Fellow TEXAS BLOGGERS Series: August Edition Round 3

You guys are in for a real treat today!  Nicole from Three 31 is gracing the pages of my blog today.  I am meeting Nicole next week IRL...and I cannot wait!  Not only is she a fellow TEXAS BLOGGER, but she also hails from The Bluegrass State....she is a Kentucky girl!  And let's not forget she is insane about the 50 Shades Trilogy...as I think that most of us are, but some are too shy to admit it ( I however, do NOT fall into that category).  And once more thing....she has a wicked sense of humor and that is one of things I love most about her.  If you can honestly get through her post without laughing...and I mean out loud....there may just be something wrong and you should be checked out at the nearest clinic or ER.  Sit back, grab a glass of your favorite wine or a sweet tea and read about the men that make Nicole's engine rev....VROOM, VROOM!!!!

There are some fine-as-frog-hair men gracing the tee-vee and movie screens. In fact, I've deemed them all worthy of acts approved by my Inner Goddess. If you have not read the 50 Shades series, you're seriously missing out on some hanky-panky that your girlie parts would appreciate. And your significant other.

300 is one of my favorite movies. I couldn't tell you much about the storyline, except the male character are semi naked manly men in leather skivvies. I'm not complaining. Gerard Butler (King Leonidus) was speaking to me when he said, "Yes m'Lady" when he and his men left for battle. Hands down, I think it's the best line in the movie. If GB and I were together, our conversation would go something like this: Are you attracted to me? GB: Yes, m'Lady. Am I the best thing that's ever happened to you? GB: Yes, m'Lady. Do you like to spend more time with me than your friends? GB: Yes, m'Lady. Do I look skinny? GB: Yes, m'Lady. Do you think I'm sexy? GB: Yes, m'Lady. Would you like my inner goddess to do Christian Gray-ish things to you? GB: Yes, m'Lady. Are you glad we had this conversation? GB: Yes, m'Lady.

Mama always said *NOT* to get in a stranger's vehicle, but I'd make an exception for Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage on Discovery Channel's Fast-n-Loud. The jeans, the boots, the tattoos, and the slicked back hair ..... yes, please. I don't know the difference between a brake caliper and a cam-shaft, but I'd like to learn from Richard. He's a native Texan (y'all, he lives in Fort Worth!!!!!!), turns "buckets of rust" into show-stopping vehicles, *AND* has the need to exceed the posted speed limit. Obviously, Richard and I could be best friends. {wink} He currently holds the world record for the Cannonball Run, driving 2,811 miles from New York to Los Angeles in 31 hours and 59 minutes --- that's an average speed of 87.6 miles per hour. The next time I drive to Kentucky, Richard is invited to be my chauffeur.

The volleyball court scene in Top Gun. Yes, you remember it. Sand. Sun. Sweat. Shirtless, very sexy men. Mmmm, oh yessssssss. I'd give a pretty penny to be those dog tags. I think he needs some sunscreen on his back too. Most people think Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer were the studs in this movie, but Slider (Rick Rossovich) put the sizzle in my skillet. Since 1986, I've seen Top Gun at least 498,285,108 times. But I'm not counting. No offense, Rick, but if you weren't as old as my mother, I'd think of more inappropriate things for my Inner Goddess to do with you. DRUM ROLL PLEASE .......... { the star of this show } { the apple of my eye } { the sugar in my tea }

I would be the world's worst wife if I didn't include Handsome Husband. He's already given me a million-gabillion eye rolls while I put this post together. He is, however, very well aware of my enthusiasm for the aforementioned men above. He is also aware of who has his last name, prepares his favorite meals, and keeps him warm at night.

 

 

Nicole, thank you so much for that bit of eye candy.....(GB seriously makes me swoon) not to mention the witty commentary.  I think that everybody deserves a guest post by you...just sayin!  Oh, and by the way....who is your choice for Christian Grey on the big screen???  Inquiring minds want to know!

  

If you love what you read and are dying for more of Nicole's hilarity make sure you drop by Three 31 and show her some love....you will not be disappointed!  Tell her I sent ya.....

Puppy Love & Cats Too Photo Party #5: Jack's Version

I am linking up today with Blake and Becky over at Reinventing the Ordinary.  Since last month Jessi stole the show (at least in her own mind), I thought it only fair that I give Jack the floor this month.  He may not be as polished as Jessi, but he is going to give it everything he has so please bare with him and remember....he IS a cat.

 

 

First off - Jessi, polished?  I beg to differ.  Apparently, her petite frame and what I guess could be called a cute face has everyone fooled.  Just in the past week I have witnessed her in some less than ladylike behavior.  My mom was soaking her smoothie container the other night and even though we have an awesome flowing fountain she thought that the soaking container with the strange smoothie debris was much more appetizing...seriously, that is just gross!  She also sometimes prefers water out of a glass as opposed to said fabulous fountain just for us, which kind of causes mom to dump the glass.

 

And let's not forget that she is a little beggar.  OK, so granted the human should probably not be eating his breakfast on the kitchen counter, but really Jessi should not be trying her darndest to eat his breakfast of champions...I mean really, how uncivilized!

 

 



I have never claimed to be all that and a bag of catnip, but this girl has got everyone fooled.  And let's not forget that she has turned my humble abode upside down.  Do I chase her and give her a few good bites on a daily basis?  You know it...I have to keep reminding her who is boss.  So what if I have a good 3-4 pounds on her...I am the man of the house after all.  I wouldn't want her to think that swinging her tail and batting her little eyes is going to get her anywhere as far as I am concerned...hmpht!!!!  I am starting to think that she is purposely provoking me though....she scoots most of herself under the bed but leaves her tail swishing back and forth knowing full well that I can't resist the urge to bat at it....WOMEN!!!!!

Honestly, sometimes I long for the days when I was the only cat here.  Things were so much simpler then, I could spend my days lying on my form  fitting styrofoam without a care in the world...those were the days!

 

But then I think about this totally awesome personalized mat that we won last month from Blake and his mom....and I shudder to think of it around here without her.  

 

 

You caught me...I said it.  Although, she frequently drives me half out of my mind...I love her and am afraid that I would be lost without her prissy little self runing around here with me.  THE TRUTH IS OUT!  But seriously...check out our awesome new washable "food mat", pictured above.  That mat is in fact rockin both of our names, but I for some reason feel compelled to plop my rear down on mine.  We have so far preferred to use it as a lounge and scratching mat.  It is made of materials very closely resembling our scratch post so it is hard to keep us off of it.

Well, that's it from here...I think next month we will hand this back over to our mom.  I think we have both said our peace. 

Thank you so much for stopping by and if you have some fabulous fur babies at homes, be sure to link up  with Blake and Becky...it is so much fun!



Link Up: SUNDAY SNAPS Week 4

Yesterday was Sunday and so you know what that means.....I am LATE for my own link up.  Thank heaven's Sarah was on the ball this week all the way from her vacation in California!  One of the fantastic benefits of having a wonderful co-host.

So here we are, Week 4 of SUNDAY SNAPS - a weekly photography link up.  Thank you to those of you that have become regulars as well as you first timers.  All are welcome and we love having each and every one of you!  Without further delay, here are my three favorites from week 3.

Beautiful photo with amazing light by Jennifer @ Finding My Way In Texas

 

Love me some Blue Moon and what a cool pic by Kaely @ My Mind's Lens

 

I can hardly stand the cuteness of Skylar....I just want to squeeze her.  You think I am kidding....
Cyn @ The Chunky Goddess

 

If you have been featured, please grab an "I Was Featured" button from my right side bar and display it loud and proud....you earned it!

Now if you are new around these parts here are the rules...you know every linky party has them, but as rules go they aren't too bad.

Rules:

• Please follow both of your hosts! (Myself and Sarah)
• You MUST provide the party button somewhere in your post in order to link back to this party (available to the right on my sidebar). Failure to do so may result in your link-up being removed.
• Link up to specific posts, not just your blog.
• HAVE FUN! And follow some of your fellow link-up bloggers while you're at it!

SUNDAY SNAPS: Week 4

It is SUNDAY SNAPS time (yes, I realize it is actually past time) and I am keeping it short and sweet this week.  My mom and I spent Saturday shopping in Dallas and as we were driving home, she asked if I had been over the new bridge yet.  I rarely travel to Dallas and although I had seen it from afar, I hadn't caught the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge up close yet.  So after a slight detour...we were headed that way.  Now mind you, it is not some huge grand bridge, actually very small but visually it really is kind of cool.  Thank goodness for camera phones.....I don't know what I did before I had one - oh, yes I do.  Took a lot less pictures!

It didn't come out near as clearly as I had thought, but hopefully you can sort of imagine the fine details...it really is cool.  Guess it would have been good if I would have had my glasses on.  Have a great week and don't forget to link up!

 

Third Time Is A Charm

I make goals...and when I make them I don't intend to drop the ball.  I don't intend to fail.  However sometimes it happens .  Such is the case with the Couch Potato to 5K training program.  I have attempted it two times previously and both times derailed at Week 3.  I am choosing to believe that third time is a charm.  Tonight, I will complete the third and FINAL workout for....wait for it.....WEEK 4!!!!  My goal is not to become a runner.  My goal is to complete a 5K....jogging the ENTIRE way.  I don't really have a bucket list, but if I did...the 5K would definitely be included.  Why?  I can't really put my finger on it, but I think until I do it, it is going to eat at me and drive me totally crazy. 

 

So, why is this time going to be any different?  I am not sure, but I am trying to cut myself some slack and truly listen to my body this time.  To be honest, about half way through Week 3 I thought to myself..."here we go again".  I felt so frustrated and wasn't sure what to do to get over that hump.  I got some good advice from a friend who told me to slow down...slow and steady is still running (even if it is at a snail's pace). 

 

 

 

After following that one small (but huge) bit of advice, I am doing much better.  Do I still sweat like a whore in church (oops, was that my outside voice?), you bet I do.  And my butt is worn the heck out, but I am recovering more quickly and not TOTALLY dreading the next workout.  Huge progress in my book.  Oh, and I forgot to mention....there is an APP for that!    The app has made it so much easier to progress through my workout without having to keep track of my intervals.  A peppy little lady on the app tells me when to walk and when to run, all the while my favorite playlist is jammin' in the background.  It sounds crazy, but it is making all the difference!  I am also wearing a heart rate monitor to keep track that I am not pushing myself over the edge.  This time I AM GOING TO MAKE IT.....NO EXCUSES.....NO GIVING UP!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend and be on the lookout Sunday for Week 4 of Sunday Snaps!

 

 

 

 



 

Fellow TEXAS BLOGGERS Series: August Edition Round 2

I would like to introduce you to Cynthia.  You can find her blogging over at Oh So Pinteresting.  I had the pleasure of meeting her a while back and she is truly delightful...just as sweet as can be!  I could tell you all about her blog and her passion for Pinterest, but then I would be stealing her thunder, so I am going to turn it over to her.

Hello, I'm Cynthia from Oh So Pinteresting Jules has been so sweet to invite me to guest post here today. I was lucky enough to get to meet Julie a few weeks ago and she is just as sweet ad vibrant as her pictures in her header.  

 

  For this guest post, I'd like to tell you a little story .........   A long time ago in a galaxy not so far a way a busy frugal mom looked to the internet for inspiration with crafting and decorating projects. There, she found beautifully decorated homes and creative projects done by other women just like her. She could spend hours looking at the incredible things they did. She even attempted a few.   Then 2 years ago at Christmas, her sweet and loving husband surprised her with a Cricut. (An electric die cutting machine) She was so surprised by this gift. She would never spend that kind of money on something for crafting. He insisted she should have it beacuse he saw how happy she was when she took time for herself to be creative. He knew she had always held a special place in her heart for paper crafts. She went to the internet to find ways to put her Cricut to use and she had a blast making things for her friends and family.

 

Fast forward a year and she began to hear of a new site online called Pinterest. She resisted even looking at it for a while because with work and family, who has time for another meaningless social media site? Curiosity got the best of her and she took a peek. Just like when Alice fell down the rabbit hole, she fell into the world of Pinterest. And, just like Alice, she was amazed at what she saw.   She found that she could save, organize and share all of those wonderful projects from the talented bloggers she had come to admire. She found new blogs to follow too. She began to pin recipes to help her out with the dinner routine and even ideas on how to clean the house (one of her least favorite things to do). 

Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli on OhSoPinteresting.com

    When she did something new around the house and her husband or family asked about it, she found herself saying "I found it on Pinterest" more and more. Soon, she wanted to shout from the rooftops how wonderful Pinterest could be and share it with the world. Well, a fear of falling off of her roof kept her from doing that so, she opted for something less scary like starting a blog.  

     

After many long nights of battling the Wordpress beast and coming up with a name, design and color scheme she could live with, Oh So Pinteresting was born. It is a blog meant to encourage fellow Pinners not to just pin things but to try them too. I have saved money, learned new skills and made parts of my life easier from the things I've tried. It is also about teaching people how Pinterest can be used for different things like taking a virtual vacation or getting ready for back to school.

       

The best part about blogging is the people. She has met people from all across the world online and in person. Her passion for Pinterest and her blog has even led her to a new business. She is now the social media community manager for a local company, a contributor to a blog called PinnableBusiness.com and is developing other opprotunites. Who knows where this adventure will take her next?

 

Lolli and Me, Blogging Pals at NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art

I hope you have enjoyed my story. A big thanks to Jules for the invitation. If you have any questions about Pinterest or would like to share your experience with it, please come on over to ohsopinteretsing.com or find me on Facebook at facebook.com/ohsopinteresting. As they say, Happy Pinning!

 

How fun was that post???  Don't forget to stop by her little slice of the blog world and show her some love.  She is so sweet and you will not be disappointed.  Cynthia, thank you so much for guest posting today...I loved having you!       

Link Up: SUNDAY SNAPS Week 3

It Sunday and you know what that means.....SUNDAY SNAPS - a weekly photography link up.  Here are three of my favorites from last week's link up.

Brianne @ Briantics 

Kaely @ My Mind's Lens

Kimberly @ Making Pinterest My Reality

For those of you that are new, here are the rules.  Sarah and I have modified them a bit from week one to make it easier for more people to link up.  Have fun and we can't wait to see what SNAPS you have in store!

Rules:

• Please follow both of your hosts! (Myself and Sarah)
• You MUST provide the party button somewhere in your post in order to link back to this party (available to the right on my sidebar). Failure to do so may result in your link-up being removed.
• Link up to specific posts, not just your blog.
• HAVE FUN! And follow some of your fellow link-up bloggers while you're at it!

SUNDAY SNAPS: Week 3

It's SUNDAY SNAPS: Week 3 and I am doing it Disney Cruise Line style. 

We took Zachary on a Disney Cruise aboard the Magic for his 5th birthday.  Yes, I am aware that it was almost 7 years ago, but since I was nowhere near blogging then, I am taking advantage of the opportunity to show off my cute little guy as opposed to my half grown handsome tween.  Here are three of my favorites:

Beach excursion to Orient Bay

My little guy hammin it up in the cabin

I am always a sucker for a cute sleeping kid...especially when it is my own!

This trip is still not scrapped....shame on me!  However, the pictures are printed and sorted, I have a Disney Cricut cartridge and I have downloaded the Waltograph font in anticipation of journaling.  My intentions are good....it WILL happen!

Share the Love: Wish Upon A Wedding

I learned about Wish Upon A Wedding  when one of my favorite photographers on the planet Christine Tremoulet photographed this wedding.  Aside from the wonderful photography, the story warmed my heart and I immediately started trying to figure out a way that I could help.  At this point the closest chapter of WUW is Houston and that is good 5 hour drive for me.  I am obviously not in the wedding industry and can't really provide a service, but I did  sign up to be a Wish Granter by offering a keepsake collage for the couple, provided I could either work with them or the designated photographer to get digital images.  I long for the day that I get that call or email!

http://wishuponawedding.org/about-our-wish/apply-for-a-wish/

Until I get that call, I am trying to help in other ways.  This has been Share the Love week at Wish Upon  A Wedding.  They have asked for help raising awareness of the organization and what they do, specifically through avenues of social media.  I received my information a bit late and am squeaking in under the wire to get the word out.  I challenge you to visit their site and see if you are not moved by the stories of unconditional love of the recipients and the amazing wishes that they have granted.

I also jumped on this opportunity:

I have been lugging around a huge heirloomed wedding dress from move to move for the better part of 15 years....why?  I have no idea, but in the last couple of years I have wanted to resell it just to get it out of my closet.  It takes up a lot of room and I have a son...he will never want it.  But try as I might I could not get a consignment shop to take it because they said that it was too old.  It was never about the money for me, but for some reason I couldn't just dump it off at the Good Will and feel good about it.  Enter Brides For A Cause.  They are partnering with Wish Upon A Wedding to raise money through wedding dress donation.  I immediately called them and they agreed to take my dress even though it was a bit older than the "2000 or newer" cutoff.  I was doing a serious case of the happy dance. 

So, although I haven't been able to contribute on a large scale, I am trying to do my part in the little ways that I am able.  In other words, if you have a dress in your closet taking up space and potentially collecting dust...there is a solution, not to mention a wonderful cause! 

If you or someone you know could benefit from a wish granted through Wish Upon a Wedding, click here and submit an application.  Have a great weekend and don't forget to "SHARE THE LOVE"! 

Yep, I Am Somewhere Else Today

Happy Friday!  It is a new day and I am putting yesterday behind me....bring on the weekend!  Anywho, I am just dopping in to let you know that I am guest posting today at Shannon's Life After I "Dew" .....EEEEK!!!!  Excited much?!?!  Shannon is one of my everyday reads....she is hilarious and above all GF keeps it real.  I am honored and hope that you will stop by and enlighten me on some of your tips for "Fitting It All In".  Have a wonderful day!

Proceed With Caution....I Am Going To Rant

In the spirit of keeping it real, I am in a bit of a funk today.  Don't want to go into a bunch of detail except to say that someone spit on my rose colored glasses this morning.  I have said it once and I will probably say it a thousand more times...I have met, either through email and chatting, or in a few cases IRL some really wonderful women that I never would have crossed paths with had it not been for blogging and I am beyond grateful.  Of those wonderful ladies, I hope that there is not a one that has ever or will ever feel that I have blown them off or not followed through on something that I agreed to...and if it has or ever does happen, call my silly ass out....PLEASE!!!  I will move heaven and earth to make it right.  I would never want to be "that" blogger.  Apparently, this is not uncommon but up until the last few weeks my little old blog was rocking well under 100 followers and I had rarely an occasion to come across "those" bloggers.  I do realize that things can happen, unexpected situations arise.  That I can certainly understand and respect.  It is feeling blown off and misled that I don't do so well with.  I do know that in most the majority of cases this little rant of mine is like preaching to the choir, but in case a few of "those" bloggers might have squeaked in through the cracks and you are willing to admit if only to yourself that you are in fact one of them...take care, make your commitments, blog and otherwise carefully.

I am done ranting and I am sure if you are still reading that you are glad.  I am going to end it on a high note, so stick with me.  I am a huge fan of Kelly "The Manifesto Lady" at The Smile Collective.  One of her latest manifestos hits it out of the ballpark in my opinion.

Yes, I was/am frustrated by what happened today, but I also wholeheartedly believe in every word of this manifesto.  READ IT, PRINT IT, POST IT, BELIEVE IT and most importantly LIVE IT!

MIA...But Not Really!

I am MIA today....but not really....you just have to know where to look.  I have hijacked Emily's Insanity Rules.  Emily is one of my fellow Texas Bloggers and a real sweetheart!  Stop by and check out my post on fun Halloween stuff that I have made for my son's school parties over the years.  I know it seems early, but it will be here before we know it!

Link Up: Sunday Snaps Week 2

It is already time for week two of Sunday Snaps - a weekly photography link up.  Here are my three favorites from last week's link up in no particular order: 



Photo Courtesy of Sweet and Sassy Texan

Photo Courtesy of View From the 512

Photo Courtesy of West Coast Girl



I love these photos as well as everyone's that linked up.  Thank you all so much for participating!  If you were featured, please be sure and grab a featured button.

<div align="center"> <a href="http://jules-beautifulday.blogspot.com" title="A Beautiful Day"><img src="http://i1076.photobucket.com/albums/w456/julesbeautifulday/wasfeaturedSSbutton.jpg" alt="A Beautiful Day" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Now onto this week's link up.  Sarah and I have changed up the rules a bit to make it easier for more people to link up.  Following a weekly theme is not necessary, so just link up and show us what ya got!

Rules:

• Please follow both of your hosts! (Myself and Sarah)
• You MUST provide the party button somewhere in your post in order to link back to this party (available to the right on my sidebar). Failure to do so may result in your link-up being removed. 



<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.jules-beautifulday.blogspot.com" title="A Beautiful Day"><img src="http://i1247.photobucket.com/albums/gg634/SarahBTexas/Snap%20Shot%20Sunday%20Stuff/SSFinal2.png" alt="A Beautiful Day" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

• Link up to specific posts, not just your blog.
• Please only link up to three pictures each week.
• HAVE FUN! And follow some of your fellow link-up bloggers while you're at it!

I went rogue this week and posted some of my favorites from Sanibel Island, FL while Sarah stuck with the theme we had originally come up with "Here Comes The Sun".

Sunday Snaps Week 2

Week 2 of Sunday Snaps snuck right up on me.  Sarah and I have decided to change it up a bit....you decide on your theme or you don't have to have a theme at all.  Just show us the best of what you have....can be current or from the past as long as you took the photo.

My theme this week is "Sanibel Memories".  These are three of my favorites from Spring vacations my son and I have taken with my parents in Sanibel Island, FL.  To me, it is a little slice of heaven right here in the USA.  Enjoy!

The view from our condo Spring 2009

Pool time Spring 2008

Last walk on the beach before heading home Spring 2008

That's it from here for week 2.  Don't forget to show us your best and link up!!!!!

Fellow TEXAS BLOGGERS: The August Version

I am so excited to introduce y'all to Sarah from City Girl Gone Country.  This little lady is a sweetheart and I feel blessed that our paths have crossed through the Texas Bloggers Facebook Group.  Can't tell you how excited I am to meet her IRL next month at our meet up. If you are in the DFW metroplex and would like to join us please join our group (link above) and check out the Event page....or better yet just comment or send me an email and I will be happy to fill you in.

Now, without further delay, here's Sarah!

Happy Anniversary to ME!



Hey y’all! I’m Sarah from City Girl Gone Country and I am so honored to be guest posting today on Jules’ blog! It’s been a joy getting to know Jules through the Texas Blogging community and co-hosting our “Sunday Snaps” link up together! I moved to Texas from California a year ago this week, and I thought it was only fitting that I create a blog post to commemorate my first anniversary here in the ‘ole hot state (since as I’ve mentioned in SEVERALprevious posts, I always like to celebrate the ‘little’ things)!

  On August 6th, 2011, I packed my bags and headed over to this glorious state. I had NO idea what I was in for, but managed to keep an excited smile planted on my face as I transferred my poor body from a cool 70 degrees to 100+ degrees in a matter of two days. Since living here in Texas, I have learned and picked up so many things/habits I didn’t know in California. One of which is the oh-so-famous “y’all”! I am SO guilty of this one! It’s just so convenient. Why the conjoined word phrase hasn’t mozied its way on down to CA is beyond me! I REALLY learned what football is all about here—especially college football! I could not believe how much fun it was getting to attend my university’s first game of the year… even if we didn’t win (anyone who knows about UNT knows we don’t have the best track record when it comes to winning football games).

  I’ve learned about love and I’ve learned about heartache.  I’ve learned the true meaning of friendship and how crazy but oh-so-fun it can be to live with 3 random girls. I’m still constantly learning things here in Texas (like how much mosquitoes love my sweet blood), but I’m so proud and so happy to call it my home for the time being. So cheers to my first anniversary here in Texas, and cheers to the blogging community for enduring my mini-celebration! ;-)
  I sure hope y’all will come visit me over at my blog. I offer DIYposts like my T-shirtto Tank Tutorial, recipes, and random tidbits in between. I sure would love to get to know each and every one of you!
Facebook -- Twitter -- Pinterest

Sarah, thank you so much for stopping by today and sharing your thoughts on TX with my readers.  Wherever life takes you after your time here, you will always be a little bit Texan to us! 

Don't forget to stop by and show her a little blog love @ City Girl Gone Country.  Have a great weekend!