"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be."

-Shel Silverstein

7.29.2010

GOOD USE FOR WINE BOTTLES



The blue bottles that I've had as decoration on my bookshelf were actually wine bottles that I got from my mom. I love the color of them and they really added some height in my room. There was one thing that I wasn't a big fan of though: they were kind of plain. They were the same height as my other vase so I needed something that would make them prettier and taller.




On my trip to Hobby Lobby, I got two large sunflowers that they had on sale and decided they would be perfect in the bottles. I had to cut them shorter and take the stems off, but I really like the result. I also had to clean up the bottles a little bit and take off the stickers, which was not a fun task, but now you would never know that they were wine bottles. Now there's a taller and more colorful addition to my bookshelf!

7.27.2010

SHOPPING

Yesterday, I made a little trip to the mall. I only bought one thing though. For some reason, I couldn't bring myself to buy anything else! I kept making excuses about the price or that I wouldn't wear it that much so I left with only one shirt. I thought I could prevent this from happening by saying that I could only spend $100, but that obviously didn't work because I only spent 12 of the 100. It's not that I didn't find things that I didn't like, I found a lot! Anyways, here's some things that I found yesterday and some things on my wish list:

Forever 21


Rosette Leatherette Clutch
$12.80


Water Drop Tunic
$19.80


Fab Senorita Top
$9.50



Charlotte Russe


Sequins Embellished Tribal Print Top
$9.99


Checkered Print Tank
$9.99

Those are just a few things that I've been thinking about! Now that I have that off my mind, I have to go call Polariod. That's something I'm not looking forward to. I left my camera out of its case the other day and something in my purse cracked the screen. I don't think it will be covered under the warranty, but I'm hoping it will!

7.25.2010

DAYS 110 - 115

Day 110:



We made a trip to the library when I got off in hopes of finding Along Came a Spider and Mrs. Kimble, but neither were available. I ended up getting Sail and Rose Madder. You can see the review for Sail here and I'm reading Rose Madder now so expect a review for that one soon.

Day 111:



I didn't have to work and it had been a while since I cleaned so in full cleaning mode, I ended up re-organizing my bookshelf. I still didn't have enough room for my movies though!

Day 112:



The second day I had off in a row! WHAAAT?! Hobby Lobby was my destination and before I left, I decided on 2 craft projects that I'm in the middle of now. I got a ton of stuff for pretty cheap and I also stopped by Wal-Mart to get some supplies for the cookies that were the focus of my last post.

Day 113:



While working on a little painting thing, I watched a good bit of Friends. I'm currently on my favorite season, 3, so it was awesome. I love having it on in the background; it makes everything better :)

Day 114:



On my dinner break, I decided to do a little shopping even though I'm trying to save money. Gap was having a 30% off everything sale so I had to look around. I ended up buying 2 shirts for under $18. I was pretty excited!

Day 115:



So I did some more shopping today. I promise this is the last I will buy for a while! I was pretty proud of what I got today though! I bought 2 INC shirts and a pair of leggings for under $7. Yes, that's right, $7. I love sales and coupons :) Mom, Weyman, and Jackson showed up while I was working too and Mom picked out a purse. It's actually one that I've been watching to go lower so I told her that I'll probably steal it from her soon. After all of the discounts, the purse went from $129 to $45. Not a bad deal at all!

7.24.2010

DELICIOUSNESS

I had a nice little craft day the other day and to finish up my night, I made cookies (again)! This time though, instead of making them with chocolate chips and caramel bits, I used mini M&Ms and peanut butter chips. They are very tasty, if I do say so myself, but they are a tad on the sweet side (i think its mostly because of the peanut butter chips).




Peanut Butter M&M Cookies

2 1/4 cup of all purpose flour
1 tsp. of baking soda
1 tsp. of salt
2 sticks of butter
3/4 cup of sugar
3/4 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp. of vanilla
2 eggs
1 package of peanut butter chips
1 package of mini M&Ms

*Mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Coat the peanut butter chips and M&Ms with mix.
*Cream butter with sugar and mix in vanilla.
*Add the eggs to the sugar mix.
*Slowly combine the two mixes.
*Bake at 375 for 12 minutes.



ENJOY!!

7.23.2010

SAIL


Barely out of sight of land, the Dunne family finds its summer getaway to paradise already turning into the trip from hell. Carrie, the eldest, has thrown herself off the side of the boast in a bid for attention. Sixteen-year-old Mark is getting high belowdecks. And Ernie, their ten-year-old brother, is nearly catatonic. It's shaping up to be the worst vacation ever.
Katherine Dunne had hoped this trip would bring back the togetherness they'd lost when her husband, a high-powered Manhattan attorney, had been able to postpone his trial and join them it would all have been okay...
Suddenly, a disaster hits - and it's perfect. Faced with real danger, the Dunnes rediscover the meaning of family and pull together in a way they haven't in a long time. But this catastrophe is just a tiny taste of the danger that lurks ahead: someone wants to make sure the Dunne family never makes is out of paradise alive.

from front flap


I've only read one James Patterson book before, Sundays at Tiffany's, and it wasn't the best. However, it wasn't one of the mysteries that he's known for, so I thought I would give this one a chance. I really wanted to get Along Came a Spider, but someone had already checked it out so I settled with Sail. The whole plot and story line was actually pretty good, but the way it was written was the part that made this book kind of bleh. I felt he wrote with an immature mindset; the sentences were short and choppy and just some of the chapters were reminiscent of what a 15 year old could write. Although the majority of the story was predictable and I was just waiting to turn the page and see that what I thought was going to happen was actually happening, I really enjoyed the characters. Another positive is that it was a super quick read. Since the chapters were a maximum of 5 pages, I got through this book in a couple nights. I'm not going to write off James Patterson yet, I think I'll still try Along Came a Spider, but if the writing is similar to that of Sail, I don't think I'll be reading anymore of him.

7.22.2010

PHOTO SHOOT WITH MAX

While I was trying to do a little craft project (more on that later) today, a playful move turned into a photo shoot.














This obviously wore him out.

P.S. As you may or may not have noticed, I'm trying a new thing with the 365 Picture Thing. What I'm going to try and do is post a week's worth of pictures on Sunday. This way, I don't feel obligated to post every day and it lets me post about other things that are going on throughout the week!

7.19.2010

DAYS 103 - 109

Day 103:


source

I finally watched Alice in Wonderland! In my opinion, the title was very misleading. Of course, it was about Alice being in Wonderland, but for what I gathered, this was based off Through the Looking Glass more than Alice. I went into the movie thinking that it would be more like the cartoon movie, but I was mistaken. Big time. It was very different, but for the most part, I liked it. The acting was very good, even though Anne Hathaway got on my nerves a little. This really made me want to read the book!

Day 104:



I stayed by the pool for most of the day, but I would have much rather been here, soaking in the sun.

Day 105:




I finished Mary Poppins! It was so good! I really love the movie and the play so I knew I would love the book. Although the characters were a little different from the movie, it was still so good. I think this book is going to be added to my Christmas list.

Day 106:


source

I got called in to work early, but the day was a pretty successful one. Since it was a one day sale, I decided to go ahead and get my mom's Christmas present :) I've heard her mention it before so I know she'll like it! I also got a new necklace. I've been watching it since it came in the store and on Friday, it was marked down from $100 to only $9.99. Oh how I love sales!

Day 107:



I worked the majority of the day, again. But it wasn't too bad, considering I kept playing this song over and over again in my head. I love it!

Day 108:


source

Yesterday, I headed home after work to get some stuff from Mom. I planned on only staying until around 9 then heading back to the apartment, but other plans were made. Adam rented The Bounty Hunter so of course, I had to stay and watch it! I really like Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston, but I wasn't the biggest fan of the movie. It was pretty good, but it was yet again, another typical comedy/love story. I guess I'm ready for someone to come out with a movie that is unpredictable.

Day 109:

i'll post the picture later :)

In the many things that I brought home yesterday, I brought back a homemade calzone that my mom made. They were delicious! It has some kind of meat, spinach, and cheese in them. YUM. I will definitely eat this before I go to work tonight!

7.15.2010

TAG

I got tagged by Krysten at After 'I Do' today! I have to answer the 8 questions she posted, come up with 8 of my own, and then pass it on to 8 bloggers.

So for her questions...

1. What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?
Well, there are two things, either chocolate chip pancakes or french toast. I think if I had to absolutely choose, I would pick the french toast.

2. What is for favorite thing to have for dinner?
Oh, that's a good one. Basically anything Italian. I really love chicken parmesan. The best is from Olive Garden! You can't beat those bread sticks, the salad, and the huge entree. DELICIOUS!

3. What is your absolutely all time favorite dessert?
Definitely cookies. No question. I could eat cookies all day every day. Throw in some ice cream and I would be even happier!

4. What would you consider your food "specialty"?
A box of macaroni and cheese. No, even though I love that food, I think I would have to say that I make a very good chicken pot pie. That is one food that good right when it comes out of the over, or microwaved.

5. Favorite restaurant?
See #2. Either Olive Garden or the Cheesecake Factory. Who doesn't love a great main dish followed by the best piece of cheesecake ever?

6. What food do you absolutely hate to eat?
Lima Beans. EW. I think what I hate about it, aside from the taste, is the texture. You have to bite through a plastic case to get to a mushy center. GROSS.

7. What food do you absolutely love to eat?
Aside from macaroni and cheese and cookies, I would have to say kiwi. It's so refreshing and the taste is awesome. Plus, it's pretty. :)

8. Would you consider yourself a picky eater or someone who will try anything once?
I will definitely try anything once. It might only be for a small bite, but I will definitely try it.

On to my 8 questions. I assume they have to all fit under a certain category, so I'm going to go with the television...

1. What is your all time favorite tv show?
2. What show reminds you of your childhood?
3. If you could be on a show, which one would it be?
4. Which character from any show would you choose to be your best friend?
5. Which character from any show would you choose to be your significant other?
6. Which tv character do you feel like you relate to and why?
7. If you could pick one show to make a movie, which one would you choose?
8. What, in your opinion, is the worst tv show ever made?

Now, I tag...

1. Sara @ My Fancy Tuna (i know you dont like awards, but i dont know how you feel about tags and i thought this would be a good one :) )
2. Kayla @ my (sometimes) seredipitous life
3. Sami @ Sami by the Sea
4. LyddieGal @ Chic on the Cheap
5. Mimi @ What Mimi Writes
6. Natasha @ Natasha's Corner
7. Audrey Allure
8. Chelsea Rebecca @ TRIUMPHS and blunder of a KOOKY gal


7.14.2010

AWARDS :)

I received two more awards recently!

The first on is the Seven Colors Award. It was given to me by Tywo over at The Purple Fairy...thanks so much Tywo!!



For this award, you're supposed to list seven things that make you happy, so here it goes:

1. This family picture



2. Thunderstorms



3. My wonderful friends



4. Painting/Drawing



5. Old Pictures



6. Musicals



7. My pup Levi :)



The second is the A Blog with Substance Award that i received from Natasha at Natasha's Corner.



With this award, you're supposed to sum up your blogging experience, philosophy, and motivation in 5 words. Hmm...I guess I would have to say, "sharing my life with others." Lame, I know, but I can't think of anything! :)

Now, instead of sharing this with 7 for the first one and 10 for the second one, I'm just going to pass them on to 3 bloggers each.

Seven Colors is going to...

Natasha @ Natasha's Corner
Veronica @ V-Chronicles
Krysten @ After 'I Do'

A Blog with Substance is going to...

Melanie @ Unravelled Threads
Christy @ 25 Before 25
Tywo @ The Purple Fairy

You should go check out everyone's blog if you haven't! They're all great!

7.13.2010

BAG OF BONES



I finished another great book last night. Bag of Bones by Stephen King is a great, great novel. Even though it's over 500 pages, it was a semi-quick read and it was very fast paced.
This novel is based around an author, Mike Noonan, who experienced writer's block in the four years following his wife's sudden death. After doing nearly nothing since her passing, he feels like he is called to their lake house, Sara Laughs. Before going to the house he starts having strange dreams about what occurring around there and when he gets there, even more strange things start happening. He feels cold gust of wind, he hears a bell ringing, he hears multiple people screaming, but despite the odd actions around him, he stays. On one trip into town, he meets a little girl and her young mother. Following the meeting, Noonan gets a call from a very wealthy and powerful man, Max Devore, in town telling him to stay away from them. After doing a little research, he finds out that and the young mother are in a custody battle for the little girl, and that basically everyone in town is scared of the man so no one is willing to help Noonan. Against the man's warning, he gets involved with the family, his writer's block disappears, and what happens around Sara Laughs gets more intense.
I thought this book was very well written. King likes to travel back in forth between times, dreams and reality, and characters very quickly, but it wasn't hard to follow. I will admit that it was quite scary when I first started reading it, but I'm really glad I didn't put it down. I got so involved with the characters and I was still trying to guess what was going on by the last chapter. There are a few twists and turns in the book so the 500 pages is well worth it. I will admit that there were about 20 pages that I was pretty annoyed by King's writing style, but I know it was he was trying to explain a lot and tie everything together so after struggling through that part, it was a great ending. I definitely think this book is for everyone and I highly recommend it!

7.12.2010

DAYS 99-102

Day 99:


source

I worked the whole day, but it was awesome. In the morning we had some very amusing little customers and I basically played with them while the other girl was ringing their mom up. After that, we all found out that it was Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A. Their deal is that if you dress up like a cow, you get you're whole meal for free. Well, considering that we have to wear black to work, this was perfect! We took some of the sticker tape we have at the registers and put them all over our clothes and it worked! Even though I had pizza in the refrigerator, I went up there anyways and got a free meal. And let me tell you, that was the best sandwich I have ever received from Chick-fil-A.

Day 100:


source

On Saturday, I was still feeling kind of sick so I didn't really feel like doing anything that night. Instead, I stopped by the store on my way home from work and got some supplies. With those supplies, I made the best cookies ever: caramel and chocolate chip cookies. They were so tasty! And they're very simple to make.

Day 101:


source
i'm eating these as i write this right now actually!

Yesterday, Mom was alone at home so she decided to drive up here and spend the day in Athens. We did a little shopping at Rack Room Shoes, Old Navy, and Barnes & Noble before we did some major damage at Sam's. I ended up spending more money than I would have liked, but it was well worth it. Now I have a ton of kiwis, strawberries, chocolate covered raisins, and macaroni and cheese. Hopefully, that trip will allow me to skip the grocery store for a couple of weeks.

Day 102:


source
this isn't the ring, but it kind of similar to it

The search is on. Sometime yesterday, I lost my ring that my mom gave me when I was 16. I cannot think of where it is and I don't know what I can do to find it. I guess today, I'm going to look through the entire apartment very thoroughly and then if I have to, I'll get the trash from yesterday and search through it. That will definitely come after the search and calling all of the places we went yesterday though. I know that it didn't fall off my hand so it has to be somewhere in this apartment! Wish me luck!


**UPDATE: I found my ring! It was in the pocket of the shorts I was wearing yesterday. I swear I looked there at least 5 times yesterday, but I guess I missed it!

7.08.2010

100?!

Congrats to my little blog! This is the 100th post!

------------------------

Day 95:


source

Technically, this happened the day before, but I didn't have anything for this day so...
Mom and I watched The Box on Sunday night and let me tell you, I think I would have rather spent the night do anything else. This was a terrible movie. Aside from the horrible acting from Cameron Diaz, the entire concept was super confusing. If what was actually happening was ever explained, I did NOT pay attention during/understand that part. I went into this movie expecting a thriller, the previews made the movie seem like it would be focused on the family that pushed the button and what happens after. Essentially, that was right, but what happens to them is so weird! I don't even know how to explain it. So, with that being said, I'm not going to attempt. The one thing I would like for you to get out of this is to never see the movie; seriously, you'll be doing yourself a favor.

Day 96:


source

I went to the tiniest library ever Monday. It was maybe the size of my living room (which is not that big). As expected, from the size, there weren't that many books to choose from, but I did get the one book I was in search of: Mary Poppins! Ever since I found out the books were chapter books and not of the Dr. Seuss type, I've been looking for a library around here that had the book. I was very excited to get it and now I just have to finish Bag of Bones before I start it!

Day 97:


source

Yesterday, we got a group together to see Eclipse. We normally go to the midnight showing, but I was out of town so everyone waited until I was back (dont i have great friends :) ). I didn't really go into this movie with high expectations after seeing the first two movies, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Yes, the lines were corny, and yes, the acting wasn't the greatest, but the fight scenes were really cool; I loved the scene were Alice jumps over the werewolf. I think I mainly went to this movie to hear all of the commentary of my friends. I won't go into what was said, but I will tell the funniest part. Anyone who's watched The Real Housewives of NJ has seen the table flip where Teresa calls Danielle a "prostitution whore" and this was the scene that popped into my head when Bella tells Jacob to kiss her. I was laughing so hard at that part because I was so tempted to yell it out, but I'm sure only a few people would know where it came from.

Day 98:


source

I was scheduled to work today until 9:30 which was really unusual since we close at 10. Now I know why. Every sales associate has to be trained under the new program Macy's is using and the training lasts for over 3 hours. It wasn't as bad as you might think, but it wasn't too great. We had to go over the entire program and watch videos about it. At least I still go paid to sit around a table with other people and have a discussion!

7.04.2010

WARNING: LONG POST AHEAD

Days 86 - 93:

I want to go back to Florida now!! We went (as always) to Cape San Blas and stayed in the same house that we've been in for a few years now. Although the weather wasn't great because of the tropical storm, we still had a ton of fun. We spent our time...

eating out at our usual restaurant Papa Joe's in Apalachicola






taking family pictures




playing cornhole (bean bag toss) on the beach




swimming at the neighborhood pool




making sand castles


laying out




sleeping...A LOT




walking on shells instead of sand


taking pictures of the beautiful clouds


dealing with the rain


and witnessing a rainbow on out last day


You can see why I would rather be there. :)

Day 94:



Happy 4th of July!! I hope everyone has an awesome and safe holiday!

------------------------

Now on to books.

I finished a really good detective novel that was written back in 1930 by Dashiell Hammett: The Maltese Falcon. The story follows the legendary Sam Spade as he is recruited by a woman who tends to cover the truth and then contacted by many other characters as they all search for the same thing: a maltese falcon. This book was pretty good even though there were some parts that I struggled to get through. When the scenes were action packed, I found it hard to put the book down, but there were moments that the story was hard to follow and it was quite boring. Overall, I think this is a good book to read; since it's short, it won't take long to get through either!

After finishing The Maltese Falcon, I attempted to read The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo. To be honest, the first chapter of this book was brutal; I couldn't make it through the second one either. I decided to put off reading it because Sara said that it gets better after those two chapters, so I'll try it again soon.

Now, I'm currently reading Bag of Bones by Stephen King. It's really good so far. I read it most of the way home yesterday. I think this book is going to be both a thriller and centered around a custody case. I'm only about 150 pages into it, but it feels like I just started it!

------------------------

I also received a couple awards while I was on vacation! I would follow the rules like I normally do, but I think I'll just acknowledge the awards and the givers this time :)

Thanks Island Gal for the first award: You're Going Places! And thanks to Veronica for the other You're Going Places award! Yall are too sweet! :)