I've Been Featured!!

Happy Friday all!  I can't believe that tomorrow is December!  Crazyness!  I'm in the middle of decorating for Christmas (yay!) and cleaning up before a friend visits tomorrow.  But, I wanted to stop in and mention that....

I'VE BEEN FEATURED!

The Sapphire Bee is on vacation this week, and she graciously featured my recent vacation to Maine!  You know how much I love to travel, so I'm so excited to share this with everyone!

Check it out when you get a chance, and give her some love!  She's got a great blog!!

Click here to view the post on The Sapphire Bee!  And if you want to view the original post on my blog, click here!

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It's amazing what you can do in twenty minutes!

I was talking to my friend on the phone.  When we hung up, I decided I needed to go to bed...but then I looked at my phone.  "17% power remaining," it said.  Well, that's no good since I use my phone as an alarm clock.  It's the ONLY alarm clock I have.  So, while my phone was charging, I decided to clean up/organize my second bedroom, which is currently used as a junk room with the occasional overnight guest.  In twenty minutes, I accomplished this...

Oh yeah, and I found a box of Christmas decorations, so then I started decorating.  Of course, this happens when it's time to go to bed!  But, it's a good thing I cleaned up, because I probably would have passed by Christmas without these decorations - and let me tell you what - they are important decorations (think tree lights)!  Yeah, I definitely didn't know where those were!

Before...

And after...

And this is where I stored everything.  Now, I'm just waiting for a rainy day to actually sort through the boxes!  Oh what fun that day will be!

Do you clean like me?  By just stuffing "stuff" into a closet or under the bed (yes, I did that too!)?

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Sunday Social: Four Edition

Hey all!  I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!  We came to the beach Thanksgiving evening and are leaving today - something fun and different - but time sure does fly when you come to the beach!  Especially just for the weekend!

Today's Sunday Social is all about the number four.  Read on!  Once you are finished reading, go link up and join the party!  I'd love to hear all about your fours!

1. Name four jobs you've had in your life.
Well, I haven't had many more than four.  So, here goes.
   1. Salesperson at The Eclectic Shop - a store that sells, you got it, a little bit of everything!
   2. Substitute Teacher at a daycare while in college.
   3. Substitute Teacher in a public school system between college and full time job.
   4. Elementary School Teacher.  Fifth grade to be exact.

2. Name four movies you could watch over and over.
I'm a sucker for anything with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey in it, so that explains the first two movies. :)
   1. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
   2. Fool's Gold
   3. You've Got Mail
   4. The Proposal

3. Name four places you have lived.
Well, since there have only ever really been four places I've lived, I'll tell you everywhere I've lived :)
   1. My parent's house.
   2. Dorms at college.
   3. Apartment at college.
   4. My current, wonderful house!

4. Name four things you always carry with you.
   1. iPhone
   2. keys
   3. lotion
   4. A book.  Yes, I almost always have a book with you.  You never know when you'll have a moment to read!

5. Name four places you have been on vacation.
Oh my goodness.  What a hard question.  I have been on so many vacations, to so many wonderful destinations that it is hard to only pick four!  Here goes...
   1. Disney Properties (We've done it all...almost)
       Disney World (Way to many times to count!)
       Disney Cruise (Twice)
       Disneyland (Once)
       Vero Beach (Disney's Resort Property in Florida)
   2. Europe
        London
        Paris (Twice)
        Rome
        Greece (I studied abroad for a month here)
   3. Alaska (Once, and going back this summer!)
   4. Maine (A favorite US destination)

Here's all about the four's of me!  Link up with the party so we can all read about your fours!!



     

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094: Reach Fifty Followers.

I'm blessed.  It's Thanksgiving Day and I just realized that I have officially marked off another goal on my 101 Goals in 1001 Days list.  The goal?  To have fifty followers.  What's a follower?  If you are new to the blog world, this may be something you have questions about.  I know I did for a while.  It took a while before I caught on to the whole follower thing!  Followers are people who have an interest in you/your blog/something you talk about.  They have "registered" to "follow" you blog, which means that when they log into their blog and see a running list of recent blog posts, yours will show up!  That way, they will never miss another blog post of yours.  Sometimes I use this blog as simply an online journal and I think, no one wants to read this.  But I have fifty people who were interested in something on the blog.  Most of these other bloggers and I share common interests.  For example, just the other day, I joined an online book club (yay for crossing another goal off my list!  That post is yet to come)!  My most recent followers are other members of said book club.  They are following my blog (and I'm following their blogs) as a way to stay connected and stay informed for the duration of the book club.  There are so many amazing people in the blog-world that I have "met."  In order to follow a blog, you just need a google account.  It's really simple.  You don't even need to have a blog to follow others.

Here's the proof of my fifty followers!

See the box above that says followers?  You'll notice that this is on the right side of my blog.  This is how you sign up to follow blogs.  On your favorite blog(s), once you are logged in to google, all you have to do is click "Join this Site."  It will then confirm that you want to follow that blog!  You can also follow most blogs via email as another way to stay connected!  Let me know if you have any questions about this!  I'm happy to share what I've learned recently about the blog-o-sphere.  Happy following!!

And have a happy, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving!!

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Literary Junkies

By The Porchlight and Goings on in Texas have started a fabulous new link up party called Literary Junkies!  I'm so excited about this and today is the first day of the link up party!!  They are hosting the party on the third Tuesday of every month.  What are you waiting for?  Head over to their blogs and join the party.  All the cool kids are doing it!
Let's get started:
1) What book are you currently reading?  Give us a little synopsis and your review. I am currently reading Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews (see my little GoodReads widget on the side of the blog over there?  You can always check out what I'm reading - if you ever need a suggestion or two!)  I'm less than halfway through this book, but I have read a couple of her books.  Mary Kay Andrews writes fun Southern Fiction Chick-Lit.  This story is about an on-air TV chef who loses her show and is vying for a spot on a top rated cooking channel.  But she is "competing" against another chef who just happens to be a hunk!  I'm so excited to continue reading this story and see how it all turns out!  So far, I love it!

2) What are your 3 favorite books of all time? Oh my gosh.  This is one of the hardest questions I've answered recently.  I read so many books - and to be honest - I've rarely read a bad book.  I have read a book or two that are bad - but it takes a lot for me to not like a book.  Seriously.  I know what types of books I like to read and I stick to that style.  Instead of telling you my 3 favorite books, I'll tell you my 3 favorite authors :)  Because, seriously, I love all of their books!      1. Nicholas Sparks      2. Karen Kingsbury      3. Nora Roberts
3) What is your "approach" upon entering a bookstore?  Where do you immediately head after entering through the front door? I'll be honest.  Totally honest.  I don't buy books full price.  Unless it's a gift for someone or it's a brand new book that I just can't live without :).  So, that being said, when I walk into a bookstore, I head straight for the clearance/sale books.  That's where I tend to buy my books!  After browsing that section for a while, I'll head to the fiction section, but I only browse there.  Shhhh..  Don't tell, but I usually browse the fiction section, find a book I want to read, and then look it up on Amazon or BetterWorldBooks.  BetterWorldBooks is my new favorite bookstore/website.  You must check it out!  They do amazing things!  When you buy a book from them, they donate a book to a charity/library/good cause.  
 
So, go link up and share your link with me!  I'd love to see your Literary Thoughts!!

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From the Kitchen: Frozen Raspberry Lemonade

 So, this just happened.  I suddenly got thirsty.  I wasn't thirsty for water or milk.  And I only have enough juice left for tomorrow morning.  So I opened the freezer.  Don't ask why, but I did.  There I spotted a can of frozen lemonade and a bag of frozen raspberries.  Both of these items were purchased for some recipe I found - of which I no longer remember the recipe.  So, I whipped out my nifty little smoothie/drink mixer and decided to make some frozen raspberry lemonade.  Mine turned out to be just raspberry lemonade - next time, I'll probably add some ice to give it more of a frozen consistency.  I'm also excited to try some other fruit - like strawberries and blueberries!  The possibilities are limitless!

Frozen Raspberry Lemonade
1 Can Frozen Lemonade
1 Bag Frozen Raspberries
Ice

Make the frozen lemonade according to the directions on the can.  Pour some lemonade into the mixer and add a handful of raspberries.  Add ice, if desired.  Mix well.

Pour and enjoy.  It really couldn't be any harder.  I think the hardest part is washing the mixer afterwards.  Thank goodness for dishwashers!

Sidenote: I don't know the proportions or measurements of the lemonade and raspberries I used.  I just put some in and adjusted as needed.

Second Sidenote: Please excuse the phone quality images.  Definitely not my best work :)

What is the best thing you've ever made spur of the moment from ingredients you already had??

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Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday |So True|

It's Wednesday again, which means its time for another "Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday!"  Today I am sharing some of my favorite |So True| pins.  These are pins that I thought "So True" as soon as I saw the image.  I have a lot of favorites.  In fact, I have a whole |So True| board dedicated to these pins!  How many of these do you think are So True?

Source: storyofmylittlelife.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: mirabellesinks.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: mommysavers.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: forever90s.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

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Oh How Pinteresting...Tuesday? |Election 2012|

Yes, I know.  The Oh How Pinteresting Link-Up Party I participate in is always on Wednesdays.  You know, the one hosted by The Vintage Apple.  But, since today is Election Day, I thought I'd post a day early with some election/patriotic images I found on Pinterest!  Check them out - and once you are finished looking at them - get out to the polls and VOTE!  Your vote could make the difference!

Source: vectorstock.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: mediabistro.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: huffingtonpost.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: facebook.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: bakerella.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: wag.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: crafts.kaboose.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: lisafrostblog.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: wikipaintings.org via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: vectorstock.com via Sarah on Pinterest

What are you waiting for?  Get out to the polls and VOTE!

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005: Add a page to the blog about 101 in 1001.

And a goal is complete!  Remember my 101 Goals in 1001 Days list I posted a few days ago?  I've officially marked off my second goal off the list!  I know this goal is simple and easy to complete, but really.  When you have to come up with 101 goals, you definitely want to include some easy to complete goals like this to get off on a good start!!

So, you can know check out my progress on the list with the link above in the menu bar!  How fun is that!

IN OTHER widget NEWS!

There are two new widgets on the side of my blog now!  The first widget is my NaNoWriMo word count widget!  If you don't know, NaNoWriMo is the challenge I'm currently participating in (and also another goal of mine) where you have to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November.  It's pretty fun so far and I've been pretty good for the first three days...but yesterday I fell behind, and since I'm blogging now, I'm not getting much done tonight, either!

The second new widget is four down on the sidebar.  It's a Currently Reading widget which shows the book I'm currently reading (and enjoying)!  I love to read and I thought this would be a fun and easy way to share some book ideas with the blog-o-sphere in case you are ever wondering what you should read next!

Have a great rest of your Monday and don't forget to VOTE tomorrow!

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Sunday Social

Hey all!  It's Sunday - and it's time for another Sunday Social Link-Up party with Ashley and Neely!  These Sunday Social's have been fun to answer and be a part of - and I really enjoy linking up with other bloggers and reading their answers!  You can head over to Ashley's website and see what other people have answered for their Sunday Social. 

Let's roll!

1. What is currently on your wish list?
Oh me, let's see.  There are a lot of things I would love to have, but there isn't much that I need at this time.  I've got a job, a house and a great support group of family and friends.  But if I had to choose something, I'd say a Kitchen-Aid stand mixer.  Those mixers really complete kitchens.  And all the attachments they have will make cooking and baking that much easier!

Via

2. Share a new iPhone, Droid, or iPad app you have recently discovered that we all need.
Well, it's totally not new and you probably all own it, but I'm currently loving "Words with Friends."  Also, since I'm participating in NaNoWriMo this year, and I have to write a 50,000 word novel during the month of November, I've recently downloaded the app "Writer Lists" which has helped me tremendously!  It has lists of names, careers, adjectives, colors, personality traits and anything else you might need while writing a story.

Via

Via

3. What is a new fall TV show you have added to your DVR?
I've recorded Nashville which I was very excited about, but I actually haven't had a chance to watch it yet.  I really love Chicago Fire!  That's probably my favorite new show, with 666 Park Avenue being my second favorite new show.

Via

Via

4. Share your Social Media links for us to follow you on (pinterest, twitter, facebook, etc).  Tell us which is your favorite and why.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram

For obvious reasons, Pinterest is probably my favorite.  Where else are you bombarded with gorgeous houses, stylish clothes, yummy recipes, hilarious jokes, and ideas for the classroom.  Yeah, beat that! :)

Via

5. What is a TV Show, movie, or song you could listen to or watch over and over and over and never get tired of...feel free to name one of each!
TV Show: Friends and Gilmore Girls.  I often have at least one of these shows running and its usually more for background noise.  They never get old.  I can almost repeat the episodes word for word, haha!


Movie: How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days is always a favorite.  Or The Proposal.

Via

Via

Song: Sober by Little Big Town and (my newest favorite) Little Things by One Direction.  I'm almost a little embarrassed to admit that second song, but seriously, it's so good.  Hear for yourself!








That's it for this week's Sunday Social!  Click the button below to head over to Ashley's blog to link up for yourself!

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