December Bucket List UPDATE

With just a week into it, I've managed to check a few things off the list! Although, being checked doesn't mean it ends there. There's going to be plenty more Elf watching, peppermint indulging, and Christmas caroling throughout the end of the year. 

At my recent doctor's appointment, I was told I'm right on track with my pregnancy weight = up 17 lbs. At [almost] 36 weeks, that's not bad! However, that's pre-cookie-baking and pre-Christmas dinner feast(s). 

We shall see how this weight holds off in the next 4 weeks.

Oh my, 4 weeks........

Tis The Season For Chili Weather

Obviously by the spelling, I'm not talking about temperature here. It's that time of year where the only thing to cure those cold weather chills is a nice bowl of chili!! Mmmm.

Recently, the hubs went out and grabbed the necessities for "The Recipe" and I whipped us up a nice bit pot. The reason for the quotations is because it's a recipe my dad has passed down to me, and it's been called that for as long as I can remember.

Essentials: tomato juice, chili beans, chili tomatoes, mexene powder, ground beef, noodles

Obviously, we are a noodle-chili family. I know there are some who don't do that, but we do. I really can't enjoy it any other way. The only thing I do differently than dad is add MORE noodles.

The Recipe was always a secret, but once I was older and learned it for myself I realized the secret ingredient is simple TLC. There's steps to making it just right. If you're a first time chili maker, then my apologies for the lack of measurements, but I have to keep some of it to myself due to its history in the family. ;)

BUT! I won't leave you astray. There are many, many recipes here that will suite any one of your taste buds.

Just don't forget the most important part of any chili dinner event... the peanut butter sandwich. Yessir.

Although, after a recent convo with the bestie..."I've never had that with my chili", she says... I thought maybe it was another one of my weird quirks [never shocking]. But it was hard to believe I was the only one who enjoyed such a combo. That was until good ol google assured me I was not alone.

So to anyone who hasn't tried this combination, you haven't lived. Do it, just once. You won't regret it.

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It's not a #backthatazzup type of jam, but it's a classic, one of my favorites, AND totally necessary. There's about a million versions of this jingle, but I've always loved this one. Not to mention they used to be America's sweethearts. 

This Girl Right Here...

With such a diverse group of girlfriends, I recently reflected on what keeps some of us still kicking it [if that's still an acceptable term] after 10+ years.

The first victim person on my list, is my best friend. This list could go on forever, but here's a few highlights as to what keeps her and I so close.

Say hello to, Jessica.

We have a habit of making really attractive faces.

We dress alike... on accident.

Intelligent conversations is among one of our best qualities. 

We eat healthy.

She's an artist.

[I still don't know what this is]

And she spends quality time with my daughter.

I mean, really... what's not to love about this face?

 

December Bucket List

We all have a list of things we plan to do every season, or every month for that matter. But Christmas time is no joke. There's an infinite list of things I try to accomplish each year! Sadly, I come up short most of the time. But by that, I mean I didn't see the giant tree in New York, or skip down NYC singing "You Make Me Feel So Young" [my first of many references to Elf]. Pretty impractical wishes. Although, I can mark off the Rockefeller tree, since I indeed have seen it. I just can't make it happen every year. Pity.

To shorten my ongoing list of things to do this winter was nearly impossible, but I did it. The following is my current, more practical, bucket list of December 2013! Not including having a baby. But he better not make his appearance by Christmas, or we're in trouble.   

Plain and simple, you see.

Hand me a cup of hot chocolate overflowing with marshmallows, some Nsync [yes, I said it] Christmas carols, and the movie "Elf" on repeat [because I don't have to watch it to enjoy it; a simple Christmas back drop in my home]... and you'll have yourself one happy girl. Even letting my four year old decorate the tree is a sweet accomplishment, not caring that I have to redo it later. It's all about the little things my friends. I cannot wait for this season to begin!!! WELCOME DECEMBER!!!!!!!

I didn't even add my birthday on that list. That's how much everything else is more important. But what the heck...

14. Celebrate my birthday!
15. and my aunt's birthday...
16. and my dad's birthday...
17. and my best friend's mom's birthday...
18. and my mother-in-law's birthday...

The list actually goes further on, but we'll leave it at that.

Not Like The Grammys. But Sort Of.

Today I feel pretty special. Not like the last time I felt special. This time I REALLY do feel special. [blushing]

It was brought to my attention that I have been nominated for the Sunshine Award! I've never been nominated for anything. Gotta say it's a good feeling.

It's a great way for new bloggers to get exposure by sharing some info about themselves, while also introducing other blogs we believe deserve equal recognition.

Thank you, Ms. Tammy for the nomination!! You're so sweet. I appreciate the love!! Xoxo

So here's how it goes. I'm given 11 questions to answer. I give 11 random facts about myself [that should be interesting]. Then I nominate 11 other bloggers; alerting them via post comment.

Questions:
1. Why did you start blogging?
I've always enjoyed journaling, but was recently inspired to take it a step further! It's fun to jot down whatever you're thinking, and realize there's other people out there that think on your same level of weirdness.
2. Favorite holiday?
Christmas. I am sooooo looking forward to these next weeks ahead.
3. Favorite holiday tradition?
Decorating the tree with my mom. We turn on old classic Christmas songs [Nysyc, Mariah Carey, etc.] and sing along while hanging the lights and ornaments. There's really nothing like it.
4. What is one thing that you could do over and over?
Nights when my family gets together and we play games. It's hilarious, and absolutely priceless.
5. Dream job?
My current job [stay-at-home mama] but with income. That'd be phenomenal. 
6. What does your Christmas tree "theme" this year?
Traditional. That's every year. We do the multicolor lights, with random ornaments. BUT! In our next house [where we'll have more room] we'll definitely have a "themed" tree. A food tree. Yes! I can't wait.
7. Favorite Drink?
I drink a lot of water, so that often limits me to exploring the richness of flavored beverages. But if I had to pick one of my go-to drinks, it's Snapple Peach Tea. LOVE it.
8. Ice cream or Cake?
Cake. 
9. Did you participate in Black Friday? If so did you find any good deals?
I did last year. Which is why I chose NOT to this year. Ha. 
10. Favorite store?
Target. I would say something like H&M or Nordstroms, but that list could go on forever. I couldn't choose just one. Target on the other hand is simple to say "I love everything in it; clothes, home goods, etc.".
11. If you had an unlimited amount of limit on a credit card and you didn't have to pay anything back where would you go?
I would take my whole family and travel. Travel, travel, travel. Anywhere and everywhere.

11 Random Facts:
1. I often ask my husband the name of a pop song [that's likely been on the radio for months] because the only tunes in my car is the Disney Princesses soundtrack.
2. "Selena" is my favorite movie.
3. I don't like meat in my pastas. In those cases, I'd rather fill up on the pasta than the protein. Diet fail.
4. I've been to Disneyworld 25 times.
5. I love the whole month of December = birthday celebrations and Christmas!
6. I love coffee... to a sad extent..
7. My daughter is truly the light of my world.
8. My husband is my #1 best friend.
9. I have an OCD of labels facing forward. 
10. I iron everything. Even my gym clothes.
11. I manicure my nails at least once a week.

Majority of the following are not new to the blogging world; most of them are well known. Sadly, I don't always have the time to explore new up and coming blogs, but these are all good reads!! I promise. Check them ALL out. With that said, my list of nominees would most definitely be:

Katie @ BlueDaisy in the Bluegrass
Jessica @ Little Miss Sunshine
Karly @ Karly Kim: Good Enough To Read
Helene @ Helene In Between
Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons
Megan @ Style Me Swanky
Kaitlyn @ Wifessionals
Nikki @ Cupcakes For Breakfast
Meggan @ Trying To Make Fetch Happen
Shannon @ Page Twenty-Two
Mandi @ All My Happy Endings

11 QUESTIONS for my nominees:
1. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? [if that exists in your life; mine is rare]
2. You might need a drink after this. What's your usual drink of choice?
3. What's your go-to snack?
4. Favorite movie?
5. Favorite designer? [fashion]
6. What was your most accomplishing moment in your life?
7. Most embarrassing moment?
8. Do you prefer coffee or tea?
9. Worst pick-up line you've experienced?
10. What's one piece of jewelry you never leave the house without?
11. Say you just won a free, all inclusive vacation... Where would you go? 

Get to it ladies!! But don't forget to follow up with 11 random facts about yourself, and to nominate 11 bloggers you feel deserve some recognition. Much love to you all!!

Gobble Till You Wobble

One of my favorite time of year has arrived. I love getting together with our families, and the food indulgence doesn't hurt either. Especially this time around. 34 weeks pregnant = automatic belly bulge = no shame. 

Before I head out to both family gatherings, I wanted to share a new tradition I've been providing these past two years. 

Homemade Pecan Pie

Ok so I first must confess that this year, and this year only I did not make my pie crust. [shreeeeeeek] I'm a strong believer that "homemade" means just that, homemade. Last year I successfully accomplished my first experience making two pie crusts from scratch, but this year I just didn't have the time. With that said, the Pillsbury Pie Crust was my second option and it worked just fine. I recommend that if you're ever in a crunch. 

Baking has always been a hobby of mine. I just love it. I don't know what makes it so enjoyable, but it is. Not to mention I love throwing on one of my favorite purchases from Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah, GA. 

Recipe time!

Again, at the last minute I was unable to find my husband's grandma's recipe [failing on all accounts thus far] so the next best thing was set on good research, and reviews. With that, I stumbled upon the Pioneer Woman. Her ingredients, and measurements were almost exact to what I remember of my own recipe so that was the winner. 

Here are the essentials.

Sugar, brown sugar, salt corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter and of course pecans! I bought the halves, and coarsely chopped them to make some tinier pieces [it helps the crunch; read more on that on the recipe site]. For exact measurements, you can find them HERE.

1. combine all dry ingredients 2. sift them together 3. add syrup 4. add melted butter

1. add beaten eggs 2. add vanilla extract 3. coarsely chop pecans 4. evenly spread them on bottom of shell1. pour mixture over pecans 2. let pecans rise to top 3. fluff crust edges with fork 4. cover with foil

Bake for about an hour at 350 degrees. I say "about" because all ovens vary. This particular recipe even calls to split the time 30/20, removing the foil after 30 minutes. I ended up baking two pies, and each one did great with an hour's time. But you be the judge of your own oven.

That is all I have for today! Hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!