Waitin' on Wednesday

Remember when I said that I wanted one of my "making-life-better" plans was to watch more TV? Well, a sista is well on her way to being straight up addicted to this here show: 

Oh my word. I just started watching it a couple weeks ago and I had to get caught up on it immediately. Thank you Hulu Plus and TV on Demand. Now, I am just waitin' on Wednesday to come for my daily fix. DANG it!!!!!!! I can't wait.

I used to think that I would never find a show that I loved as much as Grey's....BUT, I haven't watched TV in like 3 years apparently because I am 3 seasons behind on Grey's. 

Well, I take that 3 years back - I do LOVE The Good Wife thanks to my lady friends at the office.

Does anyone see a pattern here in these 3 shows????? - can we say DRAMA?????? 

Here is what always happens to me- I never watch a show from the beginning. Someone always has to get me hooked on it and then I watch every single episode until I am caught up to what is coming on TV. Then I'm in withdrawal until the next episode. Huge Problem! I am not patient. I should start watching the whole season at one time once it has gone off the air. Spare me the patient weekly waiting. 

And speaking of TV. Let's talk about reasons I HATE American Idol. I know y'all. Am I without heart or brain? What a complete waste of good screen time when that blasted show is on.

1. That show is so staged for the dramaticals. I only watched it because Sean Austin wasted space on the DVR for it and we just happened to both be in the living room when he decided to watch it.

2. Remember Ms. 62919???  Oh the shame. 

3. Why keep putting these poor fools on television???

Seriously? Fast Forward PLEASE! 

4. Showing your true character is Key...

I swear that girl could quite possibly be from the Rox....or surrounding areas. 

Only 2 good things came from American Idol - Carrie and Scotty  - Need I spare my DVR any more hate crimes by continuing to let Sean Austin record the series?

Oh Yes - the time has COME!

It has been coming for quite some time now. Yes, it's a new year, a fresh start, WHATEVER. Remember when I shared my Not-so-Resolutions here? Well, I have not been doing real good so far on some of those "making life better plans."  Passout. I blame my attention span.

Anywho, my biggest challenge has been weight loss / exercise etc. Yeah, I know, another passout moment. And by Passout I mean Big Surprise (for you who may not catch my sarcasm). So, it was tonight when I dropped a generous chunk of my red-velvet pudding cupcakes on to the floor, and proceeded to call the 5-second rule (on to perfectly and recently mopped floors) that I realized....what am I doing? Can I not actually miss out on that chunk and spare myslef those few calories??? I think yes. hello reality check.

So here is my dilemma; when I am exercising I feel GrEaT!  I even want to eat better. BUT, once I stop for a while it's kinda hard to start back. Kinda like missing church for a few Sundays to sleep in, and then it's so hard to get back in the grove. Same thing for me in exercising.  I am off track and unfocused and I have been since October. So, I'm pulling out the reinforcements. Meet Stormie...

CIRCA 1980's 

Me and Stormie go waaaaaayyyyyyyy back...Like to my middle school days. I lost like 20 pounds when I met her back-in-the-day. I know. Now, Where has she been? In the attic....chillin!

Now, let's get down to the brass tax. Stormie can come over whenever I want her to. ZUMBA and JAZZERCISE are off limits right now due to Sean working ALL THE TIME and I can't get home and to exercise class and get all my chores done. I know you moms out there are feeling me!

And as an added bonus, her and her spandex-drenched posse, 80's bangs, and leg-warmer friends get their workout on to some Jesus tunes for the perfect blend of aerobic worship.   Ahhhhhhh heaven. Only problem is, I gots to go buy a blasted VCR. It is not available on DVD. You will not believe that there are 4 available as "used" on amazon starting at $36. So, you know it is good when the price is inflated!

Wouldn't that be fun with a group of church ladies on the big screen in the fellowship hall? I'm gonna say - YES!

Just for fun I you-tubed it for you- for a little preview. Some idiot added in his own "clips" of some other crap but you get the point when you see Stormie and the girls. In middle school, I always wanted to be the girl in the blue and pink with the banana clip ;) Just sayin......

Just in case you are wondering: Here is how I made those little red velvet babies:

- One Box red velvet Cake Mix

- One box Cook & Serve Jello Instant Pudding (Vanilla) - Sugar FREE and Fat FREE
          - 2 cups milk for pudding mix

- One small package of chocolate chips

- Whipped Cream Cheese Icing (whipped is the best!)

- Sprinkles :)

By using the pudding you can eliminate the oil and eggs completely from the directions on the cake mix. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Begin by Mixing the 2 cups milk (2%)  and the package of pudding mix. Blend well with a whisk and cook in the microwave for 2 minutes (just enough to get warm).

Then add the red velvet cake mix and stir until lumps have dissolved.

Place about 1/8 cup of cake mixture into baking cups / muffin pan. Then add a FEW chocolate chips into the batter in the cups. Then, add more cake mix into the baking cups/muffin pan until they are about 2/3 full.

Bake at 350 degrees for 19-22 minutes!

Cool completely and then ice and sprinkle! You save calories and fat by using pudding and they are super moist. They are my new fave treat. Good snack for Valentines Day parties! :)

Too bad Stormie up there would not agree :(

My L.o.t. Rox update:

I mainly started blogging last year so that I could whine about all the things that got on my nerves about living in Roxboro.  Blogging was a good try for me because it was FREE and I couldn't really afford a therapist. Trust me, not much has changed - well, except for the fact that I probably still need a therapist. 

Let's discuss...

Here are all the things that I have discovered will always get on my nerves/pet peeves:

1) Wake up phone calls -  some people have learned that you shouldn't wake me up - no matter what the circumstances are. Some people are yet to figure this out.The only person I really let slide is my Mama cause I always love to chat with her in the mornings (and you can't get feisty with yo' Mama even if it is before 8am).

2) the Wal-Mart factor - Seriously...you know that it is impossible to go to the Wal-mart without seeing someone you know. I have quite honestly started skimming the parking lot for cars of those whom I wish NOT to run into. Here is what I have discovered are the best times to go to the Wal-mart to avoid said run-ins:  Tuesday nights after 6:00, Wednesday nights after 7:00 (a lot of people are at church), and Sunday mornings before 9am. You are Welcome :) If you absolutely have to go there, be aware of your surroundings. I pretend not to see people all the time. That is SO bad I know. But some days you just don't feel like 'catching up' while your child plays games on your cell, and people are staring at you like get-out-of-the-way. I hate it when people stop mid-aisle for a reunion. Which always begins with, "how's your Mama?"

3) Why is the frazlin' McDonalds drive-thru line always backed up into the road? I mean how hard should it be for a girl to get a McCafe Caramel Mocha Skinny Latte on demand? I totally miss the Micki-D's at the top of the Hill at the King Bee. And the one in the Wal-Mart does not count....(see # 2) Y'all feel me? ...And speaking of things I miss... remember when Wendy's had a salad / hot bar? DANG I miss those days. This is where I learned of my love for spiral pasta and tomato sauce. AND I miss the Sonic. Who really shops at Rite-Aid anyway??? I am a CVS girl. I would much rather have the Sonic back and hit up a Route 44 Diet Cherry Limeade instead of a Px refill.... Who is with me????

 I know that these things are minor but it would make life more bearable if they could maybe open a Target (to split the Wal-mart crowd and bring on the quality goods), and get another McDonalds, and bring back the Sonic. I am talking quality of life here for the Rox. If you are not from the Rox, be daggone thankful if you can reach a target in a 10-15 mile radius.

BUT, here is what I wouldn't change for nothin' - 

1. Being near my family. (however dysfunctional we may be ;) 

2. Making new friends and growing close to the old ones. I LOVE my Raleigh girls a ton and I MISS them EVERY day, I think of them EVERY day, I PRAY for them still,  but God has blessed me with some extremely wonderful friends since I have moved back home. They make life dreamy and the best part is that they are all my sisters in Christ. Sean handpicked out one for me last year when we were engaged and he said that he thought we would grow to be good friends one day. I told him he was crazy and now I just love her to death. See how God works? And I love me some Sean Austin for encouraging me to do so! I was so frustrated when I first moved home. I couldn't get my hands on my friends enough because they were all so far away. I felt like I was left out of everything here.  Even at some family gatherings, I am sometimes the "outsider" but I have learned that it is OK.  And even some friends BECAME family. God has also blessed me with one incredible friend at church which was an answered prayer for me. Now I find myslef having trouble splitting my time. What a blessing! 

3. Being married to a crazy, funny, handsome, and DRIVE-ME-CRAZY man! I KNOW I drive him twice as crazy! Oh what a year it has almost been. I wouldn't change it for nothin!!!!! We are definitely a unique couple and what we have works for US! We have so much more learnin' to do but we are well on our way. What we have is OURS and nobody can ever take that away. Georgia Anne keeps us laughing all the time. Tonight we all 3 laughed at the table during dinner over something crazy and I thought it was such a cliche but it was just like sitting and watching it in a movie. There we are cracking up at the simplest things, and our life is just revolving around us and we don't even notice. We just roll through our days and take it as it comes. 

So.... all in all, the Rox has sucked me in Y'all. .

Literally, I'm stuck here.

Who could leave all this?

Intervention Please

So here is what Halloween does..... It totally gets me off balance. I need reinforcements, back-up, an intervention. I would say since last weekend, my life has been somewhat out-of-sorts. Mainly because of candy. I know. It's ridiculous. I am approaching 30, (rather fast might I add), and people should still hide candy from me.  This is serious. Now you know why my child also has a problem with candy. We don't keep it on hand because of such an issue. Then, I clean out her Halloween bucket and this is what I find. 

Two hours worth.

Clearly she can't be left unattended with candy either.

Remember that day when I was in a funk? That's when it all started. Our office started collecting candy for our Trick-or-Treat event two weeks ago for our big event. I was Snow White. Again. Photo booth and everything. Super fun though. I got to squeeze on nearly 120 children in 2 hours. Elmo was my side-kick. Sometimes they screamed at Elmo. It was adorable and entertaining. 

 Then we had trunk-or-treat at church... More candy. More candy. More candy...

All my fave Clement Girlies!

Then when Halloween actually came, we seriously got a 5 gallon bucket full of JUNK after the final compiling of all said Halloween activities I did have to organize it into snacks, chocolate products, and fruity/sugary products (for easy access of course).

The amount of candy is not really a problem. It's the candy that is a precursor for my ongoing problem with food. Since I have been eating candy on the regular, I find it necessary to continue eating other crap. 

Exhibit A - Your basic FROSTY

Doesn't the bonus condensation make it look extra delicious?

Not only did I go get a Frosty - I found it necessary to add Butterfinger topping.... Throughout the entire experience. This happened in several layers.

At least I ate a Lean Cuisine for Lunch.

To further explain my sickness, I have no desire to exercise, nor to stop actually eating junk. How do I snap myself out of it and get back on track?  I must get fixed before the rest of the holidays. It will only be a downward spiral from here.

This CrAzY girl is RANTING today!

I shall begin with ranting: 

I am in yet another funk. No bloggy love this week for the Rox. I am in fact quite jealous of all my favorite bloggers who have the most entertaining posts this week. Let's discuss.

Beefy got to go to the SC State Fair. The land of my birth and I myself have never been. It looks like much fun. Jealousy set in, in the worst way.  And the fact that she's home with the hubs for 3 weeks is sickening. I can't even talk to her. I thought about texting and then I thought, I am at work. I can't. I shouldn't.  Oh wait, but she's home. Then I just gets jealous again. And my vote: for the past 3 weeks, her posts, most entertaining.

Ms. Lindsey over @ Mommy Teaches! has the sweetest little post about mamas and babies and how that all happens. Bible verses for reference, musical options, and all. Score for my soul this morning.

Confession's of a 20 Something: PLL gets yet again another prize. How bout' this from "Confessions of an almost 30 Something"....I want a prize too daggone it {insert inappropriate name calling}. This ain't about you PLL, it's about me and the funk I'm in. You are as always, ever-so-entertaining. 

The best thing that has happened this week is Peanut Butter M&M's in fun size packages in the boss' office. Like I really need that. I'm bout' to go get one.

Ok I'm back. I actually got 2.

So This morning, I was awakened at 4:55 with the dumbest of all reasons from that who woke me up. I shall not name initials at this point. How many times do I need to explain that should you need to wake me up for such randomness...I think NOT. Let me repeat. NOT?  Not everyone can fall back asleep that easy. Grrrrrrrrrrr..... 

Also, I feel it is quite inappropriate to call anyone before 9:00. How are you sure that they are not sleeping late on purpose?  Don't screw it up for them. 

 Overall, not myself this week. 

I'm later to work than normal. I'm tired. I'm jealous. 

I haven't cleaned the recycling off my desk in 3 days. 

I need a prize. 

This could quite possibly be my child....

First Things First: 

I did not find this entertainment special on my own. It was shared. Blog shared. Friend Shared.


Luckily, my girl knows that I love such entertainment.  My personality has been distilled, bottled, and drank by this little brunette girl apparently.


Please watch this video. It's just 5 minutes. Seriously, take a coffee break. Make sure to get to the end when she starts rapping. We all know I love some rappers. Thank you YouTube and Ellen ;)

Don't you love how excited she gets? 
I love when she says, "We love pink." I mean, who doesn't? 
And then she busts out a little rap in a tutu and tiara.

I think she has my mannerisms too. 
Agreed. 

 Quite perfectly the best possible first entry for my 
FUN FRIDAYS posts.

Some Moments are Just Priceless!

Those of us who are blessed beyond words with children that we just adore are well aware that there are some moments that are just too precious to put into words. So, along with words, I give you photos.

Here's me....yesterday morning.

Every morning when I drop off my sweet girl, I have to wave to her in the window, blow kisses, make silly faces, sign "I love You" and continue waving until I am out of her sight. Being the crazy, busy, over-scheduled, and running-late mom that only I can be, I didn't wait around yesterday to wave because she was talking to her little friends. So sad what happens next. Since GA wasn't paying me any mind I just scooted off to working thinking I just bought myself 2 minutes of being earlier than usual, and my baby forgot to wave to me. 

Well...... then I get to work, put two (whole grain) waffles in the toaster, answer 2 emails and the phone rings. My baby is still waiting at the window for me at school her teacher says. Geez Louise.  After speaking with GA, she confirms that a photo will suffice for today. Luckily, her teacher loves us both enough to accept my dashing window-waving reenactment photo via text message on her phone. The things we do for our children.

The best part was asking my co-worker to actually take the photo from inside our office, while trying not to get any stray pedestrians in the background. 'Cause you know uptown Rox is just streaming with morning pedestrians on their commute. Needless to say, working for an organization that is devoted to young children just became another blessing for the day.

Here's What I got back:

 A very happy little girl and one extremely blessed mama! Isn't she precious? Tommy & Jerry tee paired with rhinestone headband and skinny jeans. So my child.

Every day I run here and there doing this and that only to find myself exhausted and forgetting even the simplest things. I am so thankful that GA can help me put it all into perspective!  

Don't forget the little things y'all!  Happy Tuesday!

You think you know someone....

Long time..... No blog. I have missed it for sure. I have been such a busy girl this week and I am hoping this week will leave more time for writing!

This one is ABOUT ME. One of my favorite things to do is learn about other people and what their interests are. I love finding common interests with others and I love meeting new people and making new friends. I am also a list-person. I love making lists as you can see in number 16 below. While searching FB over the weekend, and catching up on some blog reads, I copied these from  a note I had posted on FB back in January of 2009. Good Gracious how time flies and how things CHANGE. I know I have updated these since my original post on FB as well. I still think it is interesting to see how things change. I think everyone should journal or keep some sort of written journey of their lives. Looking back on how far we have come is very refreshing and can be a good way to assess goals and priorities. Now, I choose to keep mine through blogging :) I think this is fun but you may be completely bored and just simply need sources of entertainment which you find from Life...On the Rox! 

Here is 40 random things about ME in NO particular order(via January 2009) ~ new responses are in red : ) 
1. My daughter is also my lifesaver
2. I love to shop at thrift stores
3. I take naps like it's my day job (this was when GA was smaller and I had time in-between classes at MC - now naps are only reserved for Sundays)
4. I love Jesus (even more!)
5. I'm an obsessive cleaner ~ I vacuum EVERY day (yea right...now I'm lucky to do it 1-2 times per week. I do love some clean hardwood floors though! )

6. When I am mad at you, or nervous, or if you are getting on my nerves.... I can't make eye contact with you (hasn't changed)
7. I seriously think I have ADHD - at least a little - I can't sit still!
8. I LOVE to clip coupons! It's like shopping with NO money! (Better at this now)
9. I think that family is important over all things
10. I eat salad with no dressing at all (dressing is disgusting, slimy, and it makes your food sloppy)
11. I love to get my nails done even if I have NO money for groceries ( I don't get my nails done anymore. Now I only buy groceries...with a coupon of course!)
12. I like to take really hot baths until the water runs out (shhhhhhhh...Don't tell Sean Austin about the water!)
13. I love Diet Coke like u would not believe!  (some things never change...)
14. I love NC State (Go Pack!!!....You 'da Bomb.com, Love me some red & white!)
15. I go to Meredith for all the nice jewelry - The Curse of the Onyx :) - (got it and graduated since then- Go me!)
16. I make a to-do list every day on recycled paper scraps
17. I am rarely on time for anything unless it's real important (I typically run 10-15 minutes late for work almost every day. I really want to be better at morning routines. I am NOT a morning person and never have been)
18. I have a bad habit of saying I'll do something, then I won't do it...like come by your house to visit... ( I forget, what can I say???...)
19. I love a little text message even though it takes me forever to write back ( I semi hate texting now and talking on the phone is one of my not-so-faves!) - Have you read my Pet Peeves on Voicemails? )
20. I like to eat a lot of carbs..then take a long NAP...I LOVE NAPS!
21. My favorite Candy is Circus Peanuts (Standard!)
22. I am addicted to Smashbox cosmetics (thank you random person at ULTA) - (this was a slight disagreement while I lived in Raleigh and experimented outside of my classic Merle Norman regimens....Thank goodness I'm back to my senses now. )
23. I organize my closet according to color and length of clothing.
24. I procrastinate like it's my day job (but I still get it done!)
25. I own SEVERAL large Rubbermaid containers of ribbon
26. My nicknames are Ber, Baby-D, and Baby Dunk
27. I think Mayonnaise should be banned from use on food (don't even get me started!)
28. I cannot sleep unless I know what I'm gonna wear the next day
29. I love Lean Cuisine's (ewww... what was I thinking? - clearly this was post 10-pound loss)
30. I love to write people notes and cards
31. I love to get notes and cards
32. My favorite color is pink (any shade)
33. I eat an apple every day (banana too!)
34. I love walking at Reedy Creek Trail behind Meredith (miss these days for real - now I walk in Lochridge, not nearly as fun or pretty)
35. I hate going to the post office (DANG I hate the post office!)
36. I secretly love moving...anywhere..I love to unpack and organize in a new place (not even kidding...as long as I don't have to actually move the boxes ;)
37. I hate talking on the phone...unless I really love u
38. I cannot go to bed before 12:00AM ..it's impossible
39. I wear heels every day to work - I'm getting too old for this....good for your calf muscles though.But flats make me feel short and dumpy!
40. I love ketchup with almost everything (Standard!...Sometimes I eat certain foods just so I can consume ketchup. Its full of licopene? which fights cancer and gives you youthful skin so I should be well preserved in several more years.)

I stole this part from Momfessions) This list was "100 things about me" but I condensed :)

 Things about me and my bloggin’ self:
- well there was 40 things up yonder so...I think that was enough.

Things about my relationship with Jesus:
1. There have been times in my life where the relationship was stronger or more powerful in my life. I think God works in us that way. It cannot be easy all the time or we would never feel his presence when we need it most. 

2. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was in elementary school at Grace United Methodist Church. Although I don't fully think I understood it then, but I do now more than ever. The relationship has always been with me which I believe has protected me from many things. I have still experienced a lot of heartache which most people will go a lifetime without ever experiencing. But, I got through it because of my relationship with the Lord.

3. It is a daily learning experience.

Things about my family:
- should I even go there? ? ? ? ?

- I come from a divorced family, which doubled into 2 more families. Geez Louise. Holidays are crazy busy for me. 

- I also have Sean's family to consider which makes Holidays even more FUN!

- Overall, lots of people who have supported me through the years and more people to love GA 

- there are many people I consider my family even though they are not blood-relation.

Things I like to do:
- BLOG...duh. 

- Garden and can things 

- organize things

- make craft projects ( I love any kind of project)

- visit aquariums (one of my faves)!

- coupon shop

- Hang out with Sean and GA

- Plan parties and events! 

- Sew

- recycle 

- make photobooks :)

Movies I Enjoy:

- Fireproof

- The Notebook

-The Blind Side 

- One Night with the King

- The Other Boleyn Girl

- Wedding Crashers

- Double Jeopardy 
- The Help (oh my It was so GOOD!) 

 
Five books I enjoy:

- The Help (oh my It was so GOOD!) 

- The Awakening

- Rebecca

- Olivia

- The 5 Love languages

 “Favorites”:
- photographs & photography

- #7 Combo from Chic-fil-A with Fruit and Diet Lemonade

- Lady Antebellum & Jason Aldean

- Girl's Night Out 

- Burts Bees Chapstick

- Spaghetti with Garden Sauce (no meat)
- I love to drink Ginger Ale 

Verses I love:
- Proverbs 31 
¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
- Lamentations  Chapter 3:

22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
   therefore I will wait for him.”

Things I’d do if money were not object:
- Buy a monogramming machine 

- add another bathroom to my house (or sell it and move to the country-side of the Rox)

- Spend money on services for children that needed it. 

- Travel More

Cool things I’ve done:
- traveled across the country in 2 days driving (from Atlanta to Seattle), gone for 6 weeks while visiting Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco - all for work but it was a good experience!

- taken my photograph at the "booked-in" section of the Person County jail, just for fun. I wanted to wear an orange jump suit and have my picture taken in front of the big ruler....DONE!

Five places I would love to visit:
- Savannah, Georgia 

- Charleston, SC

- Disney World with Georgia Anne 

- All the NC lighthouses...I have never seen any :(

- The Aquariums in Atlanta and Australia

Things I dislike:
-mayonnaise

- salad dressings 

- seafood

- shopping carts that make noise or wobble 

- conversations before 9 AM or breakfast, or Diet Coke

- The News and Observer 

- prejudgments 

Things I don’t think I’ll ever do:
- bungee jump 

- sky dive

Things I say every day:
 - I love You 

- Seriously? 

- You have got to be kidding me...

- congratulations (inside joke in our house)

If you made it through all this "congratulations." I am sure there were plenty of times you wanted to click the little red X in the upper right of your screen. Otherwise, you may quite frankly be stalking me because I don't know if this was even entertaining. However, I would love to know you!!! Write your own "about me" blog and post! I would love to read it! 

I had such a great weekend and I hope you did to! 

MaKeOvEr for my Addiction

Have you heard the news? Ma fave bevi just got a little sexy makeover. It is supposed to be for a "limited time" so lets see how the sales bust through the roof. Let me move some stocks over to the Coca-Cola! I'm all stocked up at home too...3 twelve packs deep. But, you know if I find a good sale I have $1.50 OFF coupon and I can hook myself up with some more :)

In case you haven't seen, I'm going to kill your suspense early. The first time I saw them I was overjoyed. I was in TN for the weekend and I thought it was some stellar retail shenanigan they were pulling up there. I wanted to purchase one immediately.

Don't they look remarkably refreshing as a pair? So contemporary. So chic. So delicious. So fabulous, so classic.  I think I needs to go pop one open now!

Not what I had planned for tonight but I have some other posts coming up later this week. I have my homework cut out for me until Friday. Literally I'ma busy girl this week! It's a rainin' and I just want to be snuggled up bloggin'.  Have a great week y'all! I'm so far behind and I miss you! More posts to come. Promise!

If you don't have one of these Make your OWN!

This is just a little quickie until I can get a blog in maybe tonight or tomorrow! It's a little inspirational, heart felt, and thankful bit of randomness I'm feeling today!

First of all, major fun weekend with the fam at the beach. Just got back last night! I've been longing for a trip to the beach with my Mama for some time now. It has been years since we have been there at the same time. I think it was when GA was an infant. It was New Year's weekend back in 2007-2008. Before that is was probably the year after I graduated high school with the whole Davis family! So, long enough for sure and it was a trip that was OVER-DUE for sho'! 

Here is what I'm thankful for and what you need if you don't have one: 

A Jesus-loving family!!!! 

I am so completely very thankful to have been raised in a Christian home. Now more than ever I look back on all the things that have happened in my life. Divorce, tragedies of friends and family lost, single-parenthood, and everyday life lessons that would have been so much harder had I not had a relationship with Lord. As a child, I can remember my family at church every time the doors were open and no matter how late I stayed out on Saturday nights as a teenager, it was never too late to miss church on Sunday morning. I am so thankful for that now!

This weekend I was reminded of the magical feeling that family time brings. It's getting me real excited for Labor Day weekend with my family and for HoLiDaYs! 

The smallest things can mean a lot: Praying with your family, saying the blessing and feeling truly thankful and humble for what the Lord has done for all of us! I took my uncle a sandwich out on the beach on Sunday and he bowed his head to pray. What a true testament to me of our families faith and thankfulness to the Lord. Many times, I overlook or don't even think about that simple routine of saying the blessing especially when it's not at the supper table with my family. What a wonderful example for me and GA as well. I am 28 and still learning from my family member's examples! And....Being able to share your heart with a wonderful Aunt who you know prays for you and who sets a wonderful example for her husband and children (and nieces too) is an awesome feeling!I also have been blessed with Jesus-loving in-laws which makes it 100 X better to be able to share that joy with your husband and his family!

Thank you to my family for a fun weekend and for filling me up with thankfulness! If you don't have one of these families yet, you may one day.  Make your OWN with the family you have or prepare yourself for one at some point.  Grow your children up in the Lord and reflect on what the Lord has done for you and yours! Your children will reap the benefits! I know I did! 

Coming up this week unless I get inspired elsewhere: 

 

- more coupon adventures for me! (and they were really really good this time-almost too good.) PLUS best beach trip purchase EVER! 

- Fall gardening 

Y'all take care until a little later this week! 

XOXO, Amber

I forgot to tell you....Plus, my most dangerous day at work EVER

These are random things I have been forgetting to tell you, PLUS the most dangerous day at work EVER happened today. 

First major forgetful moment: 
I cannot even believe I forgot to tell you this. Before the reunion last week I had to make a Mega-fast dash to the Merle Norman on Friday for some touch-up material to my face....And guess what? DING DING DING! Promotion time!!!! Look at what a girl lucked up with.....

Mega cute accessory bag complete with new beauty essentials! CHECK!!!! And all my must-haves fit so nicely inside. It actually fits my bronzer brush and my bump-it tool (which never happens)...BONUS! Plus, I used as a mini-clutch/purse on Saturday night :)

Side Notes:
I love all things gold in accessory land. I am such a traditionalist when it comes to jewelry too. I am convinced that gold will make a major comeback in my 30's. It is already underway... I have a rule that gold should only be found on your body or in your wallet. It is not necessary to adorn your home with gold fixtures. If you have an older home like we do, we are slowly transitioning them out since we remodeled our kitchen. Gold...on your body!!! My diamond and wedding bands are set in gold and so is my Meredith bling. My favorite shoes of all time are also gold which is why I have 2 pair exactly the same.

 And those 2 pairs have a cousin which I wore on Saturday to the reunion. :)

Moving on.....Here is what I also retrieved from this little diva-of-a-bag since purchase.....More essentials in lovely trial size form.... :)

1. Ultra Powder Foundation in a mini compact. Perfect size to keep in your pocket or in your emergency car or office stash.
2. Powder Blush in Soft Mocha.
3. Creme Eyeshadow which is AMAZING! Wore this Sat. night and it was the perfect compliment to my gold/bronze dress. A must have for fall brown tones!!! It went on so easy and it was soft like the powder form. Color is Cream Puff. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! 
4. Foundation Primer--- Ohhhh I sooooooo needs this!

You must go see Wendy at Wendy's Merle Norman in the Rox.....Before it's too late and all the promotions are gone!

Second Forgetfulness:
I also forgot to tell you that another one of my favorite moments at the reunion was Justin Rogers doin' the worm...photo just found....

Third:
I am a recent coupon executive. Loving the coupons coming up in my emails here lately. Today, I got 2 boxes of Crystal-Light-ish sugar free beverage stuff for the office, 1 Milky way Bar (for ma man), and 1 box of CVS bandaids for  a grand total of $1.47.  Use your CVS card people! Why not? I got some free stuff today just for swiping my card on the little machine when you walk in. I am going to start coupon blogging more. I must share the details of my money saving rendezvous.

Final Story for the day:
Today I was out traveling visiting little sweetie pies and making sure they are eatin' healthy and all and clearly I had a scary experience. I came around the corner to the back door of a home and got greeted with this....

Don't worry, I informed the provider of my intentions with this photo :)

When they saw me coming, they stuck their gun barrels out around the corner. Oh how I love my job. No, I really do. Children are so innocent and so FUNNY! They also walked me out to my car in the same fashion! I smiled the rest of the afternoon!

Dear Toby,

Dear Toby (a most loyal employee of the News and Observer), 
Let me just say that after going to Sunday School and Preachin' today I owe you an apology for my honest outburst of emotion and verbal adjectives which were used in a very appropriate undermining tone earlier this morning. Since your office is now closed, I feel the need to redeem myself via blogging. Also, since you all apparently cannot get addresses correct for like the 5th time, I assume you may not even know your own email address much less mailing address of your company the News and Observer (for which I would send this letter).  I would like to apologize to you and the other two individuals whom I called incompetent idiots working for dumbest newspaper company EVER this side of the Mississipi. I must say that the two idiots persons that I reached before you were smart enough to actually transfer me, twice, to a supervisor in delivery services. That would be you Toby, in case you forgot your title.

Since I woke up at a mere 8:15 this morning after one amazing party last night (more to come on that) I may have been a leeeeetle more cranky than usual for a Sunday morning. And you should all know I am not a real person until at least after 9:00am + food intake + Diet Coke. Quite possibly it also could be that this is the 2nd Sunday I have not received my paper after you raped my bank account of $52. This was the News and Observer's first mistake in taking my call this morning plus, the wait time of 5+ minutes while my fuming was ignited into rage. Now, surely you telemarketer types will all have caller-ID installed promptly in your cubicles and when you see Austin, S. come up you will purposely pull the fire alarm in order for you all to escape the building safely. I don't blame you. By the way, caller ID refers to a telephone system that informs you of the person calling at the present time.

Toby, I probably would not have been as upset with you if it were not for the fact that I spoke with someone at your loser-of-a-distribution center on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday this week. Here are the problems that ensued from your company prematurely getting high off my $52 for a years worth of papers. That would be one whole year (52 weeks) plus the three weeks you idiots people have supposedly already credited my account.

You had the county, city, and address wrong all within my first 3 phone calls. Then you can't deliver here to my house of a mere 1/6 of a mile from the city limits. Oh wait yes you can. Oh wait no you can't. Yes. No. Yes. No. Maybe?????

Furthermore, thank you so much for agreeing with me even though I don't think you really had any clue that my ideas were in fact smarter than yours. Remember what I said? I can go over that again in case I was too audible for you the first time. It would be much easier on you and your company if you could actually:

1) get people's addresses correct (even though they spelled them for you. Twice)
2) actually correct the information once it is given to you yet a third time.
3) sign people up for what they paid for, like delivery (where the paper is actually delivered to homes)  instead of mailing (this is the system for the newspaper to be delivered via the United States Postal System).
4) Don't have your entourage of uninformed paperboys to man the local Wal-mart and Food Lion to sign people up if you are in fact not going to deliver to that area. (this one should be a no-brainer)
5) and finally, actually have some sort of system for informing your tele-market friends and co-workers of where the paper actually can be delivered in case you do in fact receive calls.

I do appreciate your heart-felt apology of  "I'm sorry" and "Good idea" every time I said something that you knew was a good idea but you were too stupid to think of on your own. I am smart enough to know that you did not actually have those ideas in place and your boss is in fact more intellectually challenged than you are, simply for hiring you.

Hopefully, this will clear up any misunderstanding that we had this morning and reinforce the fact that the N&O's creditability is at stake in the Austin household and surrounding areas (particualarly those inside the city limits and just beyond). Oh, and throughout Timberlake where you must actually commute directly through in order to reach Roxboro for your so-called delivery scandals.

Finally, No I would not like the paper mailed, even though I paid for your convenient Sunday delivery. The only reason I even want the paper is for the coupons which must be the most-credible portion of the N&O. And that only happens once a week.  If I want to get coupons so I can rustle up 58 bottles of ketchup at $.18 each just because its a good deal, it has nothing to do with you. Extreme Couponing is not a crime and I don't appreciate the discrimination. I just want the Freakin' coupons! I believe our conversation ended with "refund." However, I will show you Mr. N&O. I will find somewhere in town to deliver my paper on a regular basis. And until then, when I send Sean Austin to the newspaper machine before 7:00 on Sunday to get a paper whilst waiting on one of your idiot employees to drop them off, I will NOT scold him for taking the whole stack for $2. I will encourage it.

Sincerely,

Amber R. Austin

Wash me Please.

For those guys who I just found out read my blog...you are in fact my closet readers, and this may not interest you. Or, it may be just what you always wanted to hear. Either way...this is some daggone good beauty info and lots of other randomness from my last week or so. 

So, since I just got back from the beach, and I have a mega-awesome tan right now, I want to let you know about some of my summer must-haves for yummy-looking skin. First of all, I am the world's worst for moisturizing. Second, I do it the easy way (in the shower) because I hate to have lotion all over my hands. For years I have been using.....

Oil of Olay In-Shower Body Lotion

This is such a great product and if you put it on right after shaving it gives you some silky smooth awesomeness that no one could dare pass up on your legs (feeling them that is...even if by accident :)

Next to softness is shininess!  I love a sparkly shimmer on my skin during summer. Since you show more skin during summer, this is a great product for adding some Mega-sparkle to your skin tone as well as moisturizing you all over. Meet my new shower BFF for summer.  Also, how can you pass up anything that has diamonds in it? Seriously.

Not only is this a great product, it is down right affordable at the Wal-Mart. Here on the Rox, it's only 3.97 per HUGE bottle which is way cheaper than the Olay as shown above. The Olay runs over $5 and doesn't stretch as far. Both of these products keep you looking moisturized and fresh. If anyone has a coupon for either, send it my way!!!!!

I love me some glossy, sparkling fresh skin I must say. Also, I am a mom who is running tight on time ALL the time and I can't spend hours in the 1 bathroom that we share in the Austin house. So, not only does this provide you with a glistening shower experience, you save time from moisturizing when you get out. Tell that to my face which is really struggling right now from sun-exposure. However, I am requiring a lot less make-up right now....BONUS! I just need to get on the moisturizing train and make sure I do it every day!!!!

Radnomness:
Last night was awesome. Some of my favorite things happened.
#1) Dinner guests...Daddy came over for dinner. Complete LOVE. I love having dinner guests. Especially Daddy. We had Teriyaki / Pineapple chicken, corn-on-the-cob, squash casserole, homemade Mac & Cheese, and biscuits. Plenty of carbs for the taking.

#2) Surprise visitors. I love people randomly stopping by. One of the perks of living back "On the Rox." Surprise visitors NEVER happened in Raleighwood. My sissy came by with her precious family and brought me this fab bracelet. I mean I nearly screamed at the thought that football season is close enough that BCBSNC (where sissy works) is handing out party favors supporting Tobacco Road rivals. Most importantly being....the Pack.

 I don't mind paying a co-pay for my insurance since I see they are clearly spending their money wisely for party favors!!!!

#3) Another surprise visit by my dearest Lesley (who has yet to blog regardless of my numerous encouragements). It was so great. Late night front porch catchin' up, laughter, and she helped put GA to bed.

I went to bed feeling so full of joy and thankfulness for those special people in my life. 

Ok so, This was just a little quickie to get you through until Friday. Over half the week is gone and we are ON to the weekend. Praise Jesus for Weekends! Just for fun, I will leave you with some photos I took at the beach that were oh so hideous and yet hilarious at the same time.

"We Interrupt this Marriage for Hunting Season"

How is this even remotely possible?

It's almost Friday!!!!!