My kind of crazy!

Need shoes? Go to...

2012-02-10T16:20:00.001-06:00

KOHLS! I never think to go there but since its across the street from my house I always run there for last minute things I need- tights, gift wrapping, etc. BUT today I ran into the HUGEST sale ever!

Seriously their boots were marked down 80% plus I had an additional 20% coupon.

I'm blogging from my phone so I'm not able to add pics but it's definitely worth a trip.
Email me- britneynboyd@gmail.com and I can forward you the 20% off coupon!

Also, remember when I blogged about this..... Well Feb. 15th is the official launch!

Happy Shopping!!!!

Catch up

2012-02-08T10:52:00.000-06:00

Man.... I am noooooo good at blogging! So I am going to play catch up in this one (very long) post then TRY TRY TRY to get back into blogging!

I went to see Bring it On, The Muscical and it was AWESOME. It totally made me wish I was 13 again and back on my competitive cheerleading squad. We went to a quick Happy Hour at McCormick's before the show. Speaking of which....its seriously the best HH ever in Houston- I mean like $3.95 for a hamburger and fries! Ha, how come I am just now finding out all this great stuff :)

Being Silly!!!

My sweet doggie, Coby is getting better but still has along ways to go. I never thought I could do "blood and guts" but suddenly became a pro in the last two weeks. He goes in next week to get his stitches out. He is LOVING all the attention though!

I'm BACK in the gym and love being so sore I can barely move. I made a monthly calendar to help keep me accountable. Now if I could just give you sweets...I would be skinny in no time. I'm doing cardio and abs every single day for the whole month thank you very much!

I got a new cell phone because someone was tracking me by GPS and I had no freakin idea. Message me if you want the new number.

I tried to make Oreo pops because it was a quick and easy treat for Valentine's Day and it was a DISASTER! So, I made cake balls instead!

This is the first time in my life... I do NOT have a plan! And I'm perfectly OK with that!

Toodles!

Its OK thursdays!

2012-01-26T10:08:00.002-06:00

Its OK...

That my sweet baby is having to have surgery tomorrow and I am a nervous wreck. Bulldogs are VERY high risk when it comes to anaesthesia.

That I am counting down the days till Valentine's day even though I am single. I love to have any reason to celebrate a holiday :) I have no problem buying myself a gift.

That I need my hair highlighted, my bangs cut, my nails & toes done, my eyebrows waxed, and I need to spray tan sooooo BAD! I will spare you guys a picture.

To be super excited that my brother's wedding is in Houston Wedding Magazine (just in time for their one year anniversary).

Here's the link if you wanna read about it.

That I really really really NEED by butt kicked in the gym. I have got to make myself get back in shape!

That my mom still brings me "treats" and "surprises" weekly. This week I got these cute tanks from Victoria Secret.

Happy Thursday!I have absolutely nothing planned this weekend and I love it!!!

help please....

2012-01-24T17:21:00.004-06:00

I need the name of an awesome travel agent or some really great suggestions.

#1 I need a swanky hotel in New York. I go every year so Ive done the whole touristy thing many times. So tell me the places to shop, eat, have some FUN!!! Or any NY bloggers want to be my tour guide so I can experience the fabulous local places! Going the first of May.

#2 Resort recommendations....preferably all inclusive (anywhere in the world). I've done Mexico before so I want somewhere new. Planning a trip for July.

Totally catching up on my travel bucket list. Anywhere else I need to go while I'm at it???

reason #198,702 i love bloggin

2012-01-24T10:43:00.001-06:00

As many of you know blogging made me really nervous at first... I had this weird thought that someone might stalk me or that there would be creepy old men at the blogger meetups....but boy was I wrong!!!!!! I absolutely LOVE it and I cant say enough how thankful I am for the friendships I have formed through my blog.

Alot of times our small group of girls meet during the week since Sundays are hard to give up for the actual Htown Blooger Meetup.

Mandell, Maura, Jess, Me, Brynn, Lindsey

It was a much needed girls night of drinks and gossip. Stealing this from Jessica.... but it was the best darn ab workout .... totally cancels out all the chips and salsa we consumed. We decided that even though we are old our next outing is going to be OUT on the TOWN so please tell us where all the "cool" places are in Houston! Haha!!! Soooooo we will be dustin off the ol' party pants next month :) Anyone else wanna join us??

So I thought it was just another girls dinner but my sweet blogger bffs, Brynn and Maura surprised me with a bag full of goodies needed for a little R & R. Thank You so much for being such amazing friends.

Yes friends....this is a can of mace!!!!

Does anywhere else have blogger meetups? Has your experience been good or bad meeting friends from blogging?

working out naked

2012-01-20T13:05:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Groupon and a new Bikram Yoga place less than one mile from my house...I finally gave it a try. I had been wanting to try it forever but wasn't willing to pay $180 for something I might hate. So, thank you Groupon for paying $59 for 10 sessions. It was about to expire so I MADE myself go this week. And.....
Let me tell you something.......It is Fing HOT AS HELL in there. You bet I was counting down every second until I could get out of that room. Not to mention everyone was particularly butt NAKED. I kid you not...I have pictures to prove it. The yoga itself wasn't that bad... Of course I could be WAYYYY more flexible but its the freaking heat that makes you want to die. Yes, you actually feel like you are dying.

So, here are the positions

You try doing all of those positions pretty much naked. No thank you! I looked like a grandma in there with my Victoria Secret Yoga pants and tank. No way will I ever catch me dead in Bikram attire.

And to make things worse is that guys wear less clothing than the girls. PROOF right here

Even after feeling like death I felt AMAZING afterwards. Call me crazy but I will be going back to finish my sessions. I probably still won't spend $180 a month to endure this kind of torture but its totally worth it if you have an unlimited bank account.

Happy Friday!

Finally...back to blogging

2012-01-19T14:23:00.001-06:00

Man, after being gone for over a month I realized how much I enjoy blogging... so I am back with lots of changes!!! Which I am so excited to see what the future holds :)

So, I don't want to make this all about the drama going on in my life so I'm just gonna put it out there (on the Internet for the whole world to see)... I am getting DIVORCED! OK, now lets move on because what 26 year gets divorced so young. Anyways...really bad situation I needed to get myself out of.
Blog name is changing but that's about all you will hear about the big "D" word.... Until maybe the day its FINAL in 2 months ...and I will be celebrating!!!

So forgive me...Not only have I not blogged...I haven't kept up reading other blogs.
But now that I am back I do have some fun things to post about.... I've tried keeping myself busy with friends, parties, cocktails and FUN!

So glad to be back to blogging. Please update me on everything that's been going on that I missed!

santas wonderland

2011-12-11T19:50:00.001-06:00

One post last week...gezzz! I said I would get better but I have not had one free second all week so it might be like this until after the holidays. Even though...I have 3 Christmas parties this weekend so at least I'll have some good pictures to post :)
Friday night I got to spoil a friend of mine kiddos... so we ate lots of junk food and made Christmas cookies. (Ha, be glad my trainer doesn't read this blog).

Santa’s Wonderland is a Texas Christmas Experience! REALLY...If you have been...You know what I am talking about. This place is fabulous. Its a huge Christmas attraction that's sits on on 37 acres of winding trail of lights over a mile long. There are over two and a half million total lights on display! It is BEAUTIFUL!!!

These pics don't do justice.

13 days, 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 5 seconds until CHRISTMAS!

spoiled rotten... nail polish swap

2011-12-05T08:14:00.001-06:00

I must be really lucky to get paired with such fabulous girls (its only been my 2nd swap). This time I got paired with a Houston blogger that I had the privilege of meeting this weekend at the meet up. Michelle @ The Vintage Apple. Not only did she spoil me rotten but she is awesome....seriously someone that I would hang out with in real life :)

Thanks to Tara and celia is hosting such a fun Nail Polish Swap.

Sally Hansen 330 Grey Area

Sinful Colors 922 Frenzy

Sally Hansen 210 Flirt

Michelle- Thank you so much for all the goodies. It totally made my day!

I am so glad I got a Houston girl.... Because we had a blast at the Blogger meetup on Sunday!

Yayyyy for all my new blogger friends I met!

life changing upgrade

2011-12-04T21:43:00.001-06:00

I cannot believe its been a week since I have blogged. I have no excuse expect I have been so busy. Look at my hair...its proof... I've said I was going to get it highlighted all week and now its Sunday night and it hasn't been done.

BUT.... I will say I am completely done with Christmas shopping. Everything has already been ordered... just waiting for it to arrive so my lil elves can get wrapping. The only thing left is a couple white elephant gifts I need for parties.

AND...Christmas are addressed and ready to go out in tomorrow's mail. Let me tell you how exciting my Friday night was. I stuffed, addressed, and sealed 70 Christmas cards. Am I crazy to send that many?? I'll post our card on here in a week or so...once everyone has received them.

I am also made a life changing decision this weekend and finally upgraded the old blackberry. I cannot believe it took me so long but I LOVE my new phone. My newest discovery...Hey Tell! I am loving getting talking texts from my friends.

Busy week ahead...lots of fun posts!!!

Toodles!

big hair!

2011-11-27T21:32:00.001-06:00

Not sure that anyone really cares how I do my hair ~~everyday~~ on the weekends but I have been asked how to get my hair to hold curls.... I was trying to explain to my mother in law last week that any type of hair can curl with the right products so this is for her...and any of you other bloggers with the same issue.

I have thin, baby fine hair that is extremely boring unless I really spend the extra time to give it some “poof”. I should have lived in the 80’s or at least move to Dallas because I love BIG hair!!!

So here it goes….

1. Wash your hair and condition as normal. I use BedHead Dumb Blonde shampoo and conditioner. This is the greatest ever- gives mega-moisture, explodes with lather and adds super shine. Leave the conditioner on a little longer to add extra texture.

2. Use these products!

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus Volumizing Mousse

Osis Dust it thickening powder

Tresemme Tres Two

Three tooth comb

Dry shampoo- Suave or Bumble and Bumble Blonde

3. Comb your damp hair and spray in sections the volumizing mousse (mostly just to your roots). Dry you hair – turn your head upside-down and blast it with the hairdryer until it’s completely dry.

4. Once it’s MOSTLY dry put in these “sexy” rollers. The ones I use are 80mm velcro rollers (yellow). Even though I have really long hair I can only fit about 6-8 rollers on my head. I got mine from Ulta. They are super cheap.

Put in these huge rollers while your hair is still hot from the hairdryer, starting at the crown, section off a 2 inch bit of hair which is the same width as the roller, roll into your hair and pin in if you need to. Then blast your hair with a hot hairdryer, and put your makeup on as you wait for your hair to cool down.

5. Pull out the rollers and get volumizing!
Once you’ve applied your makeup, take out the rollers. After you have done all this your hair should be bouncy.

6. Poofing
Meet your new best friends- dusting powder and this three tooth comb.

Just sprinkle this magic loose powder on the root area when the hair is dry for instant lift and volume. You only need ALITTLE.

With a comb, gather small pieces of the 3 inches or so hair and gently tease them to create volume. Push gently so you don't damage the hair. Continue around the crown of the head until you get a gentle poof all around.

7. Curling

I highly recommend this kind- José Eber 25mm clipless curling iron
How to use it:

1.) If you're a newbie, or if you're in a rush, throw a heat-proof glove on. They glove actually sucks so don’t waste your time. Pain is beauty ladies. I suggest some vitamin e or aloe lotion near by 

2.) Point the tip of the iron downward and wrap a one-inch section of hair around the barrel, winding it away from your face. Watch out for your fingers…this is the painful part because it gets VERY hot!

3.) Let it sit for 10 seconds, then release.

4.) Repeat on all of your hair.

5.) Flip your head over and break up the curls with your fingers or brush out for a softer look.

And here you go! Sassy and fabulous hair....

im back

2011-11-25T19:34:00.001-06:00

and going to be better a blogger :) I know I keep saying that but fingers crossed I will actually have the time to spend. Plus, I have so much planned now until the beginning of the year.

I just had the longest week ever- full and family and fun!

My 4 house guests headed home this afternoon and I spent the day on the couch...I repeat...I did not get off the couch all day expect to pick up some sushi takeout for me and my honey!

here is a quick recap of my week. sorry its novel lenght.

before our family came in town from Oklahoma we went to the Aggie football game on Saturday.

day #1- family lunch at my brothers. Gotta love people that decorate for Christmas early :)

day #2- I had to work part of the day so I went to my brothers house for some peace and quite AND some sister time. Alittle pampering fixes everything.

Speaking of....
I just got my polish swap goody box today and Michelle spoiled me!! I'll post the details during the link up! Loving the colors she picked out for me :)

day #3- movie day. We took everyone to Movie Studio Grill to see Twilight while Riley spent the day with my mom. Riley is our families lil angel. Just in her short 7 years she has survived two open heart surgeries.

day #4- picture day. We got Billy's dad family a photo shoot and some pictures as an early Christmas gift. Of course, we used our favorite photographer that took our Christmas pictures from this post.

My mom and I also have this tradition that we cook Thanksgiving the day before. Of course we cook better with lots of wine. It was great to include the whole family in this holiday tradition. The boys also whipped out alittle Texas hold em

Ladies....
my trainer/friend pictured above is single and ready to mingle! And did I mention he's is also a massage therapist

day #5- Thanksgiving. I hosted 18 people so I didn't get any pictures. Try hosting that many people with kiddos running around and see if you can remember to take pics. SORRY! I am so bummed too.

day# 6 - NO black Friday shopping....thank you very much. I will finish my Christmas shopping online.

Our family also headed home today so we spend the the rest of the day recovering from hosting, cooking, cleaning, and entertaining from the week.

FUN week!

guest post from the fabulous kelsey!

2011-11-24T10:56:00.000-06:00

Hey Miskell blog readers!! I am Kelsey of 'The Balch Bunch'! Britney and I 'met' through a scarf swap we got paired up in the fall! Wow, what a perf little match we were! We are so much alike it is funny.... I mean I have and Englisgh Bulldog and a Maltese and she has an English Bulldog and a Yorkie... I mean... what are the odds. We have had so much fun getting to know each other and I know if we ever cross real life paths we will have so much fun! On my little blog The Balch Bunch I write a little bit abot everything... my family, Chandler (the hubby) and Channing (the sweetest daughter I know) and our daily lives..... fashion... reality tv... really anything that makes me happy! I am so excited to guest post for my sweet friend Britney! I hope you guys enjoy and I hope you stop by and check out my little blog!

I know that this time of year on every blog in town everyone is talking about what they are thankful for. So, I thought I would join in! There are always certain songs that bring out different emotions in us. For every different reason under the sun songs stir up emotions. I love this about songs... I love that they can take you back to a special place or bring you back down to earth... Lately every night when I rock Channing while she drinks her milk I sing her "Make you feel my love' the Adele edition. No, I am not a good singer by any means but for some reason I love singing this song to her. I know some of it is most likely talking to a partner and not a child I still love to sing it.

I so badly want her to understand that I love her so much and I would do anything for her. I mean, I almost tear up every night that I sing this to her. In all the business and frustration that life can bring, I want her to know I truly would go to the 'ends of the earth' for her... no matter what... no matter what she does or what may come... I would do anything for her and that my love for her knows no end. I guess this is what every mom wants... for their children to know that no matter what you love them. I love the holiday season... it makes me so happy but it also makes me emotional... I love that it makes me reflect on the things that God has placed in my life that I am thankful for. I hope that in the hectic time of the holidays you are able to reflect on what is good in your life...

Got my dreams, got my life, got my love
Got my friends, got the sunshine above
Why am I making this hard on myself
When there’s so many beautiful reasons I have to be happy -Natasha Bedingfield

Adele
Make You Feel My Love
When the rain
Is blowing in your face
And the whole world
Is on your case
I could offer you
A warm embrace
To make you feel my love
When the evening shadows
And the stars appear
And there is no - one there
To dry your tears
I could hold you
For a million years
To make you feel my love

I know you
Haven't made
Your mind up yet
But I would never
Do you wrong
I've known it
From the moment
That we met
No doubt in my mind
Where you belong

I'd go hungry
I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling
Down the avenue
Know there's nothing
That I wouldn't do
To make you feel my love

The storms are raging
On the rolling sea
And on the highway of regret
The winds of change
Are blowing wild and free
You ain't seen nothing
Like me yet

I could make you happy
Make your dreams come true
Nothing that I wouldn't do
Go to the ends
Of the Earth for you

To make you feel my love, To make you feel my love
Happy Holidays Loves!!

guest post from my hs friend

2011-11-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll! I am so excited to be a guest on Britney's blog this week! Britney and I went to high school together and are also members of the same church. We also share a love for blogging, shopping, and spending time with our momma's.

This post is for the kiddos! Are you having children around for the Thanksgiving holiday? Wondering how in the world you are going to entertain them? After all, not everyone is into watching football (gasp!). I have a few activities to share with you that our class loved and are definitely a kid pleaser!

Pilgrim Hats - These are super easy to make and soo darn cute! I used black construction paper instead of brown and cut the outline of the hat. I then had the kids help me glue on the white strip and yellow buckle. Glue one side of a thin strip of black construction paper to one side of the hat for the headband. Make sure to measure it to the child's head before gluing the other side so that it fits. Simple right? We also made a smaller version to use as napkin ring holders. And did I mention how stinkin cute they are?

Next is a yummy treat for all ages. All you need is 1 cup of vanilla frosting, 32 miniature peanut butter cups, 1 package of fudge-striped cookies, and 32 pieces of orange mini Chiclets gum or any small square-shaped candy. Remove the paper liners from the peanut butter cups. Holding the bottom of a peanut butter cup, dip top of cup in yellow frosting.
Position over center hole on the bottom of cookie, forming the hatband and crown. Add a buckle of Chiclets gum. Repeat with remaining cups and cookies. Piece of cake..er cookie right? Like we say in my family, you know it's a successful Thanksgiving if you gobble till you wobble! This last activity is a personal favorite of mine. My heart melts hearing the little ones talk about everything they are thankful for, even if it does include McDonald's or their Ipad hehe. For this you will need paper plates, several different colors of construction paper, tempera paint, and googly eyes (optional). The kids can use their fingers to paint the paper plate whatever color they choose. Make sure they are painting the back side of the plate and set aside to dry. While that is drying, draw your turkey's body and have them cut it out. Glue on the googly eyes, nose, and wattle. Then cut out different leaf shapes of construction paper to use as the feathers. Have them write or help them write what they are thankful for on the leaves. Glue the leaves to the top of the paper plate. This is such a great project because it is never too early to learn about all that we have to be thankful for.

Hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving!

guest post from my lost lost twin

2011-11-22T18:21:00.000-06:00

Disclaimer...before I post my new "quite possibly real life BFF". Mandell and I went to the same high school but didn't really know each other. We found each other through bloggin and I swear she like my long lost twin. We have sooooooo MUCH in common so I cant wait for our friend dates!

Hey, girls, heeyy!

I am SO excited to be here with “The Miskell’s” while Britney’s busy entertaining a houseful!

I’m Mandell, over at “Nameless…for now”. I don't have a fancy little button to add here but I think you get the idea. I just started blogging and let me tell ya, I love it! I’ve been writing this month about things I’m thankful for and throwing in a few other tidbits of my life. (Like the things I couldn’t live without and ~~how I’m waiting for the bf to gift me a shiny rock for my left hand~~ the people I love most.)

I thought I’d switch gears a bit and bring to you instead, a story. A story with a moral...

Stick with me, it’s still a little lengthy.

Sometimes I pass out.

I admit...I am was the most undependable DD ever.

I know what you’re thinking… “STOP shooting tequila, Mandell and maybe this won’t be a prob”. But alcohol isn’t typically my source of this passing out. (Honest! The above image is a ghost of my past! ) This happens just randomly on any given day. I am well aware that this is not normal. Clearly, something is wrong with me but well, I hate doctors and this only occurs maybe a few times a year…and well, I’m still alive. So all’s good, right? Yes.

Here’s some inopportune locations of said fainting:

Hobby Lobby, Astroworld (back in the day!), lunch duty (in front of 80 terrified 5 year olds) and the location of today’s story…

The Walmart bathroom in Abilene, Texas.

So I’m heading back to school in Lubbock (completely sober!) and suddenly it hits. I’m pretty familiar with the warning signs so I know this is about to be bad. I am seeing stars and know I have to pull over fast! I make it to the Walmart in good ole Abilene, TX. I am certain as I stumble out of my car I look completely wasted. My head is spinning, my stomach is cramping, I am drenched in sweat by this point. Usually, if I can locate something sweet and swallow ~~a handful~~ the directed amount of Advil I feel better shortly.

I am drunkenly, as it appears to innocent bystanders, trying to locate the Advil in a Walmart I am totally unfamiliar with. It gets to a point where I know my time was short, I know I have seconds before I hit the ground…in front of all the classy shoppers of Walmart mind you. In attempt to not a make a scene, I be-line for the bathrooms. Walmart workers are stopping me asking if I’m okay, I ignore everything and make my way to the bathrooms as quickly as poss.

Now imagine for a minute a typical Walmart bathroom. Not pleasant.

(And I really feel this pic is doing them justice.)

I have no other choice. Luckily, the handicap stall is open and so I do it. I cover the floor with toilet seat covers and immediately collapse…on the bathroom floor….in a Walmart bathroom. Yep. Life’s lowest point.

I laid there thinking, “Wow, I can’t believe I’m going to die here in a Walmart bathroom.”

Then, in swoops my guardian angel to save the day (and quite possibly my life it seemed at the time). This could have happened in Rising Star or Comanche or any other town along the 8 hour stretch of road to Lubbock, but nope. It happened in Abilene, TX where my best friend just happened to be living.

Doesn't a halo look good on her?! Def adding halos to all my pics now.

So, if I’m remembering correctly, her and her boyfriend, (now hub, who also deserves a picture with halo) come into the bathroom and help get me home.

I wish I could say this was the only time that boy’s had to carry me home – thanks Justin! (another story, another post)

I spend the next 6 hours sleeping off my worst nightmare in Justin’s bed. I wake up not only feeling great but also to a party in the living room. My unplanned stay was perfect timing! You know I love a party! Remarkable how things like this work, really.

I told you there was a moral to the story and here it is:

GOD NEVER SCREWS YOU.

Knocking on wood here but of the oh, 30 times I’ve run out of gas it’s never been on a busy freeway (and the one time it was, miraculously my little brother just happened to be behind me and within seconds pushed me with his truck...to a gas station...no more than 20 feet away...the one I happened to have had a gas card to - you know dad took that away immeds after graduation, dang.) I’ve never fainted without someone there to help, roads are always clear when I completely fail to notice the red light, my dog always survives all the non-food she swallows (you can read about that ordeal here), a train never comes when I accidentally get stopped on the tracks, there always manages to be just enough money to buy those boots on sale, and best of all….

best friends always pull through.

Here’s some things, on the other hand, He does not care about:

-your inability to afford Tory riding boots and Louis bags

-your teams inability to score enough TDs to win a game (no matter how hard you pray)

And lastly, He most certainly does not care AT ALL that you may want Chick-fil-a on a Sunday.

Can I get an Amen?!

Thanks for reading people! Head on over to “Nameless...for now” and say "hi!" Part 2 of “The Other Time Justin Had To Carry Me Home” just might be coming soon! It’s sure to be another thrilling read! Ha! Want to know an ironic side note?? I wrote this on Thursday, November16th. And on the 17th my boyfriend asked me to be his wife!! So my blog will no longer be a waiting game to the proposal but a waiting game to the WEDDING!! I couldn't be more excited! (or more of an emotional wreck) Details posted soon! EEEEEEE!!!

guest post from blogger bff

2011-11-21T07:51:00.001-06:00

Hi Britney's readers!! My name is Lindsay and I post on my little corner of cyberspace called Our Lovely Life. I am so excited to be guest posting for Mrs. Britney today while she hosts her family for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Billy & Britney Miskell

Let me tell you a little about how Britney and I met. We're both Houston bloggers. A few months back we had our monthly H-town Blogger meet up at a place called The Tasting Room. It's a wine bar that also serves food. We were there for Sunday brunch. We were seated at a long table chatting and this adorable blonde girl walked in a little late. This was her first blogger meet up and she looked really excited to be there. She took the open seat next to me and said something to the effect of, "I am so glad to see that y'all aren't stalkers or scary old men!". I laughed so hard because, really, who doesn't have that fear before meeting fellow bloggers for the first time?!? I told her that we are definitely not stalkers, obviously not scary old men, and I felt the same way at my first blogger meet up. I think she instantly felt at ease and we instantly had a bond. Now we have a fun little inside joke about other bloggers being stalkers!

Since then, Britney and I have become not only blogging friends, but in-real-life friends also. I am so happy to have met her and to be able to call her my friend. She is so positive and full of energy. It's hard not to get a smile on your face whenever she is around. She makes everyone feel special and I am so lucky to have met her!

Okay, on to my post!

Today, I am going to share with y'all some of the things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving. I know a lot of bloggers have already done their "thankful" post and moved on to posting about their Christmas trees, but I am celebrating one holiday at a time and this week it's time for Thanksgiving.

My Husband

We were married on April 9th of this year. We had an outdoor ceremony and sit down dinner planned at the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. It stormed and snowed on our wedding day. The whole event had to be moved inside that morning. And you know what? I didn't freak out. I had dreamed of this outdoor wedding my whole life and had it planned down to the tiniest detail. And all of my planning and years of dreaming flew out the window that morning. But I didn't shed a sad tear that day. Because despite the weather, or the change in plans, I was getting to marry my best friend and soul mate. It didn't matter if we did it inside, outside, or in outer space, we were getting married that day and I was the luckiest girl in the world.

My Family

Along with getting married comes a whole bunch of new family members. I am so thankful to say that my new family members are awesome. I am so lucky to have great in-laws and our families get along so well. There were only 40 guests at our wedding, so it was just great that our families enjoyed being around each other. Both sides of our family are so supportive and care about us more than words can say. They give their opinion when asked, but do not overstep their boundaries into our relationship. I treasure the time spent with both sides and love everyone very much.

My Dog

I'm sure that if my husband or any of my family members read this post they will be shocked that I didn't put my dog first on the "thankful" list! She really is the star of our little family. We adopted Cooper from the SPCA last year and I could not be more thankful for her. She is our fur child and completes our family. She is so crazy and we get so many laughs at her expense. She brings unconditional love and so much joy into our household. Even if I had a terrible day at work, as soon as I get home and see Cooper, it all seems better.

Disclaimer: I normally get home before my husband, so if he was home first, of course seeing him would make me happy too. He always jokes with me about how I like the dog more than him. Totally not true!

I know that all of these things are pretty typical things to be thankful for...but I really am just so thankful for them this year. With the wedding and everything else that's been going on in my life, I don't know how I would have made it if it wasn't for the constant love from my husband, the unending support from my family, and the kisses and licks from my dog!

i got a face lift! update.

2011-11-17T08:15:00.001-06:00

Oh, I mean a blog lift. Thank you to the fabulous Jenn at Munchkin Land Designs for making this beautiful blog design. Not only is she super talented she is one of the sweetest blogger friends ever!

I joke that having this new design will make me a better blogger... I sure hope so. I love blogging but the biggest issue is finding the time to do so. Lets just say my real life (my job) has gotten in the way this week. I cannot believe its already Thursday. This week has flown by for me. Not necessarily a good thing since I have a million item to do list before we have company this weekend. Not only have I not been blogging this week...I haven't even had time to read all you lovely blogger's posts. Did I miss anything good? Fill me in....

Nothing too exciting happening in me BUT I will next week will be BETTER!

The only free time I have had all week I have spent at the gym. My upper body hurts so bad I can
barely move. Anyone in Katy next week? If so...come workout with me. Its FREE.
I signed up for Bikram Yoga, commonly known as hot yoga. The class is 90 minutes, incorporates a series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, and is practiced in a room heated to 105°F with 40% humidity. Yes, I might seriously be CRAZY!
I have spend a total of an hour on facebook, twitter, klout, blogger ALL week....so I really feel lost from the social media world. Weird, huh?

See told you...I've had a really boring week. Which is totally fine with me. We have Billy's family coming in town on Saturday evening...we will be in College Station on Sat morning for the Aggie game. Oh, did I mention we will have a house full for a week? Billy's dad and his wife and their kiddos- 12 and 8 years old. Mommy bloggers.... ideas please. All joking aside we don't see them every often so we are excited for them to spend the holiday with us and our family!!! AND....drum roll please....I am taking off work Friday- Friday. Crazy, I know. I haven't taken that much time off work since our honeymoon 4 years ago. You bet I have scheduled in some pampering for me!

Starting on Saturday I am going to have some of my favorite bloggers and fabulous real life friends (that also blog) guest posting for me. I can't wait to see what they have to say... and who knows they may be way more entertaining than me! Ha!!!

Like the new design???

boring!

2011-11-13T19:30:00.001-06:00

We have a boring weekend with a capital B. Not that I am complaining...it was soooo nice to not have anything planned at all. From now till the end of the year we have something on the calendar every week so this much needed rest and relaxation was awesome.
There was a Twilight marathon on ALL weekend on HBO so my poor hubby had to suffer through watching bits and pieces of all 3 movies all weekend. This was me and my sweet momma last year at the midnight showing of Twilight.

Although the midnight showing of a teeny bopper movie is definitely an experience we will not be having a repeat of it this year. We are planning to go on Friday during the day!

Thank you lovely ladies for everyone who has offered to guest post for me next week! I have loved getting all your sweet comments so thanks again!

I am so excited to get my new blog design installed. My blog face lift should happen by the end of the week so check back....I LOVE it...its totally "ME".

anyone wanna....??

2011-11-13T16:34:00.001-06:00

GUEST blog for me the week of Thanksgiving? Pretty please. I have out of town family coming Nov. 19- 26th for the holiday so I thought it would be the perfect time to ask all my fabulous blogger friends to whip up alittle something for me. I will have a house full of guests...and kiddos (which along I am NOT used to)....so I will be winning wife of the year award and I know I will NOT have a free second to spend on my blog.

anyone???

its ok thursday...

2011-11-10T10:49:00.000-06:00

Its OK....

to have had a really awesome workout last night but came home and ate cheese/crackers for dinner. AND popped a bottle of wine to watch the CMA's.

to have turned the TV up really loud last night even thought it was driving Billy & the dogs crazy.
that I turned the heater on this morning (even though it was only in the 60's) so I wouldn't freeze when I got out of the shower.
that because I am hosting our family Thanksgiving this year we may have more "pumpkin dishes" than normal ones.

that I love my dogs more than some people.

that it drives me crazy and totally don't understand why my hubby won't jump on the social media bandwagon. hello, its the greatest thing ever!
that I hate working out my legs....but until last night when I saw Carrie Underwood's fabulous legs that I am looking forward to my workout tonight with the trainer. I might even do what I am told. I want those kinda legs thank you very much.

that I think everyone should have a blog and post weekly! Great invention..ha!
that I only want shoes for Christmas - Refer to this post. The list is growing.

That's all for now! Happy Thursday!

i love a great deal

2011-11-09T18:00:00.000-06:00

I am going to interrupt my planned blogs to share a fabulous deal my photographer friend Sarah sent me.

$28 for an 11x14 Photo Canvas - a $90 Value
Plus you can use this link and get $5.00 off or discount code FABULOUS for 10% off your entire purchase.

This is so perfect for those that just took holiday pictures or all my blogger friends that just got married.

For only $28, Canvas People will transfer one of your beautiful pictures on to an 11x14 canvas, including photo touch up and shipping. Whether it's a wedding photo, landscape, portrait or special memory, a photo canvas is the perfect addition to your home or office. It's simple to do too. Just upload your picture on to the Canvas People website and you'll be walked through a few easy steps to start your order. The hardest part is just choosing your favorite photo, so start digging!

Run on over to Plum District. The deal lasts till Friday!

my favorites party. sooo fun!

2011-11-08T11:00:00.000-06:00

My blogger friend Jess...has quickly become a real life friend. I just love her. We could seriously be BFFS :)
She and a couple of her friends hosted a "My favorites" party and it was seriously one of the most fun parties ever (and most everyone I didn't know and it was STILL great).

Notice my two blogger bffs....Brynn and Lindsey. I love that we have become real life friends :)

So here's the deal (stolen off the invitation)

Get your thinking caps on, as to come to the party each person will need to bring their favorite thing. It needs to be around $5 to $6 bucks, and each person brings five of the same thing. Let us repeat ...five of the exact SAME thing. The total out of your pocket for this fun will be around $30.
When you arrive at the party, you write your name on five slips of paper and throw them in a big bowl.
Grab yourself a drink/mini bite!
Once everyone arrives and we are ready, the bowl is passed around, and each person takes five names (making sure you don't pick your own.. or two of the same name).
One at a time each person introduces their favorite thing and then reads the five names they picked from the bowl, passing out their gift to those five guests. After everyone at the party has presented their favorite thing, each person should end up with five new different gifts to take home.

So you might ask what is a favorite thing? It's anything YOU like.. your favorite lip gloss, favorite kitchen tool, favorite gift wrapping supply..the list is endless. Have fun thinking and if you need a starting point a great place to start might be Berings, as they have a little bit of everything!

Next onto the SWAG Bag!!! Thank you Chasity for letting me barrow pics from your blog. Mommies definitely need to go "follow" her blog. She is FABULOUS! By the way...if you want want of these amazing swag bags...go to Chasity's blog for a chance to win one :)

Cookwell & Company Watermelon Vinaigrette, Erin Condren notepad, Emi-Jay hair ties, Holiday coasters from Sicily Eason

Caspari hankies, Out The Door topcoat, Yes to Carrots lip balm and some samples like a face towelette, eye mask and face scrub, Michael's Cookie Jar gave everyone a little gingerbread man and a very pretty snowflake cookie

All-natural Plantlife, Two Le Pens, A free brow planing and lesson, blow-out and products from Christi Harris, Diamond Dazzle Stik to keep all of our Real Housewives sized rings sparkly.

Now on to all the goodies I got!!

VS Pink panty and seriously the most brilliant idea ever....Sparkling wine in a can (yes, it comes with s straw), Kat Van D Gunshine lipgloss which is the shiniest stuff Ive ever used, L'Occitane en Provence Verbena soap, Bottle of 120 wine (which I had to steal a pic online since we already drank the bottle), and Hint Water (sold at Whole Foods).

BEST party ever! Thanks Jess, Chasity, and Whitney for hosting such a fabulous party!

another reason to love EC

2011-11-07T11:35:00.001-06:00

I have a serious addiction...ERIN CONDREN!
I think I am just about to owe one of everything from her website.

This is PERFECT for families that have a very busy social calendar or husband that's very forgetful.
So now Billy cant ask me when and where we have to be somewhere again ;) It is snack dab in the middle of the kitchen where he cant miss it.

I actually have tons of good posts this week so come back for tomorrow's post! One of the most fabulous ideas for a "girl's party".

Happy Monday! I am so sore from working out I can barely MOVE! Ha, more on that in another post.

Time to get skinny for the holidays!

news alert!!!!!

2011-11-05T22:43:00.001-05:00

Attention people!

Rock & Republic brand is coming to Kohl's!!! Oh yes, you heard right.... the jeans will start appearing in the stores EARLY next years!!!

AND

Even better...these $250 + jeans will run about about $39 to $49 on sale!!

If you don't believe me.....READ here.

"The California-based maker of the edgy $200 jeans brand ran into financial trouble and filed for bankruptcy in 2010. VF, one of the largest apparel companies in the U.S., bought the brand out of the bankruptcy proceeding in March.
Now VF, maker of such brands as Lee, Wrangler, North Face and 7 for All Mankind......"

Cheers to...

2011-11-04T09:31:00.004-05:00

the freakin weekend

I'll drink to that

Happy Friday Ya'll. If you need me I will be celebrating a little early this year with some holiday cheer!!! Shopping + Wine = the perfect combination!!! (not sure about for my credit card).

I soooooooo look forward to this time of year! And any reason to take off work and celebrate with my momma makes it even better a reason.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I will be back on Monday to share all my purchases from the Sugar Plum market.

It's ok....

2011-11-03T13:26:00.000-05:00

Its OK....

that I just spent hours looking at our family pics instead of working (and have lots of it).
to be so overly excited about having tomorrow off to go shopping. (And to be drinking wine for most of it).
that I wore fuzzy shoes to the gym this morning because it was so freakin cold in my house.
to be nervous about getting my Christmas cards delivered in time even though its only November
that I cant read anything funny online or talk to my sister on the phone because my abs hurt so bad from working out that its REALLY painful to laugh.
even though the new holiday flavors are out at Starbucks...I still prefer the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
to be super excited for my new blog design next week. I am secretly hoping it will make me a better blogger :)
to rather lay on the couch and read my kindle instead of cleaning my house or cooking dinner!!

Here are some pics from my family photo shoot!

Happy Thursday!!

Go link up with Amber and Neely!

dear santa...i need shoes

2011-11-02T12:50:00.002-05:00

I am in need of some fall/winter shoes. The problem is I don't want to wait for Christmas. My family says these are good Christmas gifts for me...but I seriously don't think I can wait till Christmas.

I am trying really hard to convince my brother that its OK to buy my a prezzie 2 months before Christmas!

Dear Santa, I really need one of each of these!

Are there any other fabulous shoes I am missing out on? If so...PLEASE send me links so I can update Santa! I mean, a girl can never have too many pairs so I don't see the problem :)

in better news... starbucks and shopping!

2011-11-01T11:57:00.000-05:00

No one cares that Kim and Kris are getting divorced. Seriously, who thought it would last anyways.

Just 72 short days after their $10 million wedding Kim filed for divorce on the year anniversary of the day they met. WOW, how romantic. She sold her wedding rights for $17.9mil, and was married for 72 days so made $10358,80 per hour! Man, wish my 4 year marriage was worth $408,343,750,000,000!

Jessica Simpson is offically pregnant....DUHHHHHH, we already knew that! Plus, no one really cares anyways. She hasnt done anything to be in the spotlight since her and Nick's TV show anyways. AND that was her biggest mistake to divorce Nick- they way better together!

Sorry Jess....Beyonce's annoucement is the BEST yet!!!

Moving on to better news...

TODAY is the first day of the Starbucks "winter flavors". Not to mention the red Christmas cupcakes.

This just reminds me how close Christmas really is....

53 Days

12 Hours

3 Minutes

...But who's counting?

I was up and needing to run errands early this morning so I got to enjoy a skinny (which is sugarfree too) peppermint mocha while grocery shopping. Doesn't having a Starbucks inside the grocery store make it so much more enjoyable?

Speaking of Christmas....

(Not to mention it is my FAVORITE time of year)

Houston bloggers....listen up!

I look soooooo look forward to all the holiday markets with my mom. Talk about quality girl time- shopping and drinking at the same time....I think so! I mean...we take this so seriously it requires time OFF work just to shop :)

Friday, November 4, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm • Saturday, November 5, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre & Convention Center

10505 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477

Purchase tickets online! $10

November 10-13, 2011

Reliant Center

10 a.m - 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Randalls stores will sell $11 tickets (Get your tix ahead of time...the lines are crazy there).
Admission at the door is $12.

Katy Merrell Center

6301 South Stadium Lane

Katy, TX 77494

November 18-20th, 2011

Friday 5-9, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 11-4

Happy Shopping!

houston photographer!

2011-10-31T11:37:00.003-05:00

We had our Christmas photos taken on Saturday and I couldn't be more excited to get them :)
Here's a quick preview of two pics that the photographer used as samples on some Christmas card designs on her website.

She specializes in babies/kids but I am so pleased with the pictures we have so far! Not to mention how many they took (its her and her hubby that work as a team) and how reasonable her prices are. They give you a CD with all your digital images!!!

Thank you Brynn for letting me barrow your boots!

My sweet friend Meredith and her family

My best friend Karon's baby...Miss Corley's newborn session

If you are looking for some really great pics you should definitely contact Jessica and Danny!

Email dwphotoz@yahoo.com

Website http://www.dwlittlebitty.com/

They have the most beautiful red antique couch they are using for Christmas pics.
(I would have used it if they had it in time for our pics but its a new prop).

happy birthday momma

2011-10-27T11:13:00.004-05:00

I know, I know...I am sucking at blogging again. I just don't know how people have the time to do it so much. Hopefully after this crazy week of work for me...I will have alittle more free time.

Just wanted to wish my beautiful and fabulous mom a very happy birthday!!!

I cannot wait to celebrate you being so special tonight...hurry home from work.

Let me tell you...there is never a dull moment in the Boyd/Miskell family. We love special occasions and we always celebrate in BIG. So, two years ago we threw my mom a HUGE 50th birthday at my house

(just a month and a half after we moved in....talk about loving your momma....and all the work it took to pull that party off).

What started out to be a party of mom's closest 25 friends quickly turned into a huge 60 + celebration of old family friends, friends of mine and my brother that loved our mom, church friends, boot camp instructor, and her old high school friends.

The following year was just a "TAD" different. We celebrated in a different kind of style with momma.

I woke up really, really early to call mom and wish her a happy 51st birhtday. I thought man, after last year I needed to still make her special even without a huge birthday bash (my carpet couldn't take another one of moms party...chocolate fountain and red carpet to prove it).

Don't ask me why but I called her at like before 5am so I could catch her before she started getting ready for bed. The quick mom answered the phone I knew something was wrong. She had been leaving with a workout injury for a couple weeks causing some pain in her lower back. We didn't think anything of it...she had taken off working out and was resting. When she answered her phone she told me she couldn't move her legs... "What the heck, how can you not move your legs???" Mom was in so much pain and shes the toughest person I know. I jumped out of bed and ran to my car to rush over to her house. I am normally super calm in these situations but I called my brother at the butt crack of dawn to get his opinion on what he thought I should do. Being the good boy he was...he answered on the second ring (even though he was still in college and no had reason to be awake at that crazy hour).

Long story short....I rushed mom to the ER. Come to find out her had a herniated disc in her back. Talk about PAIN!!!! How awful to spend your birthday in the emergency room so being the fabulous daughter I am tried to entertain her while laying in a hospital bed.

I found these laying around the hospital so I thought it would be funny to wear them around.

I started to panic thinking I had been with mom at the hospital all day so I hadnt had a chance to get anything ready for her birthday.

I ran out to pick up her perscription so I was able to get some paper flavors, cupcakes, and flowers to brighten her day!

Poor mom had just gotten home from the hospital!

This year she has been celebrating for the past two weeks already.

(thats how we do in my family. birthdays are a big deal to us..ha).

Tonight we are headed to our favorite resturants Rays Grill and on Saturday we are roadtrippin

to College Station for a day my brother has planned!!!

free bag, a ticket, and a yummy salad

2011-10-24T11:21:00.001-05:00

I had a pretty uneventful weekend thanks to work. We are launching a new company website on Monday so I spent most of the last 3 days finalizing content, testing links, and getting things ready to launch UK time on Monday.

I did make it a point to get out of the house for alittle Vitamin D.

Nothing can make a girl feel better than some hair products. A quick trip to Ulta with mom turned out to be pretty exciting. You know when you normally purchase a fragrance they give you some kind of bag or extra goodies? Well, I saw a couple stakes of bags behind the counter. I kidding said to the check out guy that I wanted that purple bag. He said....donate $5 to Susan B Komen and you can have it. Of course I support this great charity because I know the feeling of losing a family member to breast cancer.

So, that fabulous purple bag in added to my things and I am checking out as the lady hears me laughing about how great this bag is and not to mention Vera Wang. She was technically ahead of me in line (you know they have more than one checker) and starts complaining about how she didn't see that bag but wanted it now. Well, as grumpy as I have been with all my many hours of work and health things going on in my life...I was NOT giving her that bag! Ha!

Check out your nearest Ulta to get your hands on this fabulous bag and also donate to a great cause.

I have been dying to see Footlose since it came out so I decided I need a break from staring at my computer screen and would check out the movie. Not to mention Billy was working!

Thank goodness there was only 4 other people in the theatre because me and my mom were singing and cheering so loud. Yes we were at Movie Studio Grill but we were completely sober partaking in the shenanigans :) Good times, good times!

I also got a little surprise waiting on me as I returned to my car. A PARKING TICKET! Bright pink letting me know a percentage of my ticket would be donated to Susan B Komen. I was so mad. I saw the take out only sign right next to me but where I parked was nothing. No sign, no number in the parking spot, nothing. How the heck was I suppose to know it was paid parking and that I had to walk 1/2 mile to the meter to pay and put my receipt on my dash. Hello City Centre security...Post some signs.

Yummy recipe I thought I would share. I made this for dinner on Saturday night. Plus, I have gotten so many requests after serving this at our bible study and also at my family lunch so here's the recipe:

Ingredients

6 to 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 medium pears, chopped (Not in season so I left these out)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans
8 slices thick-cut bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled (This may sound gross but I used the "real" bacon pieces. Its found with the salad toppings/dressings)
4 to 6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (I LOVE blue cheese so I switched it out)
Poppy seed Salad Dressing (I used the Target brand for both)
Balsamic Vinaigrette

I would estimate that I used about a cup of dressing: 70 percent poppy seed dressing and 30 percent balsamic vinaigrette.

first linkup. pinteresting wednesday

2011-10-19T19:52:00.001-05:00

I'm linking up with Michelle at The Vintage Apple for...

I have baseball on my mind! I am writing this blog post as I hear my hubby yelling at the TV. Ok, maybe I am too. Gotta love the World Series!

I have been born and raised in Houston and have always been a very loyal Astro fan...even after I got married. But I AM MAD at the Astros so I am being a good wifey and cheerin on the Cardinals.

My hubby asks why I always "waste" so much time on Pinterest...haha, here's why! I showed him I made him a board :)

GO CARDINALS!

Follow me on Pinterest

Pinteresting aside....Here are some cute pics of my Hottie Hubby coach!

He will probably kill me for posting these. Oppps, too bad :)

Pic overload...3 days late

2011-10-19T07:36:00.001-05:00

I am starting to suck at bloggin again. I'm not the kind of blogger that can write up abunch of posts ahead of time. So, here is my weekend 3 days later. Shame on me for not getting this posted on Monday.
Promise, I will get better :)
As wife of a coach there are many nights...sometime weekends spent without my hubby. Friday night was one of them so me and my mom planned a super fun date night.
We started at one of my favorite cafes- Hungrys. They have the greatest wedge salad. They are also known to have the best hummus in town...but I wouldn't know since I don't like it.

Then off to Celebrity Cupcake. This is a first for me. They were good but nothing compared to Oh Lala in Katy. We got red velvet, chocolate truffle, gluten free chocolate (which tasted more like a brownie) and Italian cream.

I have lived in Houston all my life and this was the first time I have ever been to Miller Outdoor Theatre. And the best part is that ALL concerts are FREE!!! I couldn't believe it when my mom told me about tickets. We paid big money the past two years to see Michael Franks in Dallas & Houston at the House of Blues.

On top of the free tickets you can also bring your own food and drinks. Adult beverages included as long as its in a plastic container.

Best Jazz singer EVER!

As you can tell from all my blogging and pictures posted...I LOVE MY FAMILY! I am so blessed to grown up very close to my grandparents- they were the only babysitter I have ever had as a child. We saw them at least once a week growing up. Now that everyone is grown and has moved more than the 5 miles away that we used to live to my grandparents we still make an effort to see each other as often as possible. Between birthdays and holidays we get together for Sunday lunch at least once a month. This month we celebrated the Oct/Nov birthday- my Mom, my aunt Dayna, and uncle Charles.

I am so excited to host the next get together- THANKSGIVING at my house!!!

Funny story about sister... her and Tyler had gone to the A&M game the day before and got a little too much sun so she wore a scarf to cover it from Grandma. We have skin cancer on both sides of our family so we know better but even as adults get in BIG trouble if we ever get burnt! Shame on you, Jenny! :)

Sunday's outfit inspired by Pinterest. What do you think? Like? Or NO?

girlfriends are better than diet coke. sisters are better than cupcakes

2011-10-14T08:56:00.000-05:00

I love my husband like crazy but girls night with best friends are up there on the top of my list with Diet Coke, Cupcakes, Starbucks, Valet Parking, Spa Days, and Fancy Wine!!!!

I am beyond blessed with the best friends a girl could ask for from college. I truly believe these girls will be in my life for the next 50 years and I love that! No matter what stage in life we are in I can always count on them in a heart beat!

Here's a pic from our girls night.

Karon & Carrie...My real life best friends :)

Meet my sister....Jenny! She married by brother back in January but I've been claiming her as my own for the past couple of years though.
Do ya'll like your sis in law? I mean like seriously like them where you wanna hang out with them besides family gatherings? Cuz Jenny is my best friend...I talk to her atleast once a day and see her atleast once a week. Maybe I'm just really lucky!!!

I have been after Jenny to start blogging. She probably thinks I am crazy but that's OK...one of these days she is going to give into me! So....lets all leave a bunch of comments and lets convince her to start a blog pronto. She has the cutest puppies, a new house to decorate, is a newlywed adjusting to married life, takes fabulous vacations, dance teacher (hello crazy dance moms are entertaining), Pinterest addict, and
DUHHH most importantly has me as a sister...of course is plenty to blog about!

Ok...1, 2, 3...GO! Comment away and tell her how fabulous blogging is! I don't know why shes not listening. She knows I'm RIGHT about everything else. Ha :)

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend... I have lots planned :)

thank goodness

2011-10-13T14:44:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Friday! Because yesterday was a bad day!

For those of you that now me in real life/actually even through bloggin can tell I am a "happy person" so I am not one to complain because really....there are alot worse things that can happen. BUT let me tell you about my kinda day.

As you read from my previous post I had a fun night full of wine. Clarification: I am NOT a morning person. And working from home definitely adds to NOT being a morning person so when my husband calls at 7:25AM and wakes me up from a dead sleep...I know something was wrong.

Here's the conversation (I'm not kidding):

Billy: BABE!
Me: Whats the matter? I am sleeping.
Billy: Someone just hit your car (yes, happened to take MY car that day).
Me: WHAT!?!?
Billy: Yea, they hit the car and drove off. I tried to chase him down but he kept running red lights.
Me: Billy Miskell, you better not be chasing anyone.
Me: Well, how bad is the car?
Billy: It's not totaled!
Me: thinking ohhh sh*t! My car is really messed up.
Me: You better call the insurance copy and get me a rental car.

The one weekend I actually need my car to go out of town this happens. So now I get to drive 6 hours with no sun roof, navigation, or XM radio...Oh boy!

Of course....being the super wife I am the car is dropped off and have a rental car by noon the following day!

Hubby is going to learn to explain things better! Hahaha!

So, that's bad day thing #1
Here's bad day thing #2

As I am on a work call last night Billy comes in and whispers, "are you almost done"? As I mute my phone to say yes, why? He informs me that Dad is coming over to watch the Cardinal Game.
Headache, Cardinal Game, and the boys screaming at the TV....Yea...I'm outta there!

I call mom and to tell her I'll come get her to take her to go pick up her credit card from Ray's (See, told you we had to much fun the night before) if she would buy me some ice cream! Ha, bribery works great with me!
Short story...I am enjoying my pumpkin ice cream (did you know there was such a thing) and I freakin get pulled over! UGHHH! Thank you officer for pissing me off yet again today! Thank goodness my mom works her magic and gets me out of a speeding ticket.

To end my bad day...thank you AT&T Uverse....the cable box in the bedroom messed up. DVR did not work great no shows.

BUT since I am a HAPPY person! The day wasnt as bad as it could have been!
#1 The car wasn't near as bad as I thought AND thank goodness Billy was OK- he didn't get hurt
#2 I only got a warning from the police. The cardinals WON :)
#3 Hours later Billy fixed the cable for me and I was able to watch Revenge!

AND I am tonight I am off to a fabulous girls night with Heather and all of our college best friends!

family night!

2011-10-12T14:42:00.003-05:00

I hate to brag here but I seriously have the greatest family ever! My mom felt bad I had to go to the doctor yesterday so she offered to treat us to my favorite restaurant, Ray's Grill. Of course, I will never turn down an evening out with my parents.

Not only was it a great evening out with family but also a little celebration. I got some much needed answers I was awaiting.

God is Good!

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you,” says the Lord.
Isaiah 66:13

Last night was really fun! I just wished my brother & sister lived closer so they could join these family dinners. I am really lucky to live 2.7 miles away from my parents house.

If you are ever looking for a great date night out I definitely recommend this restaurant. Its in Fulshear ...about 5 miles west of Katy. OR if you live in the city (blogger friends) you need to go out check Sorell Urban Bistro. It's owned by Ray and his Executive Chef Soren Pedersen. I cannot say enough good stuff about how great their food is :)

713-677-0391
2202 West Alabama
Houston, TX 77098

Remember to go get your Erin Condren gift card here! It ends tomorrow night!

Erin Condren Lovers

2011-10-11T10:33:00.001-05:00

Hurry over to One Kings Lane and purchase your Erin Condren goodies!

For everyone that wants a planner you can get it for $25

I know many of you think us EC lovers are crazy but I have quickly fallen in love with all the goodies she has.

I also heard through the grapevine (Erin on Twitter) that she will soon have iPhone cases.
I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!!!

All Occasion E-Gift Card

Christmas Cards

Christmas Labels

Happy Shopping!!!

thursday weekends

2011-10-10T11:39:00.003-05:00

For the past couple of months since school has started back...my weekends have started on Thursdays. Billy is helping with football so they have games on Thursday nights...so I have been starting the weekends a day early with a date with momma.

This week it was really low key since I wasn't feeling good so we headed to La Centerra to relax and enjoy some pumpkin treats.

Billy and my brother had a big guys weekend downtown. There was a UFC fight and expo. Yes, they like that crazy stuff. Before we were married and I guess I was still trying to impress Billy I went to one of these fight nights with him (not the actual thing but to a sports bar to watch on TV). This crap is unbelievable...this guy got hit in the face, broke his nose (which was clearly on the other side of this face) and blood was flying!

G R O S S !!

So, thank goodness he has many other people he would rather watch these fights with. They spend the weekend downtown so this met lots of girly time for me!

I may or may not:

Ate at Black Walnut Cafe more than twice this weekend!
Watched hours after hours of non sense TV shows on Bravo!
Slept with ALL my lights on in the house!
Be able to count the actual # of Pumpkin Spice Lattes I had!
Slept in the middle of the bed surrounded by dogs and pillows

2 minutes of fame: Glenn tweeted me back last week! Even said my name in the tweet! Haha :)

My sweet dogs acted as my alarm system with hubby gone for the weekend!

Glad to hubby to be back home!

Please pray for a sweet friend of mine that is currently at MD Anderson having surgery as we speak. She was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma a few weeks ago. She has a amazing family- her hubby played baseball with Billy, and two of the most beautiful lil girls. We love her and ready for her to be cancer free!!!

Happy Monday!

blogger vs. "real life" friends

2011-10-08T22:20:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am still pretty new to the blogging world. And I was kinda nervous to start posting pics of myself and my family for the whole Internet world to see...BUT I have had so many positive things come out of bloggin in just the few weeks since creating this blog.

Did you know that there really are truly "nice" people left in this world to let a stranger...I mean a follow blogger barrow a pair of boots. Thanks to my blogging....now real life friend Brynn for letting me use her cowboy boots for an upcoming photo shoot. Seriously, what a sweet person! I am so glad we met through this blogging group....and cant wait to hang out with her again.

Here's a shoot from our girls dinner on Friday night!

Savanah, Lindsey, Maura, Byrnn, Me, Jessica

Thanks for a fun night girls!!!So glad these fun girls are now people I consider "real life" friends.

I think its so funny when we tell people we are meeting our bloggin friends. Ha, my husband is the main one. I cant even get him to read my blog....BUT he definitely tells me things like.... "Don't write about that your blog...." Hahaha...hubby you better start reading AND commenting! And I'll think about it!

smells of fall?

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

My house is all decked out in fall decor, I decided I am hosting my families Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year, and I have become a little obsessed with anything pumpkins- coffee, baked goods, and the color orange (random, I know).

So, all I need are some new fall smells...candles, plug ins, or room spray! I love the smells of fall because it reminds me of being so "homey"...I think I made up that word.

1. Byredo Parfums Bibliotheque (plum, leather, vanilla)

2. Patch NYC Pipe (vanilla, bourbon, leather)

3. Thymes Wildwood Bitter Orange & Cedar

4. Elizabeth W Leaves

5. Diptyque Feu de Bois (crackling fire)

6. NEST Wild Oats & Bourbon

7. Patch NYC Stag (” a walk in the woods”)

8. Cire Trudon Balmoral (rain, herbs, wet fern)

PLEASE share your favorite brands and smells. I am on a mission this weekend to get my house smellin good!! Preferably ones that don't cost a million dollars like the suggestions above. THANKS!

I found this on Pinterest and thought how fun! I am totally going to do everything on this list before Thanksgiving. Let me know if you anyone wants to join me......

fun, weekend recap

2011-10-04T10:27:00.000-05:00

We had a very much needed lazy Friday night at home with takeout and a movie. Things are still pretty busy at work so to be able to just lounge around the house on Friday was the perfect end to my crazy work week.
Funny story though....I came home from the gym that night and there was a beautiful flower arrangement laying on my door step. My first thought...was who the heck sent me flowers? I knew they weren't from Billy. He is super sweet and romantic but he's not a flowers kinda guy. I seriously thought they were from my sister Jenny?!?! I dunno why but she's the first person that popped into my head. I read the card and they definitely weren't from Jenny. They were from CEO of my company and the CMO from our parent company thanking me for all the hard work on a recent project! Wow, how great was that! That totally made my whole week!

Saturday was a busy, busy day! I let Billy sleep in while I woke up and ran some errands! Starbucks, Tanning, get the car washed and cleaned, did a little shopping, etc. It was perfect weather so I couldn't waste it by being inside. I felt like I was 16 years old with the sun roof open, windows rolled down with the radio up. Too bad, I drove a wayyyy cooler car back when I was a teenage...Great times in the Firebird!

Saturday afternoon we ran to a friends soccer game.
Real quick...let me tell you about these friends since I have never mentioned them. I met the Neal family when I was a sophomore in high school. I had just started driving so I wanted to get a part time job at Primrose Pre-School. Not sure how I clicked so well with this family but I started babysitting them...The girls were 3 and 5 (maybe)...really young though. We became instant friends and the rest is history. Debbie Neal is like a 2nd mom to me. We are great family friends that spend many special occasions together. The girls were in my wedding and we have stayed really close over the many years.

My wedding- 2008


My brother's wedding- 2011

Pics from Jessica's game on Saturday! They are sooooo grown up!

After the soccer game...we ran home and showered up for a night out with friends to celebrate Autumn's birthday. We headed to City Centre...one of my favorite places to hang out. These are all the fabulous couples in our home team from church. Seriously one of the greatest couples I know :)

Saturday was really fun but we were also really tired on Sunday! We headed out to eat breakfast at Black Walnut cafe, then we were naughty and skipped church BUT did watch it from home, then took the dogs to Petsmart for a little shopping.

I love sales

2011-10-02T16:06:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share two really great deals I got over the weekend.

I love NARS makeup. 75% of all of the make up I use is from NARS.
So, HURRY ( I mean stop what you are doing) and get over to Sephora online.
These sell out really quick because its such a great deal.

Two fabulous shades of eyeshadow:

ONLY $8 (normally $23) each.

The other great find I just happened upon. I ran to Kroger for a morning Starbucks while I was waiting for my tanning appointment. I needed some new polish since my nail salon didn't have a huge section on the new fall colors. I had NO idea Kroger sold OPI. And it was much cheaper than getting it at Ulta.

ONLY $7.99 (normally $9.50)

Just a reason to get dressed up and drink some wine

2011-09-29T20:20:00.001-05:00

Thanks to genius Brynn we are going to have "unofficial" Houston Blogger Happy Hour next
Friday, October 7th at 7:00 PM. Her and I were going to meet up for a shoe swap but she mentioned HH. A girl after my own heart! I like her more and more....!!!

We mentioned it on Twitter but want to make sure everyone knows you they invited.

A couple people asked about bringing their hubbies/boyfriends. Its completely up to you guys but it will mostly be a girls night out!! But we should do a "date night" out sometime too. I'm sure guys like making new friends just as much as us girls...Haha, Yea right!!!!!

It will be at 7ish in the Galleria area. Please make sure I have your email address so I can email you the location and details. No posting here or on Twitter....You know me..I have a huge fear of stalkers. Thanks alot Lindsey! Ha!!!

Meg- This is YOUR "special" invite just for you!!!
This could be waiting on you... IF you decide to grace us with your presence :)

If you live in the Houston area...you should definitely join Houston Bloggers. I went to my first meet up thanks to my "real life" friend Heather Sue and have met so many great girls already!

You should definitely go check out all their blogs!!!

Meg: http://www.oismeblog.com

Heather: http://www.blondeundercoverblonde.com

Tara: http://www.fabulousbutevil.com
Savanah: http://www.savanahsmiles.com

Celia: http://www.celiasway.com

Brynn: http://beingbrynn.blogspot.com

Laura: http://d2dsalisburys.blogspot.com/
Jenn: http://addmoresalt.blogspot.com/

Megan: http://meganandhermadness.blogspot.com

Camille: http://camille-nikole.blogspot.com

Jamie: http://jamie-fit.com/

Katie: http://www.thenerdykatie.com

Stephanie: http://thehowardsbeautifulmess.blogspot.com

Leslie: http://lesliebrookecoxon.blogspot.com/

Lindsay: http://magnificent-mouhots.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to let me know if you want to come so we can get a big enough table AND send me your email address so I can send you the details.

Book a Blo

2011-09-29T08:58:00.003-05:00

I don't have much to blog about so that must have meant Ive had a pretty boring week.

I was going to do a giveaway today to celebrate my 50 followers BUT I when I was deciding what to do I was suddenly at 52 so I'm going to wait till I get to 75 and make it extra special!!! Not sure I will ever make it there but if I do....something fabulous will be given away.

SIDENOTE....Don't follow me just because :) But I'll try to keep things entertaining for you!!!

My day has been really low key. My dad had surgery which everything came out great. Praise God. He is staying with us tonight because all the bedrooms at my parents house are upstairs and its really hard and painful to go up and down the stairs. So, I made dinner and some yummy peanut butter cookies for him.

I was so hesitant to start blogging but let me tell you how great it is. I found the greatest information today from reading a new ~~blogger~~ quite possibly "real" life BFF- Leslie's post. Have you heard of a Blow Dry Bar??? Literally, you go in for a wash and blow out. OK, so I am thinking us girls go get our hair DID and make our hubbies take us somewhere nice. Who is in with me???? Sounds so fun, huh?

Since this post was kinda on the boring side...I will leave you with this!

A to Z all about Me

A. Age: 25 years old and 12 months (I stopped aging last years birthday)

B. Bed size: Queen....and I will NEVER go bigger.
C. Chore that you hate: Dishes. Thank you sweet hubby.
D. Dogs: Couture (Coco), Yorkie and Coby, English Bulldog
E. Essential start to your day: DIET COKE! Have to have it.
F. Favorite color: Pink but I wear a lot of blacks/greys
G. Gold or Silver: White gold
H. Height: 5'4 but I always wear heels so most people think I'm much taller

I. Instruments you play: Definitely none.No musical talent what so ever
J. Job title: Global Marketing
K. Kids: My furbabies Coco and Coby
L. Live: Texas, the greatest state ever.
M. Mother's name: Momma, she stopped having a name when I was born. She's momma to me and Britney's mom to everyone else.
N. Nicknames: Brit, Sister
O. Overnight hospital stays: ZERO and lets keep it that way until the babies come one day
P. Pet peeve: Lying
Q. Quote from a movie: When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.- When Harry Met Sally
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: 2 thanks to my brother marrying a fabulous girl. Tyler & Jenny!
T. Time you wake up: 8ish during the week. After 9 on the weekends
U. Underwear: No thanks! Kidding. Depends on my outfit
V. Vegetable you hate: Okra

W. What makes you run late: ANYTHING! Anyone that knows me in "real" life can tell you I am late to everything.
X. X-Rays you've had: Too many to name...was a competitive cheerleader for 15 years.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Two words...TAKE OUT
Z. Zoo animal: Lions and tigers

Pass this on. I think its the perfect way to get to know other bloggers!!!

Versatile Blogger Award... Yayyy!

2011-09-27T20:40:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Sweet Tea in Sicily for my first blog award!!!!
But that's not all... Before I can pass this along to my other favorite bloggers, there are a few rules!

Rule #1: Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.

Rule #2: Share seven things about yourself:

I have a cupcake obsession
I have to go to Target at least once every other day.
My favorite place to visit is NYC.
I read alot (at least one book a week)...Does that make me a huge nerd?
I write everything down. If its not in my planner...it didn't happen
I have a crown tattoo (which I don't think anyone knows about)
Abercrombie is still my favorite pair of jeans even though I'm a grown up now.

Rule #3: Pass the award on to 15 bloggers that you have recently discovered Here are some of my favorite blogs to read! Go check them out & show some love....

When In Doubt, Add More Salt

The Presutti's

The Balch Bunch

Being Brynn

Princess of the Panhandle

Eat.Pray.Love.Run.

fabulous but evil

J - Fit

Life.Loves.and Lindsey

Our Lovely Life

keeping up with kelly

O. is Me

Wifestyles

Living in the Moment

Run with Me

Happy Blogging!

Goodbye Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, my beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks...I am going to have to say goodbye for awhile. I'm sorry but you have entirely toooooooo much sugar (good gosh).

People keep in mind...this is the nutritional information for a SKINNY Pumpkin Spice Latte (no whip and made with non fat milk). IF ONLY you could make this sugar-free we could still be best friends.
Friends...do not fret! I bring good news and a healthy recipe.

Pumpkin Spice Latte
2 shots Espresso or 1 cup Coffee
1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1 packet Stevia
2 Tbs. Pumpkin Puree
1 tsp Pumpkin Spice

Blend Almond Milk, Pumpkin Puree and Spices separately before adding coffee.
If frozen, add 5 ice cubes made with almond milk, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder.

Optional: Whip Almond Milk until frothy and spoon on top of drink and sprinkle with a little granola.

Ha, not that this is useful information (totally random) but....

Did you know

The current world record for biggest pumpkin ever is a massive 1,725 pounds!

Fitness (this cannot wait till) Friday

2011-09-26T20:36:00.000-05:00

I have officially fallen off the fitness bandwagon!!!!! Not to blame anything but I have been working crazy hours so this has been the biggest challenge.

So, tomorrow is the BIG day to get back on track working out and eating "clean".
(I would have started back tonight but we have bible study which takes up most of our evening).

What I have found works best for me (again, I am not a professional) is to do cardio first thing in the morning. I mean, seriously....wake up, drink 12-16 oz of water on the drive to the gym, and get your booty on a cardio machine (treadmill, elliptical, or stair stepper). DO THIS EVERY morning!
It only takes 21 days to create a habit! Trust me, it makes all the difference in the world when you start your mornings off with 20-30 minutes of cardio. Plus, cardio is the morning is the most beneficial. See my past post on this.

In effort to force myself back into the gym I got some new workout clothes. You can never have too many of these...especially since its my daily outfit since I office from home. And hey....they are just so much more comfortable. BUT still very stylish.

Join Victoria Secrets Pink Nation and get this CUTE tee for only $5.00
Totally worth it since my favorite v-neck tees are $20-$25.

Bad lighting...not sure why my chest looks orange

Since I have "literally" everything from the entire VS store...I had to find another place with great workout clothes. Express to the rescue.

Winner of most comfy pants in the world

Express discount codes that came in the mail to me this week. Good till Oct. 10th
$30 off $90 purchase-5451
$20 off $60 purchase- 5452
$15 off 30 purchase- 5453

I am also going to do a 7 day slim down to jump start things!!! So, check back and I will update you on lbs and inches lost.

Here are just a couple of my favorite recipes:

Protein Pancake
1/4 cup Egg Whites
1/2 Banana, mashed
1/4 cup Blueberries 5g
1/2 Tbs. Ground Flaxseed
1 scoop Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder

Mix ingredients together and then add blueberries. Cook like a pancake! If it breaks apart just
scramble it up!

Smoothie- Great for snacks
1 scoop Vanilla Protein
1/2 cup Almond Milk (I use unsweetened choc almond milk instead)
1/2 cup Ice
1 tsp. Cinnamon

Here's to gettin skinny!!!

I am offically a blogger

2011-09-25T21:47:00.002-05:00

For any of you that know me in "real life" I love fall and everything about it. fall decorations, fall coffee, fall weather (or hoping for weather), fall clothes (boots, scarves, and tights), fall smells, fall baking, the list goes on and on. It took all of my will power to wait until it was "officially" fall to whip out the boots this year. Yes, I am fully aware of the temperature outside but guess what I do not care! After a little cheering from my blogger bff, Kelsey (not that it took much convincing) I not only broke out the boots...but also the tights and leg warmers. Please God send some cooler weather so I can continue to dress like this without people looking at me like I am crazy! Thanks!

Sunday was the Houston Blogger Meetup !!! This is not something I would normally do (you hear all kinds of crazy stalker stories from the Internet but since one of my friends and sorority sisters started the group I was way more comfortable going until she backed out on me driving to it today!
Shame on you Heather (kidding, feel better!) We missed you :)


If you live in Houston join the cool club :) haha!!! For real!

All my fitness followers...You will love my new friend, Jamie. Check out her blog for some great healthy recipes. If you want fabulous arms like her....do Crossfit!!!

Also, recruiting my other new friend, Lindsey to the Katy club!!! She's looking to move and I let her know the Katy/Richmond area is the perfect place..ha!!! She also let me know me not to be afraid of Internet stalkers in this group...love her!!!

Thanks Meg for organizing such a fun get together. I am definitely going to try those cinnamon roll pancakes. They may surely change my life they looked so delish!!!!

AND for those that didn't make (which were some of my favorite blogs to read)...come to the next one so I can "officially" meet you so I don't feel like a stalker :) Stephanie and Leslie...I am talking about YOU!!

WOW! What a weekend!!!!
After what feels like going now stop all weekend this is me after a much needed nap!!!

Please excuse the non makeup, messy look. I just woke up!

friends and family filled weekend

2011-09-25T21:03:00.002-05:00

It's 7:53 pm on Sunday night and I think this is the longest I have sat still all weekend. Not that I am complaining...I love weekends filled with fabulous friends and amazing family.

Friday night my best friend, Karon threw a thirty-one gifts party. I must not be in the "cool" club because this was the 1st time I had ever heard or seen the fun stuff they have. I love all the great patterns and personalized goodies. You must check it out.

I also got to spend the evening with my favorite baby, Miss Corley! Besides looking so sleepy and already taking your headband off isn't she the most beautiful baby you have ever seen???

Karon looking fabulous after just having a baby
AND yes we have the same hair color, haha!

Saturday we spend the day watching football and fighting. We had a last minute A&M/OU/UFC Fight party and spend the evening with my brother and parents. LOVE quality family time.

I also cooked a dish of chicken spaghetti to take to my grandparents on Sunday. Thank you so much Melissa and Amanda for the yummy recipe. It turned out great! For those of you that know me...This is HUGE. #1) I cooked on a Saturday #2) I didn't burn it and #3) I wore a pretty lil apron and totally looked the part of domestic goodness.

Thank you momma for all the cooking goodies

Sunday was extremely busy!!! My hubby got sick as we were walking out the door to church so I ended up at church with half my make up on ( I normally do it while he drives). Of course, I would "NEVER" put make up while I was driving. Starbucks drive through was a million cars and church was extra crowded so I had to park so far away........point to story I was late to church. Then we rushed to my grandparents after church to celebrate my sweet Pawpaw's 83rd birthday.

There is something so special about grandparents that make me wished they lived forever!!!

Missing my sick hubby

Greatest Pawpaw in the world

I have more Sunday funday to chat about but I am going to make it a separate post. I hate reading realllllllly long blog posts BUT I am also really good at making them too long!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

3rd Annual Scarf Swap

2011-09-23T09:42:00.000-05:00

1st time for me....

But let me tell you how great it was. I had so much fun. Meredith did the PERFECT job matching me with the fabulous Kelsey. If we lived closer we would be instant best friends. Too bad we don't so I guess blog best friends will have to work until the next time one of us are in the Houston/Dallas area to meet up for some cocktails.

See, told ya she was FABULOUS!!!

As soon as we got paired up we immediately contacted each other just to say hey and check out each others style. It's crazy how much we have in comment (minus her beautiful lil girl, Channing). We both have English Bulldogs and small girly dogs. I have a Yorkie and she has a Maltese. Thanks to Pinterest we found out we have such similar taste in so many things.

Kelsey gave me a few ideas but when I went shopping I felt like I knew what she would like pretty well. Not only she is gorgeous but has a really classy beautiful style. When I found her scarf it had a little leopard (her fav) but also very shear for our crazy Texas heat with just a hint of lace. I bought it hoping Kelsey would love it.

After these few weeks of getting to know her I felt like I was getting to know Channing as well so I wanted to send her a little something too. Channing being as girly as her momma I found the mini version of this apron. So glad to hear it was a big hit and she loved it.

Yayyyy, I have been waiting all week to show you the great scarf I received from. Kelsey couldn't have picked a better one...I LOVE IT!!! I love anything with a monogram. The gray and orange is a perfect combo for fall.

The funny thing is Kelsey and had talked all week and we both (swear we didn't plan this) told each other we were going to Fedex our boxes out on Friday so we could both get special deliveries on Saturday. As I was standing in line at Fedex I was facebooking and saw Kelsey was headed to make her drop off (seriously with 10 minutes of each other). Great minds most definitely think alike.

Thank you again Meredith for organizing such a fun Scarf Swap.

I didn't really know what to expect coming into the swap. I am new to blogging and have never participated in anything like this. BUT I am so glad I did. I love my scarf but the best part if making a new friend of out it.

Kelsey...Thanks so much for everything. I cant wait for cocktails soon :)

I need sleep, a pedicure, some lipgloss, and a meal away from my desk

2011-09-21T15:31:00.000-05:00

I guess will eat my owns words about Klout in my previous post. The topics that were tagged to me were so random and not even close to being true: Britney Spears, Video, and Sleeping. I guess Klout can predict the future and saw I would be getting LACK of sleep all week.

So, please excuse all my typos, lack of good grammar, and craziness. I am running on 4 hours of sleep and many, many cans of Diet Coke since Sunday night.

Short story... I work on a global marketing team. We had a huge re-branding project that launched this morning so I have been working like a mad women with the final touches since Friday Night. Thank goodness I office from home because if I actually had to run a brush through my hair, put "real" clothes on, and drive somewhere would be hazardous for everyone around me.

If you need me this is where I will be for the next 48 hours coming off my caffeine high.

After waking from my deep sleep the next time on my list is to go get a very much needed pedicure.
There's something about getting my feet rubbed that just makes everything better.

Please nail salon have this color waiting on me....

I was in some major need of Vitamin D and some fresh air. My mom literally had to make me leave my house and get away from my desk for an hour last night. I agreed to meet up for a little mother/daughter time (which I knew would help my mood) because I needed some new lip gloss (yes, I know...random). The only places close by were Wal Mart (which I hate that store with a passion) and Kohls (I thought I remembered they had a small cosmetics). So, listen up....here is some REALLY GREAT inofmation I'm passing along. Kohls has a make up line called "Flirt" which is owned by Estee Lauder (who also owns M.A.C and Bobbi Brown). I cannot tell you how similar it is (almost exact colors) to M.A.C.

Amber Lights = Bronze Splash
Trax= Glamourazzi

I went in for lip gloss but came home with much more (of course).

My week has consisted of protein bars for breakfast, not really anything for lunch...well maybe munching on crackers or fruit throughout the day, frozen meals for dinner (yuck), and whatever I can eat at my desk that takes less than 2 minutes to prepare.
A trip to my favorite neighborhood "gem" of a restaurant, Ray's Grill is also in the works to recover from my crazy work week. This place has the most amazing food and such a fun atmosphere. Fabulous wine, good music, and really great service.

"Complimentary Wine Tasting"

Every Thursday!

"Jazz Night"

Every Thursday!

"Brunch Buffet"

Every Sunday!
$.99 Mimosas!

Cooking Class

with Chef Denver Kao.

Class will be held on the last Wednesday of every month beginning at 6pm

Location- Ray’s Gourmet Country is located at 8502 FM 359 in Fulshear, Texas 77441

(About 5 minutes from Katy/Richmond down 1093)

The end

2011-09-20T22:54:00.002-05:00

Randomness

2011-09-19T23:03:00.000-05:00

All the events and thoughts starting today and going back to the weekend all smushed into this post.
Not to mention...I have been awake and on work calls since 4AM...this is all my brain could come up with for a blog post.

We are put of a bible study that meets once a week. Tonight was our night to host when I didn't know how I could get the house cleaned and fajitas cooked for 6 couples in time...but it ended up turning out GREAT! It was the perfect distraction from all my craziness at work. It also reminds you to not sweat the small stuff.
A friend of ours shared some not so great news so I am going to ~~steal~~ barrow her Facebook status...

"God is not trying to break me, He is trying to make me. I shall not get in His way."

On a similar note...without getting too "churchy" I have so enjoyed these last few Sundays at church. I remind myself all the time we are soooooo lucky to have found a great church home. If you are interested check out the Riverpointe website....or come join us one Sunday! I'm not just saying cause I love friends joining me at church but this is my first the greatest series Ive ever heard :)

Today is my father in laws birthday!!!

Everyone wish him happy bday...

Black Walnut Cafe is added to my list of favorite places to eat! It took us about 30 minutes to order because we couldn't decide what we wanted to eat...it all looked sooooo YUMMY!

They serve gelato. Enough said!

Yes, I know its only September but I ordered our Christmas cards on Sunday night. My absolute favorite website Erin Condren launched their holiday line over the weekend and they were offering 25% off. I sent so many cards each year that I wanted to take advantage of the discount. You can also purchase them now and send the picture later...which I am totally doing. I am not that organized but did schedule that today too!!!

Here are just a couple of cute cards you can order. Of course, none of these are what I ordered for the Miskell family...that will be a surprise in your mailbox in a few months.

Off to bed to snuggle with these sweet doggies. Did I mention I have been up since 4am working...and have two more extremely long days until my crazy work load is back to normal. I think I will spend all day Thursday doing nothing but SLEEPING...

Especially since Klout says I am an expert in that topic. Klout is soooo DUMB in my opinion. Definitely not accurate for me.

Game Time

2011-09-17T21:57:00.000-05:00

I am normally not a huge sports fan unless it involves baseball: when Billy used to play and now since he coaches. BUT for some crazy reason I got it in my head that I wanted to become a football fan (seemed like all the cool kids were going to/watching collage football) and ~~cheer on a team~~ well maybe just wanted to wear the cute clothes. Since I went to Houston Baptist University and we didn't have a football team so I figured I could cheer for OU. That way I could win major brownie points with the hubby!


Found this cute pic from Lauren's blog

So, here is our little tailgate party at home. Oh yea, Coby and Coco joined in on the fun.
I made it ALL the way to half time cheering on OU until finally I decided to blog a little. OU is up and now I'm a little bored!!!

So, for all of Billy's fam reading this....I know you all are very proud!!

Fitness Friday

2011-09-16T15:45:00.000-05:00

I am mainly writing this post for myself. I NEED to get back into the routine of working out and eating heathly which has been really hard for me lately since I have been working so much. I hardly have any free time and when I do I want to relax or have to get these done around my house.

So, here are a couple of tips to help get your motivated!

START IN THE KITCHEN

Another thing I have learned from eating healthy that eating "clean" helps you loose weight even quicker. Believe me, I am no expert but something about eating all natural foods with no additives help burn caleries quicker.

Let me know if anyone is interested and I can email you a PDF copy of this list.

My best advice is to plan ahead. Write out a menu for the week and cook some items ahead of time. I eat a lot of grilled chicken (in salads, wraps, and at dinner with veggies) so I normally cook up a bunch of chicken on Sunday night for the rest of the week.

Buy pre cut fruit and veggies. That helps me alot when trying to my hubby eat healthy. It's a lot easier for me since I work from home...and I have a full kitchen to cook my meals and snacks.

Replace processed & packaged carbs with GOOD carbohydrates for fiber, nutrients, balanced blood sugar levels and to tone Up! Ex: Sweet potato, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat wraps, oatmeal & cereals. Also, load up on veggies, fruit & almonds instead of chips or crackers! (most crackers are high in fat & butter - even the 'all natural' kinds) Check your labels :)

Processed/packaged carbs to avoid... crackers, chips, white breads, sugary cereals, white pasta & candy (dark chocolate is GREAT- in moderation!!)- also, avoid pizza (unless it's a healthy pizza recipe :)

Every girls "staples" to life

2011-09-14T20:59:00.001-05:00

average weight of a woman’s purse to around 5.2lbs.
Mine probably doubles that.

I have no idea how I will be once I have a baby or two because my bag is only my stuff and I swear I get a workout carrying it down the mall shopping. No worries...It is my choice to carry a 10 lb weight purse but I always have what I need.

Since I've had a couple people ask me what types of products I use I'll share the "staples" of my life that I couldn't survive without. Here's what is in my purse. I am not sure this is the safest thing to do so please don't come find me and steal my bag!

Get ready for the novel length post. Don't say I didn't warn you but promise all good info :)

Starting at the top left corner:

By the way...Oliver Peoples makes the best sunglasses in the entire world. No matter what style you like. They last forever so its totally worth the cost.
The largest key chain I can find because I always loose my keys. (FYI- Juicy makes the largest. Don't worry I have researched this). No matter where I put them thinking I will remember...I never do. I blame it on my momma because my brother has the same problem.
Maybelline Falsies Mascara- Girls if you have not tried this run (I mean seriously run...do not walk) over to the nearest Target and pick this up. I promise it will change your life.
Bath and Body Works Anti- Bacterial soap- The world is a dirty place. Bathrooms are even dirtier so always carry this stuff.
You never know when you will need a camera. Maybe due to my picture taking addiction but I always carry my camera.
Lip balm with a tint of shimmer....thank you Burt's Bees. I go through these monthly but its better than lip gloss but gives you the same effect.
Erin Corden -My entire life is in the this!!!!! I write everything down. If its not in my planner it didn't happen.
Refillable water bottle- I drink only about a zillion oz of water a day. Plus everything on ice just tastes better.
OK, girls...this gets a little X-rated... Nars "Orgasm" Illuminator- If I charged for this lil secret I would be a very rich girl and hire my own personal stylist. I use this all the time on everything. Actually depends on my mood. Most of the time I use it as a bronzer/blush on my cheeks but sometimes when I need to leave the house for a quick errand and cant cover my face with large sunglasses I use it on my eyes and lips. Makes you look awesome without "really" wearing makeup.
Lara Bar- Maybe I'm weird but I always carry a snack in my purse. I always get hungry when I'm out and I hate fast food so these are awesome. All natural snack bar in the yummiest flavors.
Gucci II Perfume- Go smell it at Sephora...then you will know why...
I need ALL the help in the body and volume help hair department. I have very very straight, fine baby hair so Tresemme Tres Two Hair Spray gives my hair a little excitement.
iPod- One of God's greatest creations. I do not like Apple products. Sorry, not a MAC user and I don't really get the iPad and I hate touch screen phones...BUT I do LOVE my iPod.
My favorite flavor of nail polish this week. Here's a fun fact: did you know it's illegal to carry nail polish on an airplane.Maybe I'm the only one that didn't know that but when I tried to paint my nails in first class heading to our honeymoon I almost got thrown out of the plane. OK, never again will that happen. I love anything that sparkles so if you need polish suggestions check out my friends recent post.
Blackberry- Lord help me before cell phone were invented (much less phones with Internet) but I would die...let me repeat DIEEEEE without my phone. I am more than addicted to my blackberry and I have no shame in telling the world that! I seriously get grumpy without my phone. Ask my momma. I blame my addiction on work since I'm in a global role I get emails at all hours. Ok, I'm not really addicted because of work but it sounded good, huh? If I ever got divorced it would seriously be because of my phone....It drives Billy crazy! I think that's just because he's not "into" social media.

I think that's about it. Am I missing anything???
You guys let me know if there's something "cool" that I don't know about and should be carrying!

Wine and Cupcakes Fix Everything

2011-09-13T10:51:00.001-05:00

I had a really great blog in mind but I ran out of time to post it...I had a home team meeting with our group from church...then I HAD to watch ALL 3 hours of the Bachelor Pad...then before I knew it, it was close to 11:30pm (yes, I definitely need my beauty rest). So much for writing the post this morning...work is hectic and will be most of the day so NO fun and exciting post today! Come back tomorrow :)

I'll leave you with this... Since this is the way I'm feeling!

Yes, It's only 10:30am and I am already thinking about wine!
You know what I will be doing after work and workout tonight.

There's one of these on my wine rack already calling my name.

Yes, I believe a flat iron is an essential NEED in life but believe it or not I only use one once or twice a week. Since I office from home my hair stays pulled back and the rare occasion I do get "dressed"....meaning something other than my Victoria Secret sweats my husband wonders whats the special occasion. Thank goodness I go to church on Sunday so I can spend more than 5 minutes on my hair!

So, instead of the flat iron I think I will have to substitute a trip to my favorite lil bakery, Oh Lala Sweets and get one of these!

Please excuse my "messy-ness".
This is one of those work from home so I don't put "real" clothes and pull my hair up kinda days.

Promise my posts will get MORE exciting! Ha!

What's your favorite? VOTE!

2011-09-11T20:06:00.003-05:00

Pumpkin Spice Latte or Salted Carmel Mocha!

Starbucks is very similar to my cupcake addiction

See, I told you...I have no self control when it comes to Starbucks. It's my favorite lil treat. It fixes a bad day, it excites me when new holiday flavors come out (this post this proof) and I love having coffee dates.

Thanks to my GREAT momma I had ~~two~~ (I mean 4 between when I started this post on Friday and Sunday evening) Starbucks this weekend. Well, I HAD to try them both to which one I liked the best! AND I had to try each of them in a hot coffee and frappuccino Yes, they come in both :)

Ohhhh yes....It's so yummy!

So now, tell me your favorite. And if you haven't tried it I suggest getting to your nearest Starbucks pronto. It will seriously make you have the happiest ~~Monday~~ week!!!

And the WINNER is (for me).....Hot Coffee (the frappuccino was a little too sweet for my likings).

Happy Monday!

Fitness Friday

2011-09-09T11:53:00.000-05:00

Since I am a new blogger this is my very first link up! Thanks Tara for all your blogging 101 help

True Life: I'm a FITNESS blogger

Clarification before I go off on my post. I am my NO means an expert on fitness, dieting, or workouts. These are simply things I've learned and that have worked for me.

H2O is Important

Did You Know??

Water increases your metabolism so much that if you're chronically dehydrated, it can mean up to an 8 pound weight gain (or more) per year. No wonder weight creeps on! You SHOULD drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water PER DAY.
Ex: 150lb = 75 oz of water.

Tips for Making that Happen!!

Let your water sit in fresh cut fruit, mint and Stevia over night for a all natural refreshing drink.

Just cutting back on the sodas makes a huge difference in the way you feel. Not to mention that's one of the easiest ways to loose some lbs.

I seriously drink 10-12 of these a day!
That's about 240 ozs of water :)

Booty Call

Did You Know??

Doing cardio on an empty stomach burns twice as many calories. So, get your booty out of bed 30 minutes earlier and do something- take your dogs for a walk, hit the treadmill, or go to the gym. Just do something.... Anything to get your metabolism going.

Proof this works: I did this every morning for a month to get ready for my Mexico vacation and lost 12 lbs.
(I did eat pretty healthy though too)

Best Day Ever

2011-09-07T18:33:00.030-05:00

Not sure if this is old news but it's definitely NEW news to me....BUT

You can NOW ORDER ONLINE from one of my favorite stores in New York, H&M. Not that I need to be wasting anymore time (as you can read from my previous post) online but I do need some fall attire.

In other news...the pumpkin spice latte came back to Starbucks on the day I started eating healthy again. Well, I learned I don't have too much self control so lets see how many days till I break down and go on a Starbucks run?

Ok, last random thought for the day! Aren't these two the sweetest looking lil furbabies EVER?!?!

Couture & Coby doing what they do best- begging for attention and sleeping! Could not have more opposite doggies!

How many hours is spent on social media sites?

2011-09-07T09:22:00.000-05:00

Who knows the real stat but let me tell you I spent more time trying to "figure out" blogging to last me a very long time. I was also introduced to Pinterest on the same day. First of all....that website should come with a warning label....seriously so addicting. More addicting than when Facebook first came out.

So, tell everyone to "follow" me...Even though, I promise I'm not that exciting but since all the "cool" kids are Bloggin, Facebooking, pinning on Pinterest, tweetin on Twitter, and who knows why I have LinkedIn (I guess because work told me too)...I joined the club too! All of them!

Just as I was about to post this...I read a really interesting blog from Tara regarding social media and the influences it has. Go check out her blog. Crazy what people are coming up with!

Fall please hurry...

2011-09-06T10:33:00.002-05:00

Hubby was out of town this weekend....he went back to Oklahoma this weekend for his 10 year high school reunion. Even though he is two years older than me...that still makes me feel old.

So, I took full advantage of a nice, quite, husband-less house this weekend. I am so READY for some cooler weather. So, I figured maybe if I started getting ready for fall...God would be right behind me.

I painted my nails a fun and glittery fall color. It's the first time I've used it but I really like the color.

OPI Extra-va-vaganza

Put out the Fall decorations throughout the house.

Purchased some festive fall candles. Speaking of...I LOVE candles. Especially Tyler Candles. They are seriously the best smelling things ever!

On another note...I started this blog yesterday evening. The same day I turned on the sprinkler in the yard so I could pretend it was raining. Ha, it's really been THAT long since we have had rain. Look at my yard and that's proof.

AND to my SURPRISE...I woke up to some cooler weather as I headed to the gym at 7:45 this morning. I even worked out in a hoody sweatshirt. NOW, let's just hope it stays this way :)

It's finally here! Erin Corden Life Planner

2011-09-05T10:36:00.000-05:00

The 2012 Erin Conden caused so much craze on Facebook and Twitter it added even more excitement to placing my order. But due to some mean people in this world Erin's website got hacked into and she lost 7 days worth of orders. Needless to say, mine was one of those orders. DARNIT! I was bummed but felt terrible for Erin and her team. I re-ordered and chose the quickest shipping so I could make sure to get it before I left on vacation. NOW, due to a FedEx error I never received my order so after returning from vacation I contact Erin's customer service and my planner was in my hands the following day by 3:00 PM. Talk about ROCKSTAR customer service team!

Let me how you how exciting these planners are. They are so bright and cheerful. It's the most useful planner I have ever owned: there's tabs, pockets, stickers, inspiration quotes, the list could go on and on but instead

I'll show you some pictures.

I choose the "favorite things". I thought is was so fun to create my own list.

So, I HIGHLY recommend....if you ever need a planner, invitations, stationary, or fun personalized gifts go check out the Erin Conden store.

Tone It Up

2011-09-04T18:39:00.001-05:00

I've been quite the health nut in the last 2-3 years. No one warned me that getting married also meant you would become out of shape and gain weight! Needless to say I have smartened up and do pretty good with my workouts and meal plans.

So, a bunch of people asked me how I've lost weight so here's the answer.
I follow the Tone It Up plan. It's a very detailed meal plan (which makes it easy) with eating clean recipes, workout tips (videos to follow), and a great support system. Check out their Community...Its free to join!

One of my favorite Bachelorettes, Tenly Molzahn follows this meal plan.

Here is one of my favorite recipes:

Tone It Up Kale Chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Wash and dry kale, break into chip size pieces.
Drizzle kale with 1 tbs olive oil and sprinkle lightly with sea salt and any other spices you desire.
Bake until just crisped ~10 to 15 minutes.

Add some all natural/fresh salsa and this is my favorite snack of all time!

And I even did the hubby taste test. I made him close his eyes and taste the chips before #1 I told it what it was made out of and #2 before he could see they were green. PROMISE he thought they were delish.

If you live in the Katy/Richmond area and want a work out buddy let me know :)

Check back after the Labor Day weekend and I'll blog/check in every once in awhile and let you know how the 7 Day Slim Down (which is an excelled meal plan included in the Tone It Up packet) is going. I need to give myself a good kick in the butt since vacationing and being lazy these past two weeks.

2011-09-03T17:54:00.000-05:00

We just recently got back from the most relaxing vacation in Rivera Maya, Mexico. We went back to the same resort that we honeymooned at almost 4 years ago- El Dorado Royale.

Its a top rated Gourmet Inclusive resort. They have 8-9 of the fanciest/yummy restaurants and 24 hour room service. I may or not have eaten dessert with every meal. Please don't judge me...Haha! But don't worry, it was worth every lb I gained.

It was the perfect combination of relaxation (for me) and fun (for Billy). They had kayaks, snorkeling, tequila tasting classes, the list goes on and on. So, if you need a vacation I definitely recommend this place.

This year we decided to take a family trip so my parents joined us. It was REALLY fun. It was great to have them there to join us for meals but we also had plenty of time with each other too. It was so much fun that we mentioned it to my brother so hopefully next year when he can take some time off work Tyler and Jenny will join us.

This time I promise....

2011-09-01T17:58:00.000-05:00

I am REALLY trying to get better at blogging so this time I'm REALLY going to do it. Plus, what a fun way to keep up with family. All of Billy's family is out of town so I bet they enjoy reading my blog...even if I don't get any other followers (Not sure I have enough exciting things to say to get people to "follow" me).

On another note...Any recommendation on where I can get a new blog design. The one I have now I got a million years ago...on my 1st attempt to start blogging. I want something new, colorful, and happy!

I used to suck a blogging but I'm going to try again....

2011-08-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

I started blogging and got this cute design right after we got married thinking it would be a fun way for family to keep up with us....EXPECT I never blogged!

So, 4 years later...I am going to try again :) Just need a fabulous new blog design and people to "follow me"...not that my life is too exciting!
Hopefully a new design with fun features will get me excited to BLOG again...