food with our youth group. We spent about 2 hours there, and then the torrential rain set in. We had to pack it in early and head home.

It is very rare for me to sit and enjoy a movie. Very, very rare. I am ALWAYS on the move at the house either doing some quick cleaning or some half done craft project. I found some extra time today and decided to check out the ol' Netflix. Now... let me tell you about my Netflix experiences...

 

Story of my life! Occasionally, when I'm not glued to a series I venture into the movies. This weekend I was on a Marilyn Monroe kick. By kick, I mean two movies the first I accidentally chose.

 

How to Marry a Millionaire

 

Released in 1953 starring Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall

 

These three ladies use their wits, charm, and good looks to try and marry millionaires. They devise a plan to pose as wealthy women in hopes of wooing each a husband.  It is quirky and funny, but ultimately a love story.             I fell in LOVE with Marilyn's glasses! Like I want some now! Of course, she always looks classy.

In true Netflix fashion, once you end one show/movie, they offer a suggestions for you to watch next. I wanted another Marilyn film and settled for Bus Stop.

Small town rodeo rider falls in love with the stunning bar singer. See how this miss matched couple collide. You can take a girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl. Again... ultimately a love story.              

If you are looking for some old film Marilyn love story.... check these out.

Waiting out the rain and lots of love until next time.

Red, White, and Eww.

Happy happy Independence day! I hope you're enjoying your 4th of July!

 

For me...It's 5pm, and I just got out of the shower. I would say I was lazy today, but it was the complete opposite. I tackled all those household things I have put off for quite some time.

If you live anywhere near southeastern Kentucky, more than likely your 4th of July festivities have been rescheduled due to the weather. Our fireworks have been pushed to Saturday in my small town. It's hard to plan something, when your holiday falls in the middle of the week. Joe and I both have to work tomorrow. No long weekend for us!

What else to do on a rainy Thursday afternoon with all 4th festivities canceled? Clean this house! Well, let me rephrase... tackle those projects I absolutely did not want to do! Shampoo carpets and finish up some laundry.

If you are a pet owner of any kind you know the importance of shampooing carpets. You can always quickly clean up those pet accidents, but occasionally you need a super hot, deep carpet cleaning. Pet dander is no fun! Especially when 2 out of 3 friends are allergic to cats, and can't visit your house without leaving with complimentary Benadryl.

This flufftastic mess if why I am shampooing my carpets on my day off!

We borrowed a carpet shampooer from some family members. Filled it with water and solution. (I used my own cleaning solution, but that's a post in itself) Shampooed away. I am always amazed at how disgusting the water looks when you empty the tank. EWWWWW! My floors are that disgusting?! In my small house, it took maybe two hours or so to finish the only three rooms with carpet. It's like getting a new house!

Shampooer I used? Bissell PowerSteamer PowerBursh. It's lightweight compared to others, glides easily, and user friendly. No tricks to remove and fill the tank for use.

After working all day in the house, I needed some pampering time. Plus my pedicure was pretty chipped, and my nails needed some TLC. I did give myself a pedicure and re-paint my toes and fingers. I sat on the edge of the bathtub soaking my feet in lavender infused water, and slathered my fett in MK's Mint Bliss lotion. There is something about the lavender and mint mixture that makes my feetsies thank me. I topped it off with a fresh coat of pink nail polish. It's made by NYC (New York Color) called Love Me Red Crème. I think it's a very deep pink, definitely not a red and has a bit of a sheen luster.

 

I am wrapping up this day, and getting ready for work tomorrow. I might even make muffins for those of us less unfortunate workers who didn't schedule Friday off work!

Trying to talk Joe into watching Les Mis and lots of love until next time.

Strawberry and Blueberry Trifle Recipe

Invited to a cook-out? Offered to bring a dessert? Stressing because you can't think of anything that is quick and easy? 

 

 

That is me every holiday, event, or get-together. However, I have found my go-to recipe that, so far, everyone has enjoyed! All the ingredients are things you would have in your pantry at any given time. I have discovered that late spring to late summer is the best time to make this dish, as it is prime time season for beautiful strawberries and blueberries.

 

One year, I took this dish to Thanksgiving because my cousin begged and pleaded for it. He ate, no joking, half of the trifle dish he enjoyed it so much. Then thanked me endlessly because he said it is one of his favorite desserts. I am glad I went through the struggle of finding acceptable fruits and spending the time to layer it to perfection. My dear cousin who loves the Strawberry and Blueberry Trifle passed that following Christmas. This dish is near and dear to my heart. I remember the first time I made it after he passed, I cried and cried while preparing the ingredients. No lie, that time it was made with love and tears.

 

 

Strawberry and Blueberry Trifle

 

This picture does not do it justice, but it was A Ha! blog post!

 

 

Ingredients:

2 Blocks of Cream Cheese: Softened

1 Tub of Whipped Topping (*I have learned through trial and error, the Great Value brand works 10x better than name brand.)

1 Cup of Sugar

1-2 Carton(s) of Blueberries (depending how blueberry-y you want it)

1-2 Carton(s) of Strawberries: Sliced (depending how strawberry-y you want it)

1 Bag or Tub of Strawberry Glaze (Sugar Free works well too)

1 Angel Food Cake (I buy pre-made to save on time)

 

Tools:

1 Large Mixing Bowl

1 Medium Mixing Bowl

Hand Mixer

Clear Deep Bowl or Trifle Dish (recommended)

 

 

Step 1: Prepare the topping.

In the large bowl, using the hand mixer, mix together cream cheese, whipped topping, and cup of sugar until fluffy and light. This step does take some time to ensure the ingredients are mixed well together and the mixture is not grainy from the sugar. Unfortunately, a hand mixer is a must! It is soooo hard to get the ingredients mixed properly without one!

 



 

Step 2: Prepare the fruit glaze/mixture.

In the medium bowl, mix together sliced strawberries, blueberries, and strawberry glaze. Make sure all fruit is coated with the glaze. *Leave some strawberry slices and blueberries to garnish*

 

Step 3: Prepare the Angel Food Cake

Tear the angel food cake into bite size pieces.

 

Step 4: Get to Layering!

In your trifle dish, place a layer of angel food cake pieces to cover the bottom of the bowl. Layer with some of the fruit mixture. And... layer with the whipped topping. Continue with this pattern until all the ingredients are gone. *Be sure that your top layer is the whipped topping!!!*

 

Cake, Fruit, Whipped Topping, Cake, Fruit, Whipped Topping..... shew! Usually this recipe will let you layer the trifle dish two complete times.

 

Step 5: Garnish and ENJOY!

Once the dish is layered, garnish with any leftover strawberries or blueberries. Eat and Enjoy!

 

This dish does need to stay refrigerated as long as possibly. This allows the glaze and whipped topping set and not be so runny while eating. This yields 8-10 medium servings and 12-14 small servings.

 

Enjoy this quick, easy recipe with your family this holiday.

 

Sending sweet love to my cousin above and lots of love until next time!





Cats, Cats, Cats... and Harry Potter

As promised, here is my Torrid haul from last week. You are lucky it is even this week because it has been a little hectic. Advice for today. When you are having a cruddy day, and you want to shop but your funds are not ideal…. Go back and look at the clothing and shoes you haven’t worn yet. It is an acceptable alternative, and doesn’t come with buyer’s remorse.

 Torrid is a specialty store, and sadly, there isn’t one in Kentucky-closest in Knoxville. They offer plus size trendy, shoes, accessories, and lingerie. My method for shopping at Torrid?

1.       Go in store to try things on! Most times they remain true to size, but occasionally there is that one shirt that fits differently or a shoe that feels odd.

2.       Come home, and buy online! Often times, I find BETTER deals by shopping online with Torrid. There are always coupon codes available for discounts, and they offer flat rate shipping. Buy $10 or $100 of items- ship for one rate! Torrid Website

My favorite times to shop? Ultimate Fashion Sale (UFS-semi-annual sale), and the release boots/booties for the fall season. You can catch those seasonal items you’ve been eyeballing for some time at 60% off during UFS. The boots… they are my weakness.

With all that said, I was more than thrilled when I seen the Torrid box at my house last week! They never ship items in small boxes either. It’s the type of box my mail carrier curses at because it takes up the majority of their vehicle, and they have to deliver it to my door. Warning! My 3 loves are below: cats, shoes, and Harry Potter.

Retro Hip Kitty Tee

Who could pass up this name?? Better yet, who could pass up a cat in a wig wearing a studded  jean jacket???? The studs are sparkly embellishments which I totally couldn't resist. This is an internet exclusive! Once it's gone, it's usually gone. Until they pop up on ebay. Look here : ) It's on sale!

 

Kitten Me Scoop Neck Tee

 

I got this shirt simply because it made me crack up- literally laugh out loud. It was even more hilarious when I seen it in person. In case you like a funny cat shirt, Cracks me up :)

 

Harry Potter Glasses and Bolt

 

I ALWAYS wanted a Harry Potter shirt- always! However, I didn't want Harry or Ron's face displayed awkwardly across my chest. I wanted sleek and simple. My other concern... glasses on the chest of a shirt. Too many times, I see a girl in a short that has glasses printed directly on her shirt, directly on her chest. It's definitely a shake my head moment. Did you realize you're "I'm a nerd" shirt has caused you to have targets on your boobs??? This shirt... the glasses fall below your breasts, so you are in the clear of targets. When I found this HP shirt, I HAD to buy it. Very, very rarely will I EVER pay this much for a tee, but, again, I really super-duper-uber wanted it. Love HP? Fall in the awkward face/glasses/boobs category? Look at this :)

 

Now... onto my ultimate weakness. SHOES! I only got three pairs this time. ONLY THREE!

 

Yoki Troppa Black Buckle Booties

 

Back in the fall, I fell in love with these boots. At first, I bought the brown because the black reminded me too much of a pirate. There are by far the most comfortable ankle bootie I have ever purchased. They are padded and have great arch support. It's the rule of being a woman: Find something you like, buy it in every color. Once these went on sale, I added the black pair to my collection. I highly recommend adding these to your collect, in BOTH colors. Yoki Bootie

 

These next two... unfortunately are sold out on Torrid's website. However, you can find them at various other sites (Amazon and TUK to name two).

 

 

Both shoes are made by the TUK brand. They offer a different type of style-a gritty on the edge, not from my small town style. Not just for women either! They make shoes for men and children as well. They are extremely well made, and all heels come with additional heel stoppers (the piece that always wears out). Both pairs are very padded and offer great support. The bow on the peep toe is even a satin bow! Visit TUK Shoes to see what all they offer.

 

I currently have my eyes GLUED to these...CAT SHOES

And... I let Joe know where he can buy them ;)

 

Might be a crazy cat lady and lots of love until next time!

 

Taco Friday Trivia

Yes, we are kind of one of those cheesy families that serve dinner at the table, all sit together, and talk about our day. However, it only happens once a week, and it is near impossible to successfully make it through the entire dinner. You could only imagine having a peaceful dinner with 6 kids: 24, almost 15, 14, 13, 12, and almost 2.

It was traditional Taco Friday at my mom's house after work. My mother is not a gourmet chef, but that woman can make the best tacos. She always has a wide selection of toppings and shells. It's never here's a taco with meat, cheese, and lettuce. It's... would you like a soft/hard/fried/baked shell, taco bowl, nachos, or a combination of the above? You get your shell of choice and move down the assembly line ending at napkins and silverware at the end.

Yes, I described our dinner as an assembly line, but again imagine serving 8-10 people at one meal...

My taco choice? Soft shell, refried beans, hard shell, meat, lettuce, black olives, melt-y nacho cheese, sour cream, and mild taco sauce (specifically in that order). Try it. You'll thank me.

 My favorite, favorite part taco Friday?? Eating a really big meal and not having to worry about cleaning the kitchen!

Joking.... (seriously though, it's nice not having to clean up after a dinner.) This goes back to being the cheesy family. We go around the entire table asking these questions:

What was the best part of your day?
The worst part?
What's one thing you are thankful for?

I'm always intrigued to hear my brothers' answers. Most times, the worst part is fighting with each other. Which causes one sibling's best part being the win, and another sibling's worst part the loss. My sister (15) usually answers about school, friends, boys, social networking, or whatever these whippersnappers do these days. The youngest, of course, doesn't really answer, but we ask him anyways responding with screams and 1 of 10 words he knows.

I always answer last of the kids about my day.

The best part: being there with my family creating these memories and traditions that will hopefully transfer to their own dinner tables one day

The worst part: It's always difficult for me to answer. When I'm sitting there with those crazy kids and my wonderful mother, it's hard to think of the bad. I usually answer some petty problem, that I've not had time to find a solution to yet. My dear grandmother taught me, "It's not a problem, it's a challenge."

What I am thankful for? That I have a loving mother who cooks tacos every Friday. Siblings that enjoy spending Taco Friday together. That Friday dinner is something that we all enjoy.

Try it sometime. You'll thank me for it.

Counting down to Taco Friday and lots of love until next time!