Tuesday Treats

Sorry, there was no Tuesday Treats. I have done it the past 2 weeks and it seems no one is interested so unless I get a demand for it, I will not put it back up.

Neglectful...nah, Just Busy!

I feel I have been neglecting my blog lately but in honesty, I have just been very busy. I've actually been so busy, I truly don't remember half of the week. How sad.

We had some friends over Saturday evening until about Sunday at 3am. It started out around 10pm watching the Mavs' game and then ended in drinking in the garage.

Sunday, hubby and I went to Lowes for some materials for a welding job he was doing and there (it must've been Doggie Day) I saw 2 Pure Bred White Shepherds (in the German Shepherd family). Gorgeous dogs. I claimed that I had to have one. Now, that is just the task...to find one!
Afterwards, we went to Cavendar's Boot City where I tried on, literally, about 12 pairs of jeans. I ended up with a Wrangler's size 5/6! I'm very excited as most of my jeans are a size 12 or close to it so I am happy to have lost so much weight.
I was hoping to get to ride some horses that day since the lady hubby was doing the welding job for owned 3 horses. Instead, I got to help brush them and then snap some photos of them. I have only edited one so far so here you can see a sneak peek.

And here is the man doing his job.

Later that evening, we were so hot, so tired and yet so very hungry we took a trip to the local Dickie's restaurant where I filled up on the special of the day: The Pulled Pork Plate! YUMMY!

Sunday evening it got REALLY bad outside to the point I thought we were going to lose power but to our luck it didn't happen but the boys and I put together a Lion King puzzle while we waited out the storm. I got the puzzle from my late Grammy whenever she passed (we found it in her house) and the box was never opened until now. We miss and love ya Grammy!

Monday it rained on and off but we ran some errands in the morning and when the sun came out I ran to the grocery store. That same day, I started a hunt for some damask print fabric for a photo shoot I had this week but didn't have any luck. I did find a great curtain panel at Target with a similar print that you can check out on my recent shoot at Photography By Teresa Blog.

Tuesday, I steam cleaned and mopped the floors most the day. I also attempted to have a go at making grated hashbrowns from real potatoes for the very first time. It turned my dish towel a gray color from squeezing the moisture from them but they turned out pretty decent. Will try another technique next time and see if I can get better at it!
That same evening was when Dallas/Fort Worth was hit with many tornadoes but thankfully they went around us. While everyone was ducking for cover and trying to stay safe, my boys were watching tv/movie while I was baking Peanut Butter Cookies and hubby was at work (where he ended up taking cover from a tornado).
Some what clear skies when all the tornadoes were around us

And then the storms hit 

my first ever lightening bolt on camera. 

Wednesday, I vacuumed and steam cleaned some more. 

I even went back to the T-mobile store as my phone has been acting wonky since I got a new upgrade early April. I have since then received a new device via store, a new device via mail, a new battery and now another new device via mail sometime this coming week. If this one doesn't work, I will be able to upgrade to another phone! FINALLY!!!

Thursday I had a photo session with some former church members whom I went to church with years ago. It was for their 3 yr old granddaughter/daughter (it was a mom and daughter team!) 

The mom of the little girl has a side business whom I've mentioned here before Signs By LC. I received 3 pairs of earrings from her that same day and I am in love with them. Check her out and tell her Teresa sent you! She has great products and great prices. 

Hearts with Rhinestones

Me wearing the hearts with rhinestones

Thursday evening, we had a friend of hubby's come over and tattoo a good friend of mine's foot. That was an interesting night to say the least. She had about a 12 pack of beer (I'm sure of it...yes she stayed the night as I didn't let her drive anywhere) and he left purple tattoo ink all over my dining table and my dining room wall (which is white). Ya, I am not a happy person to say the least. 

You can kind of see her 'prison' tattoo (one a friend free styled and drew by hand)

And her cover up job freshly after he finished.

Friday, we watched a friend of mine's son while she went to work. That afternoon, hubby took lil man, the friend's son and I to the lake where we all (except hubby) soaked our toes in the water. 

my feet in the water

Lil Man's first time ever in the water. 

Today, we have had a neighbor who is a plumber over fixing our busted pipe that froze and busted in our garage this past winter. We had 3 cracks that need fixing. 

So ya, I haven't been neglecting you fine great readers, I have just had a busy week. 

Tuesday Treats 5-24

If you missed last week's link up, no worries. Join now! It isn't that hard. Just type a recipe that either is a family recipe, a favorite recipe of yours or one you are wanting to cook for your family (or yourself) and put it in your blog. Then link back to me at the bottom so we can all follow your recipe and maybe add it to our personal cook book! Bring some friends!

I stole this recipe from another blogger Faith, Trust & a Little Pixie Dust back in October of 2010. Having a love for Italian food, I HAD to try it. I also ask you to try this recipe as you will want to make it ALL THE TIME!!!

Penne Rosa

1 precooked roasted chicken
1 tsp. Montreal Steak Seasoning
1/2 lb. penne pasta
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 - 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
salt & pepper to taste
1 Tbsp. fresh parsley - cut up
6-8 basil leaves - cut up
Parmesan cheese for garnishment

Boil water for pasta & put pasta on to cook. Cut chicken breast meat off chicken. (I leave it in pretty good-sized chunks). Melt butter in a large skillet. Add olive oil & garlic. Cook for just a few seconds. Add chicken breast chunks and Montreal Steak Seasoning. Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, cream, salt & pepper. When pasta is cooked (not too soggy!), drain & add. Add basil & parsley. Serve warm & garnish with fresh Parmesan cheese.

Meet Me on Monday

Questions:

1.  What is your favorite bagel flavor?
2.  If you had an extra $100 right now, what would you spend it on?
3.  What is the last thing that you felt guilt about doing?
4.  Soft serve ice cream or hand dipped?
5.  Are you allergic to anything?
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My Answers!

1.  What is your favorite bagel flavor?
Blueberry Bagel with plain cream cheese on it. Yummy!

2. If you had an extra $100 right now, what would you spend it on?
I would definitely spend it on some clothes. I would love to have some more spring/summer skirts/dresses as well as some summer shirts. And I would definitely go to Kohls! 

3. What is the last thing that you felt guilt about doing?
The last thing I felt guilty about was buying a maxi skirt for Easter as well as buying a dress on clearance yesterday. I always feel guilty when buying clothes for myself. 

4. Soft serve ice cream or hand dipped?
Soft served! Yum. Just had some tonight. My favorite is Chick-fil-a's cup of nothing but Ice Cream. Their "Icedream" 

5. Are you allergic to anything?
I'm allergic to some rash medicine but I forgot the name of it. I only used it a few times before I realized I was allergic to it and it's been a while since I used it. 

Bucket List: Revisited and Revised

After talking to my mother, many friends and thinking really hard (yes, it sorta hurt!) I have decided to revise my bucket list.

My original list included:

1. Swim with the dolphins
2. Go on a cruise
3. Learn to Ice Skate
4. Go on a safari
5. Stand under a waterfall
6. Volunteer at a wildlife exhibit
7. Participate in a 5k race
8. Attend my high school reunion---at least one
9. Test drive/drive a sports car
10. Donate toys during the holidays
11. Go on a spur of the moment spontaneous road trip
12. Get fitted for a bra *chuckles*
13. Knit a scarf/blanket
14. See a Broadway play
15. Win something
16. Take a trip with my mom
17. Cook at least one recipe from every cookbook I own
18. Dye my hair blonde
19. Ride a mechanical bull
20. Complete a 1000 pc puzzle...Im good at 500 but I want to up the stakes
21. Meet someone famous
22. Visit a Castle
23. Travel to France
24. Travel to Italy
25. Travel to Ireland
26. Travel to Egypt
27. Tour a lighthouse
28. Go to a Wax Museum
29. Go on a Girls' Trip
30. Go on a solo vacation
31. Get a Tattoo
32. Be Debt Free
33. Go Whale Watching
34. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon
35. See the Circus
36. Go to Las Vegas
37. Visit Colorado
38. Learn to say "Hello" in at least 20 different languages (3/20)
39. Go on a Helicopter Ride
40. Fly in a plane while dear hubby is the pilot
41. Learn to drive a jet ski
42. Learn to back the boat in the water as well as take it out of the water
43. Ride in a limo
44. Visit the wreckage of the Titanic aboard a submarine
45. Ride in a train
46. Visit the Grand Canyon
47. Visit the Great Wall of China
48. Go to Disney Land
49. Go to Disney World
50. Visit all 50 states (11/50)
51. Fly a kite
52. Learn to juggle
53. Solve the Rubik's cube
54. Learn not to take what others do or say personally
55. Get a college degree
56. Meet Prince William (and/or Prince Harry)
57. Go to Graceland
58. Have a street named after you
59. Build a Habitat for Humanity Home
60. Donate blood
61. Create a trust fund for my child
62. Go on that honeymoon that keeps getting postponed
63. Adopt a pet from the animal shelter
64. Milk a cow
65. Learn to forgive
66. Heal my past
67. Go to Times Square on New Year’s Eve
68. Go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 
69. Dress in a sexy Halloween Costume 
70. Have 2 kids---preferably boys (1/2)
71. Have a BIG elaborate wedding
72. Be married to someone for 50+ years (5/50) 
73. Drive a '66 Mustang Convertible
74. Own a few Horses
75. Have my photo professionally taken
76. Go to the Summer Olympics
77. Go to the Winter Olympics
78. Ride EVERY Roller Coaster at Six Flags
79. Donate to Charity
80. Save someone's life
81. Watch the launch of the Space Shuttle

I want to add to that. 

82. Ride in the front of a roller coaster. 

83. Bungee Jump

85. Attend Church every Sunday 

86. Lose at least 10 pounds

87. Build a dream house for myself and my family. 

88. Meet Reba McEntire (or at least attend one of her concerts)

89. Dance with Ellen on her TV show. 

90. Learn to swim from one end of the pool to the other completely under water. 

91. Watch the changing of the guards. 

92. Ride an elephant. 

93. Take one photo a day for a whole year (365 day project)

94. Visit the concentration camps of WWII

95. Watch a NASCAR race (in person and not on TV)

96. Inspire Others

97. Stay the night at a haunted hotel 

98. Win an award for my photography

99. Ride a mechanical bull. 

100. Have 1000+ followers on my blog! 

Bucket List 87: Lose At Least 10 pounds

So, I don't have a photo of my beginning weight but I was around 148 pounds in November or close to the beginning of 2011. I have completely cut out sodas...okay Dr Peppers from my diet and chose not to eat as many sweets or fatty foods. I drink A LOT of water and try to stay active.
Here is my current weight.

If my calculations are correct that is close to 16 pounds. I am happy with that but would like to be at least 125 pounds.

Bucket List 11: Go On Spur of the Moment Road Trip

Okay, so it really wasn't a SPUR OF THE MOMENT thing but it was by far THE least planned road trip/vacation I ever took. It was a trip to San Antonio with my brother. Well, then there was the road trip to Ohio to get my Grammy's car but that was already planned, sort of.

Either way, my younger brother met me at my house early in the morning after he got off work and we straight to San Antonio for the weekend. It was full of adventure, hotel issues, bathroom breaks in fields (yes we are Neanderthals!) and lots of fun.

Oh, those were fun times!

Tuesday Treats

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I am going to attempt to start my own blog hop. It is called Tuesday Treats. Every Tuesday, you can post a recipe to your blog that either your family enjoys, one you plan on using, or an old family recipe from your grandparents. If you have a photo to go with your recipe, that would be great too!

I love to cook and with my husband's new work schedule, it means there will be more "me time" in the kitchen slaving over the stove cooking!

I am excited to try out to recipes.

Sausage Pie

1 lb pork sausage
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bunch of green onions, chopped
3 cups milk
1 ½ cups Bisquick mix
6 eggs
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brown sausage and onions, drain.
Using a mixer, mix eggs, milk, and Bisquick. 

Layer the following in a 9x13 pan:
sausage and onions
shredded cheese
milk mixture
Bake for 35-40 minutes until brown and set. Serve with fresh fruit in compote and bread/muffin.
Serves 8-10 people.

This is a favorite in my house. I actually just made it last night and it is almost gone. You will have no problem with left overs with this easy to fix meal.

Pain in the....

So it is almost 2am and I am wide awake. Okay, I lied, I am half awake as I have a 750mg Vicodin in my system but I am awake enough to HOPEFULLY type this blog. We shall see, shall we!?!?!

I have been telling myself the past 2 weeks (at least) that I SHOULD HAVE had all 4 wisdom teeth removed because the 2 on my left are bothering the hell out of me and I am about to lose my mind....or what is left of it at least. Ibprofen as well as Aleve do NOTHING to ease the pain and discomfort so therefore I suffer all day until all the kids are in bed and slip a Vicodin. After about an hour, I am about knocked out yet still in pain. Eventually, it knocks me the heck out and I forget about the pain until I wake up realizing that my dumb self slept on the left side of my face and now it hurts even more.

Another pain is on my mind tonight. It is baby pains. How many of your friends have announced their pregnancy either to you or to the world via Facebook lately? I have at least 10 friends that are pregnant and at least 2 that have just had babies in the past couple months. I am baby envy. I have baby fever. I WANT A BABY!!! Yes, most of you know, I have 2 kids. If you want to be technical, I have always wanted 2 kids but I always wanted to DELIVER 2 kids. One of the kids I raise is my step son and deep down hates me for some unknown reason to us all, including himself. He doesn't like it when I punish him or yell at him but niether do I and he admits that it is all his fault so why hate me?? Good question with no answer. My other child is going on 5 years old and will soon be in Kindergarten. For 4 long years, I have wanted another baby. I was hoping to have another by the time I hit 27 and I will be 28 in about 7 months. I keep joking to hubby that my eggs will be fried at the age of 30.....I'm trying to rush the process!!! Give it, he isn't getting any younger either as he just turned 37.

I know many women out there have PCOS, have had multiple miscarriages or still births or just can't get pregnant at all. I am sorry for what you all have to go through and I am thankful I don't have to go through that but at the same time I feel, at the time being, I am going through that exact feeling. It hurts. It hurts my heart to an extent I have never really felt before.

To try to ease the pain tonight (or morning...whatever), I have been trying to find ways to better market my photography business or find other ways to make money to help support our family.

I have also been thinking of cute outfits or shoes to buy as retail therapy. Hubby gets paid Friday and on that day (or this weekend) I WILL be buying a new swimsuit since I am down from 154 pounds to 129 (on a good day---131 on a bad day) pounds. I feel the need to buy a new swimsuit. I will also be FINALLY getting my paycheck from the studio job I had (for like 3 days almost a month ago) so I am sure that will be enough to buy a new pair of shoes as well as a couple new shirts or dresses. I am excited. I am sure that will make me feel a bit better but not completely.

Well, the medicine has truly kicked in and my head has yet to hit the keyboard so I better get off here before it does or before I cannot get down the stairwell to the bedroom.

Meet Me on Monday

Questions:

1.  Crunchy or smooth peanut butter?
2.  What is your favorite color Rose?
3.  Do you remove your shoes when you walk into your home?
4.  What is your favorite season?
5.  Approximately how many hours a day do you spend blogging?
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My Answers!

1.  Crunchy or smooth peanut butter?
Well I typically like crunchy but because I have a couple broken teeth and no molars on my bottom right side (surgery/wisdom teeth), I have to stick to creamy but that is just as good. 

2. What is your favorite color Rose?
I like the usual Red but I am in love with Pink

3. Do you remove your shoes when you walk into your home?
What shoes?!?!? LOL. I hate shoes. But yes when I come home I usually remove them as I walk in but that is because if I don't I will forget where I put them. 

4. What is your favorite season?
I love Spring but here in Texas we either have Summer or Winter. Sometimes we have this very windy season with warm temps but I am not sure what you would call that. 

5. Approximately how many hours a day do you spend blogging?
If I blog DAILY (which I don't), I typically just blog for about 5 minutes or however long it takes me to write the blog. Other than that I could spend HOURS reading and surfing everyone else's blogs. 

Review: Degree Ultra Clear Red Satin

I'm sure, like many of you out there, have had your body get used to your deodorant over the years and switch out every so often to find the one that is right for you.

I grew up using Secret (like most women I am sure) and after a while I noticed it was not covering my "stink" so I switched to Dove and then it happened again. Therefore about a year ago, I switched to Degree as I have seen so many commercials advertising how wonderful this deodorant was. It is a great deodorant, dont get me wrong, but whenever I would work up a sweat, I would have to reapply. I was running low and ran to the store to get more. I still wanted to keep the Degree as it works great (just not when I am extra sweaty) and I found this Degree Ultra Clear Red Satin. A new scent. Also I read that it is unbeatable when it comes to white marks left from the deodorant. I decided to give it a try.

I started using this product yesterday after a shower and even at 3am when I woke up from my "power nap" (don't ask) I was getting whiffs of something very floral and very sweet. I kept smelling my hair and my wrists thinking "man, I have got to get more of this spray at Bath and Body Works" as I typically spritz myself after a shower and I came to realize it was my deodorant. It had lasted me from my shower (in the morning) until even the wee hours of the following morning. 

The smell isn't the only thing I love about the product. It is actually unbelieveably clear. 

Yes, it has a white stick but this sucker is "Little Black Dress" approved. I am one to put deodorant on AFTER I already put on my dark shirt/dress and this is one of those put it on before you put your clothes on and it still won't leave white streaks. It really goes on clear. It also doesn't sting after shaving your underarms and it doesn't pull at your skin. It goes on silky smooth. 

And, again, that isn't all. If you want to try it out for yourself, go here to get yourself a $1 off coupon. 

***I was not given this product to test out nor was I paid to write this review. I bought it all on my own as I am a grown up and can make my own choices and I decided to share it with the rest of you fine folks (women) out there. ***

Who Cares What Others Think!?!?!?

I always have to tell myself (whether it be true or not) that God created the idiots for us intelligent not-so-idiotic people to be entertained. I see or hear of someone doing something dumb or idiotic at least once a day. Typically more if I am driving to my mother's. Slow drivers, drivers without blinkers, Nascar driver wanna-bes, and then those drivers who make you wonder IF they have ever driven in their life.

I am stating now that I am going to try to make a commitment to myself to not let anything bother me anymore. No more road rage, no more crying over spilled milk and no more feeling offensive when someone tells me my nose is too big or my thighs are huge. We are all different and not one single person is perfect.

So what if I bite my nails?
So what if my toe nail polish is chipped?
Who cares if my knees are ashy?
Why do you care if my hair is a mess?
So what if I have a true Italian nose?
Who cares if my thighs are the size of a horse's thigh....just means it is muscular?
So what if I walk down the stree barefoot?
Why do you care if I blare country music from my car radio?
Who cares if I sing in the shower?
So what if I cry during an emotional part of a TV show or movie?
Why do you care if I go the speed limit?
So what if I like crushed ice?

These are who I am. I have always lived my life wanting to please others and caring what others thought of me or what I did. Not anymore. I am who I am and if I don't like something, I will change it myself. Hence the reason I have tried to lose weight and hence the reason I am trying to grow my hair out. Those things make me feel better about myself, so I do it to make ME happy.

On top of that, I will try to keep telling myself not to let anything bother me. If I don't like that you are driving 10 mph under the speed limit, I will not flip you the bird or honk my horn or yell in my car (because we ALL know that you can hear me, right?!?!). Instead, I will just turn on my blinker (ya don't forget that) and move to another lane. If one of the kids spills a cup of milk, water or juice or whatever, well they know where the towels are, they can clean it up! Okay, okay, I may help but I will not yell at them as I know it was just an accident (I would hope!) I will not get all upset when someone has ate all the donuts, cookies, or sweets because personally I like to look slim and if you don't, well that is your choice, not mine. We watch enough Biggest Loser in this house, they should know how the story will end!

Okay, end of rant. Just had to get it off my chest.

Just remember, you are beautiful just the way you are!

ME! Challenge Week 19

Wow, I have missed many weeks...or just a couple. Oh well, who is counting? Eh, not me!

To be honest, I have not had a very long steamy hot bubble bath or a shower in a while. Okay, for those turning your noses, I have HAD a shower....just not a LONG hot steamy ones. Those are the best. The showers that make you come out looking like you laid in the sun too long. The showers that make the walls sweat. The showers that make your husband come into the bathroom thinking someone threw a smoke bomb in the bathroom. Those are THE best showers. BUT....I am sad to say I have had many hot showers lately just not THE best of the hot showers.

I have not had a manicure or pedicure but I did paint my toes around Easter a teal color and I just trimmed my nails. I feel like I am doing that almost every 2 weeks. I also actually put a shiny top coat on them. *Shocked* I know.

I have not had a dinner date with hubby or any type of romantic nights with him but I am happy to say that all my boys (my hubby, my step son and my lil man) took me to Black Eyed Pea for mother's day as well as took me to see the Fast Five movie out.

Therefore, all in all, I can't say I did anything for myself this week but I can say that I have TRIED not to let anything bother me, let things roll off and tried to smile and joke more.

Now it's YOUR turn!

What did you do this week to get you groove back?