Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Last night was a big night of movie and tv watching!  We went and saw Moneyball with Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill.  I know it's been out for a while, but if you haven't seen it, it was a great one!! Definitely loops you in to the excitement of the game!! It might even have enticed me to watch some baseball games this upcoming season!

For most, the night would have been over there but not for me!! Why, you ask..... THE VICTORIA SECRET ANNUAL FASHION SHOW aired!!!! OH my-- those women are drop dead gorgeous, I mean jaw dropping smoking!!  Let me guess what you are thinking, why would I want to sit around and watch women half my size parade around in lingerie.  I would simply answer with-- its fashion and AWESOME! It is an art to walk in 6 inch platforms with heavy costumes and millions of people watching!! Here are a couple of my favs:
 Yes all that black in the background is part of the costume-- CRAZY!
 All beaded and HEAVY!

 A $2.5 million bra-- AHHHH!

 The finale!

Who is y'alls favorite??! 


XOXO
B

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Snowflake making and what have you!

A couple years back I was beyond honored to accept the Snowflake Making Award!! I worked day and night improving my skills (my oh my I needed it!) in fact I had blisters on my hands from the dagburn scissors!! I now am proud to say that I am a fully trained and equipped PRO-- don't think it came easy-- it took lots of dedication and hard work.  For a couple years now I have had a whole team behind my operation!  A few straglers here and there but I wanted to take the time to say thanks to all that helped with the execution of wonderful snowflakes!!  At this time I would like to extend a HUGE thanks to Ms. Kelsey Pace who helped me get to where I am now and who taught me the necessary skills!!


Me and my team decorated the windows in my little place-- it definitely takes the decor up a couple notches! Don't you agree??

Love this time of year!!!
XOXO
B

Monday, November 28, 2011

Turkey day affair

This is one holiday my family and I will never forget..

My cute little cousin.. he just turned 1! Isn't he precious! 





First thanksgiving with The Carr's!!! SO GLAD THEY JOINED US!

My cute cousins minus one- my how they've grown up!!

All the women-folk in the kitchen!

And the men-folk catching up on the games!

 
To top off all the festivities Ry and I celebrated my second favorite holiday (next to my bday ofcourse!)....
DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS!
This did not happen withouth lots of briving!!  Thanks Ry for all your help!!!! :)

Hope y'all had a nice holiday!!

XOXO
B

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Hair-flair!

Over the past couple of days I have learned quite the tricks to do with mah hair piece!! Both are very simple to do and look pretty great if I must say so myself. 

1.  The SOCK bun-- that's right I said Sock! Just your basic run of the mill sock-- holes or no holes it makes no difference.  Sammay D shared this little secret with me-- it's one the Kardashian's have been hiding! No bobbie pins or annoying hair-spray-- this one is here to stay!


 My bun!-- there's a sock in there!

Bibble's bun

To create this masterpiece-- cut the foot part off of the sock-- keeping the "tube".  Roll this into a "large scrunchie" if you will.  Place your hair in a high pony-tail and slowly roll your hair over the sock until you have your bun!

2. Fish tail Braid-- another simple masterpiece but a wee bit time consuming!!

Mine turned out a bit messy because my hair air-dryed and was crazy frizzy.

The trick I found most helpful was securing the pony tail at the top before starting and then cutting or releasing the band once finished.  Separate hair in to two even sections, from the outerside of the left pull a SMALL piece of hair and combine with the right side.  From the far right side pull a small piece of hair, cross over and combine with the left side-- proceed to the bottom of your hair.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Friends-giving!

Last night we had Friends-giving with all my bestest friaands!  We had a spread of turkey, gravy, stuffing, brocolli casserole, sweet potatoes, rolls, pasta salad and yummy homemade desserts!! Really gets ya mouth a watering!




Love y'all!! On another note-- I took the plunge and bought the new Iphone 4S-- LOVE IT and Instagram!

XOXO
B

Monday, November 21, 2011

Baby Jake's 1st Birthday!

This weekend Ry and I traveled down to celebrate his nephew's 1st birthday!! Linds and Thad had a packed house and were fully equipped with tasty treats! After watching all the munchins tobble around we openend presents and ate cake! Who knew they made so many toys with different shapes, sounds and colors!
 
Happy Birthday Baby Jake!!! 

We also walked around downtown and participated in the "window wonderland" contest-- it is all about solving riddles that relate to Christmas Toys.  This is the last one we have to answer and are a little stumped!  Any ideas?!


XOXO
B

Friday, November 18, 2011

4 Things. .

1. THANKSGIVING is less than a week away!!! Yesterday we had a work-thanksgiving and it really got me in the holiday spirit!!  BRING ON THE TURKAAAAAY!

2. Sipping on hot wintery drinks-- DD was on sale at the g store so I picked up the Cinammon Spice and mmm-- it takes a normal cup of joe from a 7 to a 10!!


3.  OLD SCHOOL Rascal Flatts! I have had them on repeat in the office, in my car (rocking the CD's!!), and while bopping around town-- sweet sweet sounds!


4. Arington Draft House-- it is an awesome yet sneaky little place in A-town!  They show movies that are out of theaters but not quite out on DVD for little to nothing -- Monday's start off $1, Tuesday $2 and Wed-Fri is $5.50-- not too shabby if you ask me!! Ry and I saw Crazy, Stupid, Love this week-- just your basic chick-flick!

Hope y'all have had a great week!! What are y'all loving this week?

XOXO
B

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Pumpkin TREAT!

Happy Hump Day to all!! To help you get through the rest of the week, I wanted to share the perfect fall sippins!

(via)
1 cup strong coffee
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Light CoolWhip
1 pinch of ground nutmeg

  1. In saucepan over low heat, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract and honey. (for convenience you can microwave)
  2. Add in coffee and mix well.
  3. Stir until completely mixed
  4. Pour half of the mixture into your favorite mug, top it off with Light CoolWhip and a dash of nutmeg. Enjoy!
Makes 2 servings-- perfect to share with a loved one!

XOXO
B

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Stuff yourself silly...

... literally!! Recently Ry and I visited Ray's to the Third, the newest edition in the Ray's family!  It definitely lived up their name!  The only downside is the interior could stand to kick it up a notch or two!

We shared an oreo milkshakaroo for starters and both got stuffed burgs!!! I got the blue cheese and Ry the brie-- both were scrumdilliumptious!! Full of flavor and goodness!!

My hunger consumed me and I forgot to snap shots to share with y'all -- don't worry found one online!!! 

(via)

Prices and eats are really GREAT!!  Definitely recommend stopping in!

XOXO
B

Monday, November 14, 2011

JMissU

Ohh Boy- words can't express how much I miss my life and friends at JMU-- it's something that you only experience if you went there!!!  We had a great weekend- doing it up JMU style!!!




XOXO
B

Friday, November 11, 2011

11.11.11

... Guess we are going to be really lucky today!! :)

4 things....

1. My sweet little family!!!!!! I've had a little bit of a tough week and they have really been my crutch to help me through!!! Its beyond comforting to know that no matter how far apart we are-- we are right beside each other in spirit!!!! Thanks GUYS!! Don't know what I would do without y'all!!!! LOVE YOU MORE!

2. ANCHO CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP!!! This is the perfect harty soup for the winter months!  Check out the recipe here.

(via)

3. The CMA's came on this week-- did y'all have a chance to watch it?? The outfits and perfermances were just something else!!

4.  JMU- DuuuuuuuuuKES!!!!! We are having a JMU reunion this weekend and I couldn't be MORE EXCITED!!! It's been a while since we have all been together and what better than tailgating and football to bring the crowd all in! Can't wait to sip on some totties, see the new stadium and swing by Dave's for a good ole steak and cheese!! Let's goo DuuuuuuKES!!
 

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

National Alzheimer's Awareness Month

5.4 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States and the 5th leading cause of death in those 65 and older.

While age, family history and genetics are major players with this disease, new and emerging research is suggesting that lifestyle factors play an important role in prevention. I am constantly doing my homework so to speak as this disease has ran in my family for generations.  4 consistent prevention factors are:

1. WORK IT OUT AND EAT RIGHT!  This proves to be one of the most important factors in prevention!!! Studies suggest that only 30 minutes a day is necessary.  This obviously varies based on the individual but who can't squeeze in 30 minutes a day!?

2. VITAMIN E.  This is not to suggest taking a Vitamin E supplement but rather to increase foods that contain high levels of this vitamin.  These include: sunflower and safflower oil, nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, hazelnuts) and green vegetables including broccoli and spinach.

3. FISH.  Fish contain adequate amounts of poly-unsaturated omega 3 fatty acids.  I must say that fish are not my go to-- but since reading reports and studies I have made more of an effort.

4. SPICE THINGS UP-- Research has proven that India has a much lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Many researchers believe it may be due in part to their extensive use of turmeric (a component of curry) in their cooking.  NOT a huge fan of curry-- but I am slowly trying to throw a dash in here and there :)

As with any disease it is hard to watch a loved one battle something this big and life changing.  Alzheimer's disease completely takes over the brain and makes things/chores/activities that used to be mindless non-achievable.  I have included a link to the National Alzheimer's Association if you care to read more about this disease http://www.alz.org/.

XOXO
B

Monday, November 7, 2011

Happy Monday

The start of another week!!
. . . .  Monday's are so hard to get out of bed especially when its so snuggly under the warm sheets!  In the winter time, I do the toe test-- I stick my toes out from under the covers, if its too nippy(which it always is and is just a good excuse to stay in bed longer) I quickly sneak them right back under and snooze the alarm!!

As a weekend recap let me first start by saying that the TRAIN was/is AWESOME!!! I mean seriously!! I wasn't pulling my hair out or screaming frantically at other drivers on 95 rather I caught a quick cat nap!  Bryce and Ry scooped me at the station and it was off to enjoy a great weekend!  We watched LOTS of football, went to a wine festival, ate lots of GREAT food (thanks Theresa!), and just hung out!

Pics from the train-- loved it!

Mike's first wine festival :)
Once Ry and I were back in town we watched some of the games and by 8:00 I was itching to get out of the house!!! We treated ourselves to some good ole pho! With the chilly weather touching down it's the perfect winter treat!

Hope y'all had a nice weekend!

XOXO
B

Friday, November 4, 2011

4 things . .

It's here It's here....Friday that is!!!! This week I'm lovin.....

1. WE BOOKED A CRUISE for the BEST mama in the world to help her celebrate her old lady-age-- not look wise though ;)-- whooop whooooop!!!! We are heading down to the Caribbean! It's our first trip as a "grown-up" family!! We used to travel lots when D and I were little but as we got older sports, activites and friends made things more difficult!!!! We have the whole gang even Big and Ry!!! T minus 89 days!!!!


2. My nail polish-- at first I couldn't decide my thoughts, but after starring at it for a while I've decided its a great fall color!
 (Essie -- very structured)

3. I'm going to test the waters with the train this afternoon and hitch a ride down to the F-burg to spend time with the Carr's! I'm sure it will be well worth skipping that dagblessed traffic-- sorry 95 I will not miss you!! Ry's grandma (Maw Maw) and his cousin will be in town!! I think we're planning to attend the Oyster Fest in Urbana-- YUMMMM Perfect Fall activity!! 

4.  PUNKIN, pumpkin, pukin, however you say PUMPKIN I love it!!! From the pumpkin pie I made earlier this week to the pumpkin flavoring in my coffee, pumpkin breads, muffins, and squares oh my-- I'm loving it all!! For some reason pumpkin things just make me feel warm and toasty all over! yummmm!

Hope y'all had a nice week, what are y'all lovin this week?!

XOXO
 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

For all you mushy gushy's out there....

My friend Jess posted this news story a couple weeks ago and it made me oh so warm and fuzzy all over that I decided I would share with all of you!!! (You can follow her here!)

 

Hope y'all are having a Great Thursday-- one day closer to the weeeeeeeekannnnnnnnd!!!

On another note I joined BlogLovin today thanks again to Jess!

XOXO
B

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Rabbit Rabbit ... Bunny Bunny

Happy Hump day to ya!  CAN YOU BELIEVE WE ARE IN NOVEMBER ALREADY??!  I feel like I blinked and October passed me by!  I wanted to share a little tradition we do in our house that was passed down from my grandma's family. On the first day of the month before doing anything you are supposed to say "rabbit rabbit" -- in doing so, it brings you good luck for the rest of the month!!

I thought it was just another "Franklin thing" but turns out other people in the world do it as well! check it out (as a side note I am well aware that wiki is not a credible source, however I used it as a means to describe the tradition) As you can see there are multiple versions out there-- feel free to adopt the tradition in to your family!!!  As for the Bunny Bunny-- that's something Ry and I have adopted-- if you forget Rabbit Rabbit on the first day of the month (guilty!!) we feel it safe to say Bunny Bunny on the second and still receive the same good luck :)!!! If you forget after the second-- well you're just out of luck!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

XOXO
B

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Trick Or Treat

One last Halloween post :)  Last night Bobbin and Libby joined Ry and I for a scaryyyyy Halloween night of grubbing and catching up on the latest episodes of American Horror Story-- Have y'all seen this?? It is CREEEEEEEPPPY!

Ry and I made a Halloween concoction of Shepherd's pie . . .
To keep with the orange/Halloween theme we made a yummmmy pumpkin pie.. I must say I have never made this before but boy it was really easy especially with the Kitchen Aid ;)

 Forgot to snap a pic before I cut into it-- whoops!

Ry enjoying his pie! 

Hope  y'all enjoyed your Halloween!!! PS did y'all say RABBIT RABBIT THIS MORNING!!?

XOXO
B