I AM A WINNER !!

I entered the Mary Kay Giveaway with
ROBIN  http://rjbrown233.blogspot.com/ at LOVE THIS LIFE!

I am so excited! Thank you Robin and Happy Birthday !

Also linking up today with  
http://crazymamasblog.blogspot.com/


Come join the BLOG HOP ....no rules, anything goes !!

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, link up with fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com

1. What is the funniest thing you saw on Facebook/twitter this week?

 

Posted by one of my girlfriends on her page. Touche'

(sorry, little hard to read - but I think you can get the jest)

2.. What is your favorite Olympic event?
I would have to say gymnastics. I like all the events - I prefer the winter games more.

3. Do your kids to chores around the house? If so, what are they and how old are the children? Do they get paid for them?
My boys are grown, but definately YES. They were both doing their own laundry at 11yoa. Learning to cook and clean the house. Take care of the animals and help in any other way necessary. They were amazing kids. They did receive allowances when they met their responsibilties.

4. If you get bad service/food do you complain or keep quiet?
OH YEAH...most of time. It really depends. If it is something serious, always. If it is a minor detail - usually not. Sometimes you just have to decide if speaking out is worth it. Alot of times, tho I will write a letter of "concern" and let the corporate office know. I have received lots of "We are so sorry" gifts for that. It helps the companies too to know when their employees are not doing their job correctly.

5. If you could pick ONE frivolous item for your home, what would it be? (massive room sized closet? swimming pool? greenhouse? etc...)
HMMMMMM - I think a really, really big bathroom, Huge tub, very girly, TV, stero system, phone, lounge chair, airy and bright. Plants, flowers.
Attached would be a really, really big walk in, sit down, turn around closet - full of clothes, shoes, purses. A WOMAN CAVE......

WOW - Thursday - how time flies....linking up today with two of my favorite girls Amber http://www.brunchwithamber.com/ and Neely at http://www.acompletewasteofmakeup.com/

....link up and join the fun....IT's O.K. !!

It's O.K.

that I am hating my job right now

that I am hating my job right now

did I mention that I am hating my job right now(altho thankful to have one)

it's hot - but I KNOW -

it's Texas -

it's gonna be hot in JULY...blah,blah,blah

that I am missing my kids and grand angels

that I am going to drink a big glass of WINE when I get home

- diet or no diet

that I love watching baseball at night instead of doing housework

that I am looking forward to the weekend and going to the

TEXAS RANGERS BASEBALL GAME

that I don't know all the good stuff about blogging

that I don't have a button or a sponsor or a giveway

that I love everyone elses, buttons and sponsors and giveways

that it is almost FRIDAY - and I can't wait!

that I want to win the giveaway!!!

TEXAS TUESDAY - linking up today with  Amanda http://www.princessofthepanhandle.com/ and J http://www.ohheyitsj.com/.
Texas Tuesday is about things TEXAS and is open all Texans and non-Texans (I know you wanna be) So link up and join in the fun.

This past weekend hubby and I made our way to Round Top, Texas, home of the JUNK GYPSIES. Now, if you aren't familiar with these girls, Amie and Jolie - you should check them out. These girls can repurpose, redo, repaint, refix, reclaim, recycle, RE - anything. They have amazing ideas - they are "junkers" from way back ( their momma started them young) Now, they have their own tv show on HGTV and are in the process of building an amazing store and warehouse - in - you guessed it - ROUND TOP, TEXAS.

Check them out here: http://junkgypsyblog.com/ and here: http://gypsyville.com/.

We decided to spend the night at the Belle of Round Top B&B. WOW - what a great place and Deborah - our hostess was wonderful. It is a beautiful place, full of warmth and charm. The room was amazing, the hospitality out of this world and the breaksfast to die for. We will be returning in the spring for the gypsy prom. ( I know - sounds AMAAAAAAAAAZING !)

We ate lunch at the Stone Cellar (we dropped the grand angels off to their rightful owners here and sent them on their way) This place has the best pizza. It is a wine cellar, pizza parlor and night time music venue. I recommend this place for SURE!!

      

Then we made out way down the road a piece to look at the JUNK GYPSIES.

Can't  wait for the grand opening.

From there we walked around town for a bit- great little shops with arts, crafts, food and good time feel of a little town.

We went to dinner at the world famous ROYER's Cafe. He has been featured on CBS This Morning among many other media. I know why - the food was so good. You sit "neighbor style"..meaning you sit at a table till its full - whether or not you know the folks. JB, Royer's son was our waiter (and a UT Alumni -helllo - doesn't get any better than this). Hubby and I shared a plate (we had been warned the portion was GNORMOUS) and to save room for pie. So many choices, but we went with the pie was apple with a huge glob of ice cream ( they charge more if you don't get ice cream). We literally rolled out of there.

It was GREAT - if you get the chance - go there and EAT

Next we did a little junk shopping ourselves.

One of the places we visited was - TEXAS TRASH - loved it

Picked up a little Texas trash and hubby won a $100 gift certificate!

I let him spend it all on himself - after all he did the spinning of the wheel!

We made our way to the WINDALE Theater - Been there since the 70's. Shakespeare plays presented by students from UT...and it was great. It is an open barn theater and the play this weekend was "A midnight summers dream". Now, truth be told, I didn't undstand half of what they were saying. "Thee" "Thou" "hath" and who knows what else. I don't think they were from TEXAS. It was interesting and fun and we are all for anything to support the great UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS !

Next we made our way to FESTIVAL HILL. Another of many "arts venue". Apparently this is one that features music venues. Round Top is famous for it's twice a year world wide antique shows and I think alot of the artist and antiquers gather here. 

Sunday before we headed for home, we drove over to LaGrange, Texas and ate at a great little place called

BACK PORCH BAR B Q......hmmm, hmm. Hubby opted for their bake chicken and I had a pulled pork sandmich.

It was some of the best bar-b-q I have ever eaten.

What a great weekend, in the GREAT STATE OF TEXAS.....

Ya'll come back and visit me, hear....



Linking up today - I know, it's been a week since I blogged...but with good reason....

Two of my grand angels were here last week - the WHOLE week and we were incredibly busy. I have missed reading and writing my blog(s). There is so much catching up to do.

1. GOOD - duh, need you ask.....Jaycee and Cody spent the whole week with us last week and we went non-stop. We did Six Flags, eating, sleeping, Children's Museum (GROSSOLOGY exhibit), movies, puzzles, sleeping, Wii, crafts, sleeping, swimming, ice cream, McDonald's, curly hair, eating, Pump It Up, magic shows, eating, sleeping,IMAX, a quick trip to the dentist (a fall at McDonald's - but all is well) cooking, puppy playing, shopping, eating, sleeping, ......

2. BAD - EXHAUSTED - Oh my gosh, - those two have more engery than me - BUT - I wouldn't trade the week for all the gold in the world !!

3. UGLY - had to return those grandangels to their rightful owners -

MOM and DAD.....

     We were already planning next year before they left..

we have some great ideas!

(sorry - little blurry)

Love you guys - Pops and I had a blast......

Summer time FUN !!

Two of my grand angels are spending the week with us. So far, we have been very busy...

Fort Worth Cats game, puzzles, movies, Wii, Children's museum, "Katy Perry - Part of me", McDonalds, swimming, park,

Still have the IMAX Dinosaur movie, ICE AGE and SPIDERMAN, Six Flags, Pump it Up.....WHEWWWW....I need a vacation! Love these guys!!!

Fort Worth Cats Game
with Uncle Bill, Cara and Cayla

Cody loved the game..upclose and personal

Getting ready to run the bases after a Cats win!

Puzzle time

Jaycee has it pretty tough

Just Dance

Jaycee wanted "curls" - so we did it the old fashion way...with real curlers

Ta Da...she loves it !

It's curly alright

Off to more fun today........

 Being Friday the 13th, wanted to hook up with one of my newest, favorite read blogs. http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/ I mean - it's perfect!.

1. What's your view on men wearing sandals (yay or nay)?

Nay on the sandal -ay. Most men can't walk without dragging their feet ( trust me I know, I have 3 brothers, a husband, 2 sons, 2 grandsons, 4 nephews...it's a man eat me world I live in !!) Flip flops, ok - but for the love of money PICK UP YOUR FEET !
 

2. What song do you love but are embarrassed to admit?

 

Hmmmmm....gotta put the thinking cap on for that one. Not really much of a music person, I guess I listen but I don't hear......I just sing along and don't pay any attention. Except when I am at a red light and the car next to me is STARING at me.....

3. What summer camp should they make for moms? 

MOM, MOMMY, MOTHER, MOM, MOMMY, MOM, MAMA, MOMMY........WHAT?!?!?! CAMP.
Let someone else have that title for a week while we live in QUIET !
My mother use to always tell me she was going to change her name (from Mom) - as a mother - I get that.
 

4. What is the most romantic song? (Not necessarily your favorite or your wedding song...)

Here again - music - not my strong suit. For my youngest son's wedding, we danced to LeeAnn Womack's - I HOPE YOU DANCE - to me that speaks volumes to anyone and everyone. I know - that sounded really cheesy, HUH?? You ask...
 

5. Do you have an embarrassing pregnancy story?

 

Personally I don't have an embrassing story for me, other than I gained waaaaaaaaaaaay too much weight and after all these years, some of it seems to still be with me! Plus that has been many, many moons ago and I am lucky to remember what I had for breakfast.

I did see a high school classmate one day - and she was wearing what I thought was a maternity top...so I ask, "When's the baby due?" - to which she quickly replied, "I'm not pregnant!". Well shut the front door.......I didn't know

Ya'll have a goooooooooooood Friday !

 

 

 Linking up with Lauren http://laurenfromtexas.com/ today. This is my first post with the CB Diet. If this catches your eye, jumped on over and read Lauren's blog. When you are not on a diet, diet....you can never have enough support. Thanks Lauren for this great idea!!

1. First rule - weigh-in. I typically do this on Friday morning (that way - I have allllllllll week to recover from any over indulges of the weekend) So from last week's weigh-in - down 17lbs ( I started in March)

2. Second rule - exercise. Hmmm, well if you count push mowing and walking circles in the pool...then I guess I exercised. One thing I do - when I go shopping....I walk the WHOLE perimeter of the store (usually a Wal-Mart)...try to go up and down every isle and then do my shopping. Of course, I stop and shop along the way (can find some real bargains) - but all the extra steps are a plus.

3. Splurge/Guilty Pleasure - Wine.....love wine - but they are just empty calories. I did spurlge when we ate dinner out Tuesday. Made up for with a grilled pork chop, salad and steamed broccoli.

4. Success Story - I think the fact that I added exercise, be it small...at least I was movin'.

5. Recipes - In Texas - it's hot - so anything cool and fun is a plus. These are YUMMY...hubby can't stop eating them....Skinny Cake Batter Ice Cream Sandwiches (http://www.couponingncooking.com/)
If my calculations are right, each cookie is about 130calories.

Skinny Cake Batter "Ice Cream" Sandwiches
Mix ingredients, place on a graham cracker square, freeze. I did not roll mine in sprinkles.
I placed the crackers on a cookie sheet and froze them individually first, then place in a zip lock bag for easy access. DELICIOUS.....

• 1 box of Duncan Hines Funfetti Cake Mix (I think that brand does matter in this one...)
• 2 cups plain, fat free, Greek yogurt
• 1 heaping cup of fat free/lite Cool Whip
• Low Fat Graham Crackers

One born every minute.....

They say (and who is "they" anyway - another blog) is born every minute - A SUCKER - well, you are looking at one. I am such a wimp when it comes to influence. I see it on TV, I want one, I hear on the radio, I want one, I read on a blog, I want one.....SUCCCKKKERRRR !

My boys knew from an early age - mom is easy. I pretty much gave in to anything they wanted (Don't deny it boys, you know it was true)  I really like to think of myself as more of a people pleaser in that regards- that sounds so much better.

The other day I am watching TV - and one of those infamous commercials come on - the one that advertises the THE HIP-T

...you know that extra piece of material that covers your crack when you bend over, or reach way up high for something. I had to have one.....so I searched the internet and found the website "HIP-T' (careful what you put in that search engine).....yep I ordered a package. But, wait....I couldn't wait 2-7 days for them to arrive - OH NO - let's go to Wal-mart and look in the "as seen on TV section". This is definately for those people that can't wait. WAAAAAALAAAAA - there they were.

Only they are called TRENDY TOPS. Package of two, basic black and white $10. WHAT A DEAL (the HIP-T is $19.95 for two, but you can get them a print, gray and other variables)

So now I am the proud owner of a black one and white one. I have a gray one, and printed one on the way, in the mail, as I write. I am so excited.

I actually have the white one on today. So far, I would say I am pleased. I don't think I have showed my crack one time. (Of course, I haven't been out of this chair except to go get a drink...didn't have to bend over or reach high)
But I am looking good...and I feel pleased about my purchase(s)

Linking up with two of my FAV blogs today. First, Jessica with
The task this past week was to watch your favorite all time movie. Wellllllllllll, anyone that knows me, even for a little while knows that, GOD and my FAMILY are the most important things in my life, PURPLE is my favorite color of all and that PRETTYWOMAN is my favorite movie. You can ask anyone, I can quote the movie word for word. I use lines from the movie all the time. I know I have watched it 100+ times....and I still watch it like it is the first time. Basically, a Cinderella story and who doesn't love a good Cinderalla story?? ANDDDDDDDDDDDD who wouldn't love Richard Gere coming to rescue you -

Be sure and link up and SMELL THE ROSES:

This week's task:
Visit somewhere that you've never been before.

Whether it's a new restaurant, a new park, a new bookstore or even a new friend's house...go somewhere that you've never been before, shake it up a little bit :) To make it even more fun, visit somewhere that you've never been before with someone else who's never been there either!

Second linking up with Kati from http://incorporatingcolor.blogspot.com/
and Kate http://classylivingblog.blogspot.com/ for

1. GOOD: I finally got to spend a weekend at home. Got to catch up on some crafts, make plans for my two oldest grand angels visit next week, a little shopping, some cooking, cleaned house and do laundry. Friday night hubby and I went out to dinner then spent the evening in the pool looking at the stars. Plus face time with two of my grand angels, Jaxson and Annabelle last night.

2. BAD: My puppy girls sleep in the house at night, on their beds, in our bedroom. For the last several weeks they have started doing this thing where, for no apparent reason, they decide to BARK in the middle of the night - causing myself and hubby to literally jump out of the bed. Makes for a very short night.

3. UGLY: I lost a wallet with about 80% of my credit cards in it sometime FRIDAY.  I have been going nuts since I discovered it. Back stepping all my steps since Friday. Making phone calls, cancelling cards....GEEEZZZZ - it sucks!!

HiGh FiVE foR FRIDAY!!

http://www.frommygreydeskblog.com/

It’s Friday – are you sure? With a holiday in the middle of the week, I thought today was Tuesday –

1. This is a 4 (or a 2/2 day) work week for me…I am so confused.  

 2,    My pool is back. Hubby has been working so hard, and trying to do too much “stuff” around the house.  I finally talked him into getting a pool cleaning service. Sooooooooo – they came out, emptied the pool and began cleaning it. After two hours, they discovered multiple tears in the liner. They stopped, but I had to pay them for their time ($$$) We had to buy a new liner ($$$$) and have it installed ($$$$$$$$). Refilled the pool (2 days) and FINALLY have a beeee –u ti ful pool to swim in. With my two oldest grand angels coming in a week to spend a WHOLE week with me, it is all worth it!

This will be me all weekend!!

3.     I have been wearing “nails” for sometime. People always ask, “are those your nails?’, well duh, I paid for them, didn’t I ! For the longest I always had the “pink and white”. Lately tho, I have enjoyed all the new colors and designs so decided to do something different. I changed my nail polish – myself – 4 times in the last 10 days!

4.     Wednesday was the 4^th of July, but it didn’t really seem like a holiday. First of all, it was in the middle of the week…….UGH! In the past we have always had big 4^{th of July} parties with food and games and fireworks at our house. This year, hubby had to work, none of my kids or grand angels were here and so it was pretty lame.  We did go eat dinner with two of my brothers and family. Then we came home and sat outside and watch others shoot off their fireworks. Bah humbug!

5.     Back to my Not on a Diet, diet……I have had a hard time the last couple of weeks staying on track. But I am down -17lbs…..and still truckin’.

Happy Friday Ya’ll

Welcome to Fun Friday Blog Hop !
http://lifewithtwinsandadramaqueen/

Come join and meet some new bloggers, get some more followers. Just enjoy and have fun

1. You MUST follow your hostess and co- host. If you already follow GFC you can always follow via Facebook, Twitter, Networkblogs. Make sure to leave us a comment and we WILL follow you back.

2. Feel Free to GRAB our button that is at the top and post it on your blog. We want to get the word out.

3. Post your URL and have fun!

http://lifewithtwinsandadramaqueen.com/ - HOSTESS

http://pjgraves51.blogspot.com/ - CoHost

Happy Friday Ya'll !!

Who doesn't love strawberries, especially on a HOT summer 4th. I do, and it couldn't get any better than adding white chocolate. My mouth is watering already....

Recipe courtesy of: http://familyfun.go.com/

 

Ingredients

• 12 ounces white chocolate chips
• Strawberries

• Blue sugar or edible glitter

Instructions

1. Melt 12 ounces of white chocolate chips in a microwave according to the package directions (make sure the container and the berries are dry; even a little moisture will alter the texture of the candy).
2. One at a time, dip strawberries into the chocolate and then into blue sugar or edible glitter.
3. Set them to harden on waxed paper.
4. Makes 35 to 45 decorated berries.

Link up  and tell us what is cooking in your kitchen !

Today I am linking up with Jessica at http://www.lovelylittlethingsblog.com/ and SMELL THE ROSES.

Last week's task was to have dinner with somone and "catch-up". Well, I had to chose my BFF...my hubby.
Last couple of weeks we have had family committments, his job has him working 60+ hours a week, honey-dos around the house. WE just haven't had any time to together. So, Saturday night we had a "date night". Wanted to do something different and opted for dinner at 

OMGosh - what a blast.

On their website, it stated be prepared to spend a relaxing 2 -2 1/2 hours for dinner. REALLY???..It's true and every minute was so fun. It was very dark (woohoo) so no pictures. Here is their website if you wanna check it out.... http://simplyfonduefortworth.com/

I called ahead and made reservations. We arrived a few minutes early. The hostess asked if it was our first time and I said "yes". She asked if we were celebrating anything and said "No, just a long awaited date night". She showed us to the lounge where we relaxed for a minutes with a drink.

When our table was ready we began a journey that I thought maybe I should leave bread crumbs behind. We kept walking and walking and finally "WELL, COLOR ME HAPPY"....a tiny private room for two.

Tete A Tete (head to head)Quiet and comfortable. Personal and secluded. Let the candles and the curtains set the mood. This is private dining with a unique twist

HOW FUN IS THIS GONNA BE??

Our waiter, Justin, was great. Explained the menu, made recommendations and helped us through our journey into heavenly bliss. We started with a salad,
followed by a cheese - spicy jack - fondue, with bread and fresh veggies for dipping.

Our main course was a choice of 3 meats (each). We had chicken, beef tenderloin, shrimp, salmon and pork. Along with cooking our meat right at our table, we had several dipping choices for our meats, veggies and pasta.

To finish the wonderful meal, chocolate - BAILEY'S IRISH - with fresh fruit, marshmallows, rice krispy treats and a brownie for dipping!

Hubby and I talked, ate, laughed, ate, were silly, ate, talked - we had so much fun and we were there

2 hours!

Next weeks task - watch your favorite movie...

THIS IS GONNA BE EASY-

Anybody, anybody - which movie will I be watching???