tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3976323176932993652024-03-12T20:34:01.527-07:00Twenty Five PlusUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-25348353405816230112015-12-29T17:20:00.001-08:002015-12-29T17:21:36.434-08:002016 GoalsWe have so many goals moving into the new year, so much we would like to accomplish, so many new things to dive into - Where do we begin!?<br />
<br />
<strong>Personal Goals</strong><br />
1. <em>Begin and stick with a serious budget</em> - This will take a lot of effort on all fronts. We build a budget each year, but sticking to it and all it entails will be the ultimate challenge.<br />
2. <em>Pay off my car</em> - This explains itself. If we can accomplish #1, this one shouldn't be to hard.<br />
3. <em>Meal prep </em>- This should save us money if done right, and should help with my next goal as well.<br />
4. <em>Lose weight</em> - Not just weight in general, I want to finish losing any lingering weight to get me to my goal weight. Since I haven't been on a scale in a month, I don't know how much that is yet. But I will weigh in on the first and we will get this party started!<br />
5. <em>Pass the CPA - </em>This by far is the most important of the personal goals, it also explains itself.<br />
<br />
<strong>Farm Goals</strong><br />
1. <em>Grow</em> - We plan to add more chickens to our flock, along with letting the ducks hatch a few ducklings. If all goes to plan we will add about 6 new chickens and any ducks that come along.<br />
2. <em>Diversify</em> - This year we will be expanding our livestock by adding goats to the farm. Dairy goats to be specific. Research is still underway and I am writing out a grant request as we speak, so keep your fingers crossed that this goes smoothly!<br />
3. <em>Fencing & Buildings</em> - With the goats comes to need for fencing around the entire property, as well as a cross-fence to section off a back yard. It will also bring additional buildings to our land. I would like to build a larger coop/run area that has a goat house built in. <br />
4. <em>Vegetable garden</em> - We will give this a second try, year one was a bust, so hears to second chances!<br />
<br />
This is a lot, but I can't ever do things to easy way. So I will do my best to keep everyone up to date and keep this blog posted on all of our accomplishments and growth over the next year!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-45504325127363493692015-01-09T19:15:00.001-08:002015-01-09T19:15:53.330-08:00Our Country Castle<div style="text-align: center;">
So how did this city girl wind up living in her very own country castle? I'll spare you the sappy love story for another day - fast forward to the last year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I moved into the house he was renting when we got married I was in for an eye-opener. The house was west of the city and literally out in a field. We had cows in our backyard that announced the cold front anytime it came in, turkeys that thought they could roost on my once garage-kept car, and spiders... OMG don't get me started on the spiders. We didn't have a concrete driveway, we had well water that left a sandy residue on all of our dishes, and it wasn't out of the ordinary for the house to shake when a strong wind came "rolling down the plain". It was time to find our permanent home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It took us about two months to find it. We looked at new houses in nice neighborhoods, we looked at old houses in okay neighborhoods, and we even looked at super fixer-uppers in...well...neighborhoods. However we determined fairly quickly that my husband was not a neighbor loving homeowner. Not because he's doesn't love people - my husband LOVES people, he majored in communications, the man makes a new best friend everywhere he goes! He is just one of those self-proclaimed "I want to be able to pee in my own backyard" kind of men. Anyway, we found a handful of places that were out in the country, but sketchy as all get out - our realtor was running out of options, and patience I'm sure...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enter Craigslist - that's right - we found our dream home on Craigslist. We had taken a break from looking after rejecting everything house thrown our way, then on a Friday afternoon I received a text message from our realtor with a link to a craigslist ad. I had the same reaction you did - Really?! Expecting to see an overpriced worn-out home that is typical of the area, I was shocked at the pictures and the description attached. This house was perfect. It had literally everything we had been looking for in a house - in essence it was our dream home! The home we thought we would never find given our long list of wants and our short amount of resources. This was it. I forwarded the text on to my new husband, trying not to get my hopes up. His response - "Set up an appointment" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It all went quickly from there. We went and saw the house, met the owners, and made our offer - they countered, we countered, and they accepted. All in ONE DAY! The owners were from my husbands home town, they knew a lot of the same people. They were praying people, and for the next month as we got closer to closing that's what we all did - we prayed. It was meant to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLbP_R4ZBEInoFhltJcDWDVDwjqobl506hVRTH-dmCzq2TqKTja-17-78f1zbx4AJ9cUiIJ_BsbbQYe34U8SbeQicxpDPY0yE7yyXmerqZPpqJuQ0x5jMutPgfWrKuUx6kM7oiIlR-E9L/s1600/house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLbP_R4ZBEInoFhltJcDWDVDwjqobl506hVRTH-dmCzq2TqKTja-17-78f1zbx4AJ9cUiIJ_BsbbQYe34U8SbeQicxpDPY0yE7yyXmerqZPpqJuQ0x5jMutPgfWrKuUx6kM7oiIlR-E9L/s1600/house.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Growing up I never imagined living my fairytale anywhere outside of the city, but here it is, my dream home - my very own castle with my very own prince charming - out in the country, where we were meant to be.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-79018287661251692492015-01-09T19:12:00.002-08:002015-01-09T19:13:35.134-08:00Gone Country<div style="text-align: center;">
A little over a year ago I married God's match for me - I'm sure there was some laughter when He put us together. A country boy, from small town America, would marry a city girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's rewind a bit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I grew up in a suburban neighborhood in central Oklahoma. To anyone from this state, I am considered a city girl. Not city to say, New York standards, but city nonetheless. There was a yard, neighborhood kids, large public schools, traffic, you name it. I didn't have to go further than a mile from my house for anything I could possibly need. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fast forward to today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I live in a ranch style farmhouse on the outskirts of a small town just east of "the city". We have 5 acres, deer that frequent our back yard, we can't see our closest neighbors, and traffic.. only when a school bus or a tractor holds up the main road into town. Oh - and I have to travel 30 minutes to the closest anything.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to the country!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-66351886876346867332014-01-03T08:18:00.001-08:002014-01-03T08:18:20.086-08:00Thrifty Thursday (A Day Late...)<div style="text-align: center;">
So I procrastinated...a bit. But instead of just not making my post like I normally would do, I decided better late than never!. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year marks the start of several new themes, and here is the first one. Every other Thursday here at Twenty-Five Plus will now be <em>Thrifty Thursday</em>. A day to post ideas on saving money here and there and making a more efficient and profitable home.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week I'd like to talk about small savings goals. This last Christmas season I found myself scrounging for extra cash to purchase Christmas presents. As is the case every year, the holidays just kind of snuck up on me. So this year I will be prepared. I stumbled across this savings goal over at <a href="http://www.lifeasyouliveit.blogspot.com/2013/07/52-week-money-challenge-update.html">Life as You Live It</a> and decided this year would be a great one to give it a whirl. </div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong>52 Week Savings Challenge</strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwYsStjap1rwl_VagUOrpz8lVUMCa3vpY4hsXXPNQpuPstC2zTcqEoVlHvRZsxD2MbtkcnJDcA-jOOBC_WkZVSSNmMQBd3qc7gYMxcW5vp0wlXyp2OP_hCaSpUWxJSXfYIuryuqjeF8lT/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwYsStjap1rwl_VagUOrpz8lVUMCa3vpY4hsXXPNQpuPstC2zTcqEoVlHvRZsxD2MbtkcnJDcA-jOOBC_WkZVSSNmMQBd3qc7gYMxcW5vp0wlXyp2OP_hCaSpUWxJSXfYIuryuqjeF8lT/s1600/photo.PNG" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
For every week of the year, you deposit the corresponding dollar amount into a jar. Then, after 52 weeks you have saved $1,378 - plenty enough to get Christmas shopping done for all your friends and family! So go ahead - give it a try, what's a couple dollars a week?</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="left">
Special thanks to <a href="http://www.lifeasyouliveit.blogspot.com/">Life As You Live It</a> for the photo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-45625447745834860322014-01-01T15:23:00.001-08:002014-01-01T15:23:36.474-08:00It's a New Year - It's a New MeEvery year we gather with friends and family to celebrate a year passing and a new year coming, and during this gathering we brag about all of the things we plan to change during the new year...every year most of us fail...<br />
<br />
Nevertheless - I come into this new year as a new person, I have a new name, I have a new "status", I have a new outlook on life and my future, and I have a new opinion on New Year's Resolutions. So, the wait is over, here are my resolutions for 2014:<br />
<br />
1. Typical weight loss goal: Lose 20 pounds. I honestly would love to lose less, but 20 not only seems reasonably, it also puts me right in the middle of the healthy BMI category. This year I'm not only losing weight for myself. I'm losing weight for my future; because after all, they say you have a better chance of conceiving when you are a healthy weight!<br />
<br />
2. Typical financial goal: Pay off credit card debt. I have to say I don't really have much, that is, compared to the national average. But for my family, any amount is too much so this year I will pay it off - as quickly as possible.<br />
<br />
3. Get organized: I am surrounded by clutter, and my poor husband had a huge eye-opener when I moved in. Cleaning and organization just aren't my thing, they never have been. But this year I will organize my home and I will make it a comfortable place for him and I to come home to every night!<br />
<br />
So, this morning I joined the local gym with a friend of mine from work, I have a clean kitchen and most of our laundry is done and put away, and I have a healthy dinner ready to put in the oven when my husband gets home. So far so good :)<br />
<br />
What are your resolutions and how do you plan on sticking to them this year?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-46031866460379217402013-11-19T10:17:00.001-08:002013-11-19T10:17:13.961-08:00Newlywed Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIuKICuDxHQ4xRsM3tW5jOMX5sTc0EjX55vyWxdLYsWmDK5AjB2Ig2EElh7CYX6jd_nh5-H1rwaM3uTWZW87YXL0AWf0wIDIkT7Ks1p6FGWfIPWhJjaZd8CV1FgtxWct4MG97ZbEFI9GQ/s1600/Inman+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIuKICuDxHQ4xRsM3tW5jOMX5sTc0EjX55vyWxdLYsWmDK5AjB2Ig2EElh7CYX6jd_nh5-H1rwaM3uTWZW87YXL0AWf0wIDIkT7Ks1p6FGWfIPWhJjaZd8CV1FgtxWct4MG97ZbEFI9GQ/s1600/Inman+Wedding.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well we are one month into our lifelong journey - and I must say it's been a whirlwind. You hear and read all over the place about the ups and downs of the first year of marriage, but if the first month is any representation of the first year then I think we will be just fine :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've started getting back into most of our routines, along with adding all the new ones. Really, who knew cooking every night could actually be FUN?! I say that now... but I'm already getting to the point that I'm running out of things to make without being to repetitive - we'll see where that takes us!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Budgeting is a new part of life that takes some getting used to, and as you all know, living in the country has been an adjustment all of its own. But at the end of every day, good days and bad, I am still going to sleep next to my best friend, nothing gets better than that.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-14512442030369737022013-11-05T06:54:00.002-08:002013-11-05T06:54:14.136-08:00Bring on the Turkey's<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's time for another episode of Tosha in the country. In this months episode I introduce you to our newest animal/pest occupant - the Turkey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKELGGraTPss4Ht8k8DmD8nKTy8ZiAATuuUvB8TyOlK7hgyH1tkBG_4a2WGvHYUUZajrydQ5FfYZxduZzj_-r5R9y0GgXH332smONQsueeyxxThx9xiZGh2eJrMucNsR3cchhT3ynCC3z/s640/blogger-image--2086015569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKELGGraTPss4Ht8k8DmD8nKTy8ZiAATuuUvB8TyOlK7hgyH1tkBG_4a2WGvHYUUZajrydQ5FfYZxduZzj_-r5R9y0GgXH332smONQsueeyxxThx9xiZGh2eJrMucNsR3cchhT3ynCC3z/s320/blogger-image--2086015569.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Jeff came home one day to the sight of these lovely creature roosting in the back of his El Camino. They ran away after much chasing - only for him to find they had returned the next day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />As sweet and innocent as these silly birds look, it was the last straw when I witnessed all 4 roosting on Miss Priss! The landlord took the appropriate measures and now we are without turkeys again. Oh the life of a country girl...</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-58483825478424797262013-10-28T18:54:00.001-07:002013-10-28T18:54:29.247-07:00The Perfect Honeymoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH7mpgmicv_XNvU1qA3Sjw3mxkVbFmvaHiSsz2cCx3yp59-MGr13Ll6nKz0Xrec7wH064Q6tIaJuIZl1pZ8U6kwc7NLoZEr-BwE0zDA6p9Y3DV5Kmfkfhyphenhyphengu3SJrxugWhjqhdBiJuBOKL/s640/blogger-image--2110999029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkH7mpgmicv_XNvU1qA3Sjw3mxkVbFmvaHiSsz2cCx3yp59-MGr13Ll6nKz0Xrec7wH064Q6tIaJuIZl1pZ8U6kwc7NLoZEr-BwE0zDA6p9Y3DV5Kmfkfhyphenhyphengu3SJrxugWhjqhdBiJuBOKL/s640/blogger-image--2110999029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvCJz5nEE2n-pO5lFkkswFoCgpnBjBZ4saM_Vy_q2DNGNbBRGjBB8KlpduiJ5n9MrTmB43_7w1cPqvsVZkB6NvoTjXGJ-iaGNgRPnfR8Hw4KWYayTMIoHgUxaVvu7vYRpM_YWLf_Q8C4-/s640/blogger-image--1336045167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvCJz5nEE2n-pO5lFkkswFoCgpnBjBZ4saM_Vy_q2DNGNbBRGjBB8KlpduiJ5n9MrTmB43_7w1cPqvsVZkB6NvoTjXGJ-iaGNgRPnfR8Hw4KWYayTMIoHgUxaVvu7vYRpM_YWLf_Q8C4-/s640/blogger-image--1336045167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We just got back from our honeymoon so I'll post about it and come back to the wedding post later :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jeff planned a beautiful and activity filled trip to California for us. We left Oklahoma at 6:45pm the night of the wedding and headed on our merry way... MARRIED!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0MGxAWQ50gSUl-2BiuFu1Xgd4sd03dBynn4U7QifTL_Zx8CbC5P0i96p46kIFEzEiZHq5AYgpOWwaS7MEBAjQpENvrAuRII1-Cx0wC77KXq9sO57hWVXyvpSKotIw9GaPUzR1CV0XPvn/s640/blogger-image--1339499652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0MGxAWQ50gSUl-2BiuFu1Xgd4sd03dBynn4U7QifTL_Zx8CbC5P0i96p46kIFEzEiZHq5AYgpOWwaS7MEBAjQpENvrAuRII1-Cx0wC77KXq9sO57hWVXyvpSKotIw9GaPUzR1CV0XPvn/s640/blogger-image--1339499652.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunday morning we got up and Jeff ran an errand to pick up my "surprise" which turned out being a 2014 Convertible Camaro!!!! A man after my own heart :) We drove the coast of Cali stopping in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel Aire, and Malibu before making out final stop in Santa Barbara. Lots happened that day. We roamed around the upscale neighborhoods of Bel Air, seeing Rob Lowe and Kate Hudson along the way!! We stopped in Malibu for our walk on the fridged beach, and we ate fresh crab on the Santa Barbara pier!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvCJz5nEE2n-pO5lFkkswFoCgpnBjBZ4saM_Vy_q2DNGNbBRGjBB8KlpduiJ5n9MrTmB43_7w1cPqvsVZkB6NvoTjXGJ-iaGNgRPnfR8Hw4KWYayTMIoHgUxaVvu7vYRpM_YWLf_Q8C4-/s640/blogger-image--1336045167.jpg" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The rest of the week was spent at Disney Land and California Adventure. Apparently mid-to-late October is the time to go because there were rarely any lines. We were able to walk right on to rides like Space Mountain multiple times. We got to meet Cinderella, which was the highlight of that particular day, as well as watch the parades, race Cars in Radiator Springs, and watch the light show at World of color!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2G5RUJjzazD63ajHllkqmfEikmqmIY5eXTc5BsKDP5EQaONREp51EZ8HZ0JqBT9LNX31aU_4SnglTmC1406mp9WorbC3lfYZVu-yQfKe47Yv7k_NOlyUX-rYhQCLE4SuMtEFkRAGi2oA/s640/blogger-image--1829132533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2G5RUJjzazD63ajHllkqmfEikmqmIY5eXTc5BsKDP5EQaONREp51EZ8HZ0JqBT9LNX31aU_4SnglTmC1406mp9WorbC3lfYZVu-yQfKe47Yv7k_NOlyUX-rYhQCLE4SuMtEFkRAGi2oA/s1600/blogger-image--1829132533.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was really a perfect trip, kudos to my new hubby for a vacation well done!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-47639193312093031262013-10-01T19:55:00.001-07:002013-11-05T06:54:32.858-08:00Country Life<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not sure how many people know this tiny little secret about me... But I'm a city girl. Yea, real shocker. Here's another... I'm a little over 2 weeks away from marrying a full fledged country boy. And what does this mean for this little city girl you ask? It means a drastic lifestyle change is coming, and it's coming at me like a freight train... Or maybe a stampeding herd of cows...yea, that's it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpo9W5AEM957Y23vtPwEZbsshKEevp2FwSWUJ9HZGwaSVgQrV7CHWC3qqJsKfoJi4886UecplFkQIWP71f5-TbmiPgCRVSEXX0bau5c7bL1bff8e-HB8Kj6fYAvaLph23I9taU4582lee/s1600/boots.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpo9W5AEM957Y23vtPwEZbsshKEevp2FwSWUJ9HZGwaSVgQrV7CHWC3qqJsKfoJi4886UecplFkQIWP71f5-TbmiPgCRVSEXX0bau5c7bL1bff8e-HB8Kj6fYAvaLph23I9taU4582lee/s1600/boots.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I will start off my first of many more Country Lessons Learned posts by explaining very briefly my new found fear of spiders. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now don't get me wrong, being from the city, I've always had a dislike for 8 legged crawling creatures. But I had no idea until recently just how many there are and how sneaky they can be! In the city I might see 3...4 spiders tops per year. I've seen well over 20, 30, maybe 40 spiders since moving to the country - just a couple months ago. And in the city, they walk around out in the open on the floor, in the country, they hide in corners, under piles of clothes, in the shower, under toilet lids, in...my...bed. </div>
<br />
<div>
So my city girl dislike for spiders has grown to a country girl deathly FEAR of spiders. Screaming night terrors and all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Welcome to the country my dear.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-27548368483475437542013-08-07T04:00:00.000-07:002013-08-07T04:00:09.580-07:00Wedding Wednesday - 10 Weeks and Counting<div style="text-align: center;">
73 Days to go!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week we were finally able to get a lot accomplished! Over the weekend we went and picked out the tuxedos, vest and tie colors, style, shoes, etc. I learned a lot about tuxedos and the general male hatred for them. I have to give it to men, as women we complain a lot about the heals we have to wear, but at least we can wear a dress and feel cool in the summer. I couldn't image wearing a full tuxedo with coat in the 100+ degree weather of the Oklahoma summer!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Side note: Our meteorologists have said a couple of times this week that it will be 98 degrees as a high but it will feel like 106.... can anyone really tell the difference? Sure if its in the 80's and it feels like the 90's, I understand voicing that, but who walks outside when its in the upper 90's and says, man it feels like its in the hundreds today? Okay side note over...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also finalized my invitation order this week. This was such a relief - they are beautiful and elegant and just absolutely perfect. I couldn't be happier with them! Here's a sneak peak!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeYqbxRNyOLo1WBR50FS-l-hfEc1Y3RxA9dxhrBlOW2BqYD7Vhll9UYiUbCsiBlQx0i2jiEMpKzRAbD-BHAhS9WCRcf1RptRDq0s9ezTBQkHCBJVpXT4WnIUoV7yGPLODBGyR0J7RsYr-/s1600/invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixeYqbxRNyOLo1WBR50FS-l-hfEc1Y3RxA9dxhrBlOW2BqYD7Vhll9UYiUbCsiBlQx0i2jiEMpKzRAbD-BHAhS9WCRcf1RptRDq0s9ezTBQkHCBJVpXT4WnIUoV7yGPLODBGyR0J7RsYr-/s1600/invite.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Terrible image quality - I know)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was also able to stop by the hotel this week and get a block of rooms with group rate together for our out-of-town guests. This is something I honestly hadn't thought of, so glad my hubby-to-be is on top of things!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With those two big items out of the way along with the hotel chosen, I am feeling more comfortable. We still need to decide on the groom's cake (what it will look like and who will make it), we need to pick out usher attire, shoes style for the girls, food that will be served as snacks, and so many more tiny details!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-35581096911570442192013-08-06T04:30:00.001-07:002013-08-06T04:34:51.221-07:00I'm Back at ItAs most of you know, I have been kind of MIA for the last several months. Little did I know moving family and wedding planning would take so much time, energy, and emotion! But regardless - here I am! <br />
<br />
I have a handful of posts that I have written but not published that I'm going to add on here today - then from that point forward, I'm back to business as usual! Hope to hear from you all soon - I'm glad to be back!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-81957240722039133482013-07-31T04:45:00.000-07:002013-08-06T04:45:46.909-07:00Grandpa's Hands<div style="text-align: center;">
Delbert Inman
1919 - 2013</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130730-214029.jpg"><img alt="20130730-214029.jpg" class="alignnone size-full aligncenter" src="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130730-214029.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The world lost a great man last week - but Heaven gained an angel. I met Delbert a little over 3 years ago, it was my first Inman Family Reunion experience and he wasn't going to let me sneak out without getting to meet me. He called me over to him and motioned for me to sit down. He asked me if I was keeping "that boy" in line and told me it looked like I was doing a good job. As we drove home at the end of that weekend I was filled with the feeling of belongingness and love, thanks to Delbert.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The following Christmas I was invited back to the small town of Coalgate, OK to partake in the Christmas festivities. Again, I was motioned to come sit by his side. Grandpa reached out for my hand and held it. He gently rubbed the top while we talked about various things. He leaned over at one point and whispered, "Do you think this is making Jeff jealous?" then gave me his sly grin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another year went by, another reunion and another Christmas. This time, Grandpa motioned for Jeff and I both. We sat by his side and he told Jeff, "You better marry this girl before I do." Jeff blushed then smiled and gave his usual response, "Maybe one day grandpa." then gave me that same sly smile his grandfather had given me the year before. Every time I saw him from that day on, he grabbed my hand and rubbed my ring finger, then look at me and ask where the ring was. There's no ring yet, I would say, maybe one day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year we made it to the reunion engaged. Grandpa was so excited, I was the first one he asked to talk to. I walked over and sat down. He reached for my hand, and as he did he felt the ring and smiled. He told Jeff how proud he was, he made a few more jokes at Jeff's expense and then our turn was over.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fast forward 3 months - Jeff went to see his grandpa every day of his last week with us. He looks up to him more than anyone I know. I can't even begin to recall the numerous stories I've been told about Delbert and his past. About how he grew up in a tough world, how he raised his younger brothers to be the beautiful men they are today, how he loved his wife with his whole heart, and how he taught his children and grandchildren the lessons of this earth. I can see Delbert in Jeff, I can see him in his eyes when he is focused on something, I can see him in his sly grin when he's being mischievous, I can see him in Jeff's stories when he gets excited right before he tells the best part, and I can see him in the love Jeff shows me when I'm feeling down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I only knew Delbert Inman for one quick blink of his lifetime, but in those three years, he made an impact. He showed me the man I would be marrying, he showed me what he will grow to resemble, and he showed me the family we will one day build on our own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You will be missed grandpa, every time I think of you I find myself rubbing the top of my hand. But one day we will all see you again with your love by your side, and we will hug you and shake your hand, and tell you all the stories of our children and grandchildren, and how we raised them to follow your lead, how we raised them to be Godly men and women, Godly husbands and wives, and Godly fathers and mothers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good night Grandpa.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130730-214048.jpg"><img alt="20130730-214048.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" src="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130730-214048.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a newspaper article that was written about Delbert and his 4 brothers. I must say that's a handsome group of men!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-85273871739513815032013-07-24T04:43:00.000-07:002013-08-06T04:43:36.014-07:00Wedding Wednesday - 12 Weeks and Counting<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, I was able to accomplish part of my small to-do list last week. I was able to get the cake ordered, finally, so that is one thing off my plate and I can honestly feel my shoulders getting a little bit lighter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I met with the church again on Thursday and was able to get a better understanding of some of the "rules" and what items they have for us to borrow. They have some beautiful screens to use as a backdrop for our cake table and also some of those tall white columns. I was however reminded that I need to start planning out the ceremony and start getting all of the music together on one medium.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After meeting with the church I ran by Hobby Lobby to pick a few of the items that needed to be purchased, such as the guest book picture frame, every candle holder they had in a certain style, the ring bearer pillow and the flower girl basket, and this wonderful lantern to use as the Card Drop!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130723-212719.jpg"><img alt="20130723-212719.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" src="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130723-212719.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My new to-do list - make a more tedious to-do list, pick out tuxedos, and start planning the ceremony.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-54196434126570707632013-07-18T04:41:00.000-07:002013-08-06T04:42:29.831-07:00Only Child No More<div style="text-align: center;">
You know my new favorite part about my upcoming nuptials, ranking just below spending the rest of my life with the man of my dreams but just above getting dressed up to look like a real live princess? I found out this weekend that I will be gaining a sister shortly after!! My future brother-in-law <del>finally</del> asked his girlfriend to marry him!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is by far the best news I've heard in awhile. I'm not sure how many of you know what it's like growing up as an only child, but only those that have will understand. Being without siblings sounds like a blessing to most people, undivided attention, unending gifts, constant praise... But no one sees the lonely days. The days we spend playing Monopoly or Uno alone, the days we spend our prayer time begging God to "Please just let my friend be home today..." So that you can have someone to play with. The days you watch your friends fight with their siblings in envy as they steal each others clothes and argue over who's turn it is on the phone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130716-231647.jpg"><img alt="20130716-231647.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" src="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130716-231647.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It may be 26 years after I'd liked, but God is blessing me with a sister, I know He was just waiting for a time when I would appreciate her the most.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-48144800927626735422013-07-17T04:40:00.000-07:002013-08-06T04:40:30.064-07:00Wedding Wednesday - 13 Weeks and Counting<div style="text-align: center;">
95 days and counting, that's right, we are down to the double digits! I can't believe it has been nearly 7 months since the proposal, over half a year has flown by!! With that being said, it's time to start tracking the weekly progress, seeing as though my list of things to do outnumbers the days left to do them in!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Due to the planning and partaking in my bachelorette party this last weekend, I have very little to report. I can tell you I am in the process of firing my invitation vendor; 2 months to create something and all I got was something more plain than convenience store thank you cards?! I don't think so... Luckily I have already found a wonderful replacement and work is in progress!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top of my priority list, get the cake ordered and take my two favorite men to pick out tuxedos...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ready.Set.GO!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-18338966652428794972013-07-15T04:38:00.000-07:002013-08-06T04:39:22.741-07:00Tea Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130714-214833.jpg"><img alt="20130714-214833.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" src="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130714-214833.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturday the wedding festivities officially began! We are a little less than 100 days until the wedding and my calendar is quickly filling up with parties and showers and appointments!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This Saturday was my Tea Party and Bachelorette Party - It.Was.AWESOME! Sunday morning however, was a completely different story. I had all of the women and young ladies closest to me surrounding me for a beautiful tea party complete with big hats and cupcakes :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the tea party some girlfriends took me out to dinner and we ended the night at the local piano bar. I honestly haven't let loose like that in so long, but it felt great to let all the stress go on the back burner for the night and just enjoy myself!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-65623177175631725652013-07-11T04:37:00.000-07:002013-08-06T04:37:45.208-07:00The Promise<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130710-222637.jpg"><img alt="20130710-222637.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" src="http://wifentraining.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/20130710-222637.jpg" /></a><br /> This is my story, but we wont start from the beginning; lets start on New Years Eve of 2012. On that day, my Prince Charming asked me to be his lawfully-wedded Princess (he would cringe if he saw it worded like that) but either way, he asked me to be his wife :) Ever since then I have been on a roller coaster of emotions. Excitement, happiness, joy, love.... Stress, anxiety, worry, fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Women look forward to their wedding day from the day they first watch Cinderella, but I know I can't be alone in feeling the fear of wondering if I will live up to those high "wifey" expectations! As women, we have a lot to live up to once we take on a husband, and a family, of our very own. So here is my journey, my trials, my excitement, and every piece of life in between. I may never become the "perfect" wife, but I can promise myself to have fun trying!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-6531463114095284462013-03-27T20:49:00.001-07:002013-03-27T20:50:12.600-07:00Moving - Preparing for Wife-hoodIf you have ever had to move from an upstairs apartment...more than once...my sympathies go out to you. I just completed the awful task of moving out of my 3rd floor apartment and into my parents' house in preparations for the wedding. My biggest piece of advise for moving out of a 3rd floor apartment you ask? Don't move into a 3rd floor apartment! (Unless there is an elevator provided)<br />
<br />
But that chapter of my life has now closed, and next comes 6 months of "job-shadowing" my mom, in order to learn what being a great wife entails. <br />
<br />
Any advice for preparing for wife-hood? <br />
Any nuggets of wisdom?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-2126158650606970232013-02-26T19:55:00.003-08:002013-02-27T05:20:01.704-08:00Weekend Movie Night - Schindler's ListWell - our local movie rental place has closed. Red Box is all that we have left in our area, which is quite a disappointment since most of the movies we rent on the weekends are older movies that have probably never seen the inside of a Red Box... <br />
<br />
This weekend we stumbled across a movie on the history channel that Jeffery felt needed to be added to my "scene it" list. He was, as usual, shocked when he heard me say I hadn't seen the movie, let along heard of it, and seeing as just last week I was bragging about my fascination with the Holocaust in my history classes when I was younger, it kind of contradicted the point I was trying to make.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wJBoyvRPCgFm_FdqQQRsS0Qn9EdGOId3ydX01PUaOcNkK8prbNlMUT8I6zehFj4azUO695l1Tzk_pshyphenhyphenbqAQaEItJ72BcXLfbuED7MEai3u3stVrNB9Em0YoRIiytod_Mnn6mhCOwBSG/s1600/list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wJBoyvRPCgFm_FdqQQRsS0Qn9EdGOId3ydX01PUaOcNkK8prbNlMUT8I6zehFj4azUO695l1Tzk_pshyphenhyphenbqAQaEItJ72BcXLfbuED7MEai3u3stVrNB9Em0YoRIiytod_Mnn6mhCOwBSG/s1600/list.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Nonetheless, we recorded and watched Schindler's List directed by Steven Spielberg. First, did anyone else realize Liam Neeson is in this movie?! This must have been his much earlier acting years, but it was nice to see a familiar face. In my own opinion, this movie was really great, not only was it informative and thought-provoking, but it pulled at those heart strings. It showed what truly happened, without being over-the-top gruesome. I have to admit, there were some moments when I closed my eyes, but one of my personal struggles is excepting death as a fact of life, and death on TV is no exception. But all-in-all this movie gets an A- from me. It may even be closer to an A, but due to the length of the movie, and the blah mood that I was already in when starting the movie, it is getting a lower grade (this is why I couldn't be a teacher!).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-1423105114409493352013-02-26T19:42:00.001-08:002013-02-27T05:18:22.774-08:00Top Gear TuesdayOkay, let me start this off by saying, yes...I am a car girl but no...I don't claim to know everything about them. But in all seriousness, Top Gear has steadily become one of my top TV shows every week - and did anyone happen to catch tonight's episode?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN8wEe_rEeYRr5Qu5GBQAkTXgQxekmKwRKMBRZ8tecYMdBa24n_T5CzMdmmLgoX1t8QIjAMAc4giXK8ligNNBOyTPu4F4GEnCDeM9kZ2vO-N6SJkx0DL5SPW5F_fzM3rinnVSHBCMjLi4/s1600/top+gear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN8wEe_rEeYRr5Qu5GBQAkTXgQxekmKwRKMBRZ8tecYMdBa24n_T5CzMdmmLgoX1t8QIjAMAc4giXK8ligNNBOyTPu4F4GEnCDeM9kZ2vO-N6SJkx0DL5SPW5F_fzM3rinnVSHBCMjLi4/s1600/top+gear.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Tonight on Top Gear, Tanner, Adam, and Rutledge were given the challenge of finding the best "Taxi Cab". As usual each chose a vehicle matching their character almost to a T, Adam and his, always bizarre choice of automobiles... chose an ambulance. Rutledge, with his love for "classic" southern style, chose the El Camino and of course, Tanner chose the turbo charged Scion...how else would he get his passengers drifting around corners??<br />
<br />
Rutledge and his El Camino were a big hit in our household. Not only is it a muscle car classic - to some degree - it is also the car that is taking up a full spot in our garage! El Caminos show true American Muscle, I mean...after the Camaro, and the Corvette, and the Trans AM, well, maybe 5th or 6th down on the list of American Muscle, but still there none the less!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVFAbEWeo1ons8ynYz6nbBLfGBVFfOrnDZMFFXNu6So5JXkALyo8dGN_qcx8c6AZ7REPckN1Xff3mbi9OCBtwSYojWiciYWBt_o4GVW5hM2Zp0W55sp8b4jcm7it2UxfaLa-pkFvoe518/s1600/camino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVFAbEWeo1ons8ynYz6nbBLfGBVFfOrnDZMFFXNu6So5JXkALyo8dGN_qcx8c6AZ7REPckN1Xff3mbi9OCBtwSYojWiciYWBt_o4GVW5hM2Zp0W55sp8b4jcm7it2UxfaLa-pkFvoe518/s1600/camino.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Adam - I rarely have much to say about his choices each week. He never chooses a car I would even consider myself, and he plays the "old man" character quite well through his choices. Though I must say tonight he showed a new side, with a Party Ambulance to Taxi passengers across Las Vegas, how could you go wrong?<br />
<br />
And Tanner - what can I say - He is the only reason I love the show like I do. His constant great choices in cars (besides the occasional rice burner...) and his always fun launches, show the sexy side of cars and driving that I fell in love with.<br />
<br />
But the BEST part of tonight's episode, Tanner Foust driving a brand new McLaren MP4-12C side by side with Carl Edwards in the 99 Ford Sprint Cup Car. Tanner is an amazingly skilled driver, and really held his own on the circle track, where Edwards obviously had the home advantage. Every week I start off slightly disappointed that the winner is quite predictable when driving a racing car is the prize, but by the end of the night, I wouldn't want to see anyone else driving it. Ending yet another Tuesday night with the combination of beauty and speed on my mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaEhYOKiNlbytHK78vOSOy4wdPkXgP_O_89kGZm8PKH8yHl92bmfpojsUwfFPyLh29sHiEkMHUrhz8QETENbkhP9hOj_C1edXTwd9NO0jzkLMeckTkEdzbrDnp4_luXoszQ5kis0QomUS/s1600/mclaren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqaEhYOKiNlbytHK78vOSOy4wdPkXgP_O_89kGZm8PKH8yHl92bmfpojsUwfFPyLh29sHiEkMHUrhz8QETENbkhP9hOj_C1edXTwd9NO0jzkLMeckTkEdzbrDnp4_luXoszQ5kis0QomUS/s1600/mclaren.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-42385976257996571572013-02-05T00:00:00.000-08:002013-02-05T00:00:04.564-08:00Applesauce Streusel CakeJanuary was my first month participating in Bakin' Friends and let me say it was wonderful! Not only did I get paired up with the founder herself, Stephanie from <a href="http://www.stephsbitebybite.com/">Steph's Bite by Bite</a>, but I got to try out a new recipe that turned out great. The secret ingredient for January was *Applesauce*. With January being the month that everyone tries to start back on their health-kicks, it was only fitting that we try a baked recipe made with the healthy substitute.<br />
<br />
I am not a "from the brain" baker. I have never been able to change recipes to suit my needs, let along come up with any on my own. So with that being said, this recipe came from Anna at <a href="http://www.cookiemadness.net/2008/03/easy-applesauce-streusel-cake/">Cookie Madness</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Applesauce Streusel Cake by Cookie Madness</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<u>Cake Ingredients</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />1 teaspoon baking soda<br />2 teaspoons cinnamon<br />1/2 teaspoon allspice<br />3/4 cup light brown sugar<br />1/2 cup melted butter<br />3/4 cup applesauce<br />1/4 cup sour cream<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla<br />1 large egg<br />
<br />
<u>Streusel Ingredients<br /></u><br />
1/4 cup all purpose flour<br />1/4 cup brown sugar<br />1/4 cup granulated sugar<br />1/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br />1/8 teaspoon nutmeg<br />4 tbsp cold butter<br />
1/4 cup chopped pecans<br />
<br />
<u>Instructions</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray square pan with cooking spray.<br />
<br />
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and brown sugar; set aside.<br />
<br />
3. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, applesauce, sour cream, vanilla, and egg. Add the dry ingredients to the liquid ingredients and stir until mixed. Pour into pan.<br />
<br />
4. Make streusel by mixing all dry ingredients together, then cutting in the butter.<br /><br />
5. Sprinkle streusel over top of cake. Sprinkle nuts over top of streusel. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown around edges.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-69620128644152608942013-02-04T06:41:00.001-08:002013-02-04T06:41:53.271-08:00Weekend Movie Night - Pulp FictionGrowing up I wasn't much of a movie kid, sitting in front of a television for more than 5 minutes was usually a task all in itself. Even today I feel like I need to find an activity or craft to partake in if I'm expected to stare into a TV for any long period of time. With that being said, over the last two and a half years that Jeff and I have been together, he has become more and more surprised at my lack of movie knowledge and/or experience. To sum it up, if it wasn't produced by Mr. Walt Disney and/or if someone (or something) dies at any point in the movie, I've probably never seen it. So my genius of a fiancé thought, why not make a regular blog post about our weekend movie night adventures. <br />
<br />
Basically what happens is we go into the movie store looking for something to watch, nothing new is worth a darn so we hit the 99 cent racks. Much to his surprise every movie he picks up and says "this is a classic!" Or "if you haven't seen this movie you just aren't American!" I sheepishly smile and have to admit ignorance. So we take one home in hopes that I will become a more rounded American through our escapades.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw056fRqUEgeHTD_dA6apj6BBO8X6CP3o733uexODxGLaRlmFIwOubtSklq69I9vjRYPQV1nDjW3JUdeRsyVwFrORgRcvS-NE9J9loBJNskPR9bDWriHXdjKLiq2lOXumdjckp0fU_vd4V/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw056fRqUEgeHTD_dA6apj6BBO8X6CP3o733uexODxGLaRlmFIwOubtSklq69I9vjRYPQV1nDjW3JUdeRsyVwFrORgRcvS-NE9J9loBJNskPR9bDWriHXdjKLiq2lOXumdjckp0fU_vd4V/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This weekend we rented Pulp Fiction - Don't judge, I lead a very (self-imposed) sheltered life! Now this is a movie I associated with guns and blood; with Quentin Tarantino as the director, I couldn't help but think nightmarish thoughts. But I must say, it was actually a decent movie. I have to admit, any movie that can make me laugh is graded as decent in my book, after all, I watched Inglorious Bastards and thought it was awesome! (Until I watched it again thinking how much blood, violence, and cursing took place that I had seemingly gleamed over...) but none the less, this was a good movie. There was comedy, multiple story lines without the weird romantic drama sneaking itself in at hidden moments, and overall quality writing. It's not my personally favorite (that category will always be saved for movies like Finding Nemo, Juno, and Cinderella) but either way, it's not a movie I regret watching... Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-44592535039849439912013-01-24T05:45:00.001-08:002013-01-24T05:45:58.447-08:00Wedding Planning - Change of ColorsSo all of this wedding planning has left me just plain worn out! I had no idea planning my wedding would be this time consuming, stressful, or confusing! So since my last post a few things have changed. First and foremost, the date has stayed the same - that is locked in stone, and we went and booked the church for that day - so if anything, we will be married on 10-19-13 in the Newcastle Baptist Church :) <br />
<br />
Now for the changes - first off - the color. Long story short, I've changed the colors to "Sapphire and Diamonds" Anyone that has known me for even a short amount of time knows my love for blue sapphires, and just the look of that color against a crisp white and silver is stunning to me. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRMMZQ6Dd5Ok_nAtW3LCVhCkGqv_q6HObrozcQoguSBB5nHFZSP20ijuPZYD2wpUl4c7U0Rn7uhqOZL0w8RqIGmIZcrDRwTBa1CnZqDAHp00UxRcxTjy0JtSzbHS4lKJNcjt2C8e6OnVS/s640/blogger-image-1128479579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRMMZQ6Dd5Ok_nAtW3LCVhCkGqv_q6HObrozcQoguSBB5nHFZSP20ijuPZYD2wpUl4c7U0Rn7uhqOZL0w8RqIGmIZcrDRwTBa1CnZqDAHp00UxRcxTjy0JtSzbHS4lKJNcjt2C8e6OnVS/s320/blogger-image-1128479579.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Obviously this changes the theme of the wedding. "Country chic" really doesn't go well with the new colors. So the wedding has taken more of a formal turn - a turn for the better in my opinion :) </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As of right now those are the only things decided - date, location, color, and theme - now I just have to find me a wedding dress!</div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-30416686838614306992013-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:002013-01-22T11:36:32.025-08:00Goody Quikstyle Brush Review & GiveawayI am the kind of girl that I've had the same hair brush for over 15 years. On a regular basis it has to be cleaned out, but its the old-school metal pronged round brush from my childhood. I have extremely long, very thick hair, and on average it takes me about 30 minutes to dry (not including style) my hair on a daily basis.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>I was given the <a href="http://www.goody.com/Products/Styling_Tools/QUIK_STYLE_Half-Round_Styler_Brush?colId=cd08de84-95c8-43ae-bc4f-4602c4d08362&c_id=35a36c88-d359-4104-a53c-dfbfd8452780">Goody Quikstyle Half-Round Brush</a> to try out last month and I was VERY pleasantly surprised! This brush has microfiber bristles that absorb water from your hair cutting dry time by 30%! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="180" src="http://www.goody.com/~/media/Images/Products/Style/quickstyle-half-round-styler-brush.ashx" width="200" /></div><div>I was very hesitant by this claim; after all, microfiber helps dry my car in half the time, but me hair? Wouldn't the bristles tangle my thick hair and make it more difficult? I reluctantly gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised. Not only does the Quikstyle Brush run smoothly through my hair, but it cuts my dry time dramatically while helping style it at the same time.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I have to admit, I was given this brush for free to try out; however, I loved it so much that I have gone out and purchased an additional one just to give away to one of my readers. Here's how to enter:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Giveaway is open to US residents only, 18 years or older. Winner will be chosen and announced January 18.</div><br />
</div><div></div><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2356aa0/" id="rc-2356aa0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-397632317693299365.post-74829643033601714152013-01-09T07:57:00.001-08:002013-01-09T07:57:23.043-08:00Wedding Planning - Date, Location, ColorsO...M...G... Who new a pretty ring on my finger would turn my world into a tornado! I have to say...if you ask me today (because I'm sure it will change by tomorrow) wedding planning is so much more fun when it's not for real. When the dollar amounts are fake, when you don't have to actually talk to vendors, etc.<br />
<br />
So yesterday I had a break down - yes I realize I'm only one week into this - and I still have 40 more weeks to go - but this is harder than I thought it would be! One day you think you want something - then you see a different color, or a different style, or a different material that doesn't match your first idea so you find yourself confused. Me personally - I'm having an internal argument about the reception...Should we have a big reception at a second location and celebrate the evening surrounded by our friends and family, or should we have a small Baptist reception with a cake, nice finger foods, and celebrate our evening together, just the two of us - after all it is OUR day. I am leaning more towards the simple, understated event. It'll be more intimate, and we will be able to spend more money on the details versus having to do a large reception as cheap as possible.<br />
<br />
Now that I've gone on my rant - here is what I have in the works so far. First off - the date is set:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>October 19, 2012</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg459u39vYmpvQ5BZk2Rc91_qC_tm2cFzMFW2GD6OUVXl3O2ZGTpbtDXA0TSuKUUxiqogaPLTCV1oc0MN0tqgVn_OkBZnBoMDDs2ggp7LWxlafkpQ9hlGFSIh7GsITY6j0QSvHY5yUAIWct/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg459u39vYmpvQ5BZk2Rc91_qC_tm2cFzMFW2GD6OUVXl3O2ZGTpbtDXA0TSuKUUxiqogaPLTCV1oc0MN0tqgVn_OkBZnBoMDDs2ggp7LWxlafkpQ9hlGFSIh7GsITY6j0QSvHY5yUAIWct/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want my colors to be a really pale pink, kind of soft and flowy, almost sheer; light grey, and white. I am a pink kind of girl and these colors, I feel like, use pink in a really pretty, not so flashy way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the reception I am planning to go with the vintage/lace, understated, country theme. Now I know this has been way overdone, but I like it. However, another idea was thrown my direction yesterday that I think I would really like, a Victorian theme. This would be a swing in the opposite direction, and I couldn't use a lot of the ideas that I have right now. But it's a work in progress right now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2zjCNYlxotsHylHayc2Bnh4wv9lbp0V8Rz7vsPdJq9TJ5V4qLJz65TwkbbPGzTqXFBiDqoXbIMTkaeDiczqwNARcXRElw_Z70dLehFYZ8NSDoEQ_rqfheBmNPzcsz3ShdKTZ9a99N18b/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2zjCNYlxotsHylHayc2Bnh4wv9lbp0V8Rz7vsPdJq9TJ5V4qLJz65TwkbbPGzTqXFBiDqoXbIMTkaeDiczqwNARcXRElw_Z70dLehFYZ8NSDoEQ_rqfheBmNPzcsz3ShdKTZ9a99N18b/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I decide to go with my original plan of the understated country theme - my pride and joy and center of the reception will be a Milk and Cookie Bar. This is a spin on the Candy Bar that a lot of people have been doing lately. We will serve several types of homemade cookies in large glass cookie jars, and there will be milk available in milkman vases sitting on ice in an old metal bucket for those that enjoy milk with their cookies! This is the idea I am most proud of, and with a Victorian theme, this would probably have to go away, so as I said, this is a work in progress, so we will see.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have picked our location - and I have an appointment tomorrow to sit down and sign the contract - at the First Baptist Church of Newcastle. We have also picked our wedding party. There will be five attendants on each side, one flower girl, and one ring bearer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I said, I'm only one week in and its already getting stressful, but I have the best bridesmaids and MOH a girl could ask for. They are so great at pulling me out of those thinking/planning ruts and lifting my spirits when I start to get down. I'm taking today to clear my head, then back on the planning wagon I'll go!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1